Adelaide Mounted Police Barracks

This is part of the old Adelaide Mounted Police Barracks in the heart of the city. It is tucked away and beautifully preserved. Sadly some thoughtless people had parked in front, (it is a no parking area) and detracted a little from the view of this wonderful old architecture.

In 1838 the first police barracks were built at the north side of North Terrace, behind the present Museum. Prior to that mounted constables, who later became known as troopers, had to be quartered in public houses or private lodgings. The barracks eventually comprised two wings, each containing three small rooms, one of which was set apart as a guard room, cook house and mess room. Three were sleeping apartments. The stables extended from wing to wing and were built of broad palings, affording accommodation for about twenty horses, with a loft above for hay.

The primitive original barracks were subsequently rebuilt in much grander form, opening in 1855, and then closed for police use when the Thebarton Police Barracks were built in 1916. The old North Terrace barracks was then used by a number of government departments, including the Children's Library, but was partly demolished in the 1960’s to make way for a modern building. Portions of the old barracks still stand and are preserved because of their heritage value. The Police Historical Society opened a museum in the three top rooms on 28 April 1988. This closed in December 1996, having been re-established at the Thebarton Police Barracks.