Wellington Barracks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wellington Barracks |
|
|---|---|
| London | |
Wellington Barracks
|
|
 Wellington Barracks
Location within London
|
|
| Coordinates | 51°29′59″N 0°8′16″W / 51.49972°N 0.13778°W |
| Type | Barracks |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Ministry of Defence |
| Operator |  British Army |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1833 |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | 1833-Present |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | Grenadier Guards Coldstream Guards Scots Guards |
Wellington Barracks is a special military base in the heart of London, England. It's home to the Foot Guards, who are soldiers with important jobs. These soldiers perform "public duties" like guarding Buckingham Palace. The barracks is very close to the palace, about 300 yards away. This means guards can get there super fast if there's an emergency. It sits between two famous streets, Birdcage Walk and Petty France. Several groups of soldiers, all the Foot Guards' musical bands, and their main offices are located here.
Contents
History of Wellington Barracks
Wellington Barracks was designed by two architects, Sir Francis Smith and Philip Hardwick. It first opened its doors in 1833. This makes it a very old and important building.
The Guards' Chapel
Inside the barracks, there's a special church called the Guards' Chapel. The original chapel was sadly destroyed during World War II by a special type of bomb called a V-1 flying bomb. It was rebuilt in the 1960s.
In 2007, something very important happened at the chapel. Prince William and Prince Harry, the sons of Diana, Princess of Wales, held a memorial service there. This service marked 10 years since their mother's passing.
Who Lives Here Now?
Today, three famous groups of soldiers live and work at Wellington Barracks. These are the Grenadier Guards, the Coldstream Guards, and the Scots Guards. Each of these groups has a company, or a section of soldiers, based at the barracks. The building itself is considered a "Grade II listed" building. This means it's a very important historical place that needs to be protected. Even its gates and railings are special!
What's Inside Wellington Barracks?
Wellington Barracks has many useful things for the soldiers who live and work there. It's like a small town within the city!
Places to Relax and Eat
- There's a fun bar for the younger soldiers. It has games like horse racing and snooker tables.
- You can find a shop called Cost Cutter.
- There's also a self-serve restaurant where soldiers can grab a meal.
- A masseur is available for relaxation.
- There are special dining areas called "messes" for officers and sergeants.
Learning and Fitness
- Soldiers can use a special room with internet access.
- There's also an interactive learning center. This is open to all soldiers and their families.
- For staying fit, there's a gymnasium with squash courts.
Museum and Memorial
- The The Guards Museum is located right here. It's a fantastic place to learn about the Foot Guards. You can see old uniforms, flags, and other items from over 300 years of their history.
- The Flanders Fields Memorial Garden is also at the barracks. It's a peaceful garden next to the Guards' Chapel, remembering soldiers who fought in wars.
