Library, Royal Military Academy

The Library at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst was originally built as a gymnasium in 1862 and converted into a library in the 1900s. The building is constructed with rendered walls featuring stone dressings and has a slate hipped roof. It has a T-shaped plan with a rear extension and is designed in a classical style.

The exterior is a single storey with a symmetrical front that has a 2:3:2-bay range. It features a plinth and pilasters that lead up to an entablature and eaves cornice. The entrance section is prominent, with a projecting pediment, a floating cornice, and an iron lantern above early 20th-century four-panel double doors inscribed with E VIII/RMC. There are cill bands between the pilasters, and the bays on either side of the central section have antae supporting large metal-framed windows with glazing bars. The four-bay sides have similar blind windows. An octagonal lantern over the crossing has six-pane windows, a cornice, and an octagonal dome topped with an iron finial.

Inside, the building features a braced timber queen post roof supported by wrought iron trusses at the front and rear of the crossing. This structure is historically significant as it is the oldest example of an army gymnasium and the third built for the Army Gymnastic Staff. The strong roof was designed to support equipment for exercises, following the pioneering design of the original Army gym at Aldershot, which has since been demolished. The impressive classical design reflects the historical efforts to improve the physical standards of soldiers.