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Officers' Barracks


 Posted by Captain Everett on August 05, 1998 at 19:22:05:


In response to This is great, Captain, written by ElaineL on August 05, 1998 at 17:18:33


To L and T index ] ...would have stayed in a barracks in Town while on duty? ... are Knightsbridge and Kennsington names of sections of the city? Would it have looked like the kind of military bases we have in the 20th C. in the US? OR did they put up the buildings amongst other existing civilian buildings? 
 dictatorship." [snip]
 
Officers were, of course, provided with their own housing within the "Barracks."  It should be noted that the term, applied no so much to a single building, but rather several structures (accomodation, storerooms, guardroom, etc.) gathered around a parade ground.
The mens' housing was very spartan; furnishings and such were laid out in specific regulations.  The best description I ever heard of a soldier's barracks was at Old Fort Erie where one of the interpreters described it as a "barn for people."
The officers on the other hand were not restricted to the barracks unless on duty.  The general practise was for them to hire a room in a private dwelling, or rent in a hotel or similar establishment.  The difference here being that the host had the privilage of accepting or declining to let the space.  An officer would be looked upon as a desireable tenant, especially if from a fashionable regiment.  Of course, staying with friends or family would be the most prefered option.  If the officer was on duty, or could not afford to rent, he would stay in the barracks or fort.  Here, the officers provided their own furniture and other amenities.
I'm afraid I am equally ignorant of the geography of both England and London.  Perhaps someone else can provide details of those locations (although I believe they are parts of London, but outside the actual square mile(?) of "London" proper.  Nor do I have specific information on the vicinity of the barracks.  I've seen a few plans, but no local maps or illustrations.  In Upper Canada (as in the USA) there was sufficient vacant land to establish a "Military Reserve" upon which a "fort" (any sizeable military installation) could be built.  I suspect that in the United Kingdom, and especially in the cities, most of these barracks would be set down amongst the existing buildings - not unlike Armouries are today.  Happy to be of service.
I remain, etc.
Jason E.





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