Harold Street drill hall, Hereford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Harold Street drill hall |
|
|---|---|
| Hereford | |
Harold Street drill hall
|
|
 Harold Street drill hall
Location within Herefordshire
|
|
| Coordinates | 52°03′04″N 2°42′17″W / 52.05119°N 2.70467°W |
| Type | Drill hall |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1856 |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | 1856-1960s |
The Harold Street drill hall is a historic building in Hereford, Herefordshire. It used to be a place where soldiers trained and prepared for duty. This building has a long and interesting past, serving different purposes over the years.
Contents
A Look Back at the Drill Hall's History
Building a Training Place
The Harold Street drill hall was built around 1856. It was first designed to be a "militia barracks." A militia was a group of ordinary citizens who trained to be soldiers in case of an emergency. This building gave them a place to live and practice their military skills.
Early Military Use
Soon after it was built, the drill hall became home to the Herefordshire Rifle Volunteer Corps. This group of volunteer soldiers started in 1859. They used the hall for their training and meetings.
Over the years, this volunteer group changed its name several times.
- In 1880, they became the 1st Herefordshire (Hereford and Radnor) Rifle Volunteers.
- Then, in 1908, they were known as the Herefordshire Battalion, The King's Shropshire Light Infantry.
- Finally, in 1909, they became the 1st Battalion, The Herefordshire Regiment.
World War I and Beyond
When World War I began in August 1914, the soldiers of the 1st Battalion, The Herefordshire Regiment, gathered at this drill hall. They were "mobilised," which means they were called up for active service. From here, they were sent to fight in places like Gallipoli. Later, in June 1918, they moved to the Western Front, which was a major battle area.
The drill hall was also used by the local branch of the Army Service Corps. This group was in charge of making sure soldiers had food, supplies, and transport.
Changes Over Time
After World War II, in 1947, the 1st Battalion, The Herefordshire Regiment, changed its name again. They became the 1st Battalion, The Herefordshire Light Infantry.
In the 1960s, the battalion moved to a newer training center nearby. This new center was for the Territorial Army, which is a part-time army force.
Once the soldiers moved out, the Harold Street drill hall found a new purpose. It was turned into the Herefordshire County Records Office. This office kept important historical documents and records for the county. The Records Office stayed there until January 2014. Since then, the historic drill hall has been empty.
