Title Picture - TrustNews May 1989
Drawing by Peter Jones ARIBA of Date Plate from Palace built for King Charles II
The drawing by Peter Jones ARIBA is from the - to quote the inscription on the lead plaque - "Date Plate From Palace Built For King Charles II, Later Winchester Barracks Destroyed by Fire In 1894". King Charles laid the foundation stone on March 23rd 1683 and Sir Christopher Wren's building progressed rapidly until the King's death in 1685 when all work was stopped. The designer of the date plate is not known nor is the significance of the year 1684.
The date plate was, until recently, attached to the north wall of Long Block in Peninsula Barracks. It is hoped that it will be moved to the entrance of the refurbished Army Museum building, formerly known as Short Block, which stands on part of the site of the Palace, so that the date plate is clearly visible.