In silent testament to past endeavours: The location of surviving laid up Colours, Standards and Guidons of London Units

In military organisations, the practice of carrying colours, standards or guidons, is to act as both a rallying point for troops and to mark the location of the commander. Regiments tended to adopt "colour guards", composed of experienced or élite soldiers, to protect their colours. As a result, the capture of an enemy's standard was considered as a great feat of arms.

They are never capriciously destroyed - when too old to use they are replaced and then laid-up in museums, religious buildings and other places of significance to their regiment.