Household Cavalry Museum

Description

This museum within the historic Horse Guards building affords a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into the ceremonial duties and operational role of the Household Cavalry regiments which make up the Queen’s official guards. Their story is told through a collection of ceremonial uniforms; royal standards, gallantry awards, musical instruments, horse furniture and silverware amassed over 350 years of serving the Royal family. Family activities take place during school holidays. Visitors to the Household Cavalry Museum can see troopers working with horses in the 18th-century stables of the horses which parade just outside every day; the stables are separated from the main museum by no more than a screen of glass. One exhibit, created in response to visitor demands, is a video explaining where the horses come from, how they are chosen, why so many of them are black and how they are cared for and trained. New displays feature a piece about the capture of the Eagle and Standard of the French 105th Regiment at the Battle of Waterloo. There is also a scene showing troopers discovering an IED on patrol in Afghanistan and a display showing up to date kit each trooper takes into battle, highlighting the dangers they face. From April 2014 each visitor will be equipped with a handheld interactive touchscreen guide.