The Grand Shaft Barracks in the 1850's.
There were two main sites of barracks on
the Western Heights. The first date from 1804 and were known
as the Grand Shaft Barracks, being located at the top of
the Grand Shaft Staircase.
They provided accommodation for 59 Officers, 1,300 NCOs
and privates and eight horses. These barracks were noted
for their light and airy situation, and close to them near
Archcliffe Gate was a Military Hospital, with beds for 180.
The second large set of barracks was the South Front Barracks,
built in the 1860s. They were constructed in a huge trench,
facing the sea with different floor levels connected to
the hill behind by cast iron bridges and galleries. These
were not such pleasant barracks to live in, being cold and
dark.
Both sets of barracks and the hospital were demolished in
the 1960s.
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