Wellington HQ / Royal Laboratory

Wellington HQ, also, Royal Laboratory. . , Wellington HQ/ Royal Laboratory , The Principal Officers of the Ordnance gave an estimate to the Treasury in 1694 for a new laboratory to be built, which was completed in 1696. It consisted of two ranges of buildings with a courtyard in between. All that remains are the original centres of the East and West sides, where the original doorways survive. The East pavilion has lost its pediment; the West one retains the Royal Cypher of William IlI in the pediment. , , In 1854 a roof was placed over the courtyard and was at one time the largest machine shop under one roof In 1876 it contained 500 lathes driven by two steam engines and overhead shafts. , , It retained an atmosphere of a quiet rural workshop for many years, until the need for more sophisticated ammunition and propellants were required. , , The Model Room, later the Officers' Mess , The site of the original Tudor Manor, this became the second of Sir John Vanburgh's buildings designed for Woolwich Warren. In 1719 Tower Place was demolished and reconstructed generally following the original plan. The new front of the house contained two great 'salons'; the first to be built was on the North side, as the Board Room for the Officers of the Ordnance. , , By 1721 the second room, on the South side was erected to be the military academy. , , When The Royal Military Academy was established in 1741, it took over the old Academy Room, and extensions were added as residences for the first and second masters. , , When the Academy was moved to new accommodation on the Common in 1806, Tower Place became a museum and later The Pattern Room for The Royal Laboratory. After the Second World War the building became an Officers' Mess for the senior staff of The Royal Arsenal. , , Of special interest are the two circular pedestals supporting a lion and a unicorn over the front doorway. These were almost certainly stood on the pillars at the sea gate entrance to The Royal Laboratory. Note also The dial weathervane, which enabled the gunners on the proof range situated at the far end of Wellington Avenue to identify wind direction. , , ( photo caption ) , This painting depicts The Royal Laboratory in 1750. By 1854 it became the largest machine shop under one roof after the courtyard was roofed over. , , ( photo caption ) , Finishing Shells, the removal of rust from cannon shot and shells. This dangerous work was often done by convicts as well as laborers. ( photo caption ) , Interior of The Royal Laboratory depicts workers making powder pellets. ( photo caption ) , The dramatic marble statue of Wellington sculpted by Thomas Milnes was presented to the Board of Ordnance in 1848. ( photo caption ) , A picture of The Royal Laboratory South Entrance.