Hyde Close drill hall, Winchester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hyde Close drill hall |
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Hyde Close drill hall
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 Hyde Close drill hall
Location within Winchester
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| Coordinates | 51°04′05″N 1°18′58″W / 51.06800°N 1.31598°W |
| Type | Drill hall |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1795 |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | 1795 – 1920 |
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| Occupants | |
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Listed Building – Grade II
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| Official name | Premises Occupied by Richardson and Starling Ltd |
| Designated | 14 January 1974 |
| Reference no. | 1172828 |
The Hyde Close drill hall is an old building in Winchester that used to be a place where soldiers trained. It's considered a special historical building, known as a Grade II listed building. This means it's protected because of its important history and architecture.
History of the Drill Hall
The building was designed by a famous architect named Sir John Soane. It was finished in 1795. For a while, it was used as a school. A man named Reverend Charles Richards ran the school.
Later, the building became a local office for the Salvation Army. This group helps people in need. In the late 1800s, it became the main base for a special army group. This group was called the Hampshire Yeomanry Cavalry (Carabiniers). They were a type of cavalry, which means soldiers who fought on horseback.
World War I and Beyond
In August 1914, the soldiers from this group gathered at the drill hall. They were getting ready to go to war. They were sent to the Western Front during World War I. This was a major battle area in France and Belgium.
After the war, the army unit changed. They became an artillery unit, which uses large guns. Because of this, the drill hall was no longer needed for military training. It was then changed into a shop. Today, it is used as a carpet showroom.
