Just ahead, peeking above the trees, you’ll spot a big, red-brick building with square, castle-like towers-look up past the fountain and you’ll see the striking Jellalabad Barracks keep standing strong.
Imagine it’s the late 1800s and you hear the distant sound of boots thudding, orders being shouted, and maybe even the odd nervous joke from new recruits ready to join the Somerset regiment. Built between 1879 and 1881, these barracks were not just any military building-they look more like a fortress dropped from a fairytale, thanks to their Gothic Revival style. They got their name from a battle far away in Afghanistan: Jellalabad, a place where the local regiment-then the 13th Regiment of Foot-showed some serious grit. Fast forward to the start of World War I, and the atmosphere would have been thick with tension and excitement as young men lined up here, about to step into the unknown. Over the years, the bugle calls and marching gave way to something a bit less dramatic: paperwork, as the Royal Army Pay Corps took over and the building turned into a pay office. In the 1990s, most of the barracks disappeared, making room for homes, but this keep survived, holding onto its secrets and stories. Now, it’s Grade II listed-a reminder that even the toughest barracks need a bit of TLC. So, don’t be surprised if you feel a sudden urge to stand tall and salute! This old keep has certainly seen its share of bravery, nerves, and even a bit of military mischief.
