Monument MPM1002 - Trafalgar Building (1/91)

Trafalgar building (building 1/91) which previously stood in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard south of Dry Dock No 3, and was demolished in order to build the new Mary Rose museum. Originally constructed between 1887-1901 as an ancillary building for the dry docks. During its lifetime it was used as a store, workshop, first aid post, bomb refuge and offices.

The Trafalgar building (building 1/91) stood in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard south of Dry Dock No 3, and was demolished in order to build the new Mary Rose museum.

The original building, a small rectilinear structure with a pitched roof and gable ends, was constructed between 1887-1901, and served as a dock-side ancillary building used for maintenance.The 1901 Ordnance Survey map marks the building as a working shed. A small extension was added between 1901 and 1933.

The building was used as a first aid station during the Second World War, and adapted to respond to specific threats, including the addition of a decamination system in case of aerial gas attack. Between 1937-1951 a bomb refuge was constructed in the basement, a foyer at the east end, and a two-storey projection at the south-east corner housing a boiler and chimney.

During the Cold War it remained in use as a first aid station (First Aid Station No 1). In the 1960s and 1970s a first floor was added. Architets plans show its intended use primarily as a store, workshop, offices, gallery and mess room. During the late 19070s a new store room was added to the south-east corner.

The building was refurbished in 1993, and again in c. 2001, with the construction of a suspended ceiling.

Gifford and Partners, 2009, Mary Rose New Museum Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Buildings 1/91, 1/92, 1/93, 1/94, 1/95 Historic Building Recording (Unpublished document). SPM46.