Grenadier Guards awarded Freedom of Newmarket

The Grenadier Guards have been awarded the Freedom of the Town of Newmarket at a special parade and event.

A march of the Nijmegen Company and Band took place on the Suffolk town's High Street, followed by a military inspection and band concert at Tattersalls auctioneers.

Paul Cordle, a former Grenadier Officer, said the history of the regiment goes back 360 years, when the royal family was restored after the revolution in 1660, and Charles II came to the town as he "adored racing".

He said it was "unusual for any town or city to bestow their freedom on a regiment", and it had only happened in six other places.

Cordle, who gave a presentation after the parade, said: "The shared history between the regiment and Newmarket goes back 360 years, when Charles II came here, after the Restoration in 1660, the first time as king.

"He adored racing here, so much so that he introduced the Round Course and he founded the King's Plate, which is still around today as the Newmarket Plate, and he built a palace here, and bought all his court and his noblemen here."

He said he had to have protection, "so he bought his regiment, the first guards at the time, which he'd formed in exile in 1656".

The Suffolk branch of the Grenadier Guards Association is celebrating its centenary this year, so it was a "wonderful opportunity to recognise this extraordinary, unique history that we have between us", he added.

"It's a very distinctive honour to be given, and we're thrilled for Newmarket; they've joined an elite club of six other cities to have bestowed the freedom on the regiment," he continued.

The regiment marched through the town, with "drums beating, bayonets fixed and colours flying".

"It's an important day for everybody and particularly for the young guardsmen on parade and to feel that they're part of something," he added.

The British Army said the Grenadier Guards were one of its "oldest and most iconic regiments".

"Whether they are fighting on the front line or guarding a Royal Palace, members of the regiment are renowned for their determination, loyalty and grit."

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