Description

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

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q26319999

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Yorkshire West Riding: Sheffield and the South (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Bedfordshire, Huntingdonshire, and Peterborough (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Churches: An Architectural Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
• 
  Old House Care and Repair
• 
  Old House Eco Handbook: A Practical Guide to Retrofitting for Energy-Efficiency & Sustainability
• 
  Berkshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)