Parade Ground Terrace, Steps, 2 Benches And Saluting Base Immediately South Of The Main Range Of The Royal Hospital School

The Parade Ground Terrace, steps, two benches, and saluting base, located immediately south of the main range of The Royal Hospital School, were constructed around 1925 to 1933 by Buckland and Heywood. This terrace features stone steps, balustrades, and dressings, with red brick walls and some stone elements, as well as multi-coloured paving slabs. The terrace runs the length of the main block of the school, ending at St Vincent House to the west and Collingwood House to the east.

The central area of the terrace is stepped to the north, with balustraded entrances at the southeast and southwest corners of the main block. There are also balustraded flights of steps on the northwest and west faces of Collingwood House, and similar steps northeast and east of St Vincent House. Wide flights of balustraded steps with stone walls are found on the eastern and western walls of the central bay.

In the northern wall, a double flight of steps, flanked by stone walls each with a round-headed doorway and four small circular lights, leads to the saluting terrace, with a stone saluting base positioned between the steps. A wide balustraded single flight leads up to the main terrace. The balustraded saluting base features a central bowed balcony supported by diminishing mouldings rising from a lotus blossom. Stone benches, similar to those on the main terrace, are located to the east and west of the saluting terrace.

The brick walls are adorned with moulded stone plinths and cornices, while the stone walls also have moulded plinths and cornices. The balustrading includes moulded plinths and handrails, with turned balusters that have bases and capitals, and central waists. The newels are panelled and square in plan, with capitals and bases. At the heads of the main flights of steps, the balustrades form three-sided bays. The overall design is grand, backed by the school and facing the parade ground and River Stour.