Survey Data
Reg No
20863008
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Historical, Social
Previous Name
VIctoria Barracks
Original Use
Barracks
In Use As
Barracks
Date
1800 - 1810
Coordinates
168192, 72937
Date Recorded
29/03/2011
Date Updated
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Description
Detached multiple-bay three-storey military barracks, built c.1805, with double-pile five-bay three-storey projecting central block having three-bay three-storey pedimented breakfront with round-headed carriageway to ground floor added to south, dated 1882. Now in use as infantry barracks. Hipped artificial slate roof with raised verges, red brick chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Limestone ashlar bellcote to apex of breakfront on a square plan with round-headed apertures Roughcast rendered walls. Central block has chamfered limestone plinth course with limestone platband to ground floor, dressed limestone quoins and carved cut limestone cornice supporting blocking course with pediment to breakfront having clock-face to tympanum in moulded surround. Square-headed window openings, camber-headed to central section, with limestone block-and-start surrounds and cut stone sills, all now with replacement windows. Round-headed doorcases with limestone block-and-start surrounds, replacement timber doors and plain fanlights over. Square-headed door to east section. Round-headed carriageway to breakfront with dressed limestone surround having keystone, engaged Doric pilasters supporting entablature. Red brick soffit to carriageway tunnel. Forming north side of parade grounds.
Appraisal
An imposing building forming the centrepiece of the extensive Collins Barracks complex, built by Abraham Hargraves to designs by John Gibson, as an infantry barracks for 2,000 men and 230 horses, and with a hospital for 120 men. Elegantly composed on a symmetrical plan that is centred on an enriched entrance block, the balanced arrangement of gracefully-proportioned openings, the sparse Classically-derived detailing and the bellcote displaying high quality stone masonry are noteworthy features. This building forms an integral part of what is reputed to be the largest military barracks parade ground in Europe.