Yeomanry House, Bloomsbury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yeomanry House |
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| Bloomsbury, London | |
Yeomanry House
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 Yeomanry House
Location within London
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| Coordinates | 51°31′33″N 0°07′23″W / 51.52578°N 0.12299°W |
| Type | Drill Hall |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Ministry of Defence |
| Operator |  British Army |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1913 |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | 1913-Present |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | London University Officers' Training Corps |
Yeomanry House is a special building called a drill hall in Handel Street, Bloomsbury, London. A drill hall is a place where military groups, like soldiers or cadets, can train and practice. It's a bit like a gym or a community center for military units.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of Yeomanry House
The building was finished in 1913. It was designed to be offices for a group called the Territorial Force Association. This building is unique because it has two large halls inside. This means it could hold two different military groups at the same time. Usually, one hall was for cavalry (soldiers on horseback) or infantry (foot soldiers). The other hall was for artillery (soldiers who use large guns).
Early Days: World War I and New Units
In early 1914, before World War I started, the first hall became the main office for a group called the 1st (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment. The second hall became the home of the 1st City of London Brigade Royal Field Artillery.
When World War I began in August 1914, the 1st (City of London) Battalion got ready for action at this drill hall. They first helped guard railways. Later, they traveled to Malta and then to the Western Front in France, where much of the fighting happened.
Changes Between the Wars
By 1936, the artillery hall had a new group. It was now home to the 90th Field Brigade Royal Artillery. In August 1937, the London Regiment was reorganized. The first hall then became the home of the 8th (1st City of London) Battalion The Royal Fusiliers.
After World War II, in December 1946, the 8th Battalion stopped its activities. This left the first hall empty for a short time.
Post-War Occupants and Today
In 1947, a new group called the City of London Yeomanry (Rough Riders) moved into the first hall. This is when the building officially became known as "Yeomanry House." At the same time, the Royal Artillery also changed. A group called 240 Field Regiment (City of London) Royal Artillery moved into the artillery hall. This hall then became known as "Artillery House."
In 1965, the entire building was taken over by the 3 Military Intelligence Battalion. Later, in 1992, the London University Officers' Training Corps moved in. This group helps university students train to become officers in the army. Today, Yeomanry House is also home to the Army Training Unit London.
