What a “Carry On” at Stoughton Barracks, Guildford

Townends in Worplesdon, Surrey are marketing an apartment in the former Stoughton Barracks and site of the barracks used in the film Carry on Sergeant (1959).

As part of the army’s plan to link regiments with districts Edward Cardwell, Secretary of State of War, ordered in 1873 that barracks for the 2nd Regimental District Infantry be built in Stoughton in north Guildford.

The barracks were completed in 1876 and a married quarters block were built opposite the barracks in 1879 and by 1881, 500 men, women and children were living in Stoughton Barracks with the imposing entrance and The Keep making it a local landmark. Between 1905 and 1936, various buildings and extensions to existing buildings were added to the original plan.

During the First World War, Stoughton Barracks was also an army-recruiting centre and, during the Second World War, the barracks became a reception and training centre for Infantry recruits. In 1945 her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was stationed at Stoughton Barracks, Guildford while being trained to change tyres and drive military vehicles.

The Queen’s Royal Regiment left Stoughton Barracks in 1959 and, until the last military occupants left in 1983, it was used as a Pay Office, Records Office and an Army Works Study Team Centre.

In 1983 it was sold with permission to develop the eighteen-acre area for residential use. Many of the original features remained, such as The Keep, The Officer’s Mess, some of the barrack blocks and the wall and arch facing Stoughton Road.

King Georges Lodge, Monro Drive, Guildford is on the market for £225,000. This one bedroom first floor apartment offers cathedral views and vaulted ceilings. The property also includes allocated parking, communal gardens, modern bathroom, kitchen and lounge.

The property is situated just over a mile away from Guildford mainline station where you can get a direct line into London Waterloo in around 40 minutes. It is also situated approximately 1 mile away from the A3 with links to the M25, for travel by car.

Guildford, Surrey’s County Town, has a wealth of history, including the castle built by William the conqueror and the house and grave of the author Lewis Carroll, with Guildford Cathedral dominating the town. There is a huge selection of High Street stores alongside a variety of smaller and specialist shops.

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre stages pre and post-West End productions and The Guildford Civic is host to stand up comedy and classical concerts by Guildford’s own Philharmonic Orchestra. The Wey Navigation runs through the town with walks along the towpath and boat hire available, and The Spectrum Leisure Centre and 1930’s lido provide leisure facilities.

For more information, visit Townends.co.uk.