What was wrong with Hulme Barracks, Manchester?

[mwelsh50]

Hi,

When the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queens Bays) were stationed at Manchester Cavalry Barracks between December 1881 and Jul 1883, their condition deteriorated considerably. Why was this?

During inspections at Manchester, the Generals made comments like " the Regiment has had many drawbacks to contend with".

When they moved on to Aldershot, the next review noted that the Regiment was "evidently improving under Lt-Col Lee since it has been at Aldershot".

Why did Manchester have such an effect on the Queens Bays? My G-Grandfather also caught syphilis (!) during his posting here. Was it a bit of a nasty neighbourhood?

[liverpool annie]

I can't answer your question  mwelsh50 but heres a little background !! 

Central Library have got photos on their website ..... just plug in Hulme barracks !

http://www.images.manchester.gov.uk/

Bursey found this a while ago from the Alan Godfrey Maps

Hulme Barracks was opened in 1817 as a cavalry barracks and covered 11 acres.
Some of the regiments stationed there were
15th Hussars (Peterloo massacre 16 Aug 1819).
11th Hussars (aka the Cherry Pickers)
2nd Heavy Dragoons (Scots Greys)
14th Light Dragoons (14th Hussars)
7th Dragoon Guards (Black Horse)
17th Lancers (Duke of Cambidge's)
The barracks closed and was demolished in 1914

Annie 

[scrimnet]

In the 19th century there was an outcry on the insanitary conditions of the armed forces accommodation (some things never change eh?).

Disease and ruined buildings were to the fore. Even after Flo Nightingale, the case of Insanitary Barracks caused questions in Parliament.

More soldiers died of disease than on the battlefields up until the formation of the RAMC just prior to the Boer War, and even after then, nasties were rife.
Even when I was an infantry junior rank we were always moved into naff barracks, as we were known for our [prowess in clearing them up!

Anyway...It was in Manchester...How insanitary can you get?? 

[yorkshiregranny]

My gggrandmother Olive Syncock ( Simcock) married Lawrence Anthony 5th Dragoon guards in Manchester Collegiate Church ( now the Cathedral) in Feb1835. Lawrence died 1837 and Olive then married my gggrandfather also a soldier in 5th Dragoon Guards. They were married Feb 1838 again in Manchester Collegiate Church. At the time of her second marriage  they were living 39 Queen Street Hulme.
As the 5th Dragoon guards were a cavalry regiment, I presume both her husbands were stationed at Hulme Barracks.
Both of her marriages were in Manchester Cathedral, who were very helpful in helping to search for the 1835 marriage certificate.
I cannot find the family anywhere in 1841 census.
does anyone know where the regiment was in 1841 if not in Manchester.
Angela.

[ginga80]

hi

i am trying to find out about my ancestor he was augustus ellery born east indies 1856 and was lance corporal in the chorlton county barracks in hulme in 1881, his wife emily ellery.
i am unsure what regiment this is from and have not had much luck fidning out much else?
i am unsure how or when he died as well any help would be great

[km1971]

Based upon the officers (on page one of the census) he was in the 18th Hussars. They returned from India on 18 January 1876. At the end of 1883 they were in Dublin.

If his service papers survive they will be in series WO97 in Kew. If you cannot get to Kew, Findmypast will be putting them online by 2011. If he died in service they would routinely destroy his papers 20 years later.

But you will certainly find him in the musters at Kew - in WO16 after about 1876. These will tell you where he was on the first of each month. Starting with April 1881 you can trace him forwards and backwards. His first and last entry should give his place of birth, age on enlistment etc. Musters of this time also recorded wife's forename and the ages of any children. His last entry should also give you his intended residence (unless he died).

This might help - http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/militaryhistory/army/step4.htm

What is the last sighting of him, and the first of Emily as a widow?

Ken

[ginga80]

thanks ken this is very helpful, i am in nz but have past this on to my sister in hope she can get to look up the national archives etc. its good at least to understand more about him appreciate your help

[km1971]

Hi Again

Have you seen the 1891 Census? Augustus is alive, but with a new wife 'Charlotte M A'.

Ken

[ginga80]

i did this is where i first started and then found emily, but they seem to have same children so unsure if this is a anme she was known by? appreciate your help though. i can't seem to find anymore information on either, i have found charlotte died in 1901, but unable to find emily.

thanks keep it coming if any clues thanks again