Army Riding School, Newcastle upon Tyne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Army Riding School |
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| Newcastle upon Tyne | |
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Army Riding School
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 Army Riding School
Location within Tyne and Wear
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| Coordinates | 54°58′37″N 1°36′37″W / 54.97684°N 1.61024°W |
| Type | Drill Hall |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1849 |
| Built for | War Office |
| Architect | John Dobson |
| In use | 1849-1975 |
The Army Riding School was a special building in Newcastle upon Tyne. It was used by the military for many years. Soldiers learned to ride horses there. It also served as a headquarters for different army groups. Today, Northumbria University uses this historic building.
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The Army Riding School's Story
Building a Place for Horses
The Army Riding School was built in 1849. A famous architect named John Dobson designed it. Its first job was to be a riding school. Here, soldiers from the Northumberland and Newcastle Volunteer Corps of Cavalry learned to ride. This group later changed its name several times. It became the Northumberland (Hussars) Yeomanry Cavalry in 1876. Then, in 1908, it was called the Northumberland Yeomanry.
Serving in World War I
The riding school played a part in World War I. In September 1916, the Northumberland Yeomanry gathered here. They were preparing to go to the Western Front. This was a major battle area in Europe.
A Busy Headquarters
After the war, the building stayed important. In early 1921, it was used as a main office. This was during a big workers' protest by miners. The Northumberland Yeomanry continued to use it as their main base. They stayed there until the start of World War II.
Other Army Groups Use the Building
Another army group also used the school. The 6th Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers moved in. They came from another drill hall in Newcastle in 1908. They called the riding school "St George's drill hall." This group later moved to a different location in 1920.
After World War II
The Northumberland Yeomanry returned to the riding school in 1946. They were now called the 50th (Northumbrian) Divisional Reconnaissance Regiment. However, their main office moved to Heaton in 1954. The riding school then became known as the Yeomanry Drill Hall.
In the 1960s, it was used by the Northumbrian Universities Officers' Training Corps. This group trains university students to become army officers.
A New Life for the Building
In 1975, the Officers' Training Corps moved out. The Army Riding School was no longer used by the military. It then became the City of Newcastle Employers Club. Today, Northumbria University owns the building. They use it as a computer center. It also has lecture halls for their law students. The building is a Grade II Listed building, which means it's an important historic place.
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