The earliest parts of Stonehouse Barracks date from 1756, but the main phase of construction was undertaken between 1779 and 1785 by
James Templer and
Thomas Parlby, with later additions in the 19th century by Colonel Godfrey Greene.
18th century The original 1780s barracks complex consisted of a rectangular
parade ground bounded by a long symmetrical barrack range on the east side (which provided accommodation for the '
private marines') together with a matching pair of shorter, officers' barrack blocks to the north and south. The south block included houses at either end for the commandant and his deputy; the north block housed the more junior officers. The west side of the parade ground was closed off with railings and gates, with a small guard house (topped by a clock and cupola) in the centre. A 'canteen' was built at the east end of the south range, and a separate infirmary to the north. The east and south blocks remain
in situ and in use (though both were extended in the mid-19th century); the east block is said to be 'one of the earliest surviving barracks for a large unit of men in England'.
19th century During the
Napoleonic Wars a decision was taken to expand the barracks; this was achieved by purchasing land to the south. A building was also acquired: standing at a short distance from the main quadrangle, the Longroom had served as a public
Assembly Rooms since 1760 (predating the building of barracks); it was acquired from the
town council in 1805 and converted to serve as an
officers' mess. In 1818, the officers moved back to a rebuilt mess complex in the south-east corner of the main barracks, and the Longroom was reconfigured to serve as a school for the children of non-commissioned officers. Later, during the rebuilding of the north range of the barracks, the old infirmary was built over; so from 1859 the Longroom found a new use as an infirmary. A pair of houses were built nearby to house the surgeon and assistant surgeon. The Longroom is still part of the barracks, currently used as a gymnasium. During the
Crimean War there were further moves to expand the barracks and much rebuilding followed. In around 1860 the east barracks block was extended northwards to accommodate more men, and the south block was extended westwards, providing accommodation for more officers. The north range, however, was entirely rebuilt (longer and further to the north, giving the site its present irregular shape). The archway block on Durnford Street, which forms the west side of the parade ground, also dates from this period (1867–71); the range consists of a set of six houses for senior officers, administrative offices and a chapel (originally a schoolroom) above the central entrance arch. A rare survival from the 1830s is a former
racquet court, which was converted into a theatre at the time of this rebuilding.
20th century The divisional structure of the Royal Marines (with divisions based at Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth) was dismantled during the
Second World War although elements of
41 Commando remained at the barracks after the war. In 1961 the barracks became the home of
43 Commando, a unit which disbanded in 1967, In that year, the barracks became the headquarters of
3 Commando Brigade. ==Present day==