Horse Guards
The Horse Guards is a military building in Westminster, London, England, housing the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, the squadron that makes up the monarchy's Life Guard.
History
Originally the tiltyard of the Palace of Westminster in the 16th and 17th centuries, the site was used for extravagant jousting tournaments, fireworks and bear-baiting matches, reportedly attended by thousands of spectators. After the tiltyard was closed for "some serious disturbances", a building was constructed there in 1641.[1]
The first House Guards was built in 1665 and torn down in 1748 after the building deteriorated to such a degree that those inside were in near-constant danger of being crushed by falling debris. Construction on the building that stands today began in 1750, with the Queen's Household Cavalry moving into the building in 1755.[1]
In the following years, two sections of the building gained a reputation for the activities taking place there: the basement, used for a cockfighting pit, and a public coffee house that attracted prostitutes. It is reported that the police often arrived on the scene to settle disputes and disorder, only to be turned away by the military. The coffee house closed in 1850.[1]
In 1861, the trial of desertion against Simeon Price took place. Throughout the trial, former soldiers spoke for Price's character and actions as a soldier against the few opposing testimonies, such as Major Grimes. Price later stood for his testimony as he insulted the military of promises for financial means for young men, who are ambivalent to the life they are blindly accepting. He also remained adamant for his actions of saving himself and others, instead of being order to die on the ship. After a moment of deliberation, Price was found innocent, due in large part to the intervention of Byron Ockham and his father. After the trial's verdict, all the soldiers present congratulated Price's victory.[2]
Gallery
Appearances
References
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||