The building was designed as the base for the Westmorland-based companies (F and G Companies) of the 1st Volunteer Battalion, The
Border Regiment and was built in the late 19th century. These companies became part of the 4th (Cumberland and Westmorland) Battalion, The Border Regiment in 1908. The companies were mobilised at the drill hall in August 1914 before being deployed to
India. A Squadron,
Westmorland and Cumberland Yeomanry and the 3rd West Lancashire Field Ambulance,
Royal Army Medical Corps were also based at the drill hall. This unit evolved to become B (4th Border Regiment) Company,
Northumbrian Volunteers in 1971, The presence at the drill was further reduced to a mortar platoon in 1992 and ceased altogether in 1999. ==Current units==