Works Department

The Works Department building, located in Holbeck on the Welbeck Estate, dates from around 1860 and is constructed of ashlar stone. It features four lodges with shaped tile roofs, single stacks, coped gables, kneelers, and orb finials in a mannerist style. The design includes a quadrangle plan with two-storey plus attic gabled lodges.

On the north front, there is a seven-bay coped wall flanked by two three-bay lodges. The wall has seven rusticated blind arches with keystones, separated by vermiculated rusticated pilasters topped with either orbs or pineapples. The central arch contains a memorial plaque. Each lodge has a central Tudor-style arched doorway with a hood mould, flanked by narrow casements. Above these are two two-light casements with mullions, and a single narrow casement in the attic. All windows feature drip moulds.

The south front mirrors this arrangement with a pair of lodges flanking the entrance to the quadrangle, each attached to a narrow coped wall on a plinth with a single pier. The north front also has five similar blind arches. The lodge on the right is two storeys with two bays, featuring a chamfered doorway and a single two-light casement to the right, along with two similar casements above, all with drip moulds and flush ashlar quoin surrounds.

A notable feature is the large, ornate bronze memorial plaque, over a metre square, dedicated to the members of the St John’s Ambulance Brigade, Welbeck Division, who served in the Boer War. The plaque commemorates the efforts of eighty members, thirty-one of whom offered their services during the war in South Africa from 1899 to 1902. It was erected by William, the 6th Duke of Portland, and lists the names of those who served.