Operator British Army Year built 1797 Built for War Office | In use 1797-1969 Owner Ministry of Defence Occupant Northamptonshire Regiment | |
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Type The former school building which formed part of the barracks complex Occupants Northamptonshire Regiment | ||
Gibraltar Barracks is a former military installation at Northampton in Northamptonshire.
History
Permanent barracks were first established in Northampton as part of the British response to the threat of the French Revolution in around 1797. The site comprised three barrack blocks and large parade ground. In 1873 a system of recruiting areas based on counties was instituted under the Cardwell Reforms and the barracks became the depot for the 48th (Northamptonshire) Regiment of Foot and the 58th (Rutlandshire) Regiment of Foot. The barracks were renamed Gibraltar Barracks at that time in recognition of the participation of the 58th regiment in the Great Siege of Gibraltar. Following the Childers Reforms, the 48th and 58th Regiments amalgamated to form the Northamptonshire Regiment with its depot at the barracks in 1881.
The regiment re-located to Simpson Barracks at Wootton in 1939. The barracks were remodelled to accommodate the pay office of Northern Command in 1957 and then demolished when the site was sold to the Royal Mail in 1969. The site is now occupied by a Royal Mail Sorting Centre. There are proposals to build a free school on the site.