Historic building recording was carried out on four grade II-listed army buildings before conversion works took place: stable block A, the canteen/sergeant’s mess, adult school and riding school. <1> The survey followed on from a similar survey of stable block B and a site assessment carried out by Ingram Consultancy. All except the riding school are remains of the Le Cateau Barracks, originally the Royal Artillery Barracks, built 1874-75. The officer’s mess is also listed but is yet to be converted. The riding school was part of the Cavalry Barracks, the first permanent barrack built in Colchester, built 1862-64. This was the only element recorded from this group. Le Cateau Barracks housed the Royal Horse Artillery, an elite force, and this is reflected in the quality of the architecture, which is the best of any of the Colchester barracks. Gothic and Classical themes are used within the Victorian context on well-built brick and slate structures with yellow brick dressings. All are relatively intact externally, although some gables are rebuilt. Inside much internal fabric was removed when the barracks became an army training centre c. 1960s. One exception is stable block B, which contains much of the original stall layout, floors and fixtures (trough brackets, tethering rings). The stable design included projecting wings, a high jack-arched fire-proof ceiling and advanced ventilation system including wall grills and flues exiting through the roof through pipes and wooden louvers. Original architects drawings obtained from the NMR were used to establish original layout and functional areas. Original architect’s drawings were also invaluable in understanding the development of the canteen/sergeant’s mess, whose internal layout was changed extensively c. 1900 to enlarge the recreational facilities on offer. Additional change occurred c. 1960s with the conversion to training rooms and accommodation, leading to low survival of original fixtures, fittings and internal layout (especially downstairs). Apart from its architectural and group value, as an army building, it is of interest in having an unusually irregular plan form. The adult school was built later, c. 1884, but in the same style as the original structures. It is also the most intact externally. It is important as a rare survival during a time when standards of education of army personnel was a concern. The interiors were adapted to office use c. 1960s. The riding school is the only surviving example of its kind in England and retains much of its character internally and externally, despite the removal of important features. It incorporates architectural themes common to the other buildings of the Cavalry Barracks. Le Cateau and the Cavalry Barracks are the last survivors in England of the less-hierarchical training camp form of cavalry barrack pioneered at Aldershot in the 1850s. They are therefore of national importance. <1>