This drill hall was built around 1913.
It is currently in use by W H and H Parr, Printers and Stationers
(2006). Originally, there was accommodation for the caretaker sergeant
in the left hand part of the building, accessed by an independent
front door. The drill hall itself extends back into the grounds
and is occupied by a bedding retailer.
The overall plan is a simple reversed L-shape. The residential,
armoury and office areas are in the bottom stroke of the L and the
drill hall reaches back, forming the upright, adjoined by a large
yard.
The interior has been altered and adapted, but some original features
have been retained. The entrance hallway with its original doors
and glossy tiles on the walls seems to have changed little. A visitor
would have seen the door to the shooting range opening directly
ahead; then, stairs to the right and a door leading to a front room;
to the left, doors leading to the armoury and to offices. The armoury
ran partly behind the residential quarters and was at the rear of
the building. The iron bars providing security to the armoury window
were retained until fairly recently.
The residential premises could be accessed through the office at
the front and through a connecting door from the complex of rooms
upstairs. The residential rooms have evidence of fireplaces.
One of the upper rooms used by the military is spacious, light and
airy; its purpose is not known. An iron hoist above one of the upper
windows overlooking the driveway is a curious original feature and
as the windows open fully against the wall, we assume that equipment
was lifted in by this route for the upper floors.
I am very grateful to Christopher Parr for taking the time to show
me round the premises and allowing me to take photographs.
Front Elevation
Rear Elevation
Front door
Original entrance