The building was designed as the headquarters of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, The Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry and was probably completed in the late 19th century.[1] The unit evolved to become the 5th Battalion, The Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry in 1908.[2] The battalion was mobilised at the drill hall in August 1914 before being deployed to the Western Front.[3]
The battalion amalgamated with the 4th Battalion to form the 4th/5th Battalion, The Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry at Truro in 1921.[2] Although the two battalions operated separately during the Second World War, they amalgamated at Truro again in 1947.[2] The presence in Bodmin was reduced to a single company, D Company, 4th/5th Battalion, The Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, at that time.[2] After the contingent in Bodmin relocated to the Territorial Army Centre in Castle Canyke Road,[4] the Honey Street drill hall became surplus to requirements; it was subsequently decommissioned and is now used as a social club.[5]
