Maryhill Barracks facts for kids
Maryhill Barracks was a large army base located in the Maryhill area of northern Glasgow, Scotland. It was built on about 12 hectares (30 acres) of land. This important military site was used by the British Army for many years.
Quick facts for kids Maryhill Barracks |
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Maryhill Barracks
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 Maryhill Barracks
Location within Glasgow
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| Coordinates | 55°53′20″N 04°17′18″W / 55.88889°N 4.28833°W |
| Type | Barracks |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Ministry of Defence |
| Operator |  British Army |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1872 |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | 1872-1959 |
Contents
A Look Back: Maryhill Barracks
The barracks first opened in 1872. It was originally called Garrioch Barracks. It was built to house different types of soldiers. This included foot soldiers (infantry), horse-riding soldiers (cavalry), and artillery units with cannons. This new base replaced an older one in the East End of Glasgow.
Why Maryhill Was Chosen
For many years, Glasgow City leaders wanted more military protection. They worried about unrest in the growing industrial city. Even though Maryhill was a separate town back then, it agreed to have the new barracks built. The base was greatly expanded and fully opened in 1876.
A Community Hub
The barracks were built to a very high standard. They helped create a strong sense of community in Maryhill. There was even a "Glasgow Soldiers' Home." This was a place where soldiers on leave could meet their families. Local pubs also had names like the "Highland Light Infantry" (HLI). This showed how much the military was part of the town.
Life at the Barracks
In 1911, special homes were added for married soldiers and their families. This made the barracks even more like a small town. It was a busy and important place for many years.
Key Events and Roles
Maryhill Barracks played a part in several important historical moments.
The 1919 Glasgow Strike
In 1919, Glasgow had a big general strike. This was called the "40-hours general strike." During this time, soldiers at Maryhill Barracks were kept inside. Other troops were brought in from different areas to help keep order.
A Home for Famous Regiments
Also in 1919, Maryhill Barracks was used as a meeting point. Soldiers from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders gathered there before going to India. In March 1921, the barracks became the main base for the Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow) regiment. It was also home to the Scots Greys regiment.
World War II and Rudolf Hess
During World War II, Maryhill Barracks was used as a prisoner of war camp. In 1941, Adolf Hitler's second-in-command, Rudolf Hess, was held there. This happened after his famous flight to the UK. In 1942, General Charles de Gaulle, the leader of the Free French Forces, visited French troops at the barracks.
End of an Era
Maryhill Barracks was officially closed in 1959. This happened after the Highland Light Infantry regiment joined with another. Most of the buildings were taken down in 1961. The land was then given to Glasgow City Council. It was used to build the Wyndford housing estate.
Today, only the guardroom and some boundary walls remain. However, a modern army unit is still based nearby. The 52nd Lowland Volunteers, 6th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, is located at the nearby Walcheren Barracks.
