Military usage of land to the northeast of Rollestone began in the early 20th century, as artillery firing ranges which were later used by the
Royal School of Artillery at Larkhill Camp. Rollestone Camp was established in 1916 Around this time the
Amesbury and Military Camp Light Railway was extended from Larkhill to Rollestone and beyond; this extension remained in use until about 1923. Balloon-related usage of Rollestone Camp continued until 1939 when the site became a
Royal Air Force Anti-Gas School, which closed in 1945. For several months in 1980–1981 the camp was used as a temporary prison (HMP Rollestone Camp) during
industrial action by prison officers. For eight months in 1988, the camp became HMP Rollestone once more when it was used to relieve overcrowding in civilian prisons. The prison housed 360 category C prisoners. The prison governor was a HMP graded officer, the wing commanders were Military Provost staff (from Colchester military prison) and the wing staff were Royal Military Police NCOs, provided by the local Provost companies in nearby Tidworth and Bulford. The camp continues in use as part of the
Salisbury Plain Training Area. ==References==