The Royal Marines Heritage Trail

The Depot Royal Marines, Deal put 554,554 recruits through basic training over the period 1861-1977. Although the Depot was disbanded in 1977, the Barracks remained the home of the Royal Marines School of Music until final closure on 29th March 1996. Our trail traces the indelible marks the Royal Marines have left behind.

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RMHT: 51.214666, 1.400397
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Deal Castle

In 1665 the Captain of Deal Castle brought the Yellow Company to Deal starting our RM connection

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East Barracks

These Barracks, formerly known as the Hospital Barracks, were also the HQ of the RM School of Music

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Royal Buildings and Workshops

Instrument repairs, uniform tailoring and the homes of the Depot and Second Commandant

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Royal Marines Swimming Bath

This 1892 tidal pool was predominantly used to teach swimming. Converted to a heated pool last century

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North Barracks

Site of the Depot Post Office, Guardroom and Gaol

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Infirmary Barracks

Site of the Infirmary Barracks that took over from the Hospital Barracks in 1900

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North Barracks Graves

Numerous military headstones, many from the Royal Marine Light Infantry

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North Barracks Residents Memorial

Commemorates the 350th birthday of the Corps & as a tribute to the eleven musicians murdered in 1989

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North Barracks Parade Ground and Layout

Used for drill, training and other activities such as the public Trooping the Colour

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The Royal Marines Globe Theatre

A theatre seating 400 used for film, concerts and the famous annual pantomime

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Depot Church of St Michael and All Angels

Consecrated in 1907 and used as both a school during the week and a Church on Sundays

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The Drill Field

Used for rigorous training, horseback parades and was the site of the inspection by King George V in 1918

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South Barracks Bandstand

Site of the Prisoners’ Guardroom, and the Shifting Room and Magazine for handling munitions

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The Jubilee Gates and South Barracks

Installed to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Jubilee and entrance to the iconic Officers' Mess South Barracks

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The Drum Major Public House

Named after Senior Drum Major Colour Sergeant Charles H. Bowden BEM who served for over 22 years

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The Fair Maid of Kent Hotel

The WRNS, or Marens, were billeted here in 1939 and played many support roles for the RM

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Cavalry Gates to South Barracks

Built in 1794 to house the York Rangers during the war with France that started in 1793

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The Royal Marines Band Service, Memorial Garden

Built to honour the 11 members of the Royal Marines Band Service that were murdered in September 1989

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539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines Tribute

Location of the floral wreath left by 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines 5 days after the 1989 attack

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The Royal Marines Association

The RMA was opened by a group of former Royal Marines in 1909 and known as the “Old Comrades Association”

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The Deal Memorial Bandstand

Erected to remember the 11 musicians who died in 1989 and site of the ongoing Memorial Concerts

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Beach Training Area and Boat Enclosure

Site of extensive beach training and enclosure for the Commandant's Galley

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The Union Club

Used to accommodate visiting families, friends and guests of the officers at the Depot

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Make sure you look out for the twenty-three bronze Trail Markers embedded into the footpath as you follow the Royal Marines Heritage Trail

The lion at the top of the Royal Marines Globe and Laurel points in the direction of travel. To follow the trail – follow the lion!

Get your copy of the Trail Guide

Our trail guide is a free booklet that can be found in many establishments throughout Deal and Walmer. Alternatively, you can download a copy of the booklet.

Download the Trail Guide (PDF)