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Coldstream Guards mark 375th anniversary

Evie Lake
BBC News, North East and Cumbria
PA Media A group of guards sitting on a train with red seats. They are wearing the red uniform with yellow shoulders. They are smiling and chatting, one man has his had on the shoulder of another.PA Media
The regiment travelled to Berwick from London

To mark the 375th anniversary of the regiment's formation, the Coldstream Guards boarded a train in London and travelled back to its birthplace in Berwick-upon-Tweed, where crowds lined the streets to welcome the guardsmen home.

In full ceremonial dress, the oldest continuously serving regiment in the British Army paraded through the border town with the Band of the Coldstream Guards.

PA Media The guards marching through Kings Cross train station's concourse in full uniform. Most are holding musical instruments. The concourse is largely empty.PA Media
The guardsmen boarded the train in ceremonial uniform at Kings Cross
PA Media A guard in full uniform playing the trumpet in Kings Cross station. A large group of guards are standing behind him out of focus.PA Media
Music was played as the guardsmen lined up to board
PA Media Seven guards walking alongside a white and red LNER train in full uniform. They are holding black, large guns.PA Media
It takes under four hours to get from London to Berwick by train

The regiment was formed in Berwick in 1650, but in 1660 marched down to London to help restore the monarchy, dissolve Parliament and bring Charles II back to the throne.

Back then, the journey took five weeks. Tuesday's trip, by contrast, took just a few hours - with the guards back in London by evening.

PA Media The guards on the train in their uniforms with their hats above them on the luggage racks. One guard is standing up in front of her seat and smiling. Guards around her are chatting and smiling.PA Media
The trip was a far cry from the five-week-long journey to London in 1660
PA Media Some guards through the train window. Two of them are smiling into the camera while sat on train seats. They are not wearing their hats and people around them are stood up.PA Media
The mood was high before the train departed Kings Cross to Berwick-upon-Tweed

Following the parade, the guardsmen attended a Service of Thanksgiving at Berwick Parish Church.

The soldiers were joined by the Colonel of the Regiment, Lieutenant General Sir James Bucknall, and the Mayor of Berwick at the Guildhall for an inspection and civic reception.

Formed in 1650 during the English Civil War, the regiment has served in every major conflict since and earned 113 battle honours and 13 Victoria Crosses.

After returning to London, the regiment will be presented with new Colours at Windsor Castle before taking centre stage at Trooping the Colour on 14 June, where they will troop the new flags for the King's official birthday.

PA Media An aerial shot of the Coldstream Guards marching through Berwick. They are wearing full uniform with bearskin hats and bright red military jackets. All are playing musical instruments including wind instruments and drums.PA Media
The Coldstream Guards paraded through Berwick on their arrival
PA Media An aerial photo of the guards marching through Berwick. They are marching down the middle of a road lined with people and stone buildings.PA Media
The soldiers were accompanied by the Band of Coldstream Guards
PA Media The guards marching through the street towards the camera. There is red and white bunting above them and people lining the street.PA Media
Crowds lined the streets to welcome the guardsmen home
PA Media Guardsmen standing in church pews. The woman in the front of the picture has blonde hair tied up in a bun and a black headband on her head and is looking straight ahead. The guards around her are reading from sheets of paper.PA Media
The parade was followed by a church service at Berwick Parish Church

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