Just occasional

By Sheila24

Decorative tiling

Spotted this ornamentation on a fairly old building which now houses Barnitts, a large hardware store in York. Evidently is was originally built as a drill hall for the First West Yorkshire (York) Rifle Volunteer Battalion in the late 19th century.  The inscription over the door reads 'Pro Aris et Focis' and translates to 'For our altars and our home'.

During the 19th century drill halls were a common sight in most towns and were used as meeting places and for local volunteer troops to practice military drill.

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