Bull Point Barracks were built between 1851 and 1855, with the date over the gate shows 1857. They were a Defensible Barracks with a perimeter wall.
The Defensible Barracks had a double purpose.
- They provided a small garrison to protect the Ordinance Yard which was built nearby at the same time.
- It was also intended to provide protection from land attack to the Devonport Dockyard lying to the north.
This defensible barracks had a very similar role to the defensible barracks at Pembroke Dockyard. The actual fortification is well preserved with a curtain wall and two demi-bastions providing flanking fire down the walls. The coat of arms over the gate would indicate that the Barracks were for the Royal Artillery.