Buildings

"There is no point on which the soldiers' comfort has not been consulted!". These were the words of a Lichfield Mercury reporter after he'd visited the barrack blocks of the newly constructed Whittington Barracks in May 1880.

The plan of the barracks is based around a large parade square. The entrance was from the Lichfield end, not directly off the A51 as today, and had a North and South Gate, separated by the Keep.

Perhaps the most imposing building in the barracks was the Clock Tower Building, which lay on the square. The building was three storeys high, with the clock tower a further two storeys above. The building housed a joint Officers' Mess for the North and South depots, the Militia Officers' Mess, and the Officers' Quarters. Unfortunately the building fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1984, although the clock was saved.

The completed barracks was formally handed over to the military authorities on 29th October 1880.