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Scots Guards | Celtic Cultural Minute

Drum major Sgt. Martin Godsman led the Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards as they put on a world class performance of bagpiping, drumming and highland sword dancing in the Pentagon courtyard.
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Drum major Sgt. Martin Godsman led the Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards as they put on a world class performance of bagpiping, drumming and highland sword dancing in the Pentagon courtyard.

The Scots Guards are a band that was formed by British King Charles I in 1642.  It is known that in 1716 a small band of "hautbouys" existed; (otherwise known as Oboes) however, the precise origins of the Band of the Scots Guards are unknown.

The Scots Guard grew during the early part of the 19th century and by 1838 could boast some 32 performers. Throughout the 19th century the band expanded until, in 1888, there was an establishment of 44.

During 1916 they entertained troops at Ypres and the Somme. During World War II they were again entertaining troops on the home front. This was sometimes through the medium of wireless, an example being March 18, 1942 when at 1 am, the band reported for a BBC Overseas Broadcast at the Paris Cinema. Musicians also found themselves on Fire Watch duties based at Egerton House, Buckingham Gate.

Today the Band of the Scots Guards is one of five bands in the Foot Guards Regiments in the Household Division which primarily guards the British monarch.

The band is based at Wellington Barracks in St James's London, which is the same place as all of the foot guards bands.

To read more about the Scots Guards, look for Celtic Classic on Facebook for links to the Celtic Cultural Alliance Education Blog. Additional research and ideas for further exploration of resources in the Lehigh Valley are gathered there. For the Celtic Cultural Alliance, I’m Silagh White. Slainte.