The Defensible Barracks at Pembroke Dock, is a Grade II* Listed Victorian-era fortification and barracks in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is a huge, renaissance style, 20-sided stone fort surrounded
by a dry moat. A parade ground occupies the centre of the fort, enclosed by blocks of barrack
rooms, mess areas, magazines and gun sheds.

The basements contained areas for laundry, stores, latrines and magazines. The barracks was built between 1841 and 1846 to house the dockyard’s garrison of Royal Marines and to cover the landward side of the dockyard from an infantry assault. It was probably the last ‘trace bastion’ fort built in Europe.

The fort is entered through a north gatehouse complete with holes for muskets and winches for the former sliding drawbridge. The Courtyard and parade ground is surrounded by elevations of a fine Georgian-style square with pedimented centrepieces on three sides and attractive 12-pane
sash windows in flush surrounds throughout.

The buildings are arranged over 3-4 floors and of stone, brick, timber and steel structure. The roofs
are slate in the main. A continuous basement area crossed by ashlar steps on brick half-arches are protected by wonderful cast-iron rails with Prince of Wales feathers and VR crests. This theme of crafted detail is apparent throughout and provides a glimpse of history. From the many gun loops and canon batteries to the officer’s mess, artillery stores disguised as hair dressers and many more; the sense of its previous lives are obvious but the
buildings also have some intriguing and more residential possibilities such a plenty of natural
light, large sash windows, impressive stairwells,
generous room dimensions and some good flow
through the accommodation. This building was not just about defence, people lived and worked here.

There are possibilities through the detached outbuildings which previously housed the barracks own independent fire engines, and the officers mess.

The barracks and associated buildings are full of character and details with a layout that presents well for renovation and conversion into residential property – whether hotel or individual dwellings. Any works are subject to discussions and permissions with CADW and the local authority.

Famous residents of the barracks include Gordon of Khartoum, who was later deployed to join the fighting in Crimea, and Arthur Lowe, who played Captain Mainwaring in Dad’s Army! During the First World War, the fort was a siege training school for the Royal Artillerymen, and in the Second World War it was used as the Milford Haven headquarters. The whole region has a palpable link to World War 2, various military garrisons and RAF bases can be found all over Pembrokeshire. For 30
years the RAF was based at Pembroke Dock. In 1943 when home to the Sunderland Flying Boats, it was the largest operational base for flying boats in the world.

The barracks itself has housed various well regarded regiments such as Royal Marines and Pembrokeshire Artillery to the 24th Foot (South
Wales Borderers) since its completion in 1846.

The Defensible Barracks is of historic and national importance and therefore has been given Scheduled Ancient Monument status.

General Information
Planning: In 1986, The South Pembrokeshire District Council granted permission for development of the property into hotel accommodation. Further enquiries should be made by the individual as to the current position of the local authority for other options that may be available. Our clients inform us of positive conversations with CADW and the local authority for conversion into residential properties. Certainly, the nature and presentation of the buildings through the courtyard in particular could make for very attractive townhouse style properties. Subject to necessary consent.
Tenure: Freehold. There is an existing completed
apartment (Seymour Apartment) within the east wing of the property, which is subject to the balance of a 125 year leasehold interest and occupied by tenants of the leaseholder. A copy of
the lease is available on request.
Method of Disposal: By private treaty
Viewings: Strictly through the agent
Contents & Fittings: Unless specifically described in these particulars, all contents & fittings are excluded from the sale though may be available by separate negotiation.
Wayleaves, Easements and Rights of Way: The property is sold subject to and with the benefit of all rights, including rights of way, whether public or private, light, support, drainage, water, and electricity supplies and any other rights and obligations, easements and proposed wayleaves for masts, pylons, stays, cables, drains and water, gas and other pipes, whether referred to in the Conditions of Sale or not. Please check with the Highways Department at the local County Council for the exact location of public footpaths/ bridleways.
Local authority: Pembrokeshire County Council
Services: Superfast broadband available, mains
electricity, water and gas, private drainage.
Agent’s notes: We do not have access to Seymour
Apartment.
Health and Safety: Given the nature of the building and the potential hazards we ask you to be as vigilant as possible when making inspection. You enter at your own risk.
Property condition: The property is in need of full restoration. It is up to interested parties to satisfy themselves of condition

Situated atop what is locally known as Barracks Hill, the imposing building occupies a commanding position dominating the town and the dockyard below.

The Cleddau bridge connects Pembroke Dock to Neyland to the north which gives access to the larger towns of Milford Haven, Narbeth and Haverford West, and further into West Pembrokeshire to a wonderful landscape throughout the Dale Peninsula and St Brides Bay.

This region continues to attract huge popularity locally, regionally and nationally with incredible scenery, rich heritage and natural beauty spots such as St Brides, Watwick Bay and Marloes Sands.

Heading south from the barracks is neighbouring
Pembroke, and Pembroke Castle; considered one of the finest complete examples of a Norman castle in the UK, and the birth place of Henry Tudor who became Henry VII of England. The charming walled town is the subject of a multi-million und regeneration scheme which will only compound its attractiveness. The town also provides good connection to breath-taking beaches including Freshwater West & East, Barafundle Bay and Stackpole Quay to name a few. Well known Tenby and Saudersfoot can be found a little further east along the coast.

Pembrokeshire is famous for the sea and beaches,
stunning landscape, walking, high octane hobbies such as coasteering and surfing, and the National Park. There are also some very special hamlets, villages, towns and communities full of history and culture that run throughout this wonderful part of Wales, and some superb independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants waiting to be explored.

Excellent transport services are on hand with ferry and rail services at Pembroke Dock while fast road connections byway of the A40 and A477 take you all over Pembrokeshire and further east to Carmarthen and the A48 M4 link road. The M4 is the main artery in south Wales with Swansea and Cardiff being the nearest cities before Newport and then the Severn Bridge to Bristol and continuing to London.

Private flights can be chartered from Haverfordwest Airport.