Horse Guards, Military barracks in Westminster, England
Horse Guards is a Georgian barracks in Westminster with a central clock tower and two symmetrical side wings built from pale Portland stone. The archways lead through to the adjoining parade ground where military ceremonies take place.
William Kent designed the building in the mid-18th century to replace an older guardhouse from the time of Charles II. Completion came in 1759 and made the site the headquarters of the mounted household guard.
Mounted sentries stand daily in front of the archways and allow visitors to approach closely for photographs. This routine is among the visible military traditions that connect London to its royal past.
Access to the courtyard is free and offers a view of the sentries, while the museum inside requires admission. Early morning visits work well for seeing the changing of the guard ceremony, which begins around 11 a.m. on weekdays.
Above the numeral two on the clock face, a dark mark remains visible as a memorial to the execution of Charles I in 1649. This simple reminder goes unnoticed by many visitors, even though it stands directly in front of the building.
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