The building is rectangular in plan, two storeys under a series of hipped slated roofs.
No
LLHA0262
The ‘Napoleonic Building’ was part of the former Preston Barracks and was built at a time when the cavalry barracks was first established on the site in 1793 in response to the threat from Napoleonic invasion along the coast. It may have been the first permanent building on the site, sitting in the north-west corner.
The building is rectangular in plan, two storeys under a series of hipped slated roofs. It has weatherboard cladding at ground floor level and is rendered at first floor level. A photograph dated 1997 indicates that its cladding has been altered and some of the windows have been replaced in UPVC. The building was considered for listing by Historic England in 2000, but was not considered to be of sufficient architectural or historic interest taking into account the level of alteration the building has suffered.
The ‘Napoleonic Building’ is the only surviving building from this original barracks and was constructed in c1794 as a canteen but by 1801 had been converted to a barrack hospital and mortuary. Lord Cardigan, of Charge of the Light Brigade fame, is said to have held various Court Martials there in the 1840s during the Crimean War. The building remained in military-related use throughout to the 21st century and is now a Cadet Centre.
The significance of this building lies in its age and the fact that it is the last remaining building of the original barracks. Its setting has been wholly compromised and does not add to its significance, except for an understanding of its position within the historical plan and layout of the former Preston Barracks
i. Built in the context of the Napoleonic Wars, and the perceived threat that French troops may invade England and take the shortest route to London by landing near Brighton. The only surviving building from this original barracks (and possibly the first permanent building) it is the only reminder of how the site was used for 200 years.
C. Townscape Interest
ii Not within a conservation area, it is generally obscured from the Lewes Road by the new buildings constructed as part of the major mixed use redevelopment of the site (nearing completion), but will have a new townscape focus from the pedestrian streets and public spaces of the new development, contrasting with the tall modern blocks.
i. The building represents the last remnant of the barracks and is an original barracks building. There are no other surviving barracks buildings in Brighton & Hove.
ii. The building remains in military-related use.
2023
