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Coordinates: 51°28′30″N 0°3′27″E / 51.47500°N 0.05750°E / 51.47500; 0.05750
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{{Short description|Military academy in Woolwich, in south-east London}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox university
|unit_name=Royal Military Academy, Woolwich
| name = Royal Military Academy, Woolwich
|image=2017-Woolwich, RMA - 3.jpg
| image = 2017-Woolwich, RMA - 3.jpg
| caption = The New Royal Military Academy, in use 1806 to 1939
|image_size=300px
| other_name = "The Shop"
|caption=The New Royal Military Academy, in use 1806 to 1939
| type = [[Military academy]]
|dates=1741–1939
| established = {{Start date|1741}}
|country={{flag|United Kingdom}}
| closed = {{End date|1939}}
|branch={{army|United Kingdom}}
| affiliation = [[British Army]]
|type=Training
| city = [[Woolwich]], [[London]]
|role=Officer Training
| country = [[United Kingdom]]
|size=
|current_commander=
|garrison=[[Woolwich]], [[London]]
|ceremonial_chief=
|ceremonial_chief_label=
|colonel_of_the_regiment=
|colonel_of_the_regiment_label=Commandant
|nickname= "The Shop"
|motto=
|colors=
|march=
|battles=
|notable_commanders=
|identification_symbol=
|identification_symbol_label=
|anniversaries=
}}
}}
The '''Royal Military Academy''' ('''RMA''') at [[Woolwich]], in south-east [[London]], was a [[British Army]] [[military academy]] for the training of [[Officer (armed forces)|commissioned officer]]s of the [[Royal Artillery]] and [[Royal Engineers]]. It later also trained officers of the [[Royal Corps of Signals]] and other technical [[corps]]. RMA Woolwich was commonly known as "The Shop" because its first building was a converted workshop of the [[Royal Arsenal|Woolwich Arsenal]].<ref>[http://www.philipjohnston.com/rmas/history.htm History of the Royal Military Academy]</ref>
The '''Royal Military Academy''' ('''RMA''') at [[Woolwich]], in south-east [[London]], was a [[British Army]] [[military academy]] for the training of [[Officer (armed forces)|commissioned officer]]s of the [[Royal Artillery]] and [[Royal Engineers]]. It later also trained officers of the [[Royal Corps of Signals]] and other technical [[corps]]. RMA Woolwich was commonly known as "The Shop" because its first building was a converted workshop of the [[Royal Arsenal|Woolwich Arsenal]].<ref>[http://www.philipjohnston.com/rmas/history.htm History of the Royal Military Academy]</ref>
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==History==
==History==
===Origins in the Royal Arsenal===
===Origins in the Royal Arsenal===
[[File:Oldmilitaryacademywoolwich.jpg|thumb|left|300px|The Old Royal Military Academy, in use 1741–1806. The cadets were taught in the left-hand half of the building, the right providing a Board Room for the Ordnance Board.]]
[[File:Oldmilitaryacademywoolwich.jpg|thumb|left|300px|The Old Royal Military Academy, in use 1741–1806. The cadets were taught in the left-hand half of the building, the right providing a board room for the Board of Ordnance]]
An attempt had been made by the [[Board of Ordnance]] in 1720 to set up an academy within its Arsenal (then known as the Warren) to provide training and education for prospective officers of its new [[Royal Regiment of Artillery|Regiment of Artillery]] and [[Corps of Royal Engineers|Corps of Engineers]] (both of which had been established there in 1716). A new building was being constructed in readiness for the Academy and funds had been secured, seemingly, through investment in the [[South Sea Company]]; but the latter's collapse led to plans for the Academy being placed on hold.<ref name=Bartlett3>{{cite web|url=https://www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/architecture/research/survey-of-london/woolwich/documents/48.3_The_Royal_Arsenal.pdf|title=The Royal Arsenal|publisher=University College London|access-date=9 August 2016}}</ref>
An attempt had been made by the [[Board of Ordnance]] in 1720 to set up an academy within its Arsenal (then known as the Warren) to provide training and education for prospective officers of its new [[Royal Regiment of Artillery|Regiment of Artillery]] and [[Corps of Royal Engineers|Corps of Engineers]] (both of which had been established there in 1716). A new building was being constructed in readiness for the Academy and funds had been secured, seemingly, through investment in the [[South Sea Company]]; but the latter's collapse led to plans for the Academy being placed on hold.<ref name=Bartlett3>{{cite web|url=https://www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/architecture/research/survey-of-london/woolwich/documents/48.3_The_Royal_Arsenal.pdf|title=The Royal Arsenal|publisher=University College London|access-date=9 August 2016|archive-date=7 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407155328/https://www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/architecture/research/survey-of-london/woolwich/documents/48.3_The_Royal_Arsenal.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>


After this false start, the Academy was opened by authority of a Royal Warrant in 1741: it was intended, in the words of its first charter, to produce "good officers of [[Artillery]] and perfect [[military engineer|Engineer]]s".<ref>{{cite web| title = Royal Engineers Museum – Articles – Royal Military Academy, Woolwich| access-date = 2008-12-24| url = http://www.remuseum.org.uk/articles/rem_article_academy.htm}}</ref> Its 'gentlemen cadets' initially ranged in age from 10 to 30. To begin with they were attached to the marching companies of the Royal Artillery, but in 1744 they were formed into their own company, forty in number (enlarged to forty-eight, two years later) overseen by a Captain-Lieutenant.<ref name=Hogg>{{cite book |last=Hogg |first=Brigadier O.F.G. |year=1963 |title=The Royal Arsenal Woolwich |volume=I |location=London |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]}}</ref> To begin with the cadets were accommodated in lodgings in the town of Woolwich, but this arrangement was deemed unsatisfactory (the cadets gained a reputation for riotousness) so in 1751 a Cadets' Barracks was built just within the south boundary wall of the Warren and the cadets had to adjust to a more strict military discipline. (The Cadets' Barracks was demolished in the 1980s for road widening.)<ref name=bartlett>{{cite web|url=https://www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/architecture/research/survey-of-london/woolwich/documents/48.10_Woolwich_Common_and_Royal_Military_Academy_Areas.pdf|title=Woolwich Common and Royal Military Academy Areas|publisher=University College London|access-date=9 August 2016}}</ref>
After this false start, the academy was opened by authority of a Royal Warrant in 1741: it was intended, in the words of its first charter, to produce "good officers of [[Artillery]] and perfect [[military engineer|Engineer]]s".<ref>{{cite web| title = Royal Engineers Museum – Articles – Royal Military Academy, Woolwich| access-date = 2008-12-24| url = http://www.remuseum.org.uk/articles/rem_article_academy.htm| archive-date = 10 August 2006| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060810230909/http://www.remuseum.org.uk/articles/rem_article_academy.htm| url-status = dead}}</ref> Its 'gentlemen cadets' initially ranged in age from 10 to 30. To begin with they were attached to the marching companies of the Royal Artillery, but in 1744 they were formed into their own company, forty in number (enlarged to forty-eight, two years later) overseen by a captain-lieutenant.<ref name=Hogg>{{cite book |last=Hogg |first=Brigadier O.F.G. |year=1963 |title=The Royal Arsenal Woolwich |volume=I |location=London |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]}}</ref> To begin with the cadets were accommodated in lodgings in the town of Woolwich, but this arrangement was deemed unsatisfactory (the cadets gained a reputation for riotousness) so in 1751 a Cadets' Barracks was built just within the south boundary wall of the Warren and the cadets had to adjust to a more strict military discipline. (The Cadets' Barracks was demolished in the 1980s for road widening.)<ref name=bartlett>{{cite web|url=https://www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/architecture/research/survey-of-london/woolwich/documents/48.10_Woolwich_Common_and_Royal_Military_Academy_Areas.pdf|title=Woolwich Common and Royal Military Academy Areas|publisher=University College London|access-date=9 August 2016}}</ref>


