brickhanging stemmed back to 1889 and is our units most treasured tradition 161222credithouseholdcavalrytwitter.jpg — The brick-hanging ceremony is held every year on the final Friday before Christmas (Credit: Household Cavalry).

History

Brick-hanging ceremony: An Army tradition that dates back to 1889

Some regiments celebrate the year by raising a glass while others hold ceremonial parades, but one of Britain’s most prestigious regiments ceremonially raises a brick to toast the festive season.

This year marked the 122nd Brick Hanging, which is a tradition held by the Life Guards, one half of the Household Cavalry, since 1889, in memory of the story of Forage Master Joe Holland.

Held in the Warrant Officers' (WO) and NCOs' (Non-Commissioned Officers) mess, the ceremony traditionally takes place in the week before Christmas, often on the final Thursday or Friday before the leave period begins.

The brick is suspended at the top of the bar and all those taking part will be dressed in number two (No2) uniforms but will not wear belts or headdresses, as they are banned in the mess traditionally.

The tradition was inspired by the story of Joe Holland and is celebrated by drinking.

The 'Brick Hanging' is a tradition that dates back to 1889 (Credit: Household Cavalry). — The 'Brick Hanging' is a tradition that dates back to 1889 (Picture: Household Cavalry).

Ted Heath, curator of the Household Cavalry Museum, said: "It dates from 1889, when the second Life Guard Regiment's Forage Master Joe Holland was about to go on his Christmas leave, and he had arranged to join the senior NCOs for some drinks.

"As he was going into the mess, a runner came up to him and said he was invited by the commanding officer for some pre-Christmas drinks in the officers' mess.

"Joe noticed a loose brick in the wall of the guard room, so he pulled it out of the wall and threw it onto the roof.