Port Hill drill hall, Hertford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Port hill drill hall |
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The drill hall (on the extreme right in the foreground)
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 Port hill drill hall
Location in Hertfordshire
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| Coordinates | 51°47′59″N 0°04′57″W / 51.79959°N 0.08242°W |
| Type | Drill hall |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1898 |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | 1898 – Late 20th century |
The Port Hill drill hall was a special building in Hertford, Hertfordshire. It was used by the military to train soldiers and volunteers.
Contents
What Was the Drill Hall?
A drill hall is a place where soldiers or military volunteers practice their drills. Drills are like training exercises. They help soldiers learn how to march, use equipment, and work together. The Port Hill drill hall was an important training center for many years.
Building the Hall
The Port Hill drill hall was built in 1898. It cost about £2,000 to build, which was a lot of money back then. This building was made to be the main office for a group called the 1st (Hertfordshire) Volunteer Battalion. This group was part of The Bedfordshire Regiment.
Changes Over Time
Over the years, the name of the military group changed. In 1908, it became the Hertfordshire Battalion. Then, in 1909, it was renamed the 1st Battalion, The Hertfordshire Regiment. The drill hall remained their home base.
The Drill Hall During World Wars
The Port Hill drill hall played a key role during both the First and Second World Wars.
World War I Role
In August 1914, soldiers gathered at the drill hall. They were getting ready to go to the Western Front for the First World War. About 100,000 bullets were kept at the drill hall. These were for the soldiers who were about to fight.
World War II Role
The drill hall was also used when the Second World War started. The same battalion, the 1st Battalion, The Hertfordshire Regiment, was called into action from this very building.
The End of the Drill Hall
After many years of service, the Port Hill drill hall was no longer needed by the army.
Later Use and Demolition
In 1958, the battalion became part of another group called the 3rd East Anglian Regiment. Even after this, the British Army still used the drill hall. They trained both regular army volunteers and young cadets there.
However, the building eventually became old and was not needed anymore. It was officially closed down and then taken apart.
New Buildings on the Site
In 2003, new homes were built where the drill hall once stood. This new housing area was very well designed. It even won an award in 2004/2005 for its good design.
