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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Household Cavalry
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The sovereign's mounted bodyguard, dating from the *Restoration and formed originally from troops of cavalry which had accompanied *Charles II and the duke of York (the future *James II) in their exile during the *Commonwealth. These were the Life Guards, known familiarly as the 'Tins'. They were soon joined by another group, the Royal Horse Guards (descending partly from a unit of the *New Model Army which disbanded in 1660 and immediately re-enlisted for the king); they became known as the 'Blues'.
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Together these two regiments (the senior units of the British army) made up the Household Cavalry until the addition in 1969 of the 1st Royal Dragoons; they were amalgamated with the Horse Guards, forming the Blues and Royals. All these are now mechanized armoured units, but together they maintain one mounted regiment (at Knightsbridge Barracks) which is responsible for ceremonial duties in London, in particular at *Horse Guards.
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