Permanent barracks were first established in
Northampton as part of the British response to the threat of the
French Revolution in around 1797. The site comprised three barrack blocks and large parade ground. In 1873 a system of recruiting areas based on counties was instituted under the
Cardwell Reforms and the barracks became the
depot for the
48th (Northamptonshire) Regiment of Foot and the
58th (Rutlandshire) Regiment of Foot. The barracks were renamed Gibraltar Barracks at that time in recognition of the participation of the 58th regiment in the
Great Siege of Gibraltar. The modern barracks located southwest of the current school, known as Gibraltar Barracks, is now used by the Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland
Army Cadet Force. ==References==