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When the regiment was raised in 1685 there were 18 trumpeters on the establishment, two to each of the 9 Troops. The trumpeters’ clothing cost 36 pounds, 12 shillings and twopence each. Additionally there was a kettle drummer for which there were a pair of drum banners. The following are mentions of regimental musicians in extracts from official orders.
Treasury Papers, Great Wardrobe 31 Jan 1696
Certificate of issue in 1692 of rich liveries for 18 Trumpeters and one kettledrum, also rich colours, and kettledrum banners for Her Majesty’s Regiment of Horse, amounting to 612 pounds 8 shillings and twopence farthing.
23 July 1717
394 pounds 3 shillings to be paid to General Henry Lumley to defray the charge of clothing in rich liveries the Kettledrummer and nine Trumpeters of our Regiment of Horse under his command, which said clothing used to be provided once in two years.
Memorial of Lord Irwin, 7 Mar 1720
That, since the raising of his regiment, formerly Sir John Leonier’s, Her Late Majesty Queen Mary was pleased to order 867 pounds 6 shillings for clothing the Kettledrummer and Trumpeters, when there were two Trumpeters to each Troop. Upon the disbanding of the Army [26 Mar 1699] her Late Majesty was pleased to reduce the Trumpeters to one per Troop, and ordered a Warrant for 394 pounds 3 shillings on 11th August 1699, to cloth the Kettledrummer and Trumpeters. At the beginning of the second War [18 Feb 1702] the Trumpeters were again added, but on application made to General Lumley, the then Colonel, he reduced all the banners and badges and six Standards, with several other things, which reduced the sum of 867 pounds 6 shillings to 543 pounds 4 shillings and one penny, which sums have always been allowed every clothing since the raising of the regiment. That they now being reduced to one Kettledrummer and nine Trumpeters, and the regiment being immediately to be new clothed, he pays the sum of 394 pounds 3 shillings to clothe the Kettledrummer and nine Trumpeters.
Inspection of the 1st King’s Dragoon Guards 1750
Nine troops. Two Drummers to each Troop. No Hautbois [there should have been one to each Troop]. The regiment on being converted into Dragoons lost its cross-belts and wore a pouch-belt only, and Drummers took the place of Trumpeters. They received the drums in 1752, but in 1766 the Dragoon Guards and Dragoons reverted to Trumpeters.
Warrant of 1 July 1751
Drummers and Hautbois — Red coat, blue facings and lining, ornamented with yellow lace with a blue stripe, long hanging sleeves fastened at the wrist, blue waistcoats and breeches. Blue cloth caps, embroidered with the King’s cypher within the Garter and Crown over, the little flap red, with the White Horse and motto NEC ASPERA TERRENT. Back of cap red with tassel hanging behind, blue turn-up with a drum and I D.G. in the middle. Drums, of brass, painted blue, with the King’s Cypher within the Garter.
Inspection, 30 Oct 1754
Drummers on Greys.
Warrant, 14 April 1756
Troop of Light Dragoons to be added to each Regiment of Dragoon Guards and Dragoons on the British Establishment. 3 officers, 6 NCOs, 60 Privates and 2 Drummers.
Inspection, 11 Oct 1756
4 Standards and Belts. 18 Drums.
Inspection, 8 Sept 1757
20 Drummers.
27 April 1763
Light Troop disbanded.
Painting 1765
In PW Reynolds’ notebooks there is a page devoted to a painting that sold at Christie & Mansons in July 1918 (Lot 88). It was described as “An Officer on Horseback with Troop in background by F. Eastorius 1765.” ‘In the foreground 2 kettledrums with crimson banners with the Royal Arms thereon and a trumpet also with crimson banner. In the background a Kettledrummer & 4 Trumpeters in gold laced coats (similar to those still worn by the band of the Household Cavalry) and black cocked hats. They are mounted on grey horses; black fur holster cover. Also some privates, indistinct but apparently in red coats with blue full lapels.’
11 Mar 1766
For Drummers no other arms but a sword and one pistol.
28 June 1766
Drummers replaced by Trumpeters for Dragoon Guards and Dragoons.
Inspection 16 May 1767
9 Trumpets received, February 1767. No Drums.
Inspection 12 May 1768
Regiment has no music.
Warrant of 19 Dec 1768
Trumpeters — Red coat, faced blue and line buff, ornamented with yellow lace with a blue stripe, not to have long hanging sleeves. Buff waistcoat and breeches. Blue feather in hat. Sword with scimitar blade. Brass trumpet with crimson and blue cords.
Inspection 26 April 1773
Men ride too short. March as well as possible without music.
Inspection 24 April 1776
Very good fifers and musicians.
Inspection 12 Oct 1779
Some fifers.
Inspection 5 Oct 1782
Trumpeters mostly fifers.
Standing Orders for 2nd Dragoon Guards 1795
Trumpeters — In watering order the Trumpeters must be in stable dress, with trumpets slung on their backs, and foraging caps on, hair clubbed, without powder. On a foot parade, without arms, uniform coat, waistcoat and breeches, black leggings, black stock and turnover, black cap, hair clubbed and powdered, the trumpet slung over the right shoulder, with the bell upwards, gloves on and switches, unless they have their instruments, in which case no switches. When under arms on foot, they wear hats and feathers, if the men have hats; and swords with the belt over the coat. On Sundays, the same. At horse or foot drills, they wear caps; on field days hats. Whenever a Trumpeter wears his hat, his feather must be in it. They must never be separated.
Note in British Military Library 1800
Ten Troops. Troopers’ horses, black with long tails. Trumpeters’ horses, grey with long tails. Officers’ chargers either chestnut, brown or bay, nag-tailed.
8 Oct 1811
Clothing of Trumpeters to be the same colour as that of the Privates, the distinction to be pointed out by the lace.
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