Horse Guards


Changing the Guard

Horse Guards Parade is London's largest single open space, built in 1745 to house the old palace guards. Today, the guards are changed at the top of Horse Guards Parade every hour on the striking of the clock, a ceremony which is well worth seeing. Horse Guards Parade is also the setting for the Trooping of the Color. The ceremony takes place once a year on the Saturday closest to the Queens Official birthday (June 6th). Two mounted troopers of the Household Cavalry stand guard over the entrance to the Horse Guards. It was built where the old guardhouse for the 16th century royal palace of Whitehall once stood. Horse Guards Parade-Ceremonial mounting of the guard daily at 11:00 am (10:00am Sundays) in summer on Horse Guards Parade and in winter in the courtyard.

The clock tower dates from the 18th century, built by William Kent and John Vardy. The low arch, guarded by two dismounted sentries, leads to Horse Guards Parade which is fringed by government offices and the Prime Minister's official Downing Street residence. Horse Guards Parade is the setting for the impressive ceremony of Trooping the Color by the Queen's personal troops on her Majesty's official birthday. The troopers are on duty at their post in Horse Guards daily from 10am to 4pm. At 11am (10am on Sundays) the colorful ceremony of Changing the Guard is performed.

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