The Household Cavalry Museum

Real Soldiers

The Household Cavalry consists of the two senior Regiments of the British Army —The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals.As highly trained soldiers, serving in both mounted ceremonial and armoured reconnaissance roles, we normally begin our service on horseback, guarding the Monarch and performing our ceremonial duties in the capital and across the United Kingdom. Most of us are then trained as armoured reconnaissance soldiers, deploying around the world and serving at the heart of the British Army’s operations.

Horse Guards

You are in Horse Guards, one of London’s most historic buildings. Designed to house soldiers and their horses, it is still the headquarters of the Household Division of the British Army, in which the Household Cavalry play a central role. Beneath you are the original 18th century stable cobblestones.

The Royal Gateway

Practice Makes Perfect

A trooper takes at least 10 hours to prepare for daily inspection. Cuirasses (breastplates) and helmets are cleaned with Brasso and chalk brushes. Leather straps fixing the sheepskin cover to the saddle are brushed with shoe whitener. Each buckle hole must be cleaned out with a nail.Breeches are ‘white-sapped’ while worn; jackboots are soaked in hot beeswax before being smothered in layers of black polish. Wire wool is used to rub out any imperfections on the leather surface.The horses’ hooves are brushed with oil and their white legs chalked up. Using a furnace, farriers make and fit shoes for each horse.The whole kit including saddles, collar chains, sword slings, plumes and cuirasses must be fitted correctly. If the helmet is too loose, it tips back. Too tight, it causes an unbearable headache. The inspection is taken by the Adjutant. The trooper graded best is awarded guard duty in the sentry boxes, with the worst carrying out guard duty dismounted.

Farrier’s axe

Music

Music has played a major role in our regimental life. On the battlefield, where visual signalling was often difficult due to poor visibility or variable terrain, the trumpeter was vital in communicating signals such as the call for a charge, a halt or a change in direction.Today, musicians are also trained in chemical decontamination and general duties, providing emergency assistance during military operations.

Musician’s state coat

Man And Horse

Around 85% of all soldiers recruited to the Household Cavalry undergo direct training with horses. The remaining 15% are trained as specialists on armoured reconnaissance vehicles. To qualify for mounted ceremonial duty, soldiers must complete twenty weeks of intensive training culminating in their Kit Ride Pass Out.

Dressed For Work

You can easily identify us when we carry out our ceremonial duties: The Life Guards wear scarlet tunics and white plumes, while The Blues and Royals wear blue tunics and red plumes. When we are on combat operations, we wear uniforms designed to help us with the tasks we perform.

The Stables

This working stables is used daily by The King’s Life Guards. At different times of day you will see horses being brought in and out, groomed, fed and watered, their hooves being oiled and shoes checked, their saddles tested and adjusted, or just see the stables themselves being mucked out and the bedding replaced.

Viewing Window

King Charles II – B1630 – D1685

Law and Order

The regiments were often used by magistrates to maintain the rule of law. From Horse Guards and from billets around London, we maintained public order during crises like the Great Fire of London (1666), for which we earned the praise of the London public, and the frequent riots over food prices and low pay that shook the capital. Chief among these were the Weavers’ Riots (1765), Corn Riots (1766) and the devastating Gordon Riots (1780).We were also asked to sort out party political punch-ups on the street ignited by Parliamentary infighting, to safeguard national elections, or quell the spread of republican sentiment.

The Armourer’s Craft

Officer’s helmet, 1815, of the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues). It was worn by Lt. Colonel Sir Robert Hill, who commanded the Regiment at the Battle of Waterloo. Changes in uniform and equipment at this time resulted in the original horsehair crests being replaced with red and blue woollen ones. These have not survived in the example displayed. On the existing metal crest, there is a rose, thistle and shamrock design, representing England, Scotland and Ireland.

Fine Figures of Men

The uniform we wear on ceremonial duties today was largely introduced by Queen Victoria and has never been worn in battle. Its design originates from the 18th century when breastplates, helmets and jackboots protected the wearer against sword cuts and pistol bullets. Monarchs since then have taken a great interest in the uniform’s design, keen to ensure the impressive spectacle presented by their bodyguard.By 1880, with battlefields dominated by rifle fire and modern artillery, this uniform was irrelevant and we started to wear khaki on active service. But our traditional dress uniform still plays an important part in Royal pageantry today.

Albert pattern helmet and plume, 1871, of the 1st Royal Dragoons

Albert pattern helmet and plume, 1871, of the 1st Royal Dragoons. Originally introduced by Queen Victoria and worn until the amalgamation of the Royal Dragoons and The Blues in 1969. The plume is made of horsehair and the helmet of steel, gilt brass and leather.

