Library, Royal Military Academy

SANDHURST

SU86SE LONDON ROAD 674-1/18/301 (North West side) 08/07/98 Library, Royal Military Academy

GV II

Gymnasium, now library. 1862, converted to library 1900s. MATERIALS: rendered with stone dressings and slate hipped roof. PLAN: T-shaped plan with rear extension. STYLE: Classical style. EXTERIOR: single storey, 2:3:2-bay range. Symmetrical front with plinth, articulated by pilasters to entablature and eaves cornice, with projecting pedimented entrance section, floating cornice and iron lantern over early C20 4-panel double doors, inscribed E VIII/RMC. Cill bands between pilasters, bays flanking centre section have antae to large metal framed windows with glazing bars to outer bays, 4-bay sides have similar blind windows. Octagonal lantern over crossing has 6-pane windows, cornice and octagonal dome with iron finial. INTERIOR: braced timber queen post roof, with wrought iron trusses beneath ties at front and rear of crossing. HISTORY: oldest example of army gymnasium, and only third built, for the Army Gymnastic Staff. Strong roof was made so that equipment could be suspended for exercises. Follows pioneering design of the original Army gym at Aldershot (demolished), impressive classical design, of historic interest manifesting efforts to raise physical standard of soldiers. (Oldfield EAL: The Army Gymnastic Staff: 1952-).