Territorial Army Centre And Drill Hall

The Territorial Army Centre and Drill Hall is a militia armoury and drill hall, now serving as a Territorial Army centre. It was built in 1859, with the drill hall added around 1880. The building is constructed of brick with stone dressings and features a slate roof, showcasing a picturesque Fortified Gothic Revival style.

The structure is two storeys high with an attic and has a 13-window range. The symmetrical front displays a bracketed cornice and parapet, with a variety of 1-, 2-, and 3-light lancet windows fitted with metal casements. The central round-arched doorway is framed by ashlar, topped with a large 4-light fanlight and double half-glazed doors. Above this, there is a second-floor parapet leading to an attic balcony, flanked by wide semi-circular bays and outer lower recessed towers that contain 2-light windows and an attic cross loop. The outer ranges consist of three windows, with inner 2-centre arched doorways featuring double boarded doors, and three-stage round corner towers with 2-light windows. The right-hand return has two 2-stage towers that separate the side of the drill shed.

The interior has not been inspected. This building was constructed following the 1852 reform of the Militia to provide a secure and defensible store for the local regiment. It is one of several decorative barracks designed to foster local pride and help recruit for the regiment. The drill hall was likely added to accommodate drilling activities during inclement weather. The building is included for its historic and architectural interest.