1876-1991 Stoughton Barracks

1995 Cardwells Keep

Important dates in the history of Stoughton Barracks
Now Cardwell's Keep

1874-1876

Between 1874 and 1876 plans were prepared and construction commenced. It is said that some four million bricks were used, the bricks being supplied by a Mr W Wells of Rydes Hill, Guildford. In 1876 the licensing authorities approved an application to build The Royal Hotel. It was to become a favourite 'watering hole' for many Queensmen during the occupation of the barracks.

1876

In 1876 the first description of the new barracks was published in the local paper, 'The Surrey Advertiser & County Times'. It revealed that the barracks was to house up to 300 men of The 2^nd or Queen's Royal Regiment and would also be the Headquarters for The 2^nd Surrey Militia when they were called for training. The barracks were completed in 1876 and its first official title was 'The 48^th Brigade Depot'. Because of the imposing entrance and The Keep it immediately became a local landmark.

1878

In 1878 the public house 'The Royal Hotel' was opened.

Corporals "chatting up" the barmaid at The Royal Hotel. c1900

1879

A new married quarters block was built opposite the barracks in Barrack Road.

Stoughton Post Office once located in Barrack Road

1881

Under the Cardwell Reforms in 1881 The 2^nd or Queens Royal became The Queen's Royal (West Surrey) Regiment and the title 48 Infantry Brigade Depot was abolished. The census which was carried out during the year revealed that 500 men, women and children were living in Stoughton Barracks.

1899-1902

Both regular battalions of the Regiment had seen service abroad since the barracks had opened. During the Boer War reinforcements were mustered and dispatched to South Africa including elements of the local Militia unit.

Barrack Road, Stoughton. One of the original married quarters.

1904

A new site plan published in 1904 now held by the Guildford Museum, shows the new drainage layout and records the row of single storey cottages opposite the main entrance as 'Married Soldiers Quarters'.

 

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