Education in the Academy focused at first on mathematics and the scientific principles of gunnery and fortification; French was also taught, for a small fee. In addition to their theoretical studies, the cadets shared (with all ranks of the Artillery) in what was called 'the Practice' of gunnery, bridge building, magazine technique and artillery work. While an Artillery officer attended each class to keep order, teaching in the Academy was provided by civilians: a First Master (later called Professor of Fortification and Gunnery), a Second Master (later Professor of Mathematics) and additional tutors in French, Arithmetic, Classics and Drawing. In 1764 the Royal Academy (as it had been known) had the word 'Military' added to its title, and at the same time a senior officer was appointed to serve as Lieutenant-Governor (''de facto'' head of the institution).<ref name=Hogg/> Moreover, the institution was split: younger cadets entered the Lower Academy, where they were taught reading, writing, arithmetic, Latin, French and drawing. If they performed well in examinations they were allowed to proceed to the Upper Academy, where they learned military skills and sciences (as well as fencing and dancing – required skills for prospective officers).<ref name=bartlett/>
Education in the academy focused at first on mathematics and the scientific principles of gunnery and fortification; French was also taught, for a small fee. In addition to their theoretical studies, the cadets shared (with all ranks of the Artillery) in what was called 'the Practice' of gunnery, bridge building, magazine technique and artillery work. While an artillery officer attended each class to keep order, teaching in the academy was provided by civilians: a First Master (later called Professor of Fortification and Gunnery), a Second Master (later Professor of Mathematics) and additional tutors in French, Arithmetic, Classics and Drawing. In 1764 the Royal Academy (as it had been known) had the word 'Military' added to its title, and at the same time a senior officer was appointed to serve as Lieutenant-Governor (''de facto'' head of the institution).<ref name=Hogg/> Moreover, the institution was split: younger cadets entered the Lower Academy, where they were taught reading, writing, arithmetic, Latin, French and drawing. If they performed well in examinations they were allowed to proceed to the Upper Academy, where they learned military skills and sciences (as well as fencing and dancing – required skills for prospective officers).<ref name=bartlett/>


===Relocation to Woolwich Common===
===Relocation to Woolwich Common===
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During the years that followed the status of the cadets changed: rather than being considered (albeit junior) military personnel, as had previously been the case, they were removed from the [[muster roll]] and they (or their parents) began to be charged fees for attendance. In this way the Academy took on something of the ethos of an [[Public school (United Kingdom)|English public school]]. In 1844 the Academy was described by [[Edward Mogg]] as accommodating:
During the years that followed the status of the cadets changed: rather than being considered (albeit junior) military personnel, as had previously been the case, they were removed from the [[muster roll]] and they (or their parents) began to be charged fees for attendance. In this way the Academy took on something of the ethos of an [[Public school (United Kingdom)|English public school]]. In 1844 the Academy was described by [[Edward Mogg]] as accommodating:


:"about one hundred and thirty young gentlemen, the sons of military men, and the more respectable classes, who are here instructed in mathematics, land-surveying, with mapping, fortification, engineering, the use of the musket and sword exercise, and field-pieces; and for whose use twelve brass cannon, three-pounders, are placed in front of the building, practising with which they acquire a knowledge of their application in the field of battle. This department is under the direction of a lieutenant-general, an instructor, a professor of mathematics, and a professor of fortification; in addition to which there are French, German, and drawing masters".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mogg|first1=Edward|title=Mogg's New Picture of London and Visitor's Guide to it Sights, 1844|url=http://www.victorianlondon.org/districts/woolwich.htm|website=Victorian London|access-date=21 August 2016}}</ref>
{{blockquote|about one hundred and thirty young gentlemen, the sons of military men, and the more respectable classes, who are here instructed in mathematics, land-surveying, with mapping, fortification, engineering, the use of the musket and sword exercise, and field-pieces; and for whose use twelve brass cannon, three-pounders, are placed in front of the building, practising with which they acquire a knowledge of their application in the field of battle. This department is under the direction of a lieutenant-general, an instructor, a professor of mathematics, and a professor of fortification; in addition to which there are French, German, and drawing masters.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mogg|first1=Edward|title=Mogg's New Picture of London and Visitor's Guide to it Sights, 1844|url=http://www.victorianlondon.org/districts/woolwich.htm|website=Victorian London|access-date=21 August 2016}}</ref>}}


Following the demise of the Board of Ordnance in the wake of the [[Crimean War]] the Academy was inspected by a commission which recommended changes: the minimum age for cadets was raised to fifteen and more specialist training was added.<ref name=Bartlett3/> As part of these reforms the Academy complex was enlarged in the 1860s, with a view to accommodating all cadets on the same site (although some would remain in the Arsenal through to the 1880s): the frontage was extended with the addition of new pavilions at either end, in similar style to Wyatt's work but in red brick rather than yellow; [[William Jervois]] was the architect.<ref name="bartlett" /> These contained new classrooms, with accommodation provided in similar new blocks behind. Sports facilities were also added along with gun batteries for training. In 1873 Wyatt's central block had to be entirely rebuilt following a devastating fire.<ref name=Bartlett3/>
Following the demise of the Board of Ordnance in the wake of the [[Crimean War]] the Academy was inspected by a commission which recommended changes: the minimum age for cadets was raised to fifteen and more specialist training was added.<ref name=Bartlett3/> As part of these reforms the Academy complex was enlarged in the 1860s, with a view to accommodating all cadets on the same site (although some would remain in the Arsenal through to the 1880s): the frontage was extended with the addition of new pavilions at either end, in similar style to Wyatt's work but in red brick rather than yellow; [[William Jervois]] was the architect.<ref name="bartlett" /> These contained new classrooms, with accommodation provided in similar new blocks behind. Sports facilities were also added along with gun batteries for training. In 1873 Wyatt's central block had to be entirely rebuilt following a devastating fire.<ref name=Bartlett3/> A new chiming clock was provided at this time by [[Gillett & Bland]] of Croydon; the [[Movement (clockwork)|movement]] and bells were placed in the north-east turret and connected by rods to the dial on the parapet.<ref name="SoL2012">{{cite book |editor1-last=Guillery |editor1-first=Peter |title=Survey of London, vol. 48: Woolwich |date=2012 |publisher=Yale University Press |location=New Haven & London |pages=420-434}}</ref>


