Imagine, if you will, the clip-clop of hooves echoing through cobbled streets. This is the sound of history and tradition. It resonates deeply within the walls of the Royal Mews.
The Royal Mews is more than just stables. It is a working department of the Royal Household. Here, horses, carriages, and cars support the monarch’s duties as head of state. It is also a museum open to the public for much of the year.
The story of the Royal Mews begins far from Buckingham Palace. Originally, it was located at Charing Cross. In 1377, this site housed the royal hawks. The name “mews” comes from the French word “muer” meaning to moult. This refers to the confinement of hawks during moulting season.
In 1534, a fire destroyed the Royal Stables. King Henry VIII rebuilt the Charing Cross mews as stables. The name stuck. By the early 1560s, maps show the Mews extending toward modern-day Leicester Square.
The Royal Mews was rebuilt in 1732 by William Kent. It became a classical building with a large open space. The public could visit it in the early 19th century. It was called the King’s Mews or Queen’s Mews depending on the monarch’s gender.
In 1820, guards at the Royal Mews mutinied. They supported Caroline of Brunswick. King George IV was trying to divorce her. The Charing Cross site was cleared in the late 1820s. This made way for Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.
The Royal Mews then moved to its current location. It is on the grounds of Buckingham Palace. In the 1760s, George III moved some horses and carriages here. He acquired Buckingham House in 1762 for his wife. The Riding School dates from this time.
The current Royal Mews was built by John Nash. Construction finished in 1825. The quadrangle features coach houses and stable blocks. A “back mews” even provided accommodation for a veterinary surgeon.
When Queen Victoria ascended the throne in 1837, Buckingham Palace became the main royal residence. Prince Albert used the back mews for his horses. By the 1850s, nearly two hundred people worked at the mews. Most lived on site with their families. Queen Victoria established a school for the workers’ children in 1855.
Motor vehicles arrived during King Edward VII’s reign. In 1904, coach-houses were converted into a “Motor House” with modern amenities.
Today, the Royal Mews houses about 30 horses. Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays are the main breeds. These horses still pull carriages for ceremonial events. They also handle daily messenger rounds between Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace.
The Royal Mews also maintains state motor cars. The official cars are painted black over Royal Claret. The head chauffeur and his deputy drive the monarch.
Among the state cars are two Bentley State Limousines. They were given to Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 for her Golden Jubilee. There are also Rolls-Royce Phantom VI limousines. A rare 1950 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV is also present.
The Royal Mews is overseen by the Crown Equerry. The Mews houses an impressive collection of vehicles. The Gold State Coach is a highlight. It is used only on great state occasions. Other notable carriages include the Irish State Coach and the Diamond Jubilee State Coach.
So, as you explore the Royal Mews, remember its rich history. From royal hawks to state-of-the-art cars, it represents centuries of tradition and service to the British monarchy. It is a living testament to the enduring connection between the Crown and its people.