Officer’s full dress tunic of the Royal Dragoons

Officer’s full dress tunic of the Royal Dragoons, with Colonel’s shoulder cords, 1931-1936. Notice the silver cartouche box with George V cipher and eagle badge secured with a gold lace cross belt with buckle.

The Battle of Waterloo

The armies met on 18th June 1815 at Waterloo, just outside Brussels. It was the bloodiest engagement in which we ever fought. The Life Guards, The Blues and The Royals were all heavy cavalry and fought on horses with swords.

Copy of the Napoleonic Eagle of the 105th

Copy of the Napoleonic Eagle of the 105th, captured by The Royal Dragoons at Waterloo. The Roman eagle was chosen as the symbol of the French Army by Napoleon himself, and was presented by him to the regiments.

Capturing an Eagle at Waterloo

Major Edward Kelly of The Life Guards

Major Edward Kelly of The Life Guards slew a French colonel at Waterloo with this sword, later earning the praise of the Russian Emperor and a knighthood of the Order of St Anne of Russia. His letters home provide a valuable account of his army experiences, but increasingly describe a man desperate to obtain greater recognition for his exploits at Waterloo.

Waterloo field bugle

Officer’s coat worn by Robert Hill of the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues)

Officer’s coat worn by Robert Hill of the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues). Hill was wounded by a musket ball in the right arm, and it had to be amputated.

Cast of the skull of Corporal John Shaw of the 2nd Life Guards

Cast of the skull of Corporal John Shaw of the 2nd Life Guards. His body was buried on the battlefield, but his skull was recovered and returned to England where the novelist Walter Scott, excited by the drama of the battle, also had a plaster cast made of it.

Artificial leg of Lord Uxbridge (1st Marquess of Anglesey)

Artificial leg of Lord Uxbridge (1st Marquess of Anglesey). Uxbridge lost his leg at Waterloo and had artificial ones made for him. These were known as ‘clapper legs’ because they produced a clapping sound when in use. Later, this prompted Uxbridge to commission a limb-maker to invent a more developed leg, articulated at all the joints. Patented as the ‘Anglesey Leg’, this model remained commercially available until 1914.

Ornamental Extravagance?

In the 19th Century, it was widely felt that officers were recruited on account of their connections and wealth rather than their ability. Officers bought their rank and positions in the Household Cavalry were the most expensive in the Army. This rank or ‘commission’ was an investment that could be resold when an officer left the service. This custom, coupled with a long period of peace after Waterloo, led to public accusations about the Household Cavalry’s ‘ornamental extravagance’. It was not until 1882, when the Household Cavalry deployed to Egypt, that the public cam to appreciate our fighting quality once again.

Jockey silks and boots

Jockey silks and boots in the racing colours of the Household Cavalry worn in races between 1904-1907.

The Zetland Trophy, 1874

Back Into Action

The Life Guards and The Blues did not fight in the Crimea. Queen Victoria wanted to keep them in London and it was to be 67 years after Waterloo before they were to see action again.

‘The Moonlight Charge of Kassassin’ by the Household Cavalry, 1882

‘The Moonlight Charge of Kassassin’ by the Household Cavalry, 1882. On September 10th 1882, the Egyptian army attacked British troops at Kassassin in order to recapture the Suez Canal which had been seized by the British. The outcome of the battle was in the balance until the arrival of British reinforcements just as darkness fell. The Household Cavalry composite regiment who soon abandoned their guns.

Officer’s winter dress frock coat and forage cap

Officer’s winter dress frock coat and forage cap, worn by Colonel Frederick Burnaby while serving with the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues), 1859-1885. He was a giant of a man, 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing well over 20 stone. He was extraordinarily strong and worked out regularly in a London gym lifting weights, something that his brother officers found rather odd.

Officer’s cuirass and State Sword

Officer’s cuirass and State Sword, 1872-85 belonging to Colonel Frederick Burnaby, the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues).

Mounted to Mechanised

When war broke out with Germany in August 1914, we deployed a composite mounted regiment to the Continent once again, but we now carried rifles and, for the first time, Vickers machine guns. However, the threat was so immense and the fighting so violent that virtually all of our 3 regiments soon followed. London ceremonial was greatly reduced. Conscription was introduced and the whole home population was immersed into war for the first time since the Civil Wars 250 years earlier.Our casualties in 1914 and 1915 were particularly horrific but it soon became apparent that there was little use for cavalry in the stalemate of trench warfare. Our horses found themselves behind the lines while our soldiers fought first on their feet, later being formed into infantry and machine gun battalions. Some of us were even equipped with bicycles!