====Gallery====
====Gallery====
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[[File:London, Woolwich-Shooters Hill, former Royal Military Academy 07.jpg|300px|thumb|left|View from the north-west in 2015]]
[[File:London, Woolwich-Shooters Hill, former Royal Military Academy 07.jpg|300px|thumb|left|View from the north-west in 2015]]
Following the demise of the Board of Ordnance, [[UK Parliament|Parliament]] had explored the possibility of a merger between the Royal Military Academy and the [[Royal Military College, Sandhurst]] (which only trained officers for the [[Infantry]] and [[Cavalry]]); although senior Army officers rejected the idea at the time it persisted into the twentieth century. Arguments in favour of a merger gained momentum in the 1920s when the specialist and scientific training which had been Woolwich's preserve began to be outsourced to other locations. In 1936 it was decided that the merger should take place; but the [[Second World War]] intervened and in 1939 both institutions closed as their cadets were called up for active service.<ref name="HistoryRMAS">{{cite web|title=The History of RMA Sandhurst|url=https://www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/history_of_rmas.pdf|website=British Army|access-date=9 August 2016}}</ref>
Following the demise of the Board of Ordnance, [[UK Parliament|Parliament]] had explored the possibility of a merger between the Royal Military Academy and the [[Royal Military College, Sandhurst]] (which only trained officers for the [[Infantry]] and [[Cavalry]]); although senior Army officers rejected the idea at the time it persisted into the twentieth century. Arguments in favour of a merger gained momentum in the 1920s when the specialist and scientific training which had been Woolwich's preserve began to be outsourced to other locations. In 1936 it was decided that the merger should take place; but the [[Second World War]] intervened and in 1939 both institutions closed as their cadets were called up for active service.<ref name="HistoryRMAS">{{cite web|title=The History of RMA Sandhurst|url=https://www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/history_of_rmas.pdf|website=British Army|access-date=9 August 2016}}</ref>

The Royal Military Academy Woolwich closed in 1939 and in 1947 the [[Royal Military Academy Sandhurst]] was formed on the site of the former Royal Military College with the objective of providing officer training for all arms and services.<ref>[http://www.war-letters.com/0023/0014.html Facilities in Sandhurst – 1937]</ref>
The Royal Military Academy Woolwich closed in 1939 and in 1947 the [[Royal Military Academy Sandhurst]] was formed on the site of the former Royal Military College with the objective of providing officer training for all arms and services.<ref>[http://www.war-letters.com/0023/0014.html Facilities in Sandhurst – 1937]</ref>


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====Sale and redevelopment====
====Sale and redevelopment====
Durkan Group bought the Woolwich site by public tender in 2006 and redevelopment started in 2008.<ref name=Binney/> The Woolwich buildings, several of which are [[grade II listed]],<ref name="HE"/> were converted and extended into 334 houses and apartments, including 150 for a [[housing association]]. In 2017 the scaffolding around the main facade was removed as refurbishment neared completion.<ref name=Binney/>
Durkan Group bought the Woolwich site by public tender in 2006 and redevelopment started in 2008.<ref name=Binney/> The Woolwich buildings, several of which are [[grade II listed]],<ref name="HE"/> were converted and extended into 334 houses and apartments, including 150 for a [[housing association]]. In 2017 the scaffolding around the main facade was removed as refurbishment neared completion.<ref name=Binney/> Since 2013 the RMA [[cricket field]], one of the oldest in the UK, has been used by the 3rd and 4th teams of Blackheath Cricket Club.<ref>{{cite web|title=Grounds|url=http://www.blackheathcc.com/grounds|website=Blackheath CC|access-date=1 March 2017}}</ref>

Since 2013 the RMA [[cricket field]], one of the oldest in the UK, has been used by the 3rd and 4th teams of Blackheath Cricket Club.<ref>{{cite web|title=Grounds|url=http://www.blackheathcc.com/grounds|website=Blackheath CC|access-date=1 March 2017}}</ref>


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
===Education and training===
===Education and training===
Until 1870 prospective officers in the [[British Army]] had for the most part to [[Purchase of commissions in the British Army|purchase their commissions]], and education or training was not seen as a requirement for the rôle. The Board of Ordnance's establishment of a Military Academy represented a very different approach, whereby training and education were obligatory for aspiring officers of its corps, and promotion was offered according to merit (those with highest achievement in their exams being given the first choice of opportunities).<ref name="HistoryRMAS" /> my name
Until 1870 prospective officers in the [[British Army]] had for the most part to [[Purchase of commissions in the British Army|purchase their commissions]], and education or training was not seen as a requirement for the rôle. The Board of Ordnance's establishment of a Military Academy represented a very different approach, whereby training and education were obligatory for aspiring officers of its corps, and promotion was offered according to merit (those with highest achievement in their exams being given the first choice of opportunities).<ref name="HistoryRMAS" />


===Architecture===
===Architecture===
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The name of the [[cue game]] "[[snooker]]" (reputedly invented by a former cadet of the Academy) is said to derive from a slang term for newly arrived cadets: the French term "les neux", which was later corrupted into "snooks".<ref name="HistoryRMAS" />
The name of the [[cue game]] "[[snooker]]" (reputedly invented by a former cadet of the Academy) is said to derive from a slang term for newly arrived cadets: the French term "les neux", which was later corrupted into "snooks".<ref name="HistoryRMAS" />


==Commandants==
==Governors and Commandants==
Commandants have included:<ref>[http://www.gulabin.com/armynavy/pdf/Army%20Commands%201900-2011.pdf Army Commands] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705211343/http://www.gulabin.com/armynavy/pdf/Army%20Commands%201900-2011.pdf |date=2015-07-05 }}</ref>
Commandants have included:<ref>[http://www.gulabin.com/armynavy/pdf/Army%20Commands%201900-2011.pdf Army Commands] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705211343/http://www.gulabin.com/armynavy/pdf/Army%20Commands%201900-2011.pdf |date=2015-07-05 }}</ref>
* 1764–1777: Lieutenant Colonel [[James Pattison (British Army officer)|James B. Pattison]] ''(Lieutenant-Governor)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII>{{cite web|title='''The Shop': The Story of the Royal Military Academy''|author=Captain F. G. Guggisberg|author-link=Gordon Guggisberg|url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.32044019353366&view=1up&seq=348|access-date=2 March 2023}}</ref>

