How a Victorian training camp evolved into the permanent home of the British Army.

Science · Published 20 October 2026 · Updated 21 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Established in 1854 to professionalize troop training, Aldershot Garrison transformed from a temporary tented site into a sprawling military town. While it remains a vital hub for the British Army today, its history is marked by rapid architectural evolution, strategic military shifts, and a tragic turning point in 1972.

Before the mid-19th century, the British Army lacked a centralized, permanent training facility, relying instead on scattered, historic garrisons. Following the death of the Duke of Wellington in 1852, reformers including Prince Albert sought to modernize military training. After successful maneuvers at Chobham Common in 1853, the War Department purchased heathland near Aldershot for £12 an acre in 1854. Initially intended as a summer tented camp, the outbreak of the Crimean War necessitated more robust infrastructure, leading to the construction of 1,200 wooden huts by 1859.

The garrison's physical character shifted dramatically in the late 19th century. Under the influence of Major-General Sir Evelyn Wood, the temporary wooden structures were replaced by permanent brick barracks. Following the Barracks Act 1890, the North and South Camps were rebuilt, with barracks named after famous British victories, such as the Napoleonic campaigns. This era cemented Aldershot's status as the 'home of the British Army,' a reputation bolstered by its role as a headquarters for various commands, including the 2nd Corps and the I Army Corps.

The garrison's open-plan nature changed abruptly on 22 February 1972, when an Official IRA car bomb detonated outside the 16th Parachute Brigade headquarters mess. The attack, which killed seven civilian support staff and injured 19, was claimed as retaliation for Bloody Sunday. In the aftermath, the military implemented strict security measures, including fencing and patrols. Today, the garrison supports a population of approximately 10,500, housing 70 units and organizations, while its surrounding training grounds remain accessible to the public when not in active use.

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