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Clarence
Seaward gateway to the Yard.
Seaward gateway to the Yard.
The Clarence building is both the oldest and one of the most atmospheric structures at Royal William Yard. Its construction began in 1827 – making it the first building on site – and was completed after four years in 1831. Clarence set the pattern for the rest of the Yard, both in the quality of its materials and its key position closing the vista down the main thoroughfare.
Naming and purpose
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.
Clarence Steps:
The VIP entrance
Below the Clarence building, the granite arc of the quay wall is broken by the impressive ‘Clarence Steps’, a dedicated sea entrance added to reinforce the status and ceremonial aspect of the Yard. Designed for dignitaries and VIPs arriving by boat, this imposing set of steps offered a fittingly grand entry directly from the water and is now recognised as an historic monument.
Built with the same careful attention to fine granite as the building above, Clarence Steps became a symbol of the Yard’s close connection to the Royal Navy and civic life.
For generations, the steps also formed an important local access point. Most notably, they were once used as a landing for the Cremyll Ferry, linking Stonehouse to Cornwall with a route that pre-dates the Yard itself.
Below the Clarence building, the granite arc of the quay wall is broken by the impressive ‘Clarence Steps’, a dedicated sea entrance added to reinforce the status and ceremonial aspect of the Yard. Designed for dignitaries and VIPs arriving by boat, this imposing set of steps offered a fittingly grand entry directly from the water and is now recognised as an historic monument.
Built with the same careful attention to fine granite as the building above, Clarence Steps became a symbol of the Yard’s close connection to the Royal Navy and civic life.
For generations, the steps also formed an important local access point. Most notably, they were once used as a landing for the Cremyll Ferry, linking Stonehouse to Cornwall with a route that pre-dates the Yard itself.
Did you know?
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.
Historical Plans & Images