* 1777–1781: Lieutenant Colonel James Bramham ''(Lieutenant-Governor)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII/>
*1846–1851 Major-General [[John Boteler Parker]], CB ''(Lieutenant-Governor)''<ref>[http://www.mocavo.com/List-of-Officers-of-the-Royal-Regiment-of-Artillery-From-the-Year-1716-to-1899-2/441153/448 List of Officers of the Royal Regiment of Artillery from the Year 1716 to 1899] Accessed: 23 May 2014</ref>
* 1781–1795: Major B. Stehelin ''(Lieutenant-Governor)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII/>
*1887–1901 Major-General Francis Thomas Lloyd, CB ''(Governor and Commandant)''<ref name=LG27359>{{London Gazette |issue=27359 |date=27 September 1901 |page=6295 }}</ref>
* 1795–1809: Lieutenant Colonel [[William Twiss]] ''(Lieutenant-Governor)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII/>
*1901–1912 Major-General [[Richard Henry Jelf]], CMG ''(Governor and Commandant)''<ref name=LG27359/><ref name="EngHer">{{cite book|last1=Newsome|first1=Sarah|last2=Williams|first2=Andrew|title=An Archaeological Survey of Woolwich Common|date=2009|page=54|publisher=English Heritage|url=http://research.historicengland.org.uk/redirect.aspx?id=5830%7CWoolwich%20Common,%20Woolwich,%20Greater%20London:%20An%20Archaeological%20Survey%20of%20Woolwich%20Common%20and%20Its%20Environs|access-date=21 February 2018}}</ref>
* 1809–1820: Lieutenant Colonel [[William Mudge]] ''(Lieutenant-Governor)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII/>
*1912–1914 Brigadier-General [[Arthur Holland (British Army officer)|Arthur Holland]]
* 1820–1829: Captain W. H. Ford ''(Lieutenant-Governor)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII/>
*1914–1918 Major-General [[William Cleeve]]
* 1829–1840: Colonel T. Drummond ''(Lieutenant-Governor)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII/>
*1918–1920 Major-General [[Geoffrey White (British Army officer)|Geoffrey White]]
* 1840–1846: Major-General Sir [[George Whitmore (British Army officer)|George Whitmore]] ''(Lieutenant-Governor)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII/>
*1920–1924 Major-General [[Webb Gillman]]
* 1846–1851: Colonel [[John Boteler Parker]] ''(Lieutenant-Governor)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII/>
*1924–1926 Major-General [[Ronald Charles]]
* 1851–1860: Colonel G. G. Lewis ''(Lieutenant-Governor)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII/>
*1926–1930 Major-General [[Hugo de Pree]]
* 1860–1862: Colonel E. X. Wilford ''(Lieutenant-Governor)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII/>
*1930–1934 Major-General [[Cyril Wagstaff]]
*1862–1867: Major-General Henry Sandham ''(Lieutenant-Governor)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII/>
*1934–1938 Major-General [[Arthur Goschen]]
* 1867–1869: Major-General J. W. Ormsby ''(Lieutenant-Governor)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII/>
*1938–1939 Major-General [[Philip Neame]]
* 1869–1875: Major-General Sir [[Lintorn Simmons|J. Lintorn Simmons]] ''(Lieutenant-Governor; Governor and Commandant)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII/>
* 1875–1880: Major-General Sir [[John Miller Adye]] ''(Governor and Commandant)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII/>
* 1880–1887: Major-General [[James Frankfort Manners Browne]] ''(Governor and Commandant)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII/>
* 1887–1889: Major-General Robert J. Hay ''(Governor and Commandant)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII/>
* 1889–1890: Major-General Sir [[Richard Harrison (British Army officer)|Richard Harrison]] ''(Governor and Commandant)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII/>
* 1890–1895: Major-General [[William Stirling (British Army officer, born 1835)|William Stirling]] ''(Governor and Commandant)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII/>
* 1895–1897: Major-General Edward Osborne Hewett ''(Governor and Commandant)''<ref name=GuggisbergAppendixII/>
* 1897–1901: Major-General Francis Thomas Lloyd ''(Governor and Commandant)''<ref name=LG27359>{{London Gazette |issue=27359 |date=27 September 1901 |page=6295 }}</ref>
* 1901–1904: Major-General [[Richard Henry Jelf]] ''(Governor and Commandant)''<ref name=LG27359/><ref name="EngHer">{{cite book|last1=Newsome|first1=Sarah|last2=Williams|first2=Andrew|title=An Archaeological Survey of Woolwich Common|date=2009|page=54|publisher=English Heritage|url=http://research.historicengland.org.uk/redirect.aspx?id=5830%7CWoolwich%20Common,%20Woolwich,%20Greater%20London:%20An%20Archaeological%20Survey%20of%20Woolwich%20Common%20and%20Its%20Environs|access-date=21 February 2018}}</ref>
* 1904–1908: Colonel Henry Vivian Cowan
* 1908–1912: Colonel Andrew Graham Thomson
* 1912–1914: Brigadier-General [[Arthur Holland (British Army officer)|Arthur E. A. Holland]]
* 1914–1918: Major-General [[William Cleeve|William F. Cleeve]]
* 1918–1920: Major-General [[Geoffrey White (British Army officer)|Geoffrey H. A. White]]
* 1920–1924: Major-General Sir [[Webb Gillman]]
* 1924–1926: Major-General [[Ronald Charles|J. Ronald E. Charles]]
* 1926–1930: Major-General [[Hugo de Pree|Hugo D. de Pree]]
* 1930–1934: Major-General [[Cyril Wagstaff|Cyril M. Wagstaff]]
* 1934–1938: Major-General [[Arthur Goschen|Arthur A. Goschen]]
* 1938–1939: Major-General [[Philip Neame]]


==Notable teachers==
==Notable teachers==
Notable teachers at Woolwich include (in alphabetical order by surname):
Notable teachers at Woolwich include (in alphabetical order by surname):
* Sir [[Frederick Abel]], appointed lecturer in chemistry in 1852<ref name="eb1">[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1022/Sir-Frederick-Augustus-Abel Encyclopædia Britannica Online: Sir Frederick Augustus Abel]</ref>

