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On 21 Nov 1778 the Navy Board ordered that enquiry be made as soon as possible for a piece of ground in the neighbourhood of Plymouth of Plym Dock “whereupon Barracks may be conveniently erected for the use of Marines”. These barracks were to consist of 3 squares similar to
those the Marines had lately occupied. And so the decision was set for the construction of Stonehouse Barracks - an important step for the Marine Corps. But what prompted the decision?
Well, an express letter was sent to the Admiralty in Oct 1778 from Colonel Bell of the Marines at Plymouth expressing his dismay that the 13th Reg of Foot & Somerset Reg of Militia were soon to March into the Barracks the Marines were occupying in
Marlborough Square. This would have obliged the Marines to quit the space to make room - causing the officers and men “inconvenience and distress”. Worry not stated the return letter to Colonel Bell, sent by messenger at midnight to Plymouth. There’s plenty of room for everyone!
The Army rank & file (966 men) already there could squeeze into Marlborough Square barracks with the Marines (378 of them) giving over the rest of the space, Frederick Square & Granby Square, to the two incoming regiments (all 1,326 men).
But, advised the Admiralty, you know, sort it out with General Parker - it’ll be fine! At least the Marines won’t have to move out entirely as that would be exceedingly inconvenient and distressful - so you’re actually doing ok! Right!
Nope! “The late sudden removal of the Marines from the Squares which they occupied in the Barracks at Plymo, in order to make a Room for a Regiment of Foot and a Regimt of Militia having been productive of great inconvenience to the Marine Service, and great distress to the
Officers and Men who were quartered in those Squares...” So thanks to very squashed quarters the Marines got their spiritual home at Stonehouse Barracks - becoming first of the 3 Marine HQs to be purposely built to accommodate them, with the main phase of work 1779-1785.
