Victoria Barracks, Bodmin

Victoria Barracks was a military installation in Bodmin, Cornwall.

Victoria Barracks, Bodmin
Bodmin
The keep, now a museum
Victoria Barracks, Bodmin is located in Cornwall
Victoria Barracks, Bodmin
Victoria Barracks, Bodmin
Location within Cornwall
Coordinates50°27′55″N 04°42′54″W
TypeBarracks
Site information
Operator British Army
Site history
Built1859
Built forWar Office
In use1859-1968
Garrison information
OccupantsSomerset and Cornwall Light Infantry

History

The 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]

Cornwall's Regimental Museum

The keep is still standing and hosts Cornwall's Regimental Museum which was founded in 1925 and 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
  1. "Bodmin Town Conservation Area Character Appraisal" (PDF). Cornwall County Council. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  2. "Training Depots". Regiments.org. Archived from the original on 10 February 2006. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
  3. "Diary of a Squaddie: The First Three Days". BBC. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  4. "The Somerset & Cornwall Light Infantry". British Armed Forces. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  5. "Cornwall's Regimental Museum". Ogilby Trust. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  6. "WWI Veteran Harry Patch's medals to go on display in Cornwall". Culture 24. 13 August 2009. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  7. "The eventful life and death of Major Herbert Augustine Carter VC". Kaiser Cross. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
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