In December 1641 Charles 1., commissioned a "Court of Guards in the Tiltyard before Whitehall" to house his personal Guards and to protect the Palace. On 30 January 1649 the King was taken through Horse Guards and executed outside the Banqueting House opposite.

On 30 January 1969 a chill wind blew through Horse Guards Parade as the time approached 2pm - the hour of King Charles execution 320 years earlier. A black mark on the clock notes the hour.

Silence fell upon Whitehall as the clock chimed 2pm.

A face appeared in one of the Banqueting House windows.

"I go from a corruptible crown to an incorruptible crown, where no further disturbance can be."

All the Queen's horses were spooked!

At that moment a small man with very long hair and a beard was passing through Horse Guards. "I'm off to the Crown, for a pint, where no further disturbance can be. " He told a sentry.