Sergeants' Mess, Raglan Barracks

Cadw's description

Location

Raglan Barracks has a commanding hilltop site on N edge of Newport and is approached up Barrack Hill. This building is at the southern corner of the barrack square, above and to the west of the Officers Mess.

History

The barracks was begun in 1843 and opened in 1845 when work was complete on the first phase of buildings which were probably by Colonel Ord, the Government Royal Engineer. It was designed to accommodate a cavalry regiment, although was also used by some infantry units, and was variously known as Cavalry Barracks and Artillery Barracks. Renamed Raglan Barracks in 1963 when, following conversion, it became home to the Monmouthshire Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Association.

The Sergeants Mess is a T-shaped building, the W/E part of which was probably built ca 1850 soon after the original buildings but the N.S wing was added in later C19 - before 1882 as shown on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map. Said to have been built as the Regimental Institute.

Exterior

2 storeys; simple Classical design with chapel-like N gable end. Rubble built with some snecked treatment and some freestone dressings including sill bands; slate roofs with bracket eaves; stone gable parapets with finials. 6-bay E front with 12 pane sashes elongated to base to give separate ventilation; cambered relieving arches to ground floor. Modern porch; outside stairs to SE corner. 3 bay N end with 3 Italianate, round headed and iron-framed, windows linked to centre beneath an attic roundel; below the sash windows (as on E side) are set within broad and deep recesses.

The W/E part to right is a 5-bay range with 2 doorways to ground floor either side of a central window; a modern doorway has been made to extreme left; unhorned 12 pane windows. Low garage block links with Monmouth House.

Reason for designation

Included for group value with other listed items at Raglan Barracks.