Longshanks’ Use of Explosive Powder

The first time that explosive powder was used in Middle-earth was by Saruman at Helms Deep. The women and children went into the caves at the rear of the Hornburg for sanctuary.

Stirling Castle

Longshanks was the first person to use explosive powder in these islands at the Scottish Castles of Stirling and Brechin in 1304. Stirling Castle also had caves that offered sanctuary and storage. Since then, tons of concrete have been poured into the ground beneath the castle to  strengthen it so that the caves no longer exist.

 

The explosive mixture of sulphur, charcoal and saltpetre had originated in China and had been used by the Arabs before it eventually came to England. Longshanks had kept detailed records of his purchases, hiring the Burgundian Jean de Lamouilly to prepare the explosive mix which was then put into earthenware pots which were then hurled into the castle.   

Interesting asides

Longshanks built a massive siege engine (a trebouchet) specifically for Stirling

Castle,   naming it Warwolf.  In the Battle of  Minas Tirith, Sauron's orcs used 
a battering ram Grond, which was built in the shape of a wolf’s head. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_I_of_England

Edward 1^st. M Prestwich. Guild Publishing. 1988