Transfer to Woolwich (1818-1820)
John Nash initially hoped to convert the structure into a church, even preparing "a design and calculation" for this purpose, as the structure "was designed to house a large number of people, and was internally uninhibited by columns, so that sight and sound lines would have been excellent." [5] However, the Prince Regent directed that it be re-erected on Woolwich Common for use as a museum by the Royal Artillery. [4]
The Rotunda's relocation to Woolwich was closely connected to the Royal Military Repository, which had been founded in 1778 by Captain William Congreve (1742-1814) of the Royal Artillery. Congreve created the Repository as "a school of methods of mounting and dismounting ordnance" after his experiences "as a lieutenant firework in Canada during the Seven Years War (1756-63)" convinced him of "the need to train the artillery how to manoeuvre heavy ordnance in difficult conditions." [6] Congreve conceived of forming "as extensive a collection as possible of everything tending to improve the science and practice of artillery, and to explain its progress." [7]
After the elder Congreve's death in 1814, his son Sir William Congreve, 2nd Baronet (1772-1828) succeeded to all his father's appointments, including Commandant of the Royal Military Repository and Superintendent of Military Machines. The younger Congreve was instrumental in bringing the Rotunda to Woolwich, having been "closely involved in the series of celebratory events marking the peace of 1814 and had masterminded the Grand National Jubilee on 1 August of that year." [8] When the Prince Regent decided to dismantle the Rotunda, the Historic England report notes that "Congreve's wish to obtain it must also have been considered something of an ideal arrangement by the Office of Works, in that it would save its staff the trouble of storing or selling the materials." [9] On 7 December 1818, Congreve requested the building be erected "on the brow of the Hill at the eastern boundary of the Repository Grounds, that spot being the most convenient as well as the most picturesque situation for it." [10]
When the building was re-erected in Woolwich (1819-1820), it underwent significant modifications to make it permanent. The original boarded outer walls were replaced with brick, and a central sandstone Doric column was added to support the roof. The structure initially had a canvas-covered wooden roof, not lead as sometimes stated. The lead roof was actually added during renovations in 1862-1863. [11]
Museum Use (1820-2001)
When it opened as a museum in 1820, the younger Congreve set out its aims as providing "practical instruction for the Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and Men of the Regiment of Artillery, both on the great scale and with the aid of Drawings and Models." [12] Congreve added his own model of St James's Park and Carlton House Gardens during the 1814 celebrations (showing the Rotunda in its original position) to the museum's collection, along with his celebrated rockets and other inventions. [13] In 1973 the Rotunda was designated as a Grade II* listed building. [2]
The rotunda was used as the Royal Artillery Museum until 2001, when its collection was moved to the nearby Royal Arsenal. Between 2001 [14] and 2016, the combined museum was branded as "Firepower: The Royal Artillery Museum" and was housed in some of the former buildings of the Arsenal. All Firepower's buildings were once part of the Royal Laboratory Department, which controlled the manufacture of ammunition; they are for the most part Grade II listed. Firepower closed in July 2016. [15] Following the 2016 closure, the collection was moved to Larkhill in Wiltshire. [16]
