The building was subject to assessment in 2000 (LEC 7) and a programme of historic building recording was undertaken in 2007, prior to conversion (Stable Block B).<1><2><3>

Stable block B originally formed the central element of three identical blocks on the south-west side of the parade ground and Officer’s Quarters (MCC9278). Only this and Stable Block A (MCC3112) remain. Another group of three stable blocks formerly stood to the north-east, flanking the other side of the parade ground.

The stables were built to the same design and plan form in two columns of three blocks flanking the parade ground and Officer’s Quarters, the most prominent building of the Royal Artillery Barracks. The most obvious architectural style of the stables with their pedimented gables, low ranges and wings, is the neo-Georgian which fit into the overall theme. All the main structures were built on a NE to SW alignment. The configuration of Stable Blocks A - F is shown in the 1875 plan of the barracks. Each block of three was designed to sustain itself, containing necessary functional areas such as a forge, cook house and tailor’s shop within its wings.

As part of the group, Stable block B faces the south-east and Abbey Field/Circular Road North. It has a long rectangular, broadly symmetrical, single-depth plan form with projecting wings to front and back, containing officer’s stables and stores. The shorter wings on the rear side originally had litter sheds extending to the central gable that have since been removed. The main stable doors were located at the ends and rear elevation (since blocked).

The structure is built in 9" red brick in Flemish bond stood on a low chamfered plinth. There is yellow brick banding on the first floor and codestone and Yorkstone dressings. At the time of the building survey in 2007, ground floor windows had all been boarded-up and the balcony fire escape ladder sawn-off to prevent unwelcome entry.

There are two storeys, providing stabling on the ground floor and barrack rooms for the soldiers above. The two 23-man dormitories were open plan either side of the central gable that provided stairs, ablutions and accommodation for two sergeants, as well as a balcony. Recently, partitions were added upstairs to create separate teaching and training rooms, but it is still easy to define the original layout. The stables below remain virtually intact, but with wider modern two-horse stalls, standing either side of the central corridor, with auxiliary rooms in the short side wings.

Drainage channels exit from all the main access points either end and at the rear of the stables. The ones either side linked to communal drains either side that surrounded the stables and former married quarters. Two ménages and a lunging circle were included in the design to the north-east of Block D, but no longer exist.