Guards Memorial
A solemn stone cenotaph with five life-sized bronze Guardsmen, commemorating the fallen of the Foot Guards in the World Wars, standing opposite Horse Guards Parade.
Standing on the edge of St James’s Park facing Horse Guards Parade, the Guards Memorial is a solemn stone cenotaph dedicated to the Guardsmen who died in the World Wars. Five life-sized bronze soldiers, each representing one of the Foot Guards regiments, stand at ease against a tall pylon, while a large artillery relief adorns the rear. Damaged by wartime bombs and bearing visible scars, the memorial is a powerful, dignified tribute to sacrifice, often seen in the background of Trooping the Colour and other state ceremonies.
A brief summary to Guards Memorial
- 69 Horse Guards Rd, London, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography and quiet reflection.
- Walk around the entire memorial to see both the five bronze Guardsmen on the front and the large artillery relief on the rear facing St James’s Park.
- Combine your visit with nearby sites such as Horse Guards, the Churchill War Rooms and the Guards Museum for a deeper understanding of the Guards’ history.
- If in London around Remembrance Sunday or Trooping the Colour, return to see the memorial adorned with wreaths and at the heart of national ceremonies.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground
From Charing Cross Underground station, follow signs for Horse Guards Road; the walk takes about 8–10 minutes on level, paved paths with clear sightlines to the memorial.
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Underground
From Embankment Underground station, head southeast along the Victoria Embankment and then onto Horse Guards Road; the walk is around 10 minutes on flat, accessible pavements.
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Bus
Several central London bus routes serve nearby stops on Whitehall and Horse Guards Road; from there it is a short, level walk of 2–5 minutes to the memorial.
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Walking
From Buckingham Palace or the Churchill War Rooms, it is a 5–10 minute walk along well-maintained paths and pavements, passing through St James’s Park or along Whitehall.
Guards Memorial location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Guards Memorial
A Memorial of Stone and Bronze
This imposing war memorial, officially known as the Guards Division Memorial, stands on Horse Guards Road at the edge of St James’s Park, directly opposite the ceremonial Horse Guards Parade. Designed by architect Harold Chalton Bradshaw and sculptor Gilbert Ledward, it was unveiled in 1926 to commemorate the 14,000 Guardsmen of the Foot Guards who died in the First World War. The structure is a tall, stocky stone cenotaph or pylon, deliberately severe in form, rising above a stepped plinth. Against its front face stand five life-sized bronze figures, each representing a different regiment of the Foot Guards: Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Welsh and Irish Guards. These figures are shown at ease, not in heroic poses, but as real soldiers, lending the memorial a quiet dignity rather than overt triumphalism.Figures of the Foot Guards
The five bronze soldiers are among the memorial’s most striking features. Each was modelled on serving Guardsmen, chosen to embody the character of their respective regiments. The sculptures were cast from guns captured during the First World War, a powerful symbol of turning instruments of war into a permanent tribute. One anecdote tells of the Irish Guardsman growing impatient during the modelling and leaving before the work was complete, so his legs were taken from another soldier. The figures wear full uniform and stand with rifles, their expressions resolute yet human. Below them, the regimental badges are incised into the stone, and the cenotaph bears inscriptions honouring those who gave their lives for king and country. After the Second World War, an additional inscription was added to remember those who fell between 1939 and 1945, broadening the memorial’s scope while preserving its original intent.Artillery and the Back of the Memorial
The rear of the cenotaph, facing St James’s Park, is dominated by a large stone relief panel depicting an 18-pounder field gun being loaded and fired in action. This vivid scene captures the intensity and machinery of trench warfare, grounding the memorial in the reality of the Great War. The panel serves as a reminder of the artillery barrages that defined much of the conflict and the Guardsmen who served in the artillery and support roles. The overall design evolved from an initial, more ornate concept into the stark, vertical form seen today, reflecting a desire for solemnity and permanence. The memorial’s severe lines and heavy mass give it a timeless, almost timeless quality, fitting for a monument to such immense sacrifice.Scars of War and National Memory
The Guards Memorial bears visible scars from German air raids during the Second World War, deliberately left unrepaired as a testament to the conflict’s impact on London. These “honourable scars” are a subtle but powerful reminder that the city itself, like the Guards, endured and survived. The memorial is Grade II listed, recognised for its architectural and historic significance, and it forms part of the ceremonial landscape around Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and St James’s Park. It is often seen in the background of major national events such as Trooping the Colour, Remembrance Sunday and state visits, where wreaths are laid and silence observed. In this way, it remains not just a static monument, but an active participant in the nation’s acts of remembrance.Visiting the Memorial Today
Today, the Guards Memorial is freely accessible at all times, standing in an open, well-maintained area that allows for quiet contemplation. It is surrounded by the greenery of St James’s Park and the grand architecture of central London, creating a space that is both solemn and integrated into daily life. Visitors often pause here to read the inscriptions, photograph the bronze figures, or simply reflect on the cost of war. Its location makes it easy to combine with visits to nearby sites such as the Churchill War Rooms, Horse Guards, the Guards Museum and the other monuments of St James’s Park. Whether seen in bright sunlight, under grey skies or during a formal ceremony, the memorial continues to speak of duty, sacrifice and the enduring memory of those who served.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Guards Memorial
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A solemn tribute to the valor and sacrifice of the Guardsmen who fell in World War I, set amidst London’s historic ceremonial heart.
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
