Palace Barracks

The original building was built c1785 has a fine frontage which faces the bay and was probably an annexe to the original lodging house which eventually became Admirals House. In 1814 it was acquired by John Osmond, a wealthy property owner in the town, who entertained so lavishly that he became known as King John and the building his "Palace". It was later purchased by the British Government as HQ for the Royal Engineers and became known as Palace Barracks In late 1899 it was converted to a hospital for Boer POW's. Mary Kingsley served and died there. Extensively restored in 2005 as Naval Officers accommodation.
It was declared a National Monument under old NMC legislation on 4 June 1971.

STHS