Horse GUARDS, in England, are gentlemen chosen for their bravery, to be entrusted with the guard of the king's person; and were divided into four troops, called the 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th troop of horse-guards. The first troop was raised in the year 1660, and the command
command given to Lord Gerard; the second in 1661, and the command given to Sir Philip Howard; the third in 1693, and the command given to Earl Feverham; the fourth in 1702, and the command given to Earl Newburgh. Each troop had one colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, one cornet and major, one guidon and major, four exempts and captains, four brigadiers and lieutenants, one adjutant, four sub-brigadiers and cornets, and 60 private men. But the four troops are now turned into two regiments of life-guards.
Horse-Grenadier GUARDS, are divided into two troops called the 1st and 2d troops of horse-grenadier guards. The first troop was raised in 1693, and the command given to Lieutenant-general Cholmondeley; the second in 1702, and the command given to Lord Forbes. Each troop has one colonel, lieutenant-colonel, one guidon or major, three exempts and captains, three lieutenants, one adjutant, three cornets, and 60 private men.
Yeomen of the GUARD, first raised by Henry VII. in the year 1485. They are a kind of pompous foot-guards to the king's person; and are generally called by a nickname the Beef-Eaters. They were anciently 250 men of the first rank under gentry; and of larger stature than ordinary, each being required to be six feet high. At present there are but 100 in constant duty, and 70 more not on duty; and when any one of the 100 dies, his place is supplied out of the 70. They go dressed after the manner of King Henry VIII.'s time. Their first commander or captain was the earl of Oxford, and their pay is 2s. 6d. per day.