Like College Court, this quadrangle was added by Wren for James II in 1687-8. It was originally a plain gravelled yard, and the fine wrought-iron cage and lamp-post (1722) in the centre protected a well which was provided for watering horses. The roadway with its stone posts and chains was laid out by Soane in 1819.
The Court takes its name from the Light Horse (cavalry) whose needs were not considered in the original proposal. They were junior to the old soldiers of the Horse Guards (who occupied a pavilion in the East Wing) but senior to the infantry. Such differences were abolished in 1850.
The North-East wing provided a number of officers' quarters. This range was heavily damaged, with some loss of life, by enemy bombing in 1918. It was reconstructed in 1923 only to be destroyed again by a V2 rocket in 1945. After the Ligh Horse Court in WinterSecond World War reconstruction was long delayed, but in 1964-5, the unsightly ruins gave place to an exact reproduction of the original exterior. The interior arrangements are, however, quite different, and the new building is currently occupied by additional Long Wards providing 64 additional places. It is intended to provide a temporary Infirmary in this building from 2004 to 2006 during the construction of a new Infirmary.
The single storey screen walls linking the various ranges are part of Wren's original design. Provided to give accommodation for storerooms and the Royal Hospital's privies (the last of which was removed in 1854), doors and windows have since been added to allow other uses.
Click here to take a virtual tour of Light Horse Court.