*Sir [[Frederick Abel]], appointed lecturer in chemistry in 1852<ref name="eb1">[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1022/Sir-Frederick-Augustus-Abel Encyclopædia Britannica Online: Sir Frederick Augustus Abel]</ref>
* [[Peter Barlow (mathematician)|Peter Barlow]], appointed assistant mathematics master in 1801<ref name="eb2">[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/53519/Peter-Barlow Encyclopædia Britannica Online: Peter Barlow]</ref><ref name="mt">[http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Biographies/Barlow.html MacTutor Biography: Peter Barlow]</ref> and who retained this post until 1847<ref name="bd">Lance Day and Ian McNeil, ''Biographical dictionary of the history of technology'', Routledge, 1995, page 42.</ref>
* [[Francis Bashforth]], professor of applied mathematics<ref>{{citation |last=Ingalls |first=James M. |publisher=D. van Nostrand |location=New York |year=1886 |title=Exterior Ballistics in the Plane of Fire }}, p. 18</ref>
*[[Peter Barlow (mathematician)|Peter Barlow]], appointed assistant mathematics master in 1801<ref name="eb2">[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/53519/Peter-Barlow Encyclopædia Britannica Online: Peter Barlow]</ref><ref name="mt">[http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Biographies/Barlow.html MacTutor Biography: Peter Barlow]</ref> and who retained this post until 1847<ref name="bd">Lance Day and Ian McNeil, ''Biographical dictionary of the history of technology'', Routledge, 1995, page 42.</ref>
*[[Francis Bashforth]], professor of applied mathematics<ref>{{citation |last=Ingalls |first=James M. |publisher=D. van Nostrand |location=New York |year=1886 |title=Exterior Ballistics in the Plane of Fire }}, p. 18</ref>
* [[John Bonnycastle]], professor of mathematics, 1807–1821<ref>{{cite DNB|wstitle=Bonnycastle, John|first=Thomas |last=Whittaker|volume=5}}</ref>
* [[Charles Booth Brackenbury]], assistant instructor in artillery (1860), assistant director of artillery studies (1864), director of artillery studies (1887)<ref name=DNB>{{cite book |last1=Lee |first1=Sidney |title=Dictionary of National Biography sup vol 1 Abbot-Childers |date=1901 |publisher=Elder Smith & Co. |location=London |url=https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Index:Dictionary_of_National_Biography._Sup._Vol_I_(1901).djvu}}</ref>
*[[John Bonnycastle]], professor of mathematics, 1807–1821<ref>{{cite DNB|wstitle=Bonnycastle, John|first=Thomas |last=Whittaker|volume=5}}</ref>
* [[Samuel Hunter Christie]] was mathematical assistant in 1806 and professor of mathematics, 1838–1854<ref name="Venn">{{acad|id=CHRY800SH|name=Christie, Samuel Hunter}}</ref>
*[[Charles Booth Brackenbury]], assistant instructor in artillery (1860), assistant director of artillery studies (1864), director of artillery studies (1887)<ref name=DNB>{{cite book |last1=Lee |first1=Sidney |title=Dictionary of National Biography sup vol 1 Abbot-Childers |date=1901 |publisher=Elder Smith & Co. |location=London |url=https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Index:Dictionary_of_National_Biography._Sup._Vol_I_(1901).djvu}}</ref>
* [[Adair Crawford]], professor of chemistry in the late 18th century<ref>{{DNB Cite|wstitle=Crawford, Adair}}</ref>
*[[Samuel Hunter Christie]] was mathematical assistant in 1806 and professor of mathematics, 1838–1854<ref name="Venn">{{acad|id=CHRY800SH|name=Christie, Samuel Hunter}}</ref>
* [[Morgan Crofton]], an Irish mathematician, was professor of mathematics from 1870 to 1884<ref>''[http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/Biographies/Crofton.html Morgan William Crofton]'' Biography, School of Mathematics and Statistics, St Andrew's University. Accessed 10 September 2014.</ref>
*[[Adair Crawford]], professor of chemistry in the late 18th century<ref>{{DNB Cite|wstitle=Crawford, Adair}}</ref>
* [[William Cruickshank (chemist)|William Cruickshank]], assistant to Adair Crawford (qv) and later professor of chemistry c.1795–1804.<ref>{{cite ODNB|id=57592|title=Cruickshank, William|first=K. D.|last=Watson|volume=14|pages=519–20}}</ref>
*[[Morgan Crofton]], an Irish mathematician, was professor of mathematics from 1870 to 1884<ref>''[http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/Biographies/Crofton.html Morgan William Crofton]'' Biography, School of Mathematics and Statistics, St Andrew's University. Accessed 10 September 2014.</ref>
* The Reverend [[Lewis Evans (mathematician)|Lewis Evans]], mathematics master 1799–1820.<ref>{{DNB|wstitle=Evans, Lewis (1755-1827)}}</ref>
*[[William Cruickshank (chemist)|William Cruickshank]], assistant to Adair Crawford (qv) and later professor of chemistry c.1795–1804.<ref>{{cite ODNB|id=57592|title=Cruickshank, William|first=K. D.|last=Watson|volume=14|pages=519–20}}</ref>
*The Reverend [[Lewis Evans (mathematician)|Lewis Evans]], mathematics master 1799–1820.<ref>{{DNB|wstitle=Evans, Lewis (1755-1827)}}</ref>
* [[Thomas Simpson Evans]], mathematics assistant 1802–1810<ref>{{DNB|wstitle=Evans, Thomas Simpson}}</ref>
* [[Michael Faraday]], professor in chemistry 1829–52<ref>Engineering Timelines, [http://www.engineering-timelines.com/who/Faraday_M/faradayMichael6.asp Michael Faraday]. Accessed 10 September 2014.</ref>
*[[Thomas Simpson Evans]], mathematics assistant 1802–1810<ref>{{DNB|wstitle=Evans, Thomas Simpson}}</ref>
* [[Thales Fielding]], drawing master, 1828–1837.<ref>{{DNB|wstitle=Fielding, Thales}}</ref>
*[[Michael Faraday]], professor in chemistry 1829–52<ref>Engineering Timelines, [http://www.engineering-timelines.com/who/Faraday_M/faradayMichael6.asp Michael Faraday]. Accessed 10 September 2014.</ref>
* Sir [[Alfred George Greenhill|George Greenhill]] was professor of mathematics from 1876 to 1908<ref>School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of St Andrews, Scotland. ''Alfred George Greenhill'' (October 2003). http://www-history.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/~history/Biographies/Greenhill.html</ref>
*[[Thales Fielding]], drawing master, 1828–1837.<ref>{{DNB|wstitle=Fielding, Thales}}</ref>
