At the outbreak of WW1 two airfields were constructed in the immediate area of Dover. A third facility RNAS Dover (HMS Arrogant) was constructed for seaplanes on the disused Guilford Barracks at the foot of the cliffs on Marine Parade. The station included three hangars (now demolished), a mess room, accomodation, stores, workshops and administration buildings. The latter survives but in a derelict state. (1)

The building that remains dates from, it is thought, circa 1850 as part of Guilford Battery. It was extended in the 1890s. The battery was demolished in 1910 to make way for a skating rink and the building was used as office accomodation. The rink was requisitioned at the outbreak of war and converted into a seaplane hangar. Two further hangars were built alongside. The latter were demolished in the 1920s and the rink building was demolished in the 1980s.

Dover District Council, 2013, Dover District Heritage Strategy (Bibliographic reference). SKE31372.