Horse Guards Parade ground
Photo: ChrisO, GNU Free Documentation License
The Household Cavalry Museum is house withing the Horse Guard Building, a Palladian style building between Whitehall and the Horse Guards Parade. It was built between 1751-1753 by John Vardy to a design by William Kent. It stand on the site of the Guard House of the old Whitehall Palace, which had been destroyed by fire in 1698.
The Horse Guards building became the headquarters of the British Army's general staff until the post was abolished in 1904. Later Horse Guards became the headquarters of the London District and the Household Cavalry Army commands. It has a central archway that forms the formal entrance to St. James's Palace via St. James's Park, though only members of the Royal Family are allowed to drive through this highly symbolic way.
The Horse Guard Building is always guarded by troopers of the Household Cavalry, both mounted and on foot. It is a popular tourist attraction. Mounted cavalry troopers are stationed outside daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and are relieved every hour. There are guided tours of the building on London Open House weekend, which takes place in September.
External Links
Household Cavalry Museum
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