History
Early establishment (1757–1861)
Chatham Infantry Barracks was opened in 1757 [6] as part of the military's effort to defend the Chatham Dockyard, which was crucial for naval operations. [7] [3] The barracks were one of the first large-scale, purpose-built Army barracks in England. [7] Located east of the Dockyard on sloping ground, the barracks complex was enclosed by a perimeter wall and consisted of two main areas:
- The Lower Barracks, which housed the soldiers
- The Upper Barracks, later known as “The Terrace”, which housed the officers [2]
The barracks featured a large central parade ground between the two sections. [2] The officers’ quarters were situated on elevated ground to the east and accessed via a double ramp from the parade ground. They were arranged in a row, housing field officers, captains, and subalterns, each with different room allocations. Officers also had servants, who were accommodated in the upper garrets. [2]
The soldiers’ accommodation was located to the west of the parade ground, arranged in three rows, with rooms shared by sixteen men in eight double beds. [2]
Within 20 years of opening, the barracks took on additional functions, including serving as the Army Depot of Recruits and Invalids. [2] It became a holding facility for new recruits, deserters, prisoners, and infirm soldiers returning from overseas. [2] This led to the appointment in 1778 of an Inspector General for Recruitment, centralizing the oversight of enlistment. Chatham served as a training depot for new recruits until 1801, when the role was transferred to Parkhurst Barracks on the Isle of Wight. [2] [8]
19th century: Expansion and upgrades
The Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century saw a significant concentration of troops at Chatham Barracks. After the wars, the site became a home depot for various regiments and a key embarkation point for overseas deployments. [9]
However, the condition of the barracks began to be criticized in the 1861 Royal Commission on Army Sanitation, which highlighted issues with overcrowding and poor facilities. [10] In response, several upgrades were made:
- An additional storey was added to many of the barrack blocks to alleviate overcrowding
- New buildings were constructed, improving the kitchens, washrooms, and recreational spaces
- The officers' quarters were relocated to new buildings near Prince Henry's Bastion, and their former accommodation was reassigned to sergeants and married non-commissioned officers (NCOs).
In 1865, the old Garrison Hospital was closed and its buildings on Maxwell Road were converted into barracks, known as Upper Chatham Barracks (later Upper Kitchener Barracks). [11]
Soldiers' Institute and Garrison Club (1861)
The Soldiers' Institute and Garrison Club, [12] opened in 1861, was an important establishment for soldiers stationed at the nearby barracks. [13] It provided recreational and social facilities such as a bar, library, and bowling alley. The building played a significant role in improving the welfare of soldiers and was run by a joint military and civilian committee. The Institute later became known as the Buckley Institute [14] [15] and eventually as the Men’s NAAFI. [16] The building was demolished in the late 1960s or early 1970s, although a part of its structure was retained, contributing to the boundary wall of Kitchener Barracks. [17] [18]
20th century: Renaming and further changes
In 1928, Chatham Barracks was renamed Kitchener Barracks when it was taken over by the Royal Engineers. [19] [20] Most of the original 18th-century buildings were demolished and replaced with more modern structures in the 1930s to 1950s. The barracks remained in active military use for much of the 20th century, serving various functions until its closure in 2014. [21]
Closure and redevelopment
In 2014, the Ministry of Defence closed Kitchener Barracks, and the site was sold to a property developer. The redevelopment plans for the site included preserving some of the historic buildings, including the 1930s barrack block and the 18th-century surviving structure. The development was granted planning permission in 2015, with the aim of converting the site into 295 homes. [21]
While the new residential development is taking place, several of the historic features of the barracks are being retained. The development continues to be known as Kitchener Barracks in recognition of its military history. The redevelopment is designed to integrate the historic architecture with modern living spaces, ensuring that the legacy of the barracks is preserved for future generations while providing much-needed housing for the Chatham area. [22]
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