St Patricks Day celebrated by Irish Guards in London . Distribution of shamrock . The customary celebration of St Patricks Day took place at the Irish Guards headquarters at Wellington Barracks , London , when the Irish Guards received bunches of shamrock from their Colonel , the Earl of Cavan . The Earl of Cavan distributing shamrock to officers of the Irish Guards at the St Patricks Day celebration at Wellington Barracks , London . 17 March 1932