Phoenix Street drill hall, Lancaster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Phoenix Street drill hall |
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Phoenix Street drill hall, Lancaster
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 Phoenix Street drill hall
Phoenix Street drill hall
Location within Lancaster##Location within Lancashire
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| Coordinates | 54°03′05″N 2°47′47″W / 54.05127°N 2.79643°W |
| Type | Drill hall |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1894 |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | 1894-1990 |
The Phoenix Street drill hall is an old building in Lancaster, Lancashire. It used to be a place where soldiers trained and prepared for their duties. Today, it is no longer a military building and is used as a church.
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Phoenix Street Drill Hall: A Historic Building
This building was completed in 1894. It was first built to be the main office and training spot for a group called the Lancaster Rifle Volunteers. These volunteers were local people who trained to be soldiers in case they were needed to defend their country.
A Place for Soldiers
Over time, the Lancaster Rifle Volunteers changed. In 1908, they became part of a bigger army group. This new group was known as the 5th Battalion of the King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster). A "battalion" is a large group of soldiers, usually made up of several companies.
When World War I started in August 1914, soldiers from this battalion gathered at the drill hall. They were "mobilised," which means they were called up for active duty. From here, they were sent to the Western Front. This was a major battle area in France and Belgium during the war.
Changes Over Time
The military groups using the drill hall changed names and structures over the years. In 1961, the battalion was "redesignated," or given a new name. It became the 4th/5th (Territorial) Battalion of The King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster). A "Territorial" battalion means it was part of the Territorial Army, which is a reserve force of soldiers.
In 1969, the battalion was made much smaller. But it was "reconstituted," or brought back to full strength, in 1975. At that time, it became the 4th (Territorial Army) Battalion of the King's Own Royal Border Regiment.
From Military to Church
The Phoenix Street drill hall served as a military training center for many years. However, in 1990, the battalion moved to a new location called Alexandra Barracks. After they moved, the drill hall was "decommissioned." This means it was officially taken out of military service. Since then, the building has been used as a church, serving the local community in a new way.
