Barracks

The building is a military barracks located on Drake's Island, constructed around 1830-1835, with possible origins in the 18th century and remodeled around 1860. It features rendered stone with exposed granite quoins, parapet coping, gable coping, and sills, topped by a slate two-span roof. The structure has Plymouth limestone ashlar axial and lateral stacks and is designed in a double-depth plan for sergeants' and privates' accommodation, with a cross wing on the right for officers' accommodation.

The exterior consists of two storeys and a two-storey plus attic design, with a total of 9 bays in the main range and 5 bays in the cross wing, which includes two attic windows. The windows are 19th-century 12-pane sashes, and there are three doorways with planked doors in the main range, along with a central doorway in the cross wing featuring a panelled door, all equipped with rectangular overlights containing glazing bars. The rear elevation mirrors the front but includes concrete steps leading up to an inserted first-floor doorway on the left.

Inside, the officers' block contains a dog-leg staircase from the 1830s with column newels and an elliptical work alcove in one room. The cast-iron chimneypieces, particularly those adorned with laurel wreaths and the VR monogram, are likely replacements from around 1860 or later.

Historically, the barrack return of 1822 recorded a detachment of 2 officers and 72 men stationed on Drake's Island. By 1825, a company of the 32nd Foot (Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry) was stationed there, requiring accommodation for 3 officers and 96 men. A subsequent return in 1847 indicated there were 22 sleeping rooms, a cookhouse, and arrangements for 8 privates per room, with sergeants having individual rooms. This suggests the barracks were likely rebuilt between 1822 and 1847.