* [[Olinthus Gregory]], mathematics master from 1802, professor of mathematics 1821–1838.<ref>Grace's Guide, ''[http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Olinthus_Gilbert_Gregory Olinthus Gilbert Gregory]''. Accessed 10 September 2014.</ref><ref>''[http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/Biographies/Gregory_Olinthus.html Olinthus Gilbert Gregory]'' Biography, School of Mathematics and Statistics, St Andrew's University. Accessed 10 September 2014.</ref>
*Sir [[Alfred George Greenhill|George Greenhill]] was professor of mathematics from 1876 to 1908<ref>School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of St Andrews, Scotland. ''Alfred George Greenhill'' (October 2003). http://www-history.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/~history/Biographies/Greenhill.html</ref>
* [[Charles Hutton]], professor of mathematics from 1773 to 1807.<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1038/140269a0|title = Bicentenary of Dr. Charles Hutton, F.R.S|journal = Nature|volume = 140|issue = 3537|pages = 269|year = 1937|bibcode = 1937Natur.140Q.269.|doi-access = free}}</ref><ref>mentioned in Grace's Guide entry for [http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Charles_Hutton_Gregory Charles Hutton Gregory]. Accessed 10 September 2014.</ref>
*[[Olinthus Gregory]], mathematics master from 1802, professor of mathematics 1821–1838.<ref>Grace's Guide, ''[http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Olinthus_Gilbert_Gregory Olinthus Gilbert Gregory]''. Accessed 10 September 2014.</ref><ref>''[http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/Biographies/Gregory_Olinthus.html Olinthus Gilbert Gregory]'' Biography, School of Mathematics and Statistics, St Andrew's University. Accessed 10 September 2014.</ref>
* [[James Marsh (chemist)|James Marsh]], chemist, assistant to Michael Faraday (qv) 1829–1846<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sella|first1=Andrea|title=Marsh's Mirror|url=https://www.chemistryworld.com/opinion/marshs-mirror/2500415.article|website=Chemistry World|publisher=The Royal Society of Chemistry|access-date=20 February 2018}}</ref>
*[[Charles Hutton]], professor of mathematics from 1773 to 1807.<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1038/140269a0|title = Bicentenary of Dr. Charles Hutton, F.R.S|journal = Nature|volume = 140|issue = 3537|pages = 269|year = 1937|doi-access = free}}</ref><ref>mentioned in Grace's Guide entry for [http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Charles_Hutton_Gregory Charles Hutton Gregory]. Accessed 10 September 2014.</ref>
* Major-General [[Richard Clement Moody]], professor of fortifications from July 1838 to October 1841<ref>{{cite web|url=http://api.ning.com/files/Pwx68GFnuuBDqb1wRfgoMEsaVMh9l6ZFcQE1PZO3RYpLzYY8Iwih2339ABomznAmgVyXNL97XKu75RxFRY8u31wYPO9QaQoI/MOODYAlbumINFO2a.pdf|title=The Photographic Album of Richard Clement Moody, Royal British Columbia Museum}}</ref>
*[[James Marsh (chemist)|James Marsh]], chemist, assistant to Michael Faraday (qv) 1829–1846<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sella|first1=Andrea|title=Marsh's Mirror|url=https://www.chemistryworld.com/opinion/marshs-mirror/2500415.article|website=Chemistry World|publisher=The Royal Society of Chemistry|access-date=20 February 2018}}</ref>
* [[William Rutherford (mathematician)|William Rutherford]], assistant master of mathematics, 1838–1865<ref>{{DNB|wstitle=Rutherford, William}}</ref>
*Major-General [[Richard Clement Moody]], professor of fortifications from July 1838 to October 1841<ref>{{cite web|url=http://api.ning.com/files/Pwx68GFnuuBDqb1wRfgoMEsaVMh9l6ZFcQE1PZO3RYpLzYY8Iwih2339ABomznAmgVyXNL97XKu75RxFRY8u31wYPO9QaQoI/MOODYAlbumINFO2a.pdf|title=The Photographic Album of Richard Clement Moody, Royal British Columbia Museum}}</ref>
* [[Paul Sandby]] was chief drawing master from 1768 to 1799<ref>[https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=749413&partId=1 British Museum collection: Royal Military Academy and Prince Rupert's Tower, Woolwich Academy – curator's note]</ref>
*[[William Rutherford (mathematician)|William Rutherford]], assistant master of mathematics, 1838–1865<ref>{{DNB|wstitle=Rutherford, William}}</ref>
* [[Henry Young Darracott Scott]], assistant instructor in field works, 1848 to 1851, senior instructor, 1851 to 1855<ref>South East History Boards, ''[http://sussexhistoryforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=7255.0 Henry Young Darracott Scott]''. Accessed 10 September 2014</ref>
*[[Paul Sandby]] was chief drawing master from 1768 to 1799<ref>[https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=749413&partId=1 British Museum collection: Royal Military Academy and Prince Rupert's Tower, Woolwich Academy – curator's note]</ref>
*[[Henry Young Darracott Scott]], assistant instructor in field works, 1848 to 1851, senior instructor, 1851 to 1855<ref>South East History Boards, ''[http://sussexhistoryforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=7255.0 Henry Young Darracott Scott]''. Accessed 10 September 2014</ref>
* [[Thomas Simpson]], assistant to the chief master of mathematics from 1743 to 1761.<ref>[http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/25594 Oxford Dictionary of National Biography], Update September 2015.</ref>
*[[Thomas Simpson]], assistant to the chief master of mathematics from 1743 to 1761.<ref>[http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/25594 Oxford Dictionary of National Biography], Update September 2015.</ref>
* [[James Joseph Sylvester]], professor of mathematics from 1855 to 1870.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|author=The Editors |url=http://www.britannica.com/biography/James-Joseph-Sylvester |title=James Joseph Sylvester &#124; English mathematician |encyclopedia=Britannica.com |date=1945-10-24 |access-date=2017-09-22}}</ref>
*[[James Joseph Sylvester]], professor of mathematics from 1855 to 1870.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|author=The Editors |url=http://www.britannica.com/biography/James-Joseph-Sylvester |title=James Joseph Sylvester &#124; English mathematician |encyclopedia=Britannica.com |date=1945-10-24 |access-date=2017-09-22}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[:Category:Graduates of the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich]]
* [[:Category:Graduates of the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich]]


