OLD DEVONPORT . UK
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ROYAL DOCKYARD  |  MORICE YARD

STORE NUMBER 16, THE POWDER HOUSE (M042)

Number 16 Store, The Powder House, Morice Yard.
©  Property Services Agency, Department of the Environment.

Number 16 Store, which is linked to Number 17 Store, is the most important building left in Morice Yard.  It was the second Gunpowder Magazine to be built in the Gun Wharf and carved into the front wall above the central entrance are the armorial bearings of the Second Duke of Montague (1688-1749), who was Master General of Ordnance between 1739 and 1749.  The building is dated to 1744.  It is constructed of coursed rubble and brick dressings.  Being a store for gunpowder, it would originally have been surrounded by an outer wall to deflect blasts both from outside and inside the building.  The walls are said to be double-skinned as well and the main double door is copper sheathed.

Under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and succeeding legislation Number 16 Store has Listed Building Grade 2* status.