Berwick-upon-Tweed Barracks

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Berwick Barracks

Northumberland

Berwick Barracks (6952122663).jpg
Berwick Barracks
Type: Barracks
Location
Location: 55°46’16"N, 2°0’4"W
Town: Berwick-upon-Tweed
History
Built 1717–1721
Barracks
Information
Owned by: English Heritage

Berwick Barracks, sometimes known as Ravensdowne Barracks, is a former military installation of the British Army in Berwick-upon-Tweed, which is now a tourist attraction and museum.

History

The barracks were Britain's earliest purpose-built barracks of the modern era. They were built between 1717 and 1721 by Nicholas Hawksmoor for the Board of Ordnance to protect the town during the Jacobite risings.[1] The work, which involved two parallel blocks of military accommodation, was supervised by Captain Thomas Phillips.[2] An additional block was added between 1739 and 1741.[2] After the Napoleonic Wars the barracks were abandoned but put back into use in the 1850s.[2]

The barracks became the depot of the King's Own Scottish Borderers in July 1881.[3] The King's Own Scottish Borderers moved out of the barracks in 1963 but the regimental museum is here.

The barracks are now maintained by English Heritage.[4]

Museum

The museum hosts an exhibition entitled "By Beat of Drum" which shows the life of the British infantryman.[5] It also houses the last colours of the King's Own Scottish Borderers before it was amalgamated into the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006.[6]

Outside links

References