Canterbury Street drill hall, Blackburn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canterbury Street drill hall |
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Canterbury Street drill hall
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 Canterbury Street drill hall
Location in Lancashire
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| Coordinates | 53°44′39″N 2°29′04″W / 53.74425°N 2.48440°W |
| Type | Drill hall |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1870 |
| Built for | War Office |
| Architect | Stevens and Robinson |
| In use | 1870 – Present |
The Canterbury Street drill hall is a special building in Blackburn, Lancashire. It's a place where military groups train. This building is also a Grade II listed building, which means it's an important historical place.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
Building the Drill Hall
The Canterbury Street drill hall was built a long time ago, in 1870. It was designed by architects named Stevens and Robinson. A local builder, Richard Hacking, finished the construction. The building was first made for a group called the 2nd Lancashire Rifle Volunteer Corps. This group was like a local army unit made of volunteers.
Changes Over the Years
Over time, the volunteer group changed its name and structure.
- In 1889, it became the 1st Volunteer Battalion of The East Lancashire Regiment.
- Then, in 1908, it was renamed the 4th Battalion, The East Lancashire Regiment.
World Wars and Beyond
When World War I started in August 1914, the battalion was called into action from this drill hall. They were sent to places like Gallipoli and later to the Western Front in Europe.
After the war, in 1921, the 4th Battalion joined with the 5th Battalion. They formed a new group called the 4th/5th Battalion. This new group also used the Canterbury Street drill hall. Just before World War II began in 1939, the 4th Battalion was formed again at the drill hall.
In 1971, the battalion changed again. It became the 93 (East Lancashire) Signal Squadron. This squadron was part of the 38 Signal Regiment (Volunteers). The squadron stopped operating in March 2010.
Current Use
Even though the military squadron is gone, the drill hall is still used today. It is now a training place for the Army Cadet Force.
Who Uses It Now?
Only one group from the Army Cadet Force uses the Canterbury Street drill hall today:
- Blackburn Detachment, Lancashire Army Cadet Force
