Forton Barracks

Forton Barracks
Gosport, Hampshire
Forton Barracks
Forton Barracks
Location within Hampshire
Coordinates 50°48′00″N 1°08′10″W / 50.800°N 1.136°W / 50.800; -1.136Coordinates: 50°48′00″N 1°08′10″W / 50.800°N 1.136°W / 50.800; -1.136
Type Royal Marines Base
Site history
Built 1807
Built for Admiralty
In use 1807-1923
Garrison information
Occupants Portsmouth Division, Royal Marines

Forton Barracks was a military installation occupied by the Royal Marines near Gosport in Hampshire.

History

Forton Barracks was built in 1807 and went on to become the home of the Portsmouth Division of the Royal Marines Light Infantry in 1848.[1] The mill and millpond became part of the site in 1858 and further expansion, with the construction of married quarters for officers, took place in the 1890s.[2] A 400-seater theatre was built within the site in 1893.[1]

In 1922 defence cuts meant that Portsmouth Division of the Royal Marine Light Infantry and the Royal Marine Artillery were amalgamated. The newly created Portsmouth Division of the Royal Marines moved to Eastney Barracks in August 1923 leaving the site empty.[2]

In 1927 the Barracks were recommissioned as HMS St. Vincent creating a Royal Naval training establishment for boy seamen and juniors.[3] It continued as a shore establishment with the Royal Navy until 1969.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 "St Vincent". Gosport Heritage. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 "Forton Road Conservation Area Appraisal". Gosport Council. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  3. ↑ "Forton Barracks". Royal Navy Research Archive. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
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