Terrace Walls And Associated Steps And Railings

The terrace walls, steps, and railings date from the 1760s, with the northern section cut back and rebuilt in the mid-19th century. They are constructed from roughly coursed local limestone, topped with granite ashlar coping. The retaining walls are located on the west side of the ramp leading up to the Officers' Terrace and extend approximately 180 meters. There is a central flight of steps divided into three sections, along with another set of steps at the northern end. The walls return to the east and extend another 120 meters to the north. The 18th-century section features iron railings with column newels and semi-circular arched arcading. These walls were built to support a ramp as part of the expansion and rebuilding of the dockyards starting in the 1760s and were modified for the extension of the Old (North) Smithery. They are significant to the landscape of the Yard, reflecting the original topography and representing the oldest part of Devonport Dockyard.