Wives officially recognised by the army and therefore 'on the strength', lived with their husbands in the barrack room along with 20 or 30 other soldiers, with blankets hung for privacy. They often did washing for the officers, for which they were paid. They were not allowed to work for private soldiers.

In 1860 special married quarters started to be built. Where these were not available. a room allotted for 12 men could be used by three married couples.