[2] In 1848, the barracks were described in the Topographical Dictionary of England:[3] The cavalry barracks in Albany-road are neatly built of brick, and occupy an area of eight acres and a half; the buildings comprise accommodation for 400 men, with stabling for their horses, a riding-school, infirmary, magazine, and an extensive ground for exercise.Originally designed to house 450 officers and men and 400 horses the barracks were almost entirely rebuilt between 1891 and 1893.

The only building to survive from the original barracks is the officers' mess which was built between 1820 and 1821 and is situated on the east side of the parade ground.

Three parallel blocks used for soldiers' accommodation and stables, service buildings and the riding school were all built in 1891.

[4] On 24 September 1971 an anarchist group called the Angry Brigade bombed the barracks in response to Operation Banner, the British Army's presence in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

[6][7][8] The music hall singer Ida Barr, whose real name was Maud Barlow, was born in the barracks on 17 January 1882, the daughter of a corporal-major in the Life Guards.