See how Horse Guards London changed between 1896 and 2024. Drag the slider to compare the historic photograph with the modern view.
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In 1663, King Charles II commissioned the first Horse Guards building on the site of a former tiltyard at Whitehall Palace. Constructed of red brick, it featured a central clock tower and archway connecting Whitehall to St James's Park. The building housed the King's Guard and stables for over a hundred cavalry horses. Following a fire at Whitehall in 1698, the court moved to St James's Palace, and Horse Guards began controlling the ceremonial approach to St James's from Westminster. (en.wikipedia.org)
In 1745, King George II commissioned a new building in the fashionable Palladian style by architect William Kent. Construction began in 1750 and was completed in 1759, featuring a central clock tower and archway connecting Whitehall to St James's Park. The building served as the headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief of the Forces until 1904, when the post was abolished and replaced by the Chief of the General Staff. (en.wikipedia.org)
Today, Horse Guards remains the official entrance to St James's Palace and houses the Household Cavalry Museum, offering visitors insight into the regiment's storied past and daily routines. (en.wikipedia.org)
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