The building was subject to assessment in 2000 (LEC 6) and a programme of historic building recording was undertaken in 2007, prior to conversion (Stable Block A).<1><2>

The configuration of Stable blocks A - F is shown in the 1875 plan of the barracks, arranged in two groups, either side of the parade ground (three to the north and three to the south of the Officer's Quarters, MCC9278). Each block has a letter ‘I’ plan form and comprise two storeys, providing stabling on the ground floor and barrack rooms for the soldiers above. Each contained four ‘batteries’ - one to each stable quarter. A battery comprised the men and horses required to operate and transport a gun and its ammunition. Thirty-one horses and forty-six men were housed in each block, with two sergeants and their horses too. The wings either end contained harness rooms, workshops and officers stables (adjacent to the parade ground). Each group of three blocks was self-supporting, containing common functions to those on the opposite side of the parade ground. Hence Stable Block B (MCC3116) contained a wheeler’s shop, tailor’s shop and forge; the mirror image of stable block D (NMR MD95/1445no.5). In addition there were school rooms for adults (in Block C) and infants (Block F).<1>

As part of the group, Stable Block A faces the south-east and Abbey Field/Circular Road North. Built the same as the others, it has a long rectangular, broadly symmetrical, single-depth plan form with projecting wings to front and back, containing officers stables and workshops/stores. The rear part, facing towards the parade ground, originally had glazed roofed litter sheds extending from the central gable to wings either side. The three stable doors were located facing the parade ground and on the two end walls. A fourth entry point for soldiers into the stables was located on the Abbey Field side. There was no internal access between the stables and barrack rooms above. A system of drains fed out from the stables, linking to the main system that drained into Abbey Field.

The structure is built the same as Stable block B to the northwest (MCC3116), in the neo-Georgian style, with low ranges, pedimented gables and wings. Brickwork is in 9" Flemish bond with yellow brick dressings stood on a low chamfered Staffordshire blue plinth. There is yellow brick banding on the first floor and cast stone and heavy Yorkstone dressings to the eaves and gables, some of which have been removed. Ground floor windows have all been boarded-up and those on the south range of the first floor blocked-in after a fire caused extensive damage in the south-west bays. The roof contains timber king post strut trusses. Cast iron plates contain rods pass through the gables, keeping them in tension.