Wellesley Barracks

Wellesley Barracks is a military installation in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England.

History
The barracks was built in the Fortress Gothic Revival Style as a depot for the 33rd and 76th Regiment's. On 1 April 1873 the Depot was established, with construction completed in 1877. On 1 September the Depot Companies of the 33rd and 76th Regiments marched in. Their creation took place as part of the Cardwell Reforms which encouraged the localisation of British military forces. In 1881, as part of the Cardwell reforms, the 76th Regiment was merged to become the 2nd Battalion of the Duke of Wellington's.

A Regimental Museum was established at the barracks in 1921. The barracks was demoted to the status of out-station to the Yorkshire Brigade depot at Queen Elizabeth II Barracks, Strensall in 1958 and the regimental museum collection was rehoused in the Bankfield Textile Museum in 1961, with the regimental archives and library remaining onsite. Although many of the buildings on the site were subsequently demolished, the keep was retained and is owned by Calderdale Council, with no public access. In 2005 the barracks became the site of the new Halifax High School.

External link

 * Malcolm Bull's Calderdale Companion - Wellesley Barracks historical images