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THIS OBJECT IS PART OF THE PROJECT 'A HISTORY OF CORNWALL IN 100 OBJECTS'.

DUKE OF CORNWALL'S LIGHT INFANTRY MUSEUM. During the Siege of Lucknow, 510 women and children were trapped inside the British compound and had to duck the bullets as best they could. The siege lasted from June to November 1857 and there were many casualties. This cradle is standard army issue, reputedly the damage to the wickerwork side of the crib occurred during the siege. A patchwork quilt, made from dead soldier's uniforms and facings, is another item claimed to have been made by women during the siege.

The 32nd of Foot, which later became the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, were among the defenders of The Residency at Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny and some had families with them. The bravery of the defenders was marked by the award of four VC's and by Queen Victoria awarding Light Infantry status on the 32nd Regiment. Lucknow Day is still celebrated by veterans in the county.

Photo: Bernie Pettersen