Main Barrack Block (including Regimental HQ), Raglan Barracks

Cadw's description

Location

Raglan Barracks has a commanding hilltop site on N edge of Newport. Approached up Barrack Hill with main entrance to NE end of stone perimeter wall. The main barrack block is the largest original building and is at the top of the site facing barra

History

The barracks was begun in 1843 following the lease of the land to the Master General of the Ordnance by the Morgans of Tredegar. It was founded shortly after the 1839 Chartist Riots which caused particular unrest in Newport and this historical background may account for the fortress character of Raglan Barracks when viewed from outside. It was opened in 1845 when work was complete on the first phase of buildings; these are probably by Colonel Ord, the Government Royal Engineer, and were designed to accommodate a cavalry regiment including a hospital and riding school, although they were also used by some infantry units. At the beginning of C20 the barracks was known as Cavalry Barracks but later was called Artillery Barracks on account of its use as an HQ by the Royal Horse Artillery in the inter-war period. After 1955 it was used as a transit station for the Suez Campaign. In 1963, despite various attempts to sell the site it became the home of the Monmouthshire Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Association and was renamed Raglan Barracks after Lord Raglan, the President of the Association. Some of the buildings were then altered for TA use and other new buildings erected.

The main barrack block is one of the three principal ranges of the original barracks. Suffered a major fire in 1977 with the loss of the 1845 clock by Vulliamy of London; subsequently renovated, including internally.

Exterior

Simple Classical style showing probable influence of the work of Inigo Jones and Sir Christopher Wren, Long, 2-storey symmetrical range built of rock-faced, coursed, red sandstone with freestone dressings including 1st floor sill band, voussoir lintels and a ‘sparrow-picked’ plinth; renewed slate roof with wide boarded eaves. 12-pane sashes, some horned and on ground floor many have metal bars. The 17+5+17=bay design of the front is focused on the advanced and pedimented central section which has freestone bellcote with round arched openings and pedimented cap with cannonball weathervane lettered ‘ORD’. Clock face to central roundel of pediment. Mostly boarded doors with 3-pane overlights; steps to right hand doorways because of the slope of the ground. Pediment treatment repeated on 4-bay gable ends with blind roundel; the left hand gable has paired central entrances (one blocked) and the other has steps up to a single central door. Similar rear with central pediment and end lean-tos; plain rubble (not rock-faced) masonry; projecting toilets rebuilt. Linked to parallel low stone range.

Reason for designation

Listed for its special interest as the main range in this well preserved example of a mid C19 military barracks. Group value with other listed items at Raglan Barracks.