Hilsea Barracks

The site was originally occupied by Gatcombe Manor, a medieval house which was acquired through marriage by Admiral Sir Roger Curtis, Bt in the 18th century.

)[3] A plan for barracks on the site was first drawn up by William Dundas in 1756, in connection with the construction of Hilsea Lines (designed to protect Portsmouth and its Dockyard from landward attack).

Building commenced in 1780; as designed, the barracks consisted of rows of long wooden huts arranged around three sides of a parade ground.

[5] In 1801 they were described as 'very extensive' and were being used 'for accommodating a great number of men, who are generally sent there previously to embarking on foreign service, and also on their return.

The Victorian riding school, built for the Royal Artillery in the 1890s and some of the walls which enclosed the barracks still survive.

Plan and illustration of the barracks in the 18th century.