Berwick Barracks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Berwick Barracks |
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| Berwick-upon-Tweed | |
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Berwick Barracks
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 Berwick Barracks
Location within Northumberland
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| Coordinates | 55°46′16″N 02°00′04″W / 55.77111°N 2.00111°W |
| Type | Barracks |
| Site information | |
| Owner | English Heritage |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1717–1721 |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | 1721-Present |
Berwick Barracks, also known as Ravensdowne Barracks, is a historic military site in Berwick-upon-Tweed, England. It was once a home for soldiers of the British Army. Today, it is a popular place to visit and learn about history.
Contents
History of Berwick Barracks
Building the Barracks (1717-1721)
The barracks were built a long time ago, between 1717 and 1721. Nicholas Hawksmoor, a famous architect, designed them. The Board of Ordnance, a government department, ordered their construction. They wanted to protect the town of Berwick during a time of unrest. This was when people called Jacobites were trying to put a different king on the throne.
Captain Thomas Phillips oversaw the building work. The barracks included two main blocks for soldiers to live in. More buildings were added between 1739 and 1741.
Life at the Barracks (1800s)
After the Napoleonic Wars ended in 1815, the barracks were not used for a while. But in the 1850s, they became active again.
Later, in 1881, the barracks became the main base, or depot, for a famous army group. This group was called the King's Own Scottish Borderers. They moved to Berwick from Fulford Barracks in July 1881.
The Barracks Today
The King's Own Scottish Borderers left the barracks in 1963. Since then, English Heritage has taken care of the site. English Heritage is a charity that looks after historic places in England. They make sure these important buildings are preserved for everyone to enjoy.
Museum at Berwick Barracks
Today, Berwick Barracks is home to an interesting museum. It has an exhibition called "By Beat of Drum." This exhibit shows what life was like for a British soldier. You can learn about their daily routines and challenges.
The museum also displays the last "colours" of the King's Own Scottish Borderers. Colours are special flags that represent an army regiment. This regiment joined with the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006.
Important Buildings at the Barracks
Many parts of Berwick Barracks are very old and important. They are protected as "Grade I listed structures." This means they are buildings of exceptional interest.
- The main entrance gateway and the guardhouse are Grade I listed.
- The West Barracks, East Barracks, and the Clock House are also Grade I listed.
