The Royal Hillsborough branch officially came into being in September 2021, however it is not the first branch in the village. 

Following the Great War of 1914-18, the many veterans from Hillsborough formed a post of the Comrades Of The Great War. They were granted a plot of land on Ballynahinch Street by the Marquis Of Downshire, in the grounds of where the Health Centre stands today, and acquired as War Department surplus, one of the ubiquitous green Armstrong huts, which would have been seen in every military encampment all over Great Britain at that time. Many branches started off in one of these huts, and our neighbours in Ballynahinch are still based in one. 

The late Reverend J Herbert Orr, of Hillsborough Presbyterian Church, who had served with great distinction on the Western Front with both YMCA and as an army chaplain, was the founder member and for many years was chairman and president. 

The branch continued to work for many years as a focal point, and providing welfare for veterans and families. Sadly, in the 1971, the branch ran into decline and closed down. 

This was not the end of the presence of the Royal British Legion in Hillsborough however. The Women's Branch, which had existed in parallel to the main branch, kept going, and continued the good work, organising the annual Poppy Appeal, Remembrance Sunday service and numerous other events. 

Interest in forming a new branch began to gather momentum from 2020, and despite the Covid 19 epidemic, which had caused all RBL activity to be suspended, the new branch began to take shape, and in September 2021, we were officially granted our branch number and began to receive our new members. At time of writing, we have 71 members, and a wealth of experience. 

On Sunday 29th May 2022, our new branch standard was dedicated at a parade and drumhead service, led by the superb Bugles, Band , Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment. A large number of other RBL branches paraded their standards with us that day. This was a very memorable day, and certainly put Royal Hillsborough branch on the map. 

We continue to go from strength to strength and provide a focal point for veterans and their families in the Royal Hillsborough area, and thank everyone for their continued support as we move onwards and upwards.