Queen's Barracks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Queen's Barracks |
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| Perth, Scotland | |
The site of Queen's Barracks: now occupied by the local police headquarters
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 Queen's Barracks
Location within Perth and Kinross
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| Coordinates | 56°23′58″N 3°26′15″W / 56.39950°N 3.43740°W |
| Type | Barracks |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Ministry of Defence |
| Operator |  British Army |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1793 |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | 1793-1961 |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | Black Watch |
Queen's Barracks was an important military base located in Perth, Scotland. It served as a home for soldiers for many years.
Contents
Building the Barracks
The Queen's Barracks were built in 1793. They were located in the north-west part of Perth. At first, these barracks were designed to house cavalry regiments. Cavalry soldiers ride horses into battle.
How the Barracks Got Their Name
The barracks became home to a group of soldiers called the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen's Bays). These soldiers were known as the "Queen's Bays." This is how the barracks got their name, "Queen's Barracks." Later, the barracks were changed to house infantry regiments. Infantry soldiers fight on foot.
Changes and New Regiments
Over time, the barracks saw many changes. They became a training and living base for different army groups.
Army Reforms and New Homes
In 1873, the British Army made some big changes. These were part of the Cardwell Reforms. The reforms created special areas for recruiting soldiers based on counties. The Queen's Barracks became a "depot" for two important regiments. A depot is like a main base where new soldiers train and equipment is stored.
The regiments based there were the 42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment of Foot and the 79th (Cameron Highlanders) Regiment of Foot.
The Black Watch Arrives
More army changes happened later, known as the Childers Reforms. In 1881, the 42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment of Foot joined with another group, the 73rd (Perthshire) Regiment of Foot. Together, they formed a famous new regiment called the Black Watch. The Queen's Barracks then became the main depot for the Black Watch.
The Barracks Today
The Queen's Barracks served the army for a long time. However, their military use eventually came to an end.
End of an Era
In May 1961, the Queen's Barracks were officially closed down. They were then taken apart. The land where the barracks once stood was later used for new buildings. It became the headquarters for local police forces. First, it was the Perth and Kinross Constabulary. Then, it became Tayside Police. Today, it is used by Police Scotland.
Moving On
After the barracks closed, the main office and museum for the Black Watch regiment moved. They found a new home at Balhousie Castle in the 1960s. The museum is still there today.
Another part of the army, the Army Reserve, now has a center nearby. This center has taken on the name "Queen's Barracks."
A Special Memorial
In June 2017, the Black Watch Association placed a memorial at the old barracks site. It is a simple stone structure. It helps everyone remember the history of the Queen's Barracks and the soldiers who served there.
