The Military Connection

Find out about the connections between Rushmoor and the military.

The Military Connection

Just before the Crimean War the Government chose the heaths of Rushmoor as the site for a large and permanent military establishment. Around 25,000 acres of land between the villages of Aldershot and Farnborough were purchased in 1853 and the first camp was laid out on the site now occupied by Princes Gardens in 1854. The first barracks were for a brigade of cavalry, infantry and artillery.

The Aldershot camp was actually split into two parts - the North Camp and the South Camp. The largest area of barracks was at the South Camp, adjacent to Aldershot. As the army redeveloped its barracks, it built closer to the town, thus reinforcing Aldershot's status.

The start of the 20th century saw the first links with aviation when 'His Majesty's Balloon Factory' was set up at Farnborough. It was from here that an American, Samuel Franklin Cody, conducted experiments with man-lifting kites and, in 1908, made the first recorded flight in a powered aircraft in Britain. Unfortunately, he was killed in an air crash five years later.

The Wellington Monument

Close to the Royal Garrison Church is the Wellington Monument, a bronze equestrian statue carried out by Matthew Wyatt in 1838-46. It was originally placed on top of the Triumphal Arch at Hyde Park Corner, but in 1883 it was moved to Aldershot, horse drawn transport being used for the journey. The Great Duke, with half raised arm and traditional hat, wears a short cloak and sits astride his favourite horse, 'Copenhagen'.

There are more details about the restoration of the monument on the Wellington Monument Project page.

Aldershot's Memorials

There are a number of memorials in the Aldershot, only the principal ones are listed here.

• The Aldershot National Memorial is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Second World War and is located in a garden behind the Manor House in Aldershot Manor Park.
• The Borough of Aldershot's Memorial in honour of those who gave their lives for their country in the Great War 1914-19 and in the World War 1939-45 is located in the Municipal Gardens adjoining Laburnum Road, Aldershot.

Farnborough's Memorials

Devereux House was built as a hospital, to serve as a memorial to the men of Farnborough, Cove and South Hawley who fell in the First World War. Following its closure as a hospital it passed into the ownership of Rushmoor Borough Council and is now administered by a Trust to serve as a day care centre. It offers physiotherapy, bathing with ambulift, laundry, occupational therapy, medical assessment, chiropody, minibus transport and gardens for the disabled. The first floor has been converted to a short stay residential home for the elderly or disabled, for respite care, holidays or convalescence. It has 16 rooms, all en suite with nurse call system, telephone and TV points.

Following a referendum, the people of Farnborough and district chose to establish a care home to be their memorial to the local servicemen who gave their lives during the Second World War. The result was 'Knellwood' established in 1947 for the care of the elderly. The home is run by Farnborough (War Memorial) Housing Society and accommodates 52 people, most of whom either lived in Farnborough or had relatives nearby. The home has been upgraded and enlarged over the years, and the amenities are excellent, with en suite facilities in all bedrooms.

Aldershot Military Museum

Brainchild of Aldershot Garrison Commander, the late Brigadier John Reed, the Museum was opened by HRH The Duke of Gloucester in 1984, and records the Victorian origins of the Military presence in this part of Hampshire, and the development of the Garrison since the 1860s.

The Museum has grown to cover all aspects of local history and plays an active part in the community with regular events and theme days. Weekends sometimes see historical re-enactment groups using the Museum's barracks as a backdrop to their displays.

The Cody collection chronicles early aviation activities, while the Museum's popular and growing collection of military vehicles covers more recent times. Don't be surprised if a 70-ton Chieftain Main Battle Tank bursts into noisy life during your visit!

For a fascinating look at photographs, documents and artefacts of local life, the Museum is easily found on Queens Avenue and is open daily.

More detailed information about the Aldershot Military Museum can be found on the link on the right hand side of this page.