Wellington Court Explained

Wellington Court
Alternate Names:Red Barracks
Building Type:Barracks
Architectural Style:Georgian architecture
Structural System:Red brick, part rendered
Material:Red brick
Owner:Private
Location Town:Weymouth, Dorset
Location Country:England
Coordinates:50.606°N -2.4511°W
Groundbreaking Date:1795
Completion Date:1801
Opened Date:1796
Floor Count:3
Designations:Grade II listed

Wellington Court (formerly Red Barracks) is a former barracks overlooking Weymouth Harbour in Weymouth, Dorset, England. It has been converted to housing and apartments. The original building is Grade II listed.

History

Red Barracks were first conceived and built as cavalry barracks in 1795–6.[1] [2] The barracks were rebuilt in 1801 around a parade area, following a fire in 1798, and used as infantry barracks, with accommodation for 17 officers and 270 men.[1] There was also a 30-bed hospital.[2] The barracks were built because King George III understood the need to improve Great Britain’s defences against potential invasion by Napoleon’s French troops.[2] The barracks were one of three built in Weymouth. During the Napoleonic Wars, the barracks stationed troops from Hanover.[2]

The main three-story block is to the southwest of where the parade ground was located. It is a long rectangular building with four doorways facing what was the parade ground. There are sash windows.

There is a plan of the barracks dating from 1907 in the UK National Archives.[3] The site was sold in 1984 for subsequent redevelopment as Wellington Court.[4]

The site is located on Barrack Road, which leads to Nothe Fort.[5] Weymouth Peace Garden (formerly a burial ground) is located immediately adjacent to the site and Nothe Gardens are close by to the location.[6]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: 'Weymouth', in An Inventory of the Historical Monuments in Dorset . 2 . 1970 . 330–374 . British History Online . UK . 23 July 2017 .
  2. Web site: Georgian Walks – Part Two . Weymouthwalks.co.uk . UK . 23 July 2017 .
  3. Web site: Weymouth Red and Bincleaves Barracks. Skeleton Record Plan of Barracks . . UK . 23 July 2017 .
  4. News: Plan to replace Red Barracks windows turned down as it 'wouldn't respect the historical character' of listed building . Tara . Cox . . UK . 22 August 2015 . 23 July 2017 .
  5. Web site: The Nothe, Nothe Fort and Portland Breakwater . Weymouth-Dorset.co.uk . UK . 23 July 2017 .
  6. Web site: Nothe Gardens . dorsetforyou.com . 28 June 2011 . 20 November 2012.