Six Catterick Garrison buildings given listed status

The former Sandes Soldiers' Home, built in 1928, is a key feature of the North Yorkshire military base.

It is one of the most architecturally impressive buildings constructed during the inter-war period and was the idea of Elise Sandes, a Christian philanthropist who dedicated her life to the welfare of British Army soldiers.

The facility was the brainchild of Elise Sandes, who dedicated her life to the welfare of British Army soldiers (Image: HISTORIC ENGLAND)

Sandes' vision for the Soldiers' Home organisation, founded in Ireland in 1869, was revolutionary for its time. It prioritised the soldiers themselves, providing them with a sanctuary away from the temptations of alcohol, gambling, and prostitution.

Run by women, the Sandes Soldiers' Home provided mental health support and welfare facilities to soldiers, irrespective of rank or religion.

(Image: Alun Bull)

Sarah Charlesworth, listing team leader for the North at Historic England, said: "Newly listing a building at Grade II* is a rare occurrence but the former Sandes Soldier’s Home thoroughly deserves this higher level of listing in recognition of both its architectural quality and its historical association with Elise Sandes."

The garrison itself began as a temporary military training facility during the First World War, accommodating around 40,000 troops.

It became a permanent base in the 1920s.

(Image: Historic England)

The Army Education Centre, Vimy Officers' Mess, Servants Quarters, Squash Racket Court, Building 55 (a former Officers' Mess), Baden Powell House, and Pinhill Mess have also been newly listed.

The Army Education Centre was built for the Royal Corps of Signals in 1933, specifically for training radio operators.

The Vimy Officers' Mess, Servants Quarters, and Squash Racket Court were built around 1926 and were occupied by the officers of the newly formed Royal Corps of Signals.

Building 55, the oldest building to be listed at Catterick Garrison, is one of the original 2000 concrete Armstrong huts built at the site during the First World War.

(Image: Dave MacLeod)

Baden Powell House, constructed in 1935, originally served as the headquarters of the 50th (Northumbrian) Division.

Pinhill Mess, constructed in 1928, was one of the first new buildings at Catterick Garrison following the decision to make it a permanent base.

Jack Haw, historic buildings advisor for Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said: "After working collaboratively with Historic England, we are pleased to hear that six of the historic buildings we maintain at Catterick Garrison have been awarded listed status.

"This decision recognises the history and importance of key buildings across the garrison."