Kempston Barracks

The barracks were built in the Fortress Gothic Revival Style and completed between 1875 and 1876.[1] Their creation took place as part of the Cardwell Reforms which encouraged the localisation of British military forces.[2] The barracks became the depot for the two battalions of the 16th (Bedfordshire) Regiment of Foot.[3] Following the Childers Reforms, the regiment evolved to become the Bedfordshire Regiment with its depot in the barracks in 1881.[3]

The barracks went on to be the depot for the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment in 1919.[4] The building was used as a convalescent centre during the Second World War.[1] The barracks were closed when the regiment was merged with the Essex Regiment to form the 3rd East Anglian Regiment (16th/44th Foot) on 2 June 1958; much of the site has been developed for residential use and the keep is now occupied by a masonic lodge.[1]