Victoria Barracks is a British Army barracks located 0.25 miles (0.40 km) south of Windsor Castle.
| Victoria Barracks | |
|---|---|
| Windsor, Berkshire in England | |
 Band of The Scots Guards leaves Victoria Barracks | |
  Victoria Barracks Shown within Berkshire | |
| Coordinates | 51°28′43″N 000°36′26″W / 51.47861°N 0.60722°W |
| Type | Barracks |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Ministry of Defence |
| Operator |  British Army |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1853 |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | 1853-Present |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards |
History
editThe original barracks were built in 1853[1] and were enlarged in 1911.[2] The old barracks were completely demolished in 1988 and new barracks were built between 1989[3] and 1993.[4]
The barracks remain the place from where troops set off to change the guard at Windsor Castle.[5] The Changing the Guard at Windsor Castle takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11am.[6]
Intruder
editIn April 2022, an intruder who was a priest managed to spend the night at the barracks despite showing no identification or credentials, reportedly eating and drinking with senior officers, having claimed to have been a friend of the battalion's padre.[7] Thames Valley Police officers attended and removed the intruder, Father Cruz, from the barracks. No further action was taken. However, an Army spokesman said: "The Army takes this breach of security extremely seriously and it will be thoroughly investigated as a matter of priority."[8]
Units
editThe sole garrisoned unit, the 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards, is a light infantry battalion operating as part of the 11th Security Force Assistance Brigade.[9]
References
edit- ^ "A brief history of Windsor". Retrieved 31 March 2014.
- ^ "The royal borough of Windsor: Introduction, A History of the County of Berkshire: Volume 3". 1923. pp. 1–5. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
- ^ "Victoria Barracks". Hansard. 18 October 1889. Retrieved 13 September 2016.
- ^ Naylor, p. 199
- ^ "Changing the Guard at Windsor Castle". Retrieved 31 March 2014.
- ^ "Guard at Windsor Castle - Ceremonial Events - The Household Division - Official site". www.householddivision.org.uk. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
- ^ McSherry, Gemma (2 May 2022). "Fake priest 'spends night at army barracks near Windsor Castle'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
- ^ "Army investigates intruder reports at Windsor base". BBC News. 3 May 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
- ^ "Future Soldier Guide" (PDF). Ministry of Defence. 1 October 2023.
Sources
edit- Naylor, Murray (1995). Among Friends: Scots Guards 1956-93. Pen & Sword. ISBN 978-0850524550.
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