Victoria Barracks was a military installation in Bodmin, Cornwall.
| Victoria Barracks, Bodmin | |
|---|---|
| Bodmin | |
 The keep, now a museum | |
  Victoria Barracks, Bodmin Location within Cornwall | |
| Coordinates | 50°27′55″N 04°42′54″W / 50.46528°N 4.71500°W |
| Type | Barracks |
| Site information | |
| Operator |  British Army |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1859 |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | 1859-1968 |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry |
History
editThe barracks originally comprised a keep, adjoining stables and a parade ground completed in 1859.[1] In 1873 a system of recruiting areas based on counties was instituted under the Cardwell Reforms and the barracks became the depot for the 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot and the 46th (South Devonshire) Regiment of Foot.[2] Following the Childers Reforms, the 32nd and 46th Regiments amalgamated to form the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry with its depot in the barracks in 1881.[2] The keep became the gatehouse and a hospital and married quarters were added at that time.[1]
During the Second World War the barracks were an infantry training centre.[3] In 1959 the barracks became the depot of the Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry and continued in that role until the regiment was disbanded in 1968.[4]
Bodmin Keep, Cornwall's Army Museum
editThe keep is still standing and hosts Bodmin Keep, Cornwall's Army Museum. Founded in 1925, the museum displays small arms, machine guns, maps, uniforms and paintings, and George Washington's Bible, captured by the 46th Regiment of Foot in 1777.[5] Exhibits also included Harry Patch's medals[6] and Herbert Carter's Victoria Cross.[7]
References
edit
- ^ a b "Bodmin Town Conservation Area Character Appraisal" (PDF). Cornwall County Council. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
- ^ a b "Training Depots". Regiments.org. Archived from the original on 10 February 2006. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
- ^ "Diary of a Squaddie: The First Three Days". BBC. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
- ^ "The Somerset & Cornwall Light Infantry". British Armed Forces. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
- ^ "Cornwall's Regimental Museum". Ogilby Trust. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
- ^ "WWI Veteran Harry Patch's medals to go on display in Cornwall". Culture 24. 13 August 2009. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
- ^ "The eventful life and death of Major Herbert Augustine Carter VC". Kaiser Cross. Retrieved 26 May 2014.