hidden in a fort

Way back in 1848
Hillsborough Barracks
rose from the rubble
of the back streets of Sheffield

the 4th Royal Irish Dragoon Guards
were the first army unit
to be stationed there
way back in 1856

the barracks divided
into three terraces
designed with a mixture
of gothic and castellated styles

built to house
cavalry infantry
officers, sergeants, privates
officer, troop, sick horses.

water rose above the windows
in the Great Sheffield Flood
two young children drowned
those of Sgt Foulds

The last Army unit
29th Field (Howitzer)
Battery left the Barracks
in February 1930

now in 2014
hidden behind
the Gothic Castellated
styled buildings

Morrisons supermarket
other shops offices
bars and flats
all grace the three terraces

not as attractive
as the old village store
but if I have to shop
in a modern supermarket

I much prefer
one hidden
in old historic buildings
with many a story to tell.