Laboratory Boat House (Building 314)

The Laboratory Boat House, also known as Building 314, is a Grade II listed boat house built in 1847. Originally constructed in timber frame, it was later rebuilt in the 19th century using painted brick and features a slate roof with lead dressings.

This small rectangular building has a low-pitched hipped roof and is situated on the southern edge of the Camber, raised on stone piers above the water level. The west end of the building has a central plank door, while the south side features two wide-spaced multi-pane windows. There is a cropped stack or vent at the center of the ridge. The interior has not been inspected or is not accessible.

Historically, this boat house was built for the new Laboratory complex and is notably located next to the Camber. It is the only surviving example of its type, despite the significance of water communications in the naval ordnance yards. The magazines and related structures at Priddy's Hard date from the late 18th century, and the site's expansion from the mid-19th century was linked to the development of land and sea artillery, as well as the navy's transition from sail power to the Dreadnought class of the early 1900s. Priddy's Hard is recognized for having the best-preserved range of structures that reflect this important history of growth and adaptation, highlighting Britain's status as a global sea power. For more historical details about this site, refer to the description for 'A' Magazine.