Lancer Barracks, Parramatta
Posted by: 
3l diesel
S 33° 49.006 E 151° 00.401
56H E 315512 N 6256373
Lancer Barracks, Parramatta is the oldest continuously operating military facility in Australia.
Waymark Code: WM8MX9
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Date Posted: 04/21/2010
Views: 19
From the signage outside the main entrance:
"Located on land selected in 1814 by Governor Lachlan Macquarie as the site for a new Parramatta Military Barracks, the Lancer Barracks were constructed during 1817-1819 to a design by Lt. John Watts. Appointed Aide-De-Camp to Macquarie in 1814, Watts became one of the colony's earliest and most productive architects, designing the military hospital on Observatory Hill, Sydney, and in Parramatta, the towers of St John's Church, and additions to Government House.
Used by British regiments until 1862, the site was then used as police barracks until 1897 when it reverted back to military use, becoming the headquarters of the 1st Parramatta Half-Squadron of Lancers. It is now the Regimental Headquarters of the combined 1st/15th Royal NSW Lancers, and one of the longest established military bases in Australia, and an important part of Australia's national estate."
Also onsite is Linden House which houses a miliary museum.
The site is on a heritage register (
visit link) which curiously suggests that Lancer Barracks are the second oldest barracks in Australia (after Anglesea barracks in Tasmania) which contrasts with a plaque at the front gate!