Gymnasium, St George Barracks

The Gymnasium at St George Barracks, dated 1868, is a single-storey building constructed of yellow stock brick with a slate roof. It features a rectangular single-depth plan that includes changing rooms at the south end.

The exterior has a ten-window range, with rusticated brick clasping pilasters and an eaves cornice. The round-arched metal-framed windows are arranged in a 3:4:3 pattern on the sides. The north gable displays three blind stepped arches and a single-storey porch at the north end, which has rusticated quoins. The south entrance features a central door flanked by round-arched windows above and paired narrow lights on each side.

Inside, the gymnasium has a timber trussed roof, along with changing rooms and a viewing gallery at the south end.

Historically, gyms were mandated for construction at barracks in 1862 to improve the physical fitness of troops, designed by Royal Engineer officers. This gymnasium is one of the earliest surviving examples, sharing architectural similarities with the larger gym at Brompton Barracks in Gillingham. Originally, it had a large octagonal lantern and two tall stacks on each side. The barracks were built following the Crimean War and this gymnasium is the only example of its type in the country, forming a complete group with the Lines earthworks and highlighting Gosport's significance in the defenses surrounding the Portsmouth dockyard.