Wyvern Barracks

For the Cavalry barracks in Exeter, see Higher Barracks, Exeter.
Wyvern Barracks
Exeter

Wyvern Barracks in Topsham Road
Wyvern Barracks
Location within Devon
Coordinates 50°42′41″N 03°30′41″W / 50.71139°N 3.51139°WCoordinates: 50°42′41″N 03°30′41″W / 50.71139°N 3.51139°W
Type Barracks
Site information
Owner Ministry of Defence
Operator  British Army
Site history
Built 1800
Built for War Office
In use 1800-Present
Garrison information
Occupants 6th Battalion, The Rifles

Wyvern Barracks is a military installation on Topsham Road in Exeter.

History

The site was established as an artillery barracks for the Board of Ordnance under the name of Topsham Barracks around 1800.[1] During the First World War a reserve brigade of the Royal Field Artillery was based there[2] and during the Second World War units of the United States Army were based there.[3] After becoming home to the Devonshire Regiment and then, from 1958, home to the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment,[4] the barracks became known as Wyvern Barracks and went on to become the regional centre for infantry training as the Wessex Brigade Depot in 1960.[5] It is currently home to Battalion HQ, HQ Company and an Assault Pioneer Platoon of 6th Battalion, The Rifles and Exeter UOTC.[6]

References

  1. ↑ "Guard House and attached wall Wyvern Barracks". English Heritage. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  2. ↑ "The Royal Artillery depots, training units and home defences". Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  3. ↑ "Black American GIs arrive in Exeter". Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  4. ↑ "Amalgamation 1958". Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  5. ↑ "Infantry Brigade Depots (Location)". Hansard. 7 March 1958. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  6. ↑ "6th Battalion The Rifles". The Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 9 November 2014.