From Wikipedia October 01, 2012

In 1888, the National Explosive works were established on Upton Towans (giving it the alternative name "Dynamite Towans"). Originally built to supply the local mining industry, it soon grew to supply the military and, during the First World War, employed over 1500 people. The remote location on the Towans proved a wise move as there were a number of accidents resulting in explosions.

 

1888 The National Exposive Works, which gave the dunes their alternative name of 'Dynamite Towans', opened