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The Vickers machine gun was a key component of the British Army鈥檚 efforts during World War One. The gun could fire 500 rounds per minute.

It was such a remarkable weapon that even the Germans had their own version, which was made under licence. It鈥檚 said that the gun鈥檚 awesome firepower changed the tactics of the war, forcing soldiers into trench warfare for protection.

The gun was made in Crayford in North Kent. From 1914 to 1918 the main function of the Crayford Works was to manufacture the gun. The task occupied around 12,000 people, some of whom were bussed in, many of whom lived in homes especially built by the company.

Now, the site of the factory is occupied by the Tower Retail Park and all that remains is a small plaque, as Rosemary Crick explains.

Location: Crayford, Kent DA1 4LD
Image shows a Vickers machine gun being used, with soldiers wearing protective headgear
Image courtesy of Getty Images.
Presented by Rosemary Crick