A Mr Scott on his precision driving test. This looks like the former parade ground of Victoria Barracks now, Pembroke Park, Old PortsmouthA Mr Scott on his precision driving test. This looks like the former parade ground of Victoria Barracks now, Pembroke Park, Old Portsmouth
A Mr Scott on his precision driving test. This looks like the former parade ground of Victoria Barracks now, Pembroke Park, Old Portsmouth

15 historic photos of Victoria Barracks before it was demolished

Take a look into the past at this interesting military barracks that was demolished in 1967.
By Deborah Croker
Published 12th May 2020, 16:43 GMT
Updated 12th May 2020, 16:43 GMT

The barracks were built in 1880 on the edge of Southsea and consisted of a pair of long barrack ranges, linked by arcades at either end to form a narrow quadrangle.

There was a separate Officers' Quarters and Mess Establishment to the south-west.

The first unit to use the barracks was the 1st Battalion, the South Lancashire Regiment, and a large parade ground was built.

During the Second World War the central tower of the Officers’ Quarters was bombed and seriously damaged. After the war the buildings were used by the navy to train new recruits.

After the barracks were demolished in 1967 the site was redeveloped for homes and is now known as Pembroke Park.

MORE RETRO PHOTOS: Southsea Castle | Clarence Pier and Parade | Eastney Barracks

This is a view of Divisions on Victoria Barracks parade ground in 1954. This vista is from the Duchess of Kent Barracks and we see sailors and wrens standing to attention.

1. Victoria Barracks

This is a view of Divisions on Victoria Barracks parade ground in 1954. This vista is from the Duchess of Kent Barracks and we see sailors and wrens standing to attention. Photo: The News archive

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Victoria Barracks, Southsea, 1898

2. Victoria Barracks

Victoria Barracks, Southsea, 1898 Photo: The News archive

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This tanks was located on the green outside the Victoria Barracks in Victoria Avenue, Southsea from 1919 until sometime in the 1930's. Later she was 'fused' together with another WWI tank which was located at HMS Excellent, Whale Island and the complete thing now resides at the tank museum at Bovington in Dorset.

3. Victoria Barracks

This tanks was located on the green outside the Victoria Barracks in Victoria Avenue, Southsea from 1919 until sometime in the 1930's. Later she was 'fused' together with another WWI tank which was located at HMS Excellent, Whale Island and the complete thing now resides at the tank museum at Bovington in Dorset. Photo: The News archive

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Victoria Barracks around 1920 taken from the roof of the former Pier Hotel which stood on the corner of Bellevue Terrace and Southsea Terrace. The junction of Victoria Avenue and Bellevue Terrace (lower) with Jubilee Terrace disappearing around the bend. On the skyline can be seen the clock tower of the Guildhall, centre. To the lower left a figure, possibly a shepherd, is either herding a flock of sheep or maybe pigs south along Victoria Avenue! Amazingly, the road has been built so wide as if the designers knew the one day the car, and not one to be seen here, was coming. The barrack blocks have all since been demolished, apart from a north block that was retained and is now the city museum.The remainder is now Pembroke Park, and all private housing. The tramlines have also long gone of course.The last trams ran in the city in November 1936

4. Victoria Barracks

Victoria Barracks around 1920 taken from the roof of the former Pier Hotel which stood on the corner of Bellevue Terrace and Southsea Terrace. The junction of Victoria Avenue and Bellevue Terrace (lower) with Jubilee Terrace disappearing around the bend. On the skyline can be seen the clock tower of the Guildhall, centre. To the lower left a figure, possibly a shepherd, is either herding a flock of sheep or maybe pigs south along Victoria Avenue! Amazingly, the road has been built so wide as if the designers knew the one day the car, and not one to be seen here, was coming. The barrack blocks have all since been demolished, apart from a north block that was retained and is now the city museum.The remainder is now Pembroke Park, and all private housing. The tramlines have also long gone of course.The last trams ran in the city in November 1936 Photo: The News archive

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