Changing the Guard at St James's Palace, 1792

Coloured line engraving, artist unknown, published 1792.

During the 18th century the British Army recruited many African and Caribbean musicians into the household regiments. This engraving shows three black musicians in ceremonial dress complete with splendid turbans. These black Guardsmen would have been familiar figures to eighteenth century Londoners since their presence was necessary at the Court of St James's for the daily ceremony of the Changing of the Guard.

Being a trumpeter or a drummer was not a purely ceremonial role. Commanders relied on musicians to communicate orders to their troops during combat so they always had a prominent role on the field of battle.