| Horse Guards (building) |
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Horse Guards is a large building in the Palladian style between Whitehall and Horse Guards Parade . It was built between 1751 - 1753 by John Vardy to a design by William Kent . The building was constructed on the site of the Guard House of the old Whitehall Palace , which had been destroyed by fire in 1698 . The palace's Tilt Yard became the Exercise Ground of Horse Guards Parade , located behind the Horse Guards building. The building was the headquarters of the and the Household Cavalry . The building is the formal entrance to St James's Palace via St James's Park (though this is now entirely symbolic). Only members of the Royal Family are allowed to drive through its central archway. Horse Guards is always guarded by troopers of the Household Cavalry, both mounted and on foot; visiting the horses is popular with tourists. Two mounted cavalry troopers are posted outside daily from 10 am to 4 pm, and are relieved every hour. There are usually guided tours of the building on London Open House weekend, which takes place in September. |
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