Cheshire Rifle Volunteer Corps

[Belly]

A bit of a departure from my main interests here, but on reading a local history book I was interested to read about the 23rd Cheshire Rifle Volunteer Corps which were based in Weaverham local to me. I am embarrassed to say this was something I wasn't even aware of and would like to research into the unit's history.

I've armed myself with Ray Westlake's Tracing the Rifle Volunteers and Beckett's Riflemen Form, and will visit Chester Castle when I have some spare time.

Being a collector though, of course the first thing that came into my mind is what uniforms and insignia did they wear? Did all of the Cheshire RVC wear the same or was it Company specific? If anyone can advise that would much appreciated.

Thanks
Paul

Extracts from Tracing the Rifle Volunteers:

23rd The first officer to be appointed to the 23rd Corps of one company at Weaverham was Captain John Bolton Littledale, who received his commission on 28 March 1860. He was joined by Lieutenant William Jones and Ensign William C Miller in the following June. As part of the 2nd Admin Battalion, 23rd Cheshire RVC became 'H' Company of the new 2nd Corps in 1880. Weaverham is just to the West of Northwich, its St Mary's Church seeing Victorian restoration in both 1855 and 1877.

2nd (Earl of Chester's) (1880-1908) Chester was the headquarters of the 2nd Admin Battalion, which included the 6th, 7th, 23rd and 24th Corps. Captain Richard Brooke of the 6th Corps was appointed as lieutenant colonel in command with commission dated 30 October 1860. The battalion was consolidated in 1880 as the 2nd Cheshire (Earl of Chester's) RVC with nine companies:

`A' to `E' Chester (late 6th Corps)
`F' and `G-' Runcorn (late 7th Corps)
`H' Weaverham (late 23rd Corps)
`I' Frodsham (late 24th Corps)

General Order 181 of December 1887 directed the change in designation from 2nd Cheshire RVC to 2nd (Earl of Chester's) Volunteer Battalion Cheshire Regiment. Two new companies were formed in 1900. Just prior to transfer to the Territorial Force in 1908 as headquarters and four companies of 5th Battalion Cheshire Regiment, the returned strength of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion stood at 1,081 all ranks. Uniform: scarlet/buff.

[manchesters]

Hello,

Our member Mercian has co-written the privately published book, "The Cheshire Rifle Volunteers".

On page 42 there is a photo of a Sgt. in the 23rd along with a photo of the Shako badge worn.

I dont know if there are copies available but I would start by asking George (Mercian) as its a suberb book and just what you need.

regards

[Peter Brydon]

Couldnt agree more with Simon, and worth ,next time you are in Frodsham ,looking at the entrance to the Drill Hall on the main street.

Peter

[Mike B]

Great posts - and agree Mercian is 'the' man to Contact - a mine of information.
Frodsham also interesting - under threat last we heard, as deterioration had forced Cadet Detachment to move - but as Peter mentions the entrance should be OK and is listed we believe.
I can recommend a contact at the museum if you wish - an old friend who has been doing research there for decades. As with all volunteers he is under pressure, may be worth contacting, but primary interest is the Great War
All the best
Mike

[Belly]

Thanks all, for your very helpful replies
I'll get in touch with Mercian
cheers
Paul

[tonyb]

Hello Paul,
Have a look at this old thread http://www.britishbadgeforum.com/for...071#post163071
Not the best example but still nice. See post #4 some nice items.
Tony

[Mercian]

I am away from my computer at the moment, but I found this photo to post.

[Mike B]

George - Lovely badge, thanks for sharing - I imagine the monogram is 'Earl of Chester's Rifle Volunteers' or similar
Tony - interesting link too
Paul - No doubt your main interest is Weaverham

I just remembered ... I posted this article previously re Frodsham

Mike

[manchesters]

I have an interest in old Drill Halls from the Volunteer era and despite the above article can find no record of Frodsham Drill Hall being a Grade II Listed Building on the English Heritage website.

Does anyone else know any facts that it is?

regards

[tonyb]

Originally Posted by manchesters

I have an interest in old Drill Halls from the Volunteer era and despite the above article can find no record of Frodsham Drill Hall being a Grade II Listed Building on the English Heritage website.

Does anyone else know any facts that it is?

regards

If it isn't it should be.
Tony.

[manchesters]

Originally Posted by tonyb

If it isn't it should be.
Tony.

So should Ashton under Lyne Armoury (Drill Hall) but it isnt and never will be because I submitted an application and it was refused, so it will be destroyed soon.

regards

[Mike B]

Originally Posted by manchesters

I have an interest in old Drill Halls from the Volunteer era and despite the above article can find no record of Frodsham Drill Hall being a Grade II Listed Building on the English Heritage website.

Does anyone else know any facts that it is?

regards

Well that is surprising ... in fact quite alarming ... I wonder if it is just 'taken for granted' that some of our treasurers are listed.
My interpretation is taken from closing paragraphs of the article that the frontage is listed but the building itself is not - a real shocker if that is incorrect.
Structures like this (frontage if nothing else) certainly should be
Mike

[tonyb]

According to Wikipedia, the frontage is grade two listed.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listed...gs_in_Frodsham
Tony.

[manchesters]

Thanks for that Tony,

I can now see a gateway to the Drill Hall is listed, which is just listed as "Entrance Main Street" but cant see the actual Drill Hall, but at least that lovely stone entrance is protected.

regards

[Mike B]

Simon
The article I posted suggests only the frontage is listed - as per Tony confirmation. Good to know it is protected.
Mike