Wyvern Barracks

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

For the Cavalry barracks in Exeter, see Higher Barracks, Exeter.
Wyvern Barracks
Exeter
Wyvern Barracks in Topsham Road
Wyvern Barracks
Location within Devon
Coordinates50°42′41″N 03°30′41″W
TypeBarracks
Site information
OwnerMinistry of Defence
Operator British Army
Site history
Built1800
Built forWar Office
In use1800-Present
Garrison information
Occupants6th Battalion, The Rifles

History

The site was established as an artillery barracks for the Board of Ordnance under the name of Topsham Barracks around 1800.[1] In 1873 a system of recruiting areas based on counties was instituted under the Cardwell Reforms and the barracks became the depot for the two battalions of the 10th (North Devonshire) Regiment of Foot.[2] Following the Childers Reforms, the regiment evolved to become the Devonshire Regiment with its depot in the barracks in 1881.[2]

During the First World War a reserve brigade of the Royal Field Artillery was based there[3] and during the Second World War units of the United States Army were based there.[4] After becoming home to the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment in 1958,[5] the barracks went on to become the regional centre for infantry training as the Wessex Brigade Depot under the name of Wyvern Barracks in 1960.[6] It is currently home to Battalion HQ, HQ Company and an Assault Pioneer Platoon of 6th Battalion, The Rifles and Exeter UOTC,[7] as well as B Detachment of 243 Field Hospital and 72 Military Intelligence Company Detachment of 7 Military Intelligence Battalion.[8]

References
  1. Historic England. "Guard House and attached wall Wyvern Barracks (1109979)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  2. "Training Depots". Regiments.org. Archived from the original on 10 February 2006. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
  3. "The Royal Artillery depots, training units and home defences". Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  4. "Black American GIs arrive in Exeter". Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  5. "Amalgamation 1958". Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  6. "Infantry Brigade Depots (Location)". Hansard. 7 March 1958. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  7. "6th Battalion The Rifles". The Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  8. "Local Army Directory". Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
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