Monument record 7198/16 - The Drill Hall Kettering

Large brick building initially used as a drill hall and subsequently as a leisure centre. Now demolished

{1} The drill hall is a large interwar, unlisted, brick built building located on the south of London Road close to the centre of Kettering. In recent years it was converted into a Leisure Centre but was closed in 1992 when the newly constructed Kettering Leisure Village was opened.

A large brick built and slate roofed building fronting Northampton Road. At least three phases of construction are evident with additions to the east side and south rear of the block (all estimated to date from the c1930's through to the 1960's?) Enclosed to the road frontages by black iron railings with brick gate piers to the former main entrance to the north. Former grass or garden areas between the railings and the building. The north front, facing the main road into Kettering from Northampton, was clearly intended as the main public face of the Drill Hall.Brief inspection of the interior showed that the function of the rooms probably relate more to the leisure centre rather than to use as a drill hall.

{2} Tank store continued in Cadet use. Rapid survey in 1998 prior to demolition. In 1914 base for C Sqdn N'ants Yeomanry & for F Coy. 4 BN. N'ants Regt.

{3} Photographs and slides of the Drill Hall. Also photocopies of the photographs.

<1> CADMAN G.E., 1998, SMR Report Form, (unchecked) (SMR Report Form). SNN49597.

<2> Osborne M., 2002, Fieldwork Survey of Military Buildings: Drill Halls, Barracks & Depots: Northamptonshire, (unchecked) (Note). SNN103251.

<3> ELLISON M., 1998, Photographs, (unchecked) (Photographs). SNN51649.

Record last edited

Jan 13 2022 9:25AM