They marched into history once, and now they’re marching back.
Today, one of the British Army’s most iconic regiments, the Coldstream Guards, is returning to its roots in Berwick-upon-Tweed to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: 375 years of unbroken service.
Formed in 1650 in the turbulent days of the English Civil Wars, the Coldstream Guards are making a symbolic return to the town of their birth, arriving in full ceremonial splendour, scarlet tunics, bearskin caps, bayonets fixed, and Colours flying.
And this time, their journey from London took just over three hours, far quicker than the legendary five-week snowbound march of 1660, which helped restore the Monarchy and change the fate of the nation.
From Battlefield to Parade Ground
At 7:00am this morning (Tuesday, June 10), the soldiers of the Regiment, accompanied by the Band of the Coldstream Guards, departed London King’s Cross aboard an LNER train, heading north to Berwick-upon-Tweed. They arrived at precisely 10:36am, and by 10:45am, they were proudly marching through the streets of the border town.
This is no ordinary parade. It’s a full-circle moment that pays tribute to the oldest continuously serving regiment in the British Army, with a service record stretching from Oliver Cromwell’s New Model Army to today’s frontline deployments and royal ceremonies.
Their arrival was marked by an official reception at Berwick’s historic Guildhall, where they were greeted by Lieutenant General Sir James Bucknall, Colonel of the Regiment, and the Mayor of Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Honouring the Past at the Church Their Ancestors Built
The Coldstream Guards then attended a Service of Thanksgiving at Berwick’s Parish Church, one of the few remaining churches built during the Commonwealth Era. Its foundations were laid in 1652, using stone taken from the town’s ruined castle, likely placed there by the very soldiers being honoured today.
Following a civic reception, the Guards will once again parade through the town before boarding the 3:15pm LNER train back to London, closing the loop on a ceremonial journey rooted in deep historical symbolism.
The March That Changed Britain
It was during the bitter winter of 1660 that the Coldstream Guards, then marching under General George Monck, travelled south from the Scottish Borders to London. Their mission? To restore order in a nation rocked by anarchy.
They succeeded. Parliament was dissolved, free elections held, and King Charles II was restored to the throne. With him came the revival of theatre, dancing, and even Christmas.
Still Serving: Ceremonial Excellence and Combat Grit
Today, the Coldstream Guards are more than just a ceremonial spectacle. Their reputation for elite frontline infantry capability is matched only by their world-famous precision on parade. From Iraq to Afghanistan, and from the battlefield to The King’s Guard at Buckingham Palace, they’ve earned 113 Battle Honours and 13 Victoria Crosses.
Their brand-new Colours, on show in Berwick today, will next be seen by millions during Trooping the Colour on Saturday, June 14, at Horse Guards Parade in London, celebrating King Charles III’s official birthday.
