London Barracks
Posted by Bob Whitworth on August 12, 1998 at 23:13:26:
Recently someone posted a request for information on military barracks in London. Here's what I've been able to find, so far.
London Barracks
In “An Entire New Plan of the Cities of London & Westminster; with the Borough of Southwark: Comprehending the New Buildings and other Alterations, to the year 1810”, I find no barracks within the central part of the city complex, except those of the Horse Guards in Whitehall. However, there are barracks shown in Knightsbridge, just below the Serpentine River at Hyde Park, and southeast of Hyde Park corner. Further along the Bath/Bristol road in Knightsbridge, about 200 yards west and on the north side of the road (closer to the Serpentine River) is another barracks, probably affiliated with this one.
In “Old and New London Illustrated,” the author describes these barracks: “Of the barracks at Knightsbridge, facing the Park, usually occupied by one of the regiments of the Guards, there is little to say, except that they are badly placed, and an eyesore to the neighbourhood. They consist of a range of dull heavy brick buildings, and were erected in 1794-95. They will accommodate about 600 men, and there is stabling for 500 horses. In the centre of the building is an oblong parade ground, around which are apartments for the private soldiers. At the west end is a riding-school, and a wing cut up into residences for the officers.
At the corner of South Place and Hill Street, nearly opposite the barracks, stands the celebrated floor-cloth manufactory of Messsrs. Smith and Barber."
ALSO: St. John’s Wood
“Close by, in Circus Road, the Emperor Napoleon lived for some time during his sojourn in England; and in Ordnance Road, between St. John’s Wood and the west side of Primrose Hill, are some barracks, generally occupied by a regiment of the Line or Guards."
Although not noted as barracks on the map, the buildings that surround the Artillery Ground near Finsbury Square, would most likely have served as quarters for Artillery
personnel.
One more thing to note is that a number of the cavalry were boarded at inns within the city.
I’ve not been able to find anything on barracks in Kensington, but would surmise that there were accommodations for the Guards of the Palace there.
Hope this helps.
~Bob Whitworth
- About those references . . . Woodhouse 06:52:16 8/13/98
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- Barracks Bob Whitworth 09:38:28 8/13/98
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- You're right, Bob. I burn with envy! (nfm) Woodhouse 09:36:04 8/14/98
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- Ah! Caroline 14:53:40 8/13/98
(1)
- Ah! Bob Whitworth 16:45:32 8/13/98
(0)
- Ah! Bob Whitworth 16:45:32 8/13/98
(0)
- You're right, Bob. I burn with envy! (nfm) Woodhouse 09:36:04 8/14/98
(0)
- Barracks Bob Whitworth 09:38:28 8/13/98
(3)
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