Why go
Car park For much of the late 20th century, Horse Guards Parade was used as a car park for senior civil servants; about 500 were granted the privilege, which was known as the 'Great Perk'. Horse Guards Parade was formerly the site of the Palace of Whitehall's tiltyard, where tournaments were held in the time of Henry VIII.
What to look for
- In late 1996 Horse Guards Parade was cleared in order to be resurfaced.
- Finally in March 1997 it was announced that car parking on Horse Guards Parade was to be ended.
- Access to this side of Horse Guards Parade is now restricted for security reasons.
The full story
The area has been used for a variety of reviews, parades and other ceremonies since the 17th century. The current General Officer Commanding London District still occupies the same office and uses the same desk. Wellington also had living quarters within the building, which today are used as offices. The PIRA's mortar attack on 10 Downing Street on 7 February 1991, which was carried out from a vehicle parked in Horse Guards Avenue near to Horse Guards Parade, although producing no casualties, led to concern about security. In April 1993 the Royal Parks Review Group, headed by Dame Jennifer Jenkins, Lady Jenkins of Hillhead, recommended that Horse Guards Parade should be restored for public use, and linked to St James's Park by closing Horse Guards Road.
Your next visit
Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.
Outdoor visit · 22–45 min
World planning estimate; admission, opening, visit duration and access need checking.