Pontefract Barracks

Pontefract Barracks
Pontefract
Pontefract Barracks
Site information
Type	Barracks
Owner	Ministry of Defence
Operator	British Army
Location
Pontefract Barracks Location within West Yorkshire
Coordinates	53°41′08″N1°19′35″W / 53.68554°N 1.32647°W / 53.68554; -1.32647
Site history
Built	1879
Built for	War Office
In use	1879–1963
Garrison information
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]}

References

1. "Office investment with development potential" (PDF). Edisons. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 November 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
2. "Echoes of the past in these Army cuts". 8 July 2012. Archived from the original on 28 November 2014. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
3. "Training Depots". Regiments.org. Archived from the original on 10 February 2006. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
4. "Years in Focus". Pontefractus. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
5. "Oral Answers to Questions — British Army". They work for you. 10 June 1964. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
6. "Planning application". Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
7. "West Yorks property development firm Asquith Properties in administration". Yorkshire Post. 12 September 2008. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.