Hms Drake Frobisher Block Right of Main Entrance

The Frobisher Block at HMS Drake, built between 1879 and 1886, served as the Commodore's office and was supervised by Engineer Lieutenant Colonel P Smith of the Royal Engineers. The building is constructed from dressed Plymouth limestone and features a dry slate roof behind a parapet with a moulded entablature and plain end copings. It showcases a Free Classical style with end, axial, and lateral stacks, all adorned with moulded entablature.

The plan is very long and rectangular, with a small pay office wing at the front and full-length verandahs on both sides, the inner verandah later being glazed. The exterior consists of two storeys and features a 14-window range on the inner front, which has a 4:1:2:8-bay arrangement. The other front is similar but includes a central wing with a louvred roof. It retains original 12-pane horned sash windows. The original cast-iron downpipes are integrated into the stanchions of the verandah, which have Composite capitals. The doorways are topped with segmental arches over pairs of doors featuring bolection-moulded panels and overlights. The parapet entablature returns at the ends, creating the appearance of pediments.

The interior was not inspected. Historically, sailors lived in hulks until the first barracks were constructed at Devonport, followed by similar designs at Chatham and Portsmouth. HMS Drake is part of the initial phase of construction and represents one of the finest and most complete barrack complexes in England, reflecting the status and importance of the Royal Navy during that period.