==References==
==References==
Line 140: Line 143:


==Sources==
==Sources==
*{{Cite book |first=H.M. |last=Vibart |title=Addiscombe: its heroes and men of note |place=Westminster |publisher=Archibald Constable |year=1894 |ol=23336661M }}
* {{Cite book |first=Captain F. G. |last=Guggisberg |author-link=Gordon Guggisberg |title="The Shop": The Story of the Royal Military Academy |place=London |publisher=Cassell |year=1902 }} (Second, revised edition; online edition at Harvard [https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.32044019353366&view=1up&seq=348 here])
* {{Cite book |first=Ken |last=Timbers |title=The Royal Artillery, Woolwich: A Celebration |publisher=Third Millennium |year=2008 |isbn=978-1-90394273-4 }}
* {{Cite book |first=H.M. |last=Vibart |title=Addiscombe: Its Heroes and Men of Note |place=Westminster |publisher=Archibald Constable |year=1894 }}


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{{Commons}}
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Revision as of 20:53, 3 January 2024

Royal Military Academy, Woolwich
The New Royal Military Academy, in use 1806 to 1939
Other name
"The Shop"
TypeMilitary academy
Active1741 (1741)–1939 (1939)
AffiliationBritish Army
Location
Woolwich, London
,
United Kingdom

The Royal Military Academy (RMA) at Woolwich, in south-east London, was a British Army military academy for the training of commissioned officers of the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers. It later also trained officers of the Royal Corps of Signals and other technical corps. RMA Woolwich was commonly known as "The Shop" because its first building was a converted workshop of the Woolwich Arsenal.[1]

History

Origins in the Royal Arsenal

The Old Royal Military Academy, in use 1741–1806. The cadets were taught in the left-hand half of the building, the right providing a board room for the Board of Ordnance

An attempt had been made by the Board of Ordnance in 1720 to set up an academy within its Arsenal (then known as the Warren) to provide training and education for prospective officers of its new Regiment of Artillery and Corps of Engineers (both of which had been established there in 1716). A new building was being constructed in readiness for the Academy and funds had been secured, seemingly, through investment in the South Sea Company; but the latter's collapse led to plans for the Academy being placed on hold.[2]

After this false start, the academy was opened by authority of a Royal Warrant in 1741: it was intended, in the words of its first charter, to produce "good officers of Artillery and perfect Engineers".[3] Its 'gentlemen cadets' initially ranged in age from 10 to 30. To begin with they were attached to the marching companies of the Royal Artillery, but in 1744 they were formed into their own company, forty in number (enlarged to forty-eight, two years later) overseen by a captain-lieutenant.[4] To begin with the cadets were accommodated in lodgings in the town of Woolwich, but this arrangement was deemed unsatisfactory (the cadets gained a reputation for riotousness) so in 1751 a Cadets' Barracks was built just within the south boundary wall of the Warren and the cadets had to adjust to a more strict military discipline. (The Cadets' Barracks was demolished in the 1980s for road widening.)[5]

Education in the academy focused at first on mathematics and the scientific principles of gunnery and fortification; French was also taught, for a small fee. In addition to their theoretical studies, the cadets shared (with all ranks of the Artillery) in what was called 'the Practice' of gunnery, bridge building, magazine technique and artillery work. While an artillery officer attended each class to keep order, teaching in the academy was provided by civilians: a First Master (later called Professor of Fortification and Gunnery), a Second Master (later Professor of Mathematics) and additional tutors in French, Arithmetic, Classics and Drawing. In 1764 the Royal Academy (as it had been known) had the word 'Military' added to its title, and at the same time a senior officer was appointed to serve as Lieutenant-Governor (de facto head of the institution).[4] Moreover, the institution was split: younger cadets entered the Lower Academy, where they were taught reading, writing, arithmetic, Latin, French and drawing. If they performed well in examinations they were allowed to proceed to the Upper Academy, where they learned military skills and sciences (as well as fencing and dancing – required skills for prospective officers).[5]

Relocation to Woolwich Common

The possibility of moving the Royal Military Academy out of the Warren was mooted as early as 1783, as it was fast outgrowing the available accommodation. At first costs precluded this possibility, but (with the Academy continuing to grow) James Wyatt, the Board of Ordnance Architect, was commissioned to design a new complex of buildings to stand, on a site facing the Royal Artillery Barracks, at the southern edge of Woolwich Common; it was built between 1796 and 1805 and opened for use the following year.[6]

One of the original accommodation blocks (left) with 1862 addition alongside (right).

Wyatt's Academy was built of yellow brick in the Tudor Gothic style. It consisted of a central block (reminiscent of the Ordnance Board's headquarters in the Tower of London) flanked by a pair of accommodation blocks, linked by arcaded walkways. The central block contained classrooms, a library and offices; the accommodation blocks housed officers in the three-storey central sections and cadets in the two-storey wings. Behind the central block Wyatt placed a large dining hall flanked by spacious quadrangles having service buildings around the sides.[2]

128 cadets moved to the new Academy: these comprised the four senior years. Of the younger cadets, sixty were kept at the Warren (by then renamed the Royal Arsenal) and another sixty were sent to a new college for junior cadets at Great Marlow. Practical teaching continued to be given in the working context of the Arsenal. In 1810, military cadets of the East India Company, who had previously been educated at the Academy, were moved to a new college at Addiscombe.[7]

During the years that followed the status of the cadets changed: rather than being considered (albeit junior) military personnel, as had previously been the case, they were removed from the muster roll and they (or their parents) began to be charged fees for attendance. In this way the Academy took on something of the ethos of an English public school. In 1844 the Academy was described by Edward Mogg as accommodating:

about one hundred and thirty young gentlemen, the sons of military men, and the more respectable classes, who are here instructed in mathematics, land-surveying, with mapping, fortification, engineering, the use of the musket and sword exercise, and field-pieces; and for whose use twelve brass cannon, three-pounders, are placed in front of the building, practising with which they acquire a knowledge of their application in the field of battle. This department is under the direction of a lieutenant-general, an instructor, a professor of mathematics, and a professor of fortification; in addition to which there are French, German, and drawing masters.[8]

Following the demise of the Board of Ordnance in the wake of the Crimean War the Academy was inspected by a commission which recommended changes: the minimum age for cadets was raised to fifteen and more specialist training was added.[2] As part of these reforms the Academy complex was enlarged in the 1860s, with a view to accommodating all cadets on the same site (although some would remain in the Arsenal through to the 1880s): the frontage was extended with the addition of new pavilions at either end, in similar style to Wyatt's work but in red brick rather than yellow; William Jervois was the architect.[5] These contained new classrooms, with accommodation provided in similar new blocks behind. Sports facilities were also added along with gun batteries for training. In 1873 Wyatt's central block had to be entirely rebuilt following a devastating fire.[2] A new chiming clock was provided at this time by Gillett & Bland of Croydon; the movement and bells were placed in the north-east turret and connected by rods to the dial on the parapet.[9]

  • North-west Gate on Academy Road[10]
    North-west Gate on Academy Road[10]
  • Accommodation block (1806)
    Accommodation block (1806)
  • Roofs and turrets accommodation block (1806)
    Roofs and turrets accommodation block (1806)
  • North-east accommodation block (1862) from the north
    North-east accommodation block (1862) from the north
  • North-west accommodation block (1862) from the west
    North-west accommodation block (1862) from the west
  • South-west accommodation block (1877)
    South-west accommodation block (1877)
  • South-east accommodation block (1892)
    South-east accommodation block (1892)
  • South-west Gate on Academy Road[11]
    South-west Gate on Academy Road[11]

