Changing of the Guard at Faneuil Hall

The British Changing of the Guard at Faneuil Hall always catches the tourists off-guard. The series takes place near the original British barracks on State Street. Boston was occupied by British soldiers for nine years before American independence.

This historical program, jointly offered by Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the Freedom Trail Foundation, uses the troop of Freedom Trail Players, experienced 18th century costumed guides, who re-enact what might have been daytime and nightly guard duty in a hostile environment.   The Boston Massacre began near this site with a confrontation between Boston citizens and a Redcoat guardsman.

In the Changing of the Guard, a military drummer accompanies soldiers to their posts, completes inspections and marches to their next post. In today’s real life Faneuil Hall, the soldiers are more than happy to talk about their postings in Boston.

Changing of Guard schedule is:
Twice daily held on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays beginning Saturday, May 7 and continuing through Monday, October 31.

First Performance

11:45 a.m.         Redcoat in position
12:00 noon         Changing of Guard NW corner near McCormick & Schmick’s
12:20 p.m.         Changing of Guard NE corner near Orvis
12:40 p.m.                  Changing of Guard SE corner near Kingfish Hall
1:00 p.m.                    Changing of Guard SW corner near Anthem Kitchen + Bar
1:00 -1:15 p.m.            Redcoats interact with visitors

Second Performance

1:45 p.m.                    Redcoat in position
2:00 p.m.                    Changing of Guard NW corner near McCormick & Schmick’s
2:20 p.m.                    Changing of Guard NE corner near Orvis
2:40 p.m.                    Changing of Guard SE corner near Kingfish Hall
3:00 p.m.                    Changing of Guard SW corner Anthem Kitchen + Bar
3:00 – 3:15 p.m.           Redcoats interact with visitors

Call Faneuil Hall Marketplace for further information. 617.523.1300 or the Freedom Trail Foundation, 617.357.8300 or visit TheFreedomTrail.org.