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1730-1770 Plan and Profiles for Building Barracks
A detailed plan of the new barracks at Hilsea, designed to accommodate two battalions.
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1756-08 A Barracks for 2,000 Men
In August the British government contracts the construction of new barracks near Portsbridge, with a completion deadline of six months. The work begins the same month.
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1759-05 Joseph Tankard, Deserter
A reward is offered for the capture of Joseph Tankard, of Bradford, deserter from the 33rd Regiment of Foot.
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In May, Lord Loudoun arrives at Portsmouth to review the soldiers stationed at Hilsea Barracks.
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1761-12 Gross Belgians breathe a better air than we
The poem Epistle from a Soldier in Hilsea Barracks to his Friend in London describes the barracks as a gloomy place with poor air quality, bad weather, and little sunlight. Near the barracks, French prisoners are held in harsh conditions at Portchester Castle.
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1762-09 Deserters, One Guinea Apiece
In September, a notice is published seeking the capture of seven deserters from His Majesty’s 30th Regiment of Foot, stationed at Hilsea Barracks. A reward of one guinea per deserter on top of the statutory reward is offered.
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1763 Noxious and Unhealthy Vapours
As part of a wider appeal for better accommodations, the Hilsea barracks are criticised for their proximity to tidal marshes, which generate unhealthy dampness. This makes conditions worse than living aboard ships in harbour. The problem is further compounded by poor construction, with low ceilings, inadequate ventilation, and salt-water bricks that attract moisture.
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1763-12 William Neller Arrested at Hilsea Barracks
William Kneller, who was convicted of stealing a silver tankard at the 1763-07 Salisbury Assizes and sentenced to transportation, is arrested at Hilsea Barracks in December.
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1764-11 An Entertainment for the Officers
In November the Duke of Richmond reviews the Young Buffs at Hilsea Barracks.
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James Lind highlights Hilsea Barracks as a location notorious for persistent autumnal diseases. He notes that these illnesses frequently occur in this specific area, while other places remain unaffected. Lind argues that the health issues at Hilsea are due to the poor local conditions rather than the overall climate of Great Britain.
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1781-07 A Remarkable Mode of Kidnapping
Men promised work haymaking suddenly find themselves at Hilsea Barracks.
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1781-08 Gross Irregularity and Barbarities Committed by the Military
Militia attacking locals. You can’t help feeling this and the last item might be related.
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“…an example in other cases, not to trouble the courts with vexatious and frivolous litigations.”
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1795-06 Prisoners Carried to Hilsea Barracks
In June, French prisoners from captured ships at Spithead disembark, with most taken to Hilsea Barracks. Many prisoners sing Republican hymns. One of the parties of men mutinies during transport, but order is restored after a member of the Gloucester militia shoots one of the mutineers. Approximately 3,500 prisoners are brought to Hilsea.