Pontefract Barracks

53°41′08″N 1°19′35″W / 53.68554°N 1.32647°W / 53.68554; -1.32647TypeBarracksSite informationOwnerMinistry of DefenceOperator British ArmySite historyBuilt1879Built forWar OfficeIn use1879–1963Garrison informationOccupantsKing's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
York and Lancaster Regiment

Pontefract Barracks is a former military installation in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, England.

History

The barracks were built in the Fortress Gothic Revival Style and were completed in 1879.[1] Their creation took place as part of the Cardwell Reforms which encouraged the localisation of British military forces.[2]

The barracks were intended as depot for the 51st (2nd Yorkshire West Riding) Regiment of Foot and the 105th Regiment of Foot (Madras Light Infantry).[3] Under the Childers Reforms these regiments amalgamated to form the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry with its depot at the barracks in 1881.[3] The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry remained at the barracks until 1938 when they moved to Strensall Camp.[4]

The barracks were also intended as depot for the 65th (2nd Yorkshire, North Riding) Regiment of Foot and the 84th (York and Lancaster) Regiment of Foot.[3] Under the Childers Reforms these regiments amalgamated to form the York and Lancaster Regiment with its depot at the barracks in 1881.[4] The barracks were demoted to the status of out-station to the Yorkshire Brigade depot at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in 1958 and closed in 1963.[5] The barracks were redeveloped by Asquith Properties and converted into serviced offices in 1997.[6][7]

References

  1. ^ "Office investment with development potential" (PDF). Edisons. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 November 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  2. ^ "Echoes of the past in these Army cuts". 8 July 2012. Archived from the original on 28 November 2014. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
  3. ^ a b c "Training Depots". Regiments.org. Archived from the original on 10 February 2006. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
  4. ^ a b "Years in Focus". Pontefractus. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  5. ^ "Oral Answers to Questions — British Army". They work for you. 10 June 1964. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  6. ^ "Planning application". Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  7. ^ "West Yorks property development firm Asquith Properties in administration". Yorkshire Post. 12 September 2008. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.