According to Pevsner, a conservatory
wing of after 1867 was enlarged and converted into a drill hall
in 1896. He was apparently not impressed: ‘Some of the jarring notes
[of Bestwood Lodge] are the result of alterations.’ The drill hall
is on the south side of the building and comprises a buttressed
hall with five bays on the ground floor. The first floor is timber
framed with dormers.
The terracotta relief on the external facade, above the door, seems
to reflect the military use of the building. It depicts two male
soldiers, one holding a bow and a quiver of arrows, the other carrying
Bestwood Lodge was taken over by the Army in 1938. The drill hall
was apparently in use during the Second World War and is still viewed
by veteran soldiers as part of nostalgia visits.
Bestwood Lodge is now an hotel and the former drill hall is used
as a ballroom. (2006)
Any further information about the history and use of this drill
hall would be gratefully received.
Many thanks to Rob Allen of the Bestwood Lodge Hotel for showing
me round the premises and allowing me free access to explore. The
early pictures are reproduced with the hotel's permission.
Bestwood before 1896 extension
Bestwood after 1896 extension
Bestwood Lodge 2006 -
The Former Drill Hall is the white building
Ballroom in former drill hall
Entrance to drill hall - note relief above
Detail of relief