Strensall Camp, which covers about 1,800 acres (730 ha) and stretches to Towthorpe (to the west), was formed by the War Office in 1884 for training troops.

[3] The act was part of the response of the government to the Cardwell Reforms, a series of reforms of the British Army by Secretary of State for War Edward Cardwell between 1868 and 1874 designed to put the British Army on a more professional footing and to create reserve forces stationed around the country.

[9] On 11 June 1974, the Provisional Irish Republican Army planted and exploded devices at the camp, though there was no loss of life.

[11] This was subsequently extended to 2024:[12] however, an announcement in March 2024 stated that the base will be retained as a depot for the British Army's 2 Med Group.

A number of sporting facilities are also on site and include grass pitches for football, rugby, hockey and cricket.