Garrison Walk

In 1855/56, on land between Military and Mersea Roads, the Army built wooden huts and the Garrison Church for infantry destined for the Crimean War. The government soon decided to construct a permanent military garrison on land south of the town centre, so in 1862 they erected cavalry barracks. This was followed by the building of artillery barracks in 1874 and brick infantry barracks which replaced the wooden huts in the 1890s.

At the Cavalry and Royal Artillery (Le Cateau) Barracks, the Army introduced an innovative design to instigate more hygienic conditions. They placed the ground floor stalls for horses on either side of a central drainage gulley and fitted doors at both ends to allow a good circulation of air. The men's living quarters were on the first floor, separated by a concrete floor from the horses below. Today, these barracks are the only remaining examples of this type of mid-Victorian military building.

The Victorian buildings of Colchester Garrison achieved lasting fame as the setting for the title sequence of the 1989 BBC comedy series 'Blackadder Goes Forth' starring Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie and Tony Robinson.

The tour is led by local historian Paul Knappett.

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

1100

Location & directions

Colchester Airborne Soldier Statue, Flagstaff Road public open space, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7NY

Directions:

The 'What Three Words' location is ///votes.cycle.tonic

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Additional information

The nearby Roman Circus Centre will also be open for Heritage Open Days on this date between 1000 and 1530.

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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