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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.
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