The former headquarters of a howitzer brigade and the base for the Home Guard during the Second World War is to join the ranks of historic Ilkley buildings bearing a heritage blue plaque.
The Drill Hall in Leeds Road is to officially be awarded its blue plaque by Ilkley Civic Society on Remembrance Sunday 2012.
The building is now used as a business centre for several Ilkley companies, but was originally built to house an artillery unit prior to the First World War.
It was commissioned by the West Riding County Association Territorial Forces in 1910 as headquarters for the 4th West Riding Howitzer Brigade Royal Field Artillery. Construction was completed in September 1911, in time for the coronation of King George V and a visit to England by the German Kaiser.
In the early days, horse-drawn wagons were used to pull the heavy guns, and the hall had stables as well as permanent living quarters for non-commissioned officers, and officers' quarters complete with a bar.
Records show in September 1914, commanding officer Lt Col DWB Dawson led 127 local volunteers to war in Europe.
By 1939, the unit had become the 11th Howitzer Battery, and the horses had been replaced by tractors to pull the artillery pieces. They were called upon to defend their country in the Second World War, and the Drill Hall became the headquarters for the Home Guard.
The Royal Signals and Territorial Army later took over the building until it was bought by footwear and luggage manufacturer, Peter Black, in 1970.
Ilkley company Vincent Dobson (Builders) Ltd today Dobson Construction Ltd - took on the building in the 1990s and still owns it. There were briefly plans to provide club premises for the Ilkley British Legion Club at the hall but, sadly, the club disbanded.
The blue plaque has been sponsored by Dobson Construction, now in its 40th year of business.
Founder, Vincent Dobson, 76, told the Gazette: "It's nice to be associated with it - it's an important building in the history of the town."
The Drill plaque is sponsored by Dobson Builders Limited.
Ilkley Local History Hub would like to hear from people with pictures or information about The Drill Hall - localhistory@civicsociety.ilkley.org