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.
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]