Derby Barracks, Bolton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Derby Barracks |
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| Bolton | |
Derby Barracks
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 Derby Barracks
Location within Greater Manchester
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| Coordinates | 53°34′16″N 2°26′00″W / 53.57119°N 2.43342°W |
| Type | Drill hall |
| Site history | |
| Built | Early 1860s |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | Early 1860s-2006 |
Derby Barracks was once a military building located on Fletcher Street in Bolton, Greater Manchester. It served as a training and gathering place for soldiers for many years.
Contents
A Look Back: History of Derby Barracks
How it Started
The building, originally known as the Fletcher Street drill hall, began its life in the early 1860s. It was created by changing an old workhouse into a place for soldiers to train. This was the main base for the 27th Lancashire Rifle Volunteer Corps.
Over time, the name of the military group changed.
- In 1883, they became the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment.
- By 1908, they were known as the 5th Battalion, The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment.
World Wars and Renaming
When World War I began in August 1914, the battalion gathered at this drill hall. From there, they were sent to fight on the Western Front. The building was still their home base when World War II started.
After the Second World War, the drill hall was greatly rebuilt. It was then given a new name: Derby Barracks. This name honored Edward Stanley, 17th Earl of Derby. He was a special leader, called an "honorary colonel," for the battalion.
Later Years and Closure
In 1967, there were some changes in the military. The number of soldiers based at the barracks was reduced. By 1975, only a small group from C Company, 4th (Volunteer) Battalion, The Queen's Lancashire Regiment remained.
However, the barracks became busier again in 1986. C Company made it their main base once more. The building continued to be used as a training center for the Territorial Army in the late 1990s. Finally, in 2006, Derby Barracks was no longer used by the military. It was then changed to be used by charities.
