The Household Cavalry in Norfolk
The Household Cavalry are amongst the most effective fighting troops in the British Army and have distinguished themselves in battle on many occasions since the 1600’s. Divided into two regiments, the House Cavalry Regiment (HCR) , is configured for conventional battle and The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) for ceremonial duties and the protection of the Monarch , a duty it has held since the restoration of Charles II in 1600.
Historically the Life Guards , the Horse Guards (Blues) and the Dragoons (Royals) were independent Regiments , each with a distinguished fighting reputation and over time regularly formed composite units until formally merging in the early 1990's. The Life Guards and the Blues and Royals are the senior regiments in the British Army.
The HCR are a battle ready regiment providing armoured cavalry capability and have distinguished themselves in modern warfare including recently in Afghanistan, as they have throughout the ages including at the famous Battle of Waterloo. For more information about the fascinating history of the Household Cavalry click here https://www.hcavfoundation.org/about/about-the-household-cavalry/history-of-the-household-cavalry/
The HCMR are tasked with guarding and escorting the Monarch and these ceremonial duties are mostly conducted in London and other locations associated with the Royal Palaces.
The Norfolk Connection
Norfolk has a long and distinguished relationship with the British Monarchy since pre Tudor times and so it should surprise no one that the Monarch’s own Household Cavalry should visit here. Each year the HCMR visit a summer Camp at Bodney in Norfolk.
Attendance at Bodney Camp provides excellent opportunities for the local residents and visitors to the county to see the regiment on two occasions.
The first is when the HCMR visit Holkham Beach and ride out , often without saddles on the beach. It is a delightful spectacle and if like us you’re proud of our troops, it’s a welcome sight. Parking is available at Holkham Beach , managed by the Holkham Hall Estate and it is a pay and display setup. There is a cafe and toilets at this location. Closely monitoring the HCMR Facebook page is key to understanding which days the HCMR are arriving and it’s often only known at short notice. There is a very nice CMC CL at White Hall Farm at Burnham Thorpe, should camping be required some 10 mins drive from the beach.
Below is a short video.
There are more images of the Household Cavalry riding on the beach here https://www.behance.net/gallery/123329661/The-Household-Cavalry-at-Holkham-Beach-Norfolk-UK
The second opportunity to see the HCMR close up is at the Summer Camp Open Day at Bodney Camp. The experience is memorable and is advertised locally but also through the HCMR social media links.
Where to Camp
The nearest location to Bodney Camp is the CAMC site at Thetford Forest. It’s a five minute drive , but not an easy walk and there is no public transport available . There is motorhome parking at the event. Entry this year was £10 per adult and proceeds all go to HCR Charities.
