The entrance to this imposing structure bears the date "VR 1844". The barracks' moat encloses outer walls. Inner barrack blocks are built around a central parade ground.

 

It first housed the Royal Marines, then - until after World War II - numerous Army units. The dry moat proved a hazard to Victorian servicemen returning after dark from evenings in town, and had to be fenced in.18 soldiers died here in a 1942 basement mine training accident.

 

They included three Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany - Corporal Heinz Abraham, and Privates Ludwig Rosenthal and Heinz Schwartze.     

 

Dominating the Dockyard and town, the Defensible was intended as an artillery fort as well as barracks. Nearby buildings in Pennar were demolished to give the weaponry a clear field of fire.

 

In the days of the Royal Dockyard the artillery served a ceremonial, as well as a defensive, purpose: 21 gun salutes greeted important anniversaries and Royal visitors.

 

The discharge of a smaller gun, by the entrance, kept time for the town. Gunfire time was at noon and 9.30 pm.

 

(Sources: CADW 37-39; Peters 72; Evans, disaster; Johnson, K. Boom of ... gun: )Pictures of Artillery Volunteers by courtesy of Mr R. Watts