Former Weedon Barracks, East Lodge

WEEDEN BEC

1732/16/171 BRIDGE STREET 29-APR-87 LOWER WEEDON (West side) FORMER WEEDON BARRACKS, EAST LODGE

GV II* Gatehouse. 1811-14. Flemish bond yellow brick with gauged brick arches, on sandstone ashlar plinth with moulded stone ashlar cornice; low ashlar parapet to hipped slate roof with brick stacks; cast-iron hoppers and lead rainwater pipes to parapet gutters.

Plan: ground floor comprises two rooms flanking the canal, each entered by a central doorway in the end wall; 3 rooms above.

Elevation: 2 storeys; 4-window range. Main front to west has semi-circular arched staircase/bridge spanning canal with iron handrails leading to perron and door giving access to first floor. Late C19 horned 6/6-pane sashes throughout. Octagonal painted wood cupola with round clock face octagonal leaded dome with weathervane. Rear elevation to east has recessed centre and blank windows to ground floor either side of semi-circular arch spanning canal, with portcullis. Cupola contains striking clock signed 'Jno Thwaites and Co. Clerkenwell London 1814'.

Interior: Some original flush-beaded doors and joinery, mostly refitted late C19. The central unheated room has a winding mechanism for raising and lowering the portcullis, all concealed by panelled boxing and supported by a trussed timber trestle. King-post trusses.

Part of a unique planned military-industrial complex, complete with its own defensible transport system and surrounding walls. For full details of the site see description of Storehouse No 2.