| Abstract: |
In March 2023, Archaeological Research Services Ltd was commissioned by Rainford Hall Estate Ltd (the clients) to undertake a historic building recording of five barracks buildings associated with the Crank Gunsite, Crank Road, St Helens, Merseyside, WA11 7RU. The historic building recording was undertaken to Historic England’s Level 2/3 Standard, and was required to assist in discarding condition 5 of the proposed development, which would see the demolition of the buildings and erection of two detached dwellings (Application Ref. No. P/2022/0854/FUL). The five barracks buildings had likely been constructed as part of the origins of the Crank Gunsite in c.1939. The Gunsite had comprised a large ‘L’ plan plot, consisting of heavy anti-aircraft batteries, a control bunker, a generator, various outbuildings, and the five barracks buildings. These barracks buildings represent prefabricated structures, built of the same style and materials. They had been built with concrete frames, which demarcated the structures with distinct bays, and with red engineering brick in a stretcher bond. Each structure had been three bays in width, but had varied in length, with Building 2 the smallest at five bays in length, and Building 5 the longest at nine bays in length. The structures featured asbestos corrugated roofing sheets, with the roof structures formed of concrete frames with a cast iron ridge beam. The buildings also retain cast iron outwards swinging window casements with concrete sills, a number of which retain outer timber plank shutters. These structures would likely have continued in use into the Cold War, as part of the site’s connection with the Orange Yeoman Trails, and would have fallen out of use when the site was decommissioned in the 1960s.
The barracks buildings have fallen into disrepair from their lack of use. As barracks, these structures would have been used as recreational areas and facilities, such as mess halls, kitchens, washrooms, and accommodation. However, the extant buildings represent empty shells, which have predominantly lost features of interest that would aid in understanding their original functions. Building 1 had retained a separate room within its north-eastern corner, as well as extant stud walling. The position of this walling suggests that the building had originally formed four compartments. Straight joints within the concrete flooring of Building 5 also indicate that this space had originally formed two compartments internally. Whilst the exact functions of the buildings are unclear, these structures would have played an important role in the site, and would have been used to fulfil the basic needs of the soldiers and to improve morale on site. |
