The discovery of gun powder and the invention of the first fireworks are traditionally credited to the Chinese, although India is also a likely source. The sound of these first fire-crackers, which appeared about 1000 years ago was so loud that the Chinese believed the noise would scare away evil spirits. Then almost any event such as a birth, weddings, Coronation, or New Year celebration, even death, became a fitting occasion for their use!  (If they chase away evil spirits, maybe we'll send a few in Taff's direction).

Fireworks, as we now know are not a million miles away from what they were like centuries ago - instead of explosives built into a cardboard tube as now - it was bamboo cases or rolled paper tubes filled with explosives. Of course today, fireworks are still used world-wide for celebrations, but none more than in the UK on November 5th to commemorate the 'Gunpowder Plot' and dear old Guy Fawkes. The good old favourites like 'bangers' 'catherine wheels' 'jumping jacks' (or bettys) rockets and volcanoes and not forgetting the sparklers are still very much part of the old traditional fireworks box along with many more elaborate ones today!

Years ago opening a box of of Brocks or Lion's fireworks was in itself almost like opening a Christmas present - seeing the various fireworks with their blue touch paper wicks. The times these fireworks were handled in and out of their box before the big night. The bangers at 1p each, ideal to throw through someone's letter box or in their dustbin (not for young members reading) or placed like a mine in the ground and watching the earth fly everywhere as it exploded, and letting off jumping jacks behind folks backs and waiting for them to jump all over the place as well. Anyway, back to the plot (sorry) Fireworks made there way into Europe around the end of the 12th century, probably carried back from the East by the Crusaders and used in religious festivals and other events.

The Italians were the first manufacturers of fireworks in Europe and the undisputed masters through to the end of the 17th century.

Manufactured in November 2001

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