Nether Hallam Barracks

[Waterside Echo]

Mmm... not sure about that . Wrong side of the road? Battle of Balaclava was 1854, about the time the old barracks was sold off. A plan of the barracks dated 1850 shows nothing that side of Barrack Lane except a cricket ground. Equally 'allegedly' the last remaining part was the old hospital and officers quarters at the corner of Barrack Lane and Penistone Rd., still there in 1992 but now gone.

Looks like you are right 'Bayleaf' On our weekly walk from Hillfoot school to Upperthorpe baths we would occasionally be given a local history lesson. As we walked over Hillfoot Bridge the gate in the wall and the steps down to the old river boat would be pointed out, next it would be the old police station at the bottom of Burgoyne Road. As we turned the corner of Whitehouse Lane it would be, look left, just down there is where the old barracks used to be. Though to be honest we just were not interested, the only thought on our minds was that we were missing lessons and had a 1d oxo drink to look forward to. Happy days, or were they? W/E.

[Guest Freespirit]

Hi

Can you tell me when Nether Hallam barracks were demolished my Great Grandfather George Thomas Palmer was stationed there 1894-1897 the unit he was attached to was the 64th. Field Battery Royal Artillery.

Kind regards

[Guest binsted71]

According to Stephen Johnson's book "From Bailey to Bailey", the freehold land forming the site of The Sheffield Old Barracks was auctioned off in c1855. The land, comprising "4 acres and ten perches" was sold to Mr. J. Stovin, builder and Mr J. Wreaks" for the sum of £2850:00:00d.

[duckweed]

Hate to bring in confusion again but I have been reading of a Luddite Riot and them going to Militia Barracks to break it up. If you look where riot came to a head at the Hay Market ie around Argos in Angel Street that is a mighty walk to the Old Barracks even if they were steamed up. Might there not have been another Militia place besides?

[Bayleaf]

Oh I don't know. They were happy to go all the way to Broomhall and set fire to Vicar Wilkinson's stacks, which would be a similar distance?

[saw119]

What date are we talking about though Duckweed? If it was pre mid 1800's the barracks was appreciably closer to the Shalesmoor end of Langsett Road. A walk down Angel Street and along West Bar etc would not have felt that far to a community who only had it in their mind to walk around.

[Bayleaf]

Looks like you're right Duckweed. Stephen Johnson's other book (Volunteer Forces in Sheffield 1794-1908) has this (my bold and italics)

"There was some commotion in the town on the 7th April 1812 and the Sheffield Yeomanry was called upon to assist the local militia in preserving the peace. Later, on Tuesday 12th April further and more serious trouble occurred when a riotous crowd descended upon the Militia's store room on Spital Hill. The mob, including women and children, broke into the store, overpowered the guards and began destroying the contents. They wrecked over 300 muskets, pistols, swords, drums and clothing and anything else they could lay their hands on. The town's magistrates sent to the nearby barracks for assistance from the 16th (The Queen's) Light Dragoons stationed there who brought with them the Town guns which were kept at the barracks.The Militia was also called out, armed with what was left at their store, and " the bugles sounded in all parts of the district for the two Sheffield troops of cavalry". Temporary headquarters was set up at the Tontine Inn, and outside, the two Town guns were charged with grape shot ready for use. The mob soon dispersed, but some people were taken into custody. Guards were placed at various locations, and the evening and night passed without incident. The next day the dragoons returned to barracks and the Militia and Sheffield troops kept in the town, under arms."

So there were indeed premises closer to town, and distinct from the barracks.