Closure and aftermath

View from the north-west in 2015

Following the demise of the Board of Ordnance, Parliament had explored the possibility of a merger between the Royal Military Academy and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst (which only trained officers for the Infantry and Cavalry); although senior Army officers rejected the idea at the time it persisted into the twentieth century. Arguments in favour of a merger gained momentum in the 1920s when the specialist and scientific training which had been Woolwich's preserve began to be outsourced to other locations. In 1936 it was decided that the merger should take place; but the Second World War intervened and in 1939 both institutions closed as their cadets were called up for active service.[12]

The Royal Military Academy Woolwich closed in 1939 and in 1947 the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst was formed on the site of the former Royal Military College with the objective of providing officer training for all arms and services.[13]

Refurbishment of the site underway in 2015

Thereafter, the old Academy site became part of Woolwich Garrison, housing troops of various types in the years that followed. The central block was taken over by the Royal Artillery Institution and housed a museum, archives and offices. The chapel (commissioned in 1902 by Commandant Richard Henry Jelf, commemorated by a brass plaque in the chapel)[14] became the Garrison Church (replacing the bombed out Garrison Church of St George).[14] In this way the old Academy continued in military use through the 20th century, but with the number of personnel based in Woolwich having steadily decreased, the site was in 2002 declared surplus to requirements.[5] It closed the following year; two stained glass windows from the chapel – one by Christopher Whall, an Arts & Crafts artist – were moved to the Garrison Church of St Alban the Martyr at Larkhill, where they are displayed in lightboxes.[15]

Sale and redevelopment

Durkan Group bought the Woolwich site by public tender in 2006 and redevelopment started in 2008.[6] The Woolwich buildings, several of which are grade II listed,[14] were converted and extended into 334 houses and apartments, including 150 for a housing association. In 2017 the scaffolding around the main facade was removed as refurbishment neared completion.[6] Since 2013 the RMA cricket field, one of the oldest in the UK, has been used by the 3rd and 4th teams of Blackheath Cricket Club.[16]

Legacy

Education and training

Until 1870 prospective officers in the British Army had for the most part to purchase their commissions, and education or training was not seen as a requirement for the rôle. The Board of Ordnance's establishment of a Military Academy represented a very different approach, whereby training and education were obligatory for aspiring officers of its corps, and promotion was offered according to merit (those with highest achievement in their exams being given the first choice of opportunities).[12]

Architecture

The main Academy buildings are described by Historic England as "an outstanding example of Wyatt's Gothick style, and one of the most important pieces of military architecture in the country".[14]

Slang

A phrase said to have entered common parlance from the Academy is "talking shop" (meaning "to discuss subjects not understood by others").[12]

The name of the cue game "snooker" (reputedly invented by a former cadet of the Academy) is said to derive from a slang term for newly arrived cadets: the French term "les neux", which was later corrupted into "snooks".[12]

Governors and Commandants

Commandants have included:[17]

Notable teachers

Notable teachers at Woolwich include (in alphabetical order by surname):

See also

References

  1. ^ History of the Royal Military Academy
  2. ^ a b c d "The Royal Arsenal" (PDF). University College London. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 April 2022. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  3. ^ "Royal Engineers Museum – Articles – Royal Military Academy, Woolwich". Archived from the original on 10 August 2006. Retrieved 24 December 2008.
  4. ^ a b Hogg, Brigadier O.F.G. (1963). The Royal Arsenal Woolwich. Vol. I. London: Oxford University Press.
  5. ^ a b c d "Woolwich Common and Royal Military Academy Areas" (PDF). University College London. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  6. ^ a b c Binney, Marcus (21 March 2008). "Royal Military Academy in Woolwich is turned into luxury apartments". The Times. London. Retrieved 15 April 2011.
  7. ^ Vibart 1894, p. 9
  8. ^ Mogg, Edward. "Mogg's New Picture of London and Visitor's Guide to it Sights, 1844". Victorian London. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
  9. ^ Guillery, Peter, ed. (2012). Survey of London, vol. 48: Woolwich. New Haven & London: Yale University Press. pp. 420–434.
  10. ^ Historic England. "Royal Military Academy North-west gate (1079070)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  11. ^ Historic England. "Royal Military Academy South-west gate (1358937)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  12. ^ a b c d "The History of RMA Sandhurst" (PDF). British Army. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  13. ^ Facilities in Sandhurst – 1937
  14. ^ a b c d Historic England. "Church of St Michael and All Angels, Royal Military Academy (1390520)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  15. ^ "Woolwich to Larkhill". Sunrise Stained Glass Ltd. Retrieved 29 July 2016.
  16. ^ "Grounds". Blackheath CC. Retrieved 1 March 2017.
  17. ^ Army Commands Archived 2015-07-05 at the Wayback Machine
  18. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Captain F. G. Guggisberg. "'The Shop': The Story of the Royal Military Academy". Retrieved 2 March 2023.
  19. ^ a b "No. 27359". The London Gazette. 27 September 1901. p. 6295.
  20. ^ Newsome, Sarah; Williams, Andrew (2009). An Archaeological Survey of Woolwich Common. English Heritage. p. 54. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  21. ^ Encyclopædia Britannica Online: Sir Frederick Augustus Abel
  22. ^ Encyclopædia Britannica Online: Peter Barlow
  23. ^ MacTutor Biography: Peter Barlow
  24. ^ Lance Day and Ian McNeil, Biographical dictionary of the history of technology, Routledge, 1995, page 42.
  25. ^ Ingalls, James M. (1886), Exterior Ballistics in the Plane of Fire, New York: D. van Nostrand, p. 18
  26. ^ Whittaker, Thomas (1886). "Bonnycastle, John" . In Stephen, Leslie (ed.). Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 5. London: Smith, Elder & Co.
  27. ^ Lee, Sidney (1901). Dictionary of National Biography sup vol 1 Abbot-Childers. London: Elder Smith & Co.
  28. ^ "Christie, Samuel Hunter (CHRY800SH)". A Cambridge Alumni Database. University of Cambridge.
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Sources

  • Guggisberg, Captain F. G. (1902). "The Shop": The Story of the Royal Military Academy. London: Cassell. (Second, revised edition; online edition at Harvard here)
  • Timbers, Ken (2008). The Royal Artillery, Woolwich: A Celebration. Third Millennium. ISBN 978-1-90394273-4.
  • Vibart, H.M. (1894). Addiscombe: Its Heroes and Men of Note. Westminster: Archibald Constable.
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