Clarence Steps, South West Quay Wall And 2 Bollards, Royal William Victualling Yard

Clarence Steps, located at the South West Quay wall of the Royal William Victualling Yard in Plymouth, were constructed between 1826 and 1831 by Sir John Rennie Junior for the Victualling Board. The structure features granite ashlar with cast-iron gates and railings. The quay walls extend approximately 150 meters southwest from the entrance to the Basin to the Steps.

The central Imperial stair is flanked by quadrant walls and curves up to a central platform. From this platform, central steps lead to wide piers that have a vermiculated base, plinth, panelled sides, cornice, and coping. The cast-iron double gates feature central panels adorned with fouled anchors, and matching railings above the steps extend around each side, enclosing a lamp. The quay, made of channelled ashlar, extends about 280 meters northeast to connect with the Dock Basin.

There are also two bollards located approximately 2 meters from the corners of the projecting front section of the Brewhouse. These bollards have a square section, concave sides with wooden strips, and a round top inscribed with "FLETCHER AND SONS/SOUTHAMPTON/1830".

The construction of the quay significantly contributed to the overspend on Rennie's initial estimate for the Yard, and the Steps were added to the Yard's plans in 1827. This site is part of a group that includes the North West Quay Wall and Basin, forming the main landing quay for the Yard. The Royal William Victualling Yard is recognized as one of the most remarkable and complete early 19th-century industrial complexes in the country and serves as a unique example of Neo-Classical planning for a state manufacturing site.