Longden Coleham drill hall, Shrewsbury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Longden Coleham drill hall |
|
|---|---|
| Shrewsbury | |
Longden Coleham drill hall
|
|
 Longden Coleham drill hall
Location within Shropshire
|
|
| Coordinates | 52°42′17″N 2°44′48″W / 52.70480°N 2.74668°W |
| Type | Drill hall |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1865 |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | 1865-1990s |
The Longden Coleham drill hall is an old building in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. It used to be a place where soldiers trained and prepared for military duties.
Contents
History of the Drill Hall
This building was made for a group called the Shropshire Rifle Volunteers. It was finished around 1865. These volunteers were like a local defense force.
Changes to the Military Units
Over time, the Shropshire Rifle Volunteers changed names. In 1883, they became the 1st Volunteer Battalion, The King's Shropshire Light Infantry. Then, in 1908, they were renamed the 4th Battalion, The King's Shropshire Light Infantry.
The Drill Hall During World War I
When World War I began in August 1914, the soldiers from this battalion gathered at the drill hall. From there, they were sent to India to serve. Another group, A Squadron, Shropshire Yeomanry, also used the drill hall during the First World War.
Later Years and New Purpose
In 1967, there were some changes to the Territorial Army. Because of this, the 4th Battalion changed names again. In 1972, they became the 5th Battalion, The Light Infantry. Later, in 1988, they were called the 5th (Shropshire and Herefordshire) Battalion, The Light Infantry (Volunteers).
In the early 1990s, the military unit moved to a new training center. This new place was the Copthorne Road Army Reserve Centre. After the unit moved, the Longden Coleham drill hall was no longer used by the military. It was then bought by the Barnabas Community Church.
