PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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ROYAL NAVAL BARRACKS, SAINT BUDEAUX
In addition to the main Royal Naval Barracks at Devonport, there was also a small one at Bull Point. It was officially known as Saint Budeaux Barracks and was situated roughly where Furze Park and Roope Close are today, overlooking Weston Mill Creek and the North Yard Extension. It was on land bought by the Admiralty in 1846, when it was known as Sinners' Field, but transferred to the Army the following year before being returned to the Admiralty in 1894. It was claimed to be the site of a prison camp from the days of the Boer War, although this claim has never been substantiated. [1] The Barracks was certainly used as the Naval Detention Centre and then during the Second World War as the Royal Naval Signal Training School. Amongst its pupils were the pianist Russ Conway and the actor Sir Michael Redgrave [1]. It was then known as 'White City' because the buildings were all painted that colour. The School closed on December 31st 1958. Sometime in late 1945 it became the Royal Naval Demobilization Centre. That closed in November 1946 and the work was transferred back to the main RN Barracks. The buildings became the home of the boys' on-shore training establishment, HMS "Impregnable". [2] Between 1949 and 1969 it was occupied by the members of the Women's Royal Naval Service. While the huts they lived in had an excellent view over the river Tamar, they had no central heating or comforts and the Wrens were pleased to move into Raleigh Block at the main Barracks on Monday February 11th 1969, where they enjoyed not only central heating but also the services of a hairdresser. [1] In addition, the Hydrographic School was moved from Chatham into another part of the Barracks, although that was moved into the main RN Barracks in September 1964. Sources:
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