Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles 1830-1899
In 1830, the East Kent Yeomanry were re-formed with six troops (Ashford, East Wingham, West Wingham, Hythe, Sittingbourne and Faversham). For the next 25 years, the Yeomanry was often the only reliable and effective force for public order other than the regular army. The establishment of effective police forces (1829 in London, 1855 in the counties) resulted in a diminishing requirement for the Yeomanry to be called out.
In 1856, the Regiment were armed with rifles and changed their title to East Kent Mounted Rifles. Two years later they were granted the prefix 'Royal' by Queen Victoria.
In 1873, the Duke of Connaught became Honorary Colonel. The Regiment and the two batteries which succeeded it, bore the title 'Duke of Connaught's Own'