Gibraltar Barracks, Northampton

Gibraltar Barracks is a former military installation at Northampton in Northamptonshire.

For the Combat Engineer School, see Gibraltar Barracks, Minley.
Gibraltar Barracks
Northampton, Northamptonshire
A school house which originally formed part of Gibraltar Barracks
Gibraltar Barracks
Location within Northamptonshire
Coordinates52.246°N 0.898°W / 52.246; -0.898
TypeThe former school building which formed part of the barracks complex
Site information
OwnerMinistry of Defence
Operator British Army
Site history
Built1797
Built forWar Office
In use1797–1969
Garrison information
OccupantsNorthamptonshire Regiment

History

Permanent barracks were first established in Northampton as part of the British response to the threat of the French Revolution in around 1797.[1] The site comprised three barrack blocks and large parade ground.[2] In 1873 a system of recruiting areas based on counties was instituted under the Cardwell Reforms and the barracks became the depot for the 48th (Northamptonshire) Regiment of Foot and the 58th (Rutlandshire) Regiment of Foot.[3] The barracks were renamed Gibraltar Barracks at that time in recognition of the participation of the 58th regiment in the Great Siege of Gibraltar.[2] Following the Childers Reforms, the 48th and 58th Regiments amalgamated to form the Northamptonshire Regiment with its depot at the barracks in 1881.[3]

The regiment re-located to Simpson Barracks at Wootton in 1939.[2] The barracks were remodelled to accommodate the pay office of Northern Command in 1957 and then demolished when the site was sold to the Royal Mail in 1969.[2] The site was occupied by a Royal Mail Sorting Centre,[2] which has now been replaced by Northampton International Academy.[4] The modern barracks located southwest of the current school, known as Gibraltar Barracks, is now used by the Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland Army Cadet Force.[5]

References
  1. "Parliamentary accounts and papers". UK Parliament. 23 July 1847. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  2. "Archaeological Assessment" (PDF). Northamptonshire County Council. Retrieved 11 December 2015.
  3. "Training Depots". Regiments.org. Archived from the original on 10 February 2006. Retrieved 16 October 2016.CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  4. "Northampton International Academy with spaces for 2,200 pupils will open in time for new school year". Northampton Chronicle. 6 June 2018. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  5. "A Company Corps Drums". Army Cadets. Retrieved 7 January 2018.


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