Ontario's Royal Canadian Regiment Museum preserves and shares the history of the first infantry regiment established in Canada within the permanent force. The regimental history can be traced back to the War of 1812 and it overlaps with some of the most significant episodes of post-confederation Canadian history. The museum is housed in Wolseley Barracks, which was originally called the Infantry School Building when it opened in 1888. The first unit to occupy the building was ‘D’ Company of the Infantry School Corps. They were the fourth company established after the creation of the Infantry School Corps in 1883. The Infantry School Corps would later become The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) after several name changes.
Our tour of the Wolseley Barracks site begins here at the parade square. It is a large interior courtyard located at the centre of a ‘U’ shaped building, originally known as the Infantry School Building, and now called ‘A’ Block, Wolseley Barracks, or simply, Wolseley Barracks. This is one of Canada’s oldest military buildings, built in 1886-1888 at Carling Heights. It is formally recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada. The building originally housed ‘D’ Company of the Infantry School Corps, and today is used by 4th Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment. Since the building was opened, the parade square itself has been used for training, parades, and other activities.
The Regimental Memorial, or Cenotaph, was unveiled on July 2, 1959 by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh to mark the 75th Anniversary of The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR). It is a 17-foot limestone column dedicated to the memory of those who had fallen in service to The Regiment.
Wolseley Barracks is home to a variety of vehicles and artillery pieces with a historic connection to The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR). Artillery pieces include the RML 9 pounder Field Gun, Japanese Type 41 Mountain Gun, and Ordnance QF 25 Pounder. Vehicles include a Universal Carrier, Lynx Reconnaissance Vehicle M113 1/2, AVGP Grizzly, and Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV III).
‘O’ Block, Wolseley Barracks is a recognized federal heritage building. Originally known as the Royal School Building, it was constructed from 1935 - 1936. The building was originally built for instruction and features a large gymnasium. It is still used today for its original purpose. It was first occupied by the Canadian Tank School.
The cornerstone of Wolseley Barracks is located in the southeast corner of the building and is accompanied by a more recent plaque recognizing the 100th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone. The cornerstone was placed in July 1886 and the ceremony was attended by Sir Adolphe Caron, Minister of Militia and Defense. Originally known as the Infantry School Building, troops from ‘D’ Company, Infantry School Corps would take up residence in the facility upon its completion in 1888.
The south wing of the building was once the officers' quarters. The separate entrances indicate different apartments or dwellings within this wing of the building. The southwest corner apartment originally belonged to the Commanding Officer. The south lawn, in front of the officers’ quarters, was used for social events until the 2000s.
The tower is the most defining feature of Wolseley Barracks. Located on the west wing of the building facing Elizabeth Street. Originally, the archway at the base of the tower was a tunnel which would lead into the parade square. This feature was closed in to create a reception area for The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum.
This Tour is a Walking Tour.
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Tour the exterior of Wolseley Barracks in London Ontario. As you explore the site, learn about one of the oldest Canadian military buildings and the unit who was first stationed there, the Infantry School Corps. The Infantry School Corps is the original name for The Royal Canadian Regiment.
