2-913-684 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Foot Guards at Squad Drill, at the St. John's Wood Barracks, 1854. Military quarters in north London. 'In 1832-3...[having been used as a military riding establishment] the premises were re-taken by Government...the quarters were, at various periods, altered and increased, so as to be adapted for the reception of infantry. This, however was not effected without considerable opposition being raised. The measures of Government were cavilled at as the commencement of an intent to hold London in subjection, by encircling the suburbs with troops - a ridiculous fallacy, which in this more enlightened epoch would not be credited by the most determined Oppositionist. The accommodation at St. John's Wood Barracks is yet small, and was recently...occupied by about 150 men of the second and third battalions of the Grenadier Guards'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.