Gibraltar Barracks, Bury St Edmunds facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gibraltar Barracks |
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| Bury St Edmunds | |
Gibraltar Barracks
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 Gibraltar Barracks
Location within Suffolk
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| Coordinates | 52°14′53″N 00°41′54″E / 52.24806°N 0.69833°E |
| Type | Barracks |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Ministry of Defence |
| Operator |  British Army |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1878 |
| Built for | War Office |
| Architect | Major HC Seddon RE |
| In use | 1878-2010s |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | Royal Anglian Regiment |
Gibraltar Barracks is a historic former military base in Bury St Edmunds, England. It was once a busy home for British soldiers. Today, it is a special place where you can learn about military history. The barracks now houses the Suffolk Regiment Museum.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of Gibraltar Barracks
Gibraltar Barracks first opened its doors in 1878. It was built as part of big changes to the British Army. These changes aimed to keep soldiers closer to their local areas. The barracks became a main base, or "depot," for the 12th (East Suffolk) Regiment of Foot.
From Depot to Training Hub
In 1881, the 12th Regiment changed its name to the Suffolk Regiment. Gibraltar Barracks remained its important home base. Years later, in 1960, the barracks became a major training center. It was known as the East Anglian Brigade Depot. Soldiers learned important infantry skills there. Even though the barracks is no longer an active military base, it still serves as the main office for the Royal Anglian Regiment.
Discover the Suffolk Regiment Museum
The Suffolk Regiment Museum is located right inside Gibraltar Barracks. It first opened in 1935 in the officers' mess. Later, in the late 1960s, it moved to the historic "keep" building. This museum is a fantastic place to explore military history.
What You Can See at the Museum
Inside the museum, you can find many interesting items. There are old uniforms that soldiers wore. You can also see different weapons they used. The museum displays special trophies and badges from the regiment. Musical instruments and other cool items from the past are also on show. It's a great way to learn about the brave soldiers of the Suffolk Regiment.
