Ending the Siege of Lucknow

A man standing holding a hat and sword
Sir Colin Campbell

On 14 November 1857, Sir Colin Campbell and his 4,500 men advanced on Lucknow. They flanked the rebels from the east and were supported by attacks from those trapped within Lucknow. Eventually Campbell reached the Residency where he decided to evacuate the city.

On 19 November 1857, men, women, and children moved out of the Residency.  They were shielded by canvas screens and accompanied by British and Indian troops. Meanwhile, Adjutant General Havelock distracted the rebels with an artillery bombardment, trying to convince them that an attack was imminent.  

61 days after the first relief, the Residency was fully evacuated. The siege of Lucknow had ended.

Series of caravans, carts and elephants walking across a bridge over a river
The Relief of Lucknow. Image courtesy of the National Army Museum, London

Headline Image Courtesy of the National Army Museum, London