By May 1721, the Barracks were ready to be occupied by the soldiers. However, there were no utensils or furniture. On 24 May 1721 at a General meeting of the Guild of Freemen, the Mayor informed those present that he and the Justices of the Peace had met with the Commanding Officer who said that the Barracks were ready for occupation. However they lacked “the Utensils necessary for their accommodation “ because the Board of Ordnance did not have the money to pay for them. Therefore the Commanding Officer asked if the money could be raised by a voluntary contribution from the Alehouse keepers and others liable to quarter the soldiers as well as the general inhabitants of the town. The Guild agreed to do this on the understanding that the Board of Ordnance would eventually re-imburse them this money.