A PERMANENT CAMP

The 'Great Camp' became one of the most popular showpieces of the Victorian era. The Queen herself watched the troops on a number of occasions and Prince Albert served with his regiment. The popularity of the Camp continued to soar throughout the summer. By August, the event was being wound down but the success of the Camp, particularly with war looming in the Crimea, provided much needed training for the military.

It was decided that a permanent camp, with an adequate water supply, was required for the army to use all year round. By October 1853 land had been purchased at nearby Aldershot for the relatively low cost of £12 per acre. Not only was Aldershot, like Chobham, within easy reach of London via the railway stations at Farnborough and Farnham, but the surrounding countryside bore a marked similarity to the terrain in the Crimea.