However, I know that Dartmouth is not actually owned by the Navy, but granted to them for use as a training establishment by a local landowner (historic thing...!) hence it cannot be 'sold' by the Navy as they don't technically own it.
That may not be true. I have read that the Defence Works Act of 1842 was invoked for a compulsory purchase. One source -
http://www.bishoparchitecture.com/wp...valCollege.pdf and another -
Educating the Royal Navy: 18th and 19th Century Education for Officers - Harry W. Dickinson - Google Books