Tens of thousands of tourists visit Whitehall each year and gaze at the Horse Guards sentries, but the history behind Horse Guards, and the sentries in front of it are known to virtually no-one. This is the first book to tell the absorbing story of a site which has been used for martial activity continuously since the mid-16th century. From knights competing to be Champion of the Tilt during the reign of Henry VIII, to becoming the first War office, to its role today, the building has continually played a military role. Written by an expert who has researched the building for more than 40 years, this fascinating book tells the hidden history of one of Britain's most famous landmarks.

'Highly commended, a very good read' Brigadier Barney White-Spunner, Household Cavalry Regimental Historian.
'
A great deal of detailed research', Museum of London Library

Highly commended, a very good read. Brigadier Barney WhiteSpunner, Household Cavalry Regimental Historian

A great deal of detailed research. Museum of London Library

Highly commended, a very good read. --Brigadier Barney WhiteSpunner, Household Cavalry Regimental Historian

A great deal of detailed research. --Museum of London Library

Brian Harwood served in the Life Guards regiment of the Household Cavalry from 1953 to 1968. Four of those years were spent with the Household Cavalry Records Office in Horse Guards, answering queries from the public with material from the archives. He realised that there was very little information about the history of the building, and set out to research the full story. Forty years on, he has amassed a large quantity of material, and his account of the Horse Guards has attracted many complimentary reviews. He has also written several local history books published by Alan Sutton. The author lives in East Sussex.