St George's Barracks, London
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
St George's Barracks was a military installation in Orange Street, behind the National Gallery, in London.
| St George's Barracks | |
|---|---|
| London | |
Recruiting Sergeants from St George's Barracks | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Barracks |
| Owner | War Office |
| Operator |  British Army |
| Location | |
  St George's Barracks Location within London | |
| Coordinates | 51.50939°N 0.12839°W |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1826 |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | 1826–1911 |
History
The barracks, which were designed by John Nash and built as the main recruiting depot for the London area,[1] were completed in 1826.[2] Recruiting sergeants for the regiments based at the barracks tended to operate within a tight area defined by St. George's Barracks, Trafalgar Square and Westminster Abbey.[3] The barracks, which were also used as facilities to accommodate regiments of foot guards,[4] were retained into the 20th century because of the need for troops to be at hand to quell disturbances in Trafalgar Square.[5] They were ultimately demolished in 1911[6] and the site is now occupied by the National Portrait Gallery.[7]