Pontefract Barracks Explained

Pontefract Barracks
Type:Barracks
Map Type:West Yorkshire
Pushpin Map Caption:Location within West Yorkshire
Location:Pontefract
Ownership:Ministry of Defence
Built:1879
Used:1879–1963
Built For:War Office
Occupants:King'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]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Office investment with development potential . Edisons . 16 November 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141128230727/http://www.propertypilot.co.uk/pdf/129+3373.pdf . November 28, 2014 .
  2. Web site: Echoes of the past in these Army cuts. 8 July 2012. 13 November 2014. 28 November 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141128154103/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/9383385/Echoes-of-the-past-in-these-Army-cuts.html. live.
  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: Years in Focus. Pontefractus. 16 November 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141129012209/http://www.pontefractus.co.uk/focusyears/pontefract_1959_009.htm. 29 November 2014. dead.
  5. Web site: Oral Answers to Questions — British Army. They work for you. 10 June 1964. 16 November 2014. 29 November 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141129070023/http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=1964-06-10a.436.8. live.
  6. Web site: Planning application. 16 November 2014. 29 November 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141129031254/https://planning.wakefield.gov.uk/online-applications/propertyDetails.do;jsessionid=D83ECE3E7B0E15727573CAA3A3808CD6?previousCaseType=Application&previousKeyVal=MAJLC3QQ90000&activeTab=summary&previousCaseNumber=12%2F01903%2FFUL&keyVal=002W3OQQLI000. live.
  7. News: West Yorks property development firm Asquith Properties in administration. Yorkshire Post. 12 September 2008. 16 February 2019. 17 February 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190217084928/https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/west-yorks-property-development-firm-asquith-properties-in-administration-1-2191897. live.