The original design for the building was drawn up by James Wyatt who also designed the RMA Woolwich building, but his design was adapted by John Saunders, architect to the Barrack Department of the War Office. The building was completed in 1812 by the builder Alexander Copeland. Above the Grand Entrance to Old College the pediment bears a roundel of the monogram of King George III flanked by Mars and Minerva, the gods of War and Wisdom. The custom of the Adjutant riding his horse up the steps at the end of the Sovereign's Parade dates from 1926 when Major (later Lieutenant General) FAM "Boy" Browning accomplished this feat, though there is no explanation for why he did this! The cannon on each side of the steps include French guns captured at the Battle of Waterloo.
