The History of Bearskins in the British Army

Bearskins are a type of fur hat that was traditionally worn by soldiers in the British Army, particularly those serving in the Grenadier Guards and Coldstream Guards regiments. The hats were made from the skin of bears, which were obtained from Canada and other parts of North America.

The practice of wearing bearskins dates back to the 18th century, when the British Army began to use them as a distinctive part of their uniform. The hats were prized for their warmth and durability, as well as their symbolic significance as a mark of military pride and tradition.

Over time, the use of bearskins in the British Army became less common, and they are now primarily worn on ceremonial occasions such as Trooping the Colour and the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Some regiments still wear bearskins as part of their full dress uniform, while others have replaced them with more modern headgear.