Mounted to Mechanised

Following the success of the Household Cavalry’s exploits in the African campaigns at the end of the 19th century, the Army reforms introduced by Haldene confirmed that one of our regiments would always be in the Army’s expeditionary force whilst the other two would remain on ceremonial duties in London.This meant that rifle training and peacetime manoeuvres were experienced for the first time. It was a time of change where rifles, motor vehicles and khaki uniforms had become a part of everyday life.

The best way to support the Household Cavalry Museum is to come and visit us.

A horse hoof mounted as a table snuff box

Vickers machine gun with tripod, c.1914-1918

Vickers machine gun with tripod, c.1914-1918, used by The Life Guards in the final battles of the First World War. The Vickers Gun had a reputation as a highly reliable weapon, capable of firing over 600 rounds per minute and having a range of 4500 yards. Water-cooled, it could fire non-stop for long periods.

Sacrifice

Household Cavalrymen have sacrificed their lives fighting for their Monarch and their country in every campaign, from the Dutch Wars in 1660 to Iraq and Afghanistan today.

Death medallions of Howard Avenel St. George, 1914

Helmet belonging to Trooper Simon Tipper

Sefton’s bridle

Sefton’s bridle. The IRA (Irish Republican Army) detonated a bomb in Hyde Park on 20th July 1982 as the Queen’s Life Guard was passing. Four members of The Blues and Royals and seven horses were killed. Sefton survived, despite the face that he and eight other horses were severely injured. Sefton became a national symbol of defiance against terrorism.

Mick Flynn Medal Collection, 1979-2012

Mick Flynn Medal Collection, 1979-2012 One of the most decorated soldiers in British military history; Mick Flynn has an extensive role of honour and embodies the values of the Household Cavalry

S-10 Respirator, Afghanistan 2000s

S-10 Respirator, Afghanistan 2000s Since WW1 chemical warfare has been one of the largest threats faced by soldiers. Part of the Regiment’s training ensures the soldiers are equipped and ready for anything they may face while on global deployment. This gas mask would have been part of standard issue kit for those deploying on operations to Afghanistan.

The War on Terror

Recently our soldiers have been actively involved in the War on Terror.In 2003 D Squadron comprising approximately 100 men supported the US led invasion of Iraq. Although 3 soldiers were killed and several more wounded they distinguished themselves and many were awarded medals for gallantry. Our squadrons continued to serve in Iraq on six month tours of duty until 2009.In 2006 we sent troops to Helmand Province in Afghanistan for the first time. Several of our squadrons have undertaken subsequent tours of duty there and on two occasions the whole regiment deployed. Each and every deployment has witnessed fierce fighting against the Taliban.Our final tour of duty in Afghanistan was completed at the end of 2013 but in an uncertain and dangerous world our soldiers remain ready to deploy at short notice to any part of the globe to counter the many threats we face.

On Patrol

The ability of our soldiers to adapt and succeed in this hostile environment when they may have been riding on ceremonial duties on the streets of London only a few months before makes them unique in today’s British Army.Our soldiers are confronted by a variety of dangers when they are on patrol, which can last for over 8 hours. Sometimes they are on foot and sometimes in vehicles.On foot they will carry 60/70lbs in weight in temperatures of 55°C in summer and minus 20°C in winter.

Visit the Household Cavalry Museum Shop

Changing of The King's Life Guard

The changing of The King's Life Guard takes place just outside these doors on Horse Guards Parade. The Guard Change currently takes place on: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11am. The two iconic soldiers on horses that mount duty on Whitehall at the entrance of Horse Guards change on the hour every hour from 10am until 4pm. This ensures that, regardless of the time you choose to visit the museum, you are guaranteed a captivating spectacle of ceremonial duties in progress.

Trumpet Audio - General Staff

Trumpet Audio - Chichester

Trumpet Audio - Edinburgh

Trumpet Audio - Finale

Trumpet Audio - Knightsbridge

Trumpet Audio - Majestic

Trumpet Audio - Merry-Go-Round

Trumpet Audio - Royale

The Royal Gateway

Horse Guards Clock, presented to the Officers’ Mess of The Blues by Lt. The Hon. Thomas Langford-Brooke, who served from 1864-1869. The time is set to 4pm, commemorating the moment in 1894 when Queen Victoria, having found the entire Guard gambling and drinking, ordered a daily inspection at 4pm for the next 100 years. Known as the ‘Punishment Parade’, it has become a tradition that continues today.

Farrier’s axe

Farrier’s axe, now carried only on ceremonial parades. This originally had two functions: the spike could be used to dispatch a badly wounded horse; while the axe head was used to remove the dead horse’s feet, since the individually marked hooves were required to update the register of horses.

