Castlehill Barracks Explained

Castlehill Barracks
Type:Barracks
Map Type:Scotland Aberdeen
Pushpin Map Caption:Location within Aberdeen
Location:Aberdeen, Scotland
Ownership:Ministry of Defence
Built:1764-1796
Used:1796-1935
Built For:War Office
Garrison:Gordon Highlanders

Castlehill Barracks was a military installation in Aberdeen in Scotland.

History

The barracks, which were built on the site of a 12th-century castle, were completed in response to a perceived threat from France between 1764 and 1796.[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 92nd (Gordon Highlanders) Regiment of Foot and the 93rd (Sutherland Highlanders) Regiment of Foot.[2] Following the Childers Reforms, the 75th (Stirlingshire) Regiment of Foot amalgamated with the 92nd (Gordon Highlanders) Regiment of Foot to form the Gordon Highlanders with its depot in the barracks in 1881.[2] A major extension in the form of a large new block was built to accommodate the new depot between 1880 and 1881.[1]

The barracks fell into a state of disrepair in the early part of the 20th century.[1] They were withdrawn from military use in 1935 when the Gordon Highlanders moved to Gordon Barracks at Bridge of Don and were used as emergency housing in the 1940s and 1950s.[3] The barracks were ultimately demolished in 1965 to make way for the Marischal Court and Virginia Court flats.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Castle Hill. Doric Columns. 8 December 2015.
  2. Web site: Training Depots . Regiments.org . 16 October 2016 . bot: unknown . https://web.archive.org/web/20060210172841/http://www.regiments.org/regiments/uk/depot/1873.htm . 10 February 2006 .
  3. Web site: Castlehill. Aberdeen Voice. February 2011. 8 December 2015.
  4. Book: Aberdeen City Centre Through Time. 15 November 2013. Aberdeen City Council. 9781445617541. 8 December 2015.