Plymouth, Raglan Barracks, Devonport

PLYMOUTH
DATA

The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History

RAGLAN BARRACKS

Built between 1854 & 1858 on the sites of the old Frederick, Cumberland & Ligonier Squares together with portions of Piquet Barracks and George Square, extending from Fore Street to the north to Cumberland Street to the south. The whole area comprised eleven acres, of which 3½ were covered with buildings and 4½ acres were taken by the huge parade ground.

Named in honour of Lord Fitzroy James Henry Somerset (1788-1855), first Baron Raglan 1852, who commanded the British forces at the Crimea in 1854.

In July 1853 the Plymouth Times reported that Mr Clift, a Plymouth builder, had been contracted to build one wing of the barracks at a cost of £54,086 11s 8d. By August the following year the Plymouth Mail said he 'is proceeding rapidly in the erection of these buildings, which, when completed, will form a considerable ornament to the Eastern entrance to the town, as well as spacious and excellent accommodation for the troops.' The work on the fortifications had been stopped for some time by the failure of the contractor but it was hoped they would be soon resumed. A military road was to be constructed from the foot of Stonehouse Hill to the Eastern Barrier.

Raglan Barracks was constructed of yellow bricks and had flat roofs and lengthy verandas. The style gave rise to the story that the plans had been destined for a tropical location and came to Devonport by mistake. It was lit by over 1,000 gas jets. The married quarters were on part of the old George Square. It was built to accommodate two entire regiments of the line, or 2,000 men and 80 officers.

A view looking north of Raglan Barracks at Devonport

A view looking north of Raglan Barracks, Devonport.

No formal opening ceremony took place but on December 24th 1858 the 96th Regiment of Foot marched through the gate in full dress under Lt-Colonel E W Scovell.

The Garrison Church was detached, situated as it was on the south side of Cumberland Road. It could seat over 1,000 men for Divine Service on Sundays. Just to the rear of the Church was the gymnasium and a building now known as the Picquet Barracks. It is thought to have derived its name from the card game, "Piquet", which was probably played in this building by the officers of the Garrison.

The Main Guard at Ragalan Barracks, Devonport

The Main Guard at Ragalan Barracks.

On Friday July 10th 1908 it was suddenly announced that the provision of a guard at the Main Guard in Cumberland Road was to cease from midnight and from July 11th anybody needing to visit the Military Families' Hospital would have to ring the bell now provided on the hospital gate.

In 1937 the War Department decided that Raglan Barracks was out-of-date and should be demolished. Work on South Raglan had just started when war broke out in 1939.

Raglan Barracks has been demolished apart from the gateway, which has been preserved. Housing now covers the site. The Picquet Barracks is being currently used by Plymouth City Council.

When the National Health Service took over the running of hospitals in 1948, the War Department handed the Military Families' Hospital over to the Ministry of Health. Between 1952 1nd 1956 it was used as a tuberculosis unit and then in 1957 was re-opened as the Devonport Maternity Home.