Farrier’s axe

Musician’s state coat

Musician’s state coat, made from crimson velvet, gold braid and lace, and worn on Sate occasions. Its design has remained unchanged since 1685.

Viewing Window

This unique viewing window allows visitors to the Household Cavalry Museum an opportunity to see behind-the-scenes of The King's Life Guard stables.

King Charles II – B1630 – D1685

At the Restoration in 1660, King Charles II returned to England in triumph following an 8 year period of exile in Holland and Belgium. Whilst in Holland the King had created a mounted bodyguard comprised of personnel who had gone into exile with him, and it was this force of 80 cavalier gentlemen together with the bodyguard of his brother the Duke of York which formed the Life Guards, the first regiment of the British Regular Army.

Capturing an Eagle at Waterloo

Waterloo field bugle

Waterloo field bugle, 11815, used by John Edwards to call for the decisive charge of the 1st Life Guards. Edwards was only 16 at the time, and was the field trumpeter to the household troop commander, Major General Lord Edward Somerset.

The Zetland Trophy, 1874. When Lord Zetland left The Blues in 1874, he failed to give the customary leaving present to the Officers’ Mess. When he was asked about this omission, the wealthy Zetland casually remarked “Oh, buy a piece of silver and put it on my bill.” The officers took him at his word and duly commissioned this enormous table centrepiece. It took four men to life it and it cost them the then astronomical sum of £1000. The central column depicts The Blues at the Battle of Waterloo, topped by a figure of Mars, the God of War.

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A horse hoof mounted as a table snuff box

A horse hoof mounted as a table snuff box and a lock of hair from the mane or tail of the charger Marengo, ridden by the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo.

Death medallions of Howard Avenel St. George, 1914. He was killed in action on the 15th November 1914, just one month after arriving at the Front.

Poppy with framed newspaper clipping, 1914. This poppy is one of the first poppies to be used as a lasting memorial to a fallen hero. It was found wrapped around this small photo clipping of Howard Avenel St. George. One can only suppose that this paper clipping was framed by a grieving relative.

Helmet belonging to Trooper Simon Tipper

Helmet belonging to Trooper Simon Tipper of The Blues and Royals who lost his life on July 20th 1982 when an IRA bomb was detonated in Hyde Park. Trooper Tipper was one of four members of The Blues and Royals who died that day. They included Lieutenant Anthony Daly, Staff Corporal Roy Bright and Lance Corporal Jeffrey Young. Seven horses were also killed and 23 other people injured.

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The Household Cavalry Museum

Real Soldiers

Horse Guards

The Royal Gateway

Practice Makes Perfect

Farrier’s axe

Music

Musician’s state coat

Man And Horse

Dressed For Work

The Stables

Viewing Window

King Charles II – B1630 – D1685

Law and Order

The Armourer’s Craft

Fine Figures of Men

Albert pattern helmet and plume, 1871, of the 1st Royal Dragoons

Officer’s full dress tunic of the Royal Dragoons

The Battle of Waterloo

Copy of the Napoleonic Eagle of the 105th

Capturing an Eagle at Waterloo

Major Edward Kelly of The Life Guards

Waterloo field bugle

Officer’s coat worn by Robert Hill of the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues)

Cast of the skull of Corporal John Shaw of the 2nd Life Guards

Artificial leg of Lord Uxbridge (1st Marquess of Anglesey)

Ornamental Extravagance?

Jockey silks and boots

The Zetland Trophy, 1874

Back Into Action

‘The Moonlight Charge of Kassassin’ by the Household Cavalry, 1882

Officer’s winter dress frock coat and forage cap

Officer’s cuirass and State Sword

Mounted to Mechanised

Mounted to Mechanised

The best way to support the Household Cavalry Museum is to come and visit us.

A horse hoof mounted as a table snuff box

Vickers machine gun with tripod, c.1914-1918

Sacrifice

Death medallions of Howard Avenel St. George, 1914

Helmet belonging to Trooper Simon Tipper

Sefton’s bridle

Mick Flynn Medal Collection, 1979-2012

S-10 Respirator, Afghanistan 2000s

The War on Terror

On Patrol

Visit the Household Cavalry Museum Shop

Changing of The King's Life Guard

Trumpet Audio - General Staff

Trumpet Audio - Chichester

Trumpet Audio - Edinburgh

Trumpet Audio - Finale

Trumpet Audio - Knightsbridge

Trumpet Audio - Majestic

Trumpet Audio - Merry-Go-Round

Trumpet Audio - Royale

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