Historical

Historical Notes
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The Body Guard was formed by King Henry V11 in 1485 and appeared first on duty at his Coronation in that year. The Body Guard has an unbroken history of 504 years and is not only the oldest Royal Body Guard but it is also the oldest Military Corps now existing in this or any other country.

During the first three centuries of its history the Body Guard was absolutely responsible for the personal safety of their Sovereign. The duties of guarding the interior of the Palaces: the supervision of food and meals and the care of the Sovereign's apartments were largely in the hands of the Yeomen of the Guard. The existance of the duties is still acknowledged by the ranks of Yeomen Bed Goer and Yeomen Bed Hanger carried by certain Yeomen on the Roll of the Body Guard at the present time.

The Standard carried on parade today was presented by Her Majesty The Queen on the Body Guard's Quincentenery in 1985. The badges of the Royal Houses of Tudor, Stuart, Hannover and Windsor on the Standard reflect the long service to the Sovereign. Only two battle honours selected from the battles of the Corps - Tournai 1574 and Boulogne 1544 - are embroidered on the Standard.

Every member, whether Officer or Yeoman, is appointed for his campaign services. Medals for most campaigns and battles of the past 50 years can be seen on parade.

Sir Walter Raleigh. was one of the most celebrated Captains of the Body Guard from 1586 to 1603 who was executed on the 19th Oct 1618,after checking the sharpness of the axe and the executioners hesitation he cried out ""What dost fear?strike,man,strike".

Body Guard Motto
"Valecti Garde Domini Regis"
Picture: Presentation of new Colours by Her Majesty The Queen
in 1985 at Buckingham Palace.
1485 to 1985 - Quincentenary Parade.

Sir Walter Raleigh

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