Normanton Barracks Explained

Normanton Barracks
Type:Barracks
Map Type:Derbyshire
Pushpin Map Caption:Location within Derbyshire
Location:Derby
Ownership:Ministry of Defence
Built:1874–1877
Used:1877 - 1963
Built For:War Office
Occupants:Sherwood Foresters

Normanton Barracks was a military installation in Normanton, Derby, England.

History

The barracks were built in the Fortress Gothic Revival Style between 1874 and 1877.[1] Their creation took place as part of the Cardwell Reforms which encouraged the localisation of British military forces.[2] The barracks became the depot for the 54th (West Norfolk) Regiment of Foot and the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot.[3] Following the Childers Reforms, the 45th Regiment of Foot (Sherwood Foresters) amalgamated with the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot to form the Sherwood Foresters with its depot in the barracks in 1881.[3]

Many reservists enlisted at the barracks at the start of the First World War.[4] During the Second World War the barracks were significantly expanded.[5] However they were demoted to the status of out-station to the Forester Brigade depot at Glen Parva Barracks in 1958[6] and decommissioned in 1963.[1] The Sherwood Foresters Regimental Museum moved to Nottingham Castle in 1965[7] and the barracks were then demolished in 1981.[1] The site is now occupied by Foresters Leisure Park.[8]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Nothing ever happens in Sinfin. This is Sinfin. 8 November 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130811094319/http://sinfin-derby.co.uk/History.html. 11 August 2013.
  2. Web site: Echoes of the past in these Army cuts. Allan Mallinson. Daily Telegraph. 8 July 2012. 8 January 2017.
  3. Web site: Training Depots. Regiments.org. 16 October 2016. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20060210172841/http://www.regiments.org/regiments/uk/depot/1873.htm. 10 February 2006.
  4. Web site: The memoirs of a volunteer. Western Front Association. 8 November 2014.
  5. Web site: Bygones: Sunnyhill Camp used for prisoners of war as Second World War progressed. Derby Telegraph. 3 September 2014. 8 January 2017.
  6. Web site: Sherwood foresters Post war. Ministry of Defence. 8 November 2014.
  7. Web site: Sherwood Foresters Regimental Museum. 8 November 2014.
  8. Web site: Plaque marks victory in old soldier's barracks campaign. Derby Telegraph. 21 September 2012. 8 November 2014.