The Old Barracks, Warwick facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Old Barracks
Warwick
The Old Barracks
The Old Barracks Location within Warwickshire
Coordinates	52°17′00″N 1°35′23″W / 52.2832°N 1.5897°W / 52.2832; -1.5897
Type	Barracks
Site history
Built	1783
Built for	War Office
In use	1860-1932
Listed Building – Grade I
Designated	10 January 1953
Reference no.	1364827

The Old Barracks is a historic building in Warwick, England. It used to be a place where soldiers lived and trained. Today, it's recognized as a Grade I listed building, which means it's very important and protected.

A Building with Many Lives

The Old Barracks has had many different uses over the years. It started as a prison and later became a home for soldiers.

From Prison to Barracks

The building was first designed by an architect named Thomas Johnson. He finished it in 1783. It was built in a special style called the Greek Doric style. This style uses strong, simple columns.

At first, the building was the local prison. Later, in 1793, it was made bigger by Henry Couchman.

In 1860, the prison moved to a new location. So, the Old Barracks building got a new purpose. It was turned into a barracks for soldiers. Specifically, it housed the 1st Warwickshire Militia Regiment. A "militia regiment" is a group of local citizens trained to help defend their area.

A Military Hub

Before the First World War began, the building became even more important for the military. It was the main headquarters for the 48th (South Midland) Division. This division was a large group of soldiers.

After that, the building was used as an army record office. This is where important military papers and information were kept.

Later Years

The Old Barracks stopped being used by the military in 1930. This is called being "decommissioned."

Two years later, in 1932, the building became part of the Shire Hall complex. The Shire Hall is a large government building in Warwick. The Old Barracks was joined to it when the complex was expanded.