Barracks

PLYMOUTH

SX45SE DRAKE'S ISLAND 740-1/7/236 Barracks 19/12/90

GV II

Military barracks for island garrison. c1830-35, or possibly of C18 origin, remodelled c1860. Rendered stone with exposed granite quoins, parapet coping, gable coping and sills; slate 2-span roof; Plymouth limestone ashlar axial and lateral stacks. Double-depth-plan range for sergeants' and privates' accommodation and cross wing on right for officers' accommodation. EXTERIOR: 2 storeys and 2 storeys plus attic; 9:5 bays, the 5-bay cross wing with 2 attic windows. C19 12-pane sashes; 3 doorways with planked doors to main range and central doorway to cross wing with panelled door, all with rectangular overlights with glazing bars. Rear elevation is similar but a mirror image of the front, plus on the left are concrete steps up to an inserted 1st-floor doorway. INTERIOR: the officers' block contains c1830s dog-leg staircase with column newels and elliptical work alcove in one room. The cast-iron chimneypieces, especially those with laurel wreath and VR monogram are probably c1860 or later replacements. HISTORY: the barrack return of 1822 gives the strength of Drake's Island detachment as 2 officers and 72 men. A company of the 32nd Foot (Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry) was stationed on the island in 1825 for which there was accommodation for 3 officers and 96 men. A later return in 1847 says there were 22 rooms for sleeping, a cookhouse, 8 privates to a room and the sergeants had a room each. The barracks were probably therefore rebuilt between 1822 and 1847. (Mayflower Centre Trust: Drake's Island).

Listing NGR: SX4679952874