The Army in York - since AD 71

The first organised military unit to establish itself in York was the Roman IX Legion in AD 71. They established a fort at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss and helped create the foundations of York itself.

There has been a barracks in the modern sense at Fulford since 1795 and this is still an Army Headquarters in York. 15 Infantry Brigade was reformed in at Topcliffe in 1982 and was moved to York in 1992 and re-titled 15 (North East) Brigade following the 1998 Defence Review.

Today, York Garrison takes the lead in organising all military ceremonial events within the city, including orchestrating Royal Salutes fired six times a year on important anniversaries. York is the only Saluting Station in England between London and Edinburgh.

As well as the Royal Salutes, the Garrison is involved in the planning of Freedom Parades, Homecoming Parades and the City's Remembrance activities. Four regiments hold the Freedom of the City often exercising their rights by marching through York's ancient streets.

Since 2001, York has become a centre for military medical excellence and is the home of 2 Medical Brigade and the Army Medical Services (TA). It also has a state-of-the-art training facility for field hospitals in Strensall.