Wiltshire Yeomanry short jacket, 1805 (c)

Established in 1794, the Wiltshire Yeomanry were formed for the defence of Britain from invasion during the French Revolutionary War (1793-1802) and by 1796 consisted of the following troops, Devizes, Chippenham, Malmsbury, Swindon, Bradford Trowbridge and Melksham, Everley Hindon, Sarum, Warminster and Marlborough.

The regiment also suppressed popular disturbances. During the unrest that accompanied the rejection of the 1830 Reform Act the regiment restored order in Bristol following rioting. In recognition of their service the Wiltshire Yeomanry was awarded the title 'Royal' the following year.