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A COMMERORATIVE display has been unveiled alongside a refurbished historic military site in Colchester.
Dignitaries and special guests witnessed a blue plaque being revealed at the main gated entrance to the former Cavalry Barracks in Butt Road at 11am today during a private event.
The Victorian barracks were built between 1862 to 1864 and was the first permanent barracks of Colchester Garrison.
Mayor of Colchester Lesley Scott-Boutell, Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin commander of Colchester Garrison, MP Pam Cox, Deputy Lieutenant of Essex Hugh Toler, and Colchester’s High Steward Bob Russell attended the event.
Project lead and historian Paul Knappett spoke at the unveiling and members of Colchester Civic Society and Colchester Archaeological Trust were at the event.
Guests were able to tour around the former Cavalry Barracks guardhouse which Mansfield Developments took ownership of in 2023 after purchasing it in 2020.
It has now been refurbished into a rentable office space which still contains some original aspects of the guardhouse.
Ms Cox who unveiled the blue plaque, said: “It was an absolute honour to unveil the plaque, I’ve seen these gates a lot, I live in the area.
“They are part of our military heritage, part of our sense of place, and it’s important to have a plaque there.”
“It is so brilliant to see this building brought back to life, it has been brought back to life with love for the area and a respect for the military heritage of the area.”
Adrian Mann, director of Mansfield Developments, was interested in the derelict “eyesore” of a building as he was would often pass it most days.
“I am a property developer, I live literally a couple of miles up the road and drive passed it on a daily basis.
“It’s been a learning curve and a really enjoyable job.
“Meeting Paul, and bringing this whole thing together couldn’t be more right.
“It’s made it really special, today has been brilliant.”
Mr Knappett said: “Today has been an incredibly successful event for us and we have been planning it for a long time.
“To bring the unveiling of the blue plaque on the same day as what was the original guard room of the cavalry barracks was a huge plus.
“I’ve worked with the most incredible team.
