Clarence

Clarence was named after the Duke of Clarence, who was appointed Lord High Admiral in 1827 – later becoming King William IV, after whom the entire Yard is named. The Duke’s ties to the Royal Navy ran deep; before being crowned, he had a lengthy and engaged naval career and remained a widely respected figure in maritime circles. A commemorative medal was even struck for his appointment as Lord High Admiral.

Its original function was as a general store for a remarkable variety of goods. The three-floor structure specialised in the secure storage of spirits, porter, vinegar, and spare parts for small arms and weapons. Given the flammability of alcohol, innovative measures such as iron roof components, doors, and window frames were adopted to reduce fire risk – an early example of ‘fire-proofing’ in naval warehouses.

Over time, as the needs of the Navy evolved, Clarence was adapted for other uses, ultimately becoming part of the storage and ordnance facilities that served the fleet well into the 20th century.

When Clarence was built, the Duke of Clarence was not yet king. His surprise accession to the throne as William IV in 1830 meant the building (and later, the whole Yard) carried a name with double royal significance.

The Duke of Clarence, later King William IV, was the last Lord High Admiral to personally head the Royal Navy – a legacy deeply woven into the Yard’s identity.

For much of the Yard’s history, Clarence Steps offered one of the quickest crossings from Plymouth to Cornwall, connecting military operations and local communities long before bridges and modern car and foot-passenger ferries became everyday transport.