Bernera Barracks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bernera Barracks |
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| Glenelg | |
Bernera Barracks
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 Bernera Barracks
Location within Ross and Cromarty
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| Coordinates | 57°12′58″N 05°37′12″W / 57.21611°N 5.62000°W |
| Type | Barracks |
| Site information | |
| Operator |  British Army |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1717–1723 |
| In use | 1723-1797 |
Bernera Barracks is an old military fort located in Glenelg, a beautiful area in the West Highlands of Scotland. This fort was built a long time ago, between 1717 and 1723. It was part of a plan by the British government to keep the peace and control the local people. These people had rebelled in a big uprising called the Jacobite Rising of 1715. They would rebel again later in 1745.
The soldiers stationed here also helped control the important crossing to the Isle of Skye. Today, Bernera Barracks is mostly in ruins, but it's still a very important historical site.
Contents
What are Bernera Barracks?
Bernera Barracks was a military base built by the British Army. It was designed to house soldiers and help the government control the Highlands of Scotland. The fort was used for many years, from 1723 until 1797.
Why Were They Built?
The main reason Bernera Barracks was built was to deal with the "Jacobite Risings." These were a series of rebellions where people in Scotland tried to put a different royal family back on the throne of Great Britain. After a big uprising in 1715, the government decided they needed strong forts like Bernera to keep order and prevent future rebellions. The barracks helped the government keep an eye on the area and stop people from causing trouble.
Who Built This Fort?
The design for Bernera Barracks came from skilled architects. These included Andrews Jelfe and John Lambertus Romer. They worked for a government department called the Board of Ordnance, which was in charge of military buildings. Some people think an earlier architect, James Smith, might have also been involved. The actual building work was done by Sir Patrick Strachan. Interestingly, some of the stone used to build the barracks came from an even older structure nearby. This was an ancient stone tower called a broch.
What Happened to the Barracks?
Bernera Barracks stopped being used by soldiers in 1797. Not long after that, it started to fall into ruin. Today, the barracks are mostly ruins, just like the ancient broch it was built near. However, it is a very important historical place. Because of its history, Bernera Barracks is now a "scheduled monument." This means it is a special historical site that is protected by law. It helps us remember an important time in Scotland's past.
