Buildings 121,123,124,125

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Linked workshop buildings with north lights along the south boundary of the eastern end of Ebrington Barracks.

Main block aligning east west has a tall row of north lights over a single storey façade below. To the east building 123 has a virtually blank façade five structural bays long. Four blocked up windows of two metre width and segmental heads can be made out. The fifth bay from the east end has a double door without roof light. Behind the north light, the roof follows a more standard pitch before rising again to a roof light of similar design. Along the main façade building, 124 has a colonnade of eight columns with roller shutters between with the roof light continuing above. The tracks of former roller doors can be seen in front of the shutters. In front of the columns, kerb high concrete disks in the ground with the remains of four bolts to some. This part of the building is only one rooflight deep. Building 125 is a flat concrete roofed office area against the west gable of 124. Building 124a is garages to the rear of 124. Building 121 is an older hipped roof building against the eastern gable of 123. Made of brick with natural slate roof, it has one blocked up door.

Historical information

Buildings 121 and 123 first indicated on 1933 Ordnance Survey Map. From appearance, however, it is likely that 121 was constructed shortly after publication of the 1904 map. Other buildings constructed by 1955 survey and it is very likely that these were constructed during World War II. The reported development of ‘Squid radar’ in a building near Benbow Block (HB01/02/009DD) during the war was probably in this complex, which is very close to this building and is the only building on site with north lights (used to give an even pool of light to work floor below). It is likely that other anti-submarine techniques were also developed and tested here. With the departure of the Navy in 1970, remaining equipment would have been removed. At present, building 123 is empty while 124 is a vehicle repair garage.

References- Primary sources

Ordnance Survey Maps 1904, 1933, 1955

Secondary sources

History of Ebrington Barracks (Anonymous, circa 1970’s) EHS files
Site Officer 2003.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Linked workshop buildings with north lights along the south boundary of the eastern end of Ebrington Barracks.

A group of buildings of little architectural interest. Of potential historic interest as the workshop for developing anti-submarine devices during World War II and the Cold War. Much of the internal fittings and machinery associated with this work have, however, been removed.