Bear Street drill hall, Barnstaple facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bear Street drill hall |
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| Barnstaple | |
Bear Street drill hall
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 Bear Street drill hall
Location within Devon
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| Coordinates | 51°04′52″N 4°03′21″W / 51.08123°N 4.05596°W |
| Type | Drill hall |
| Site history | |
| Built | Early 19th century |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | Early 19th century - 1920 |
The Bear Street drill hall is an old building in Barnstaple, Devon, that was once used by the military. It's a special building because it's a Grade II listed building. This means it's protected because of its history and unique look.
What is the Bear Street Drill Hall?
A drill hall is like a training center for soldiers. It's where they would gather, practice drills, and get ready for their duties. The Bear Street drill hall was an important place for soldiers in the Barnstaple area.
A Look Back: Its History
This building was finished in the early 1800s. Later, in the late 1800s, it became the main office for a group of soldiers called the Royal North Devon Yeomanry. This was a special army unit, a bit like a local cavalry or mounted infantry.
In August 1914, when World War I began, the soldiers from this unit gathered at the drill hall. They got ready for war and were sent to fight overseas.
From Military to Shops
After the war, in 1920, the Royal North Devon Yeomanry joined with another army unit. They formed a new group called the Royal Devon Yeomanry in Exeter. Because of this, the Bear Street drill hall was no longer needed by the military.
It was then changed from a military building into shops. Today, it still stands as a reminder of its past, even though it's used for different things now.
