Huge Strap Work Wrought Iron Boer War Commemorative Bench c.1900

A rare and unique piece, with connections to the Boer War and British Military History.

This pillar box red wrought iron bench c.1900 bearing the cast iron plaque with the dedication “LADYSMITH RELIEVED FEBRUARY 28th 1900” was presented to Colonel Charles Frederick Innes on “The Relief of Ladysmith”. Colonel Innes also received the Queen’s South Africa Medal at the end of the Second Boer War 1899-1902. He was Senior Quarter-Master in the British Army. With No. 3 Remount Depot and No. 4 Remount Depot. Specifically the “RELIEF OF LADYSMITH” medal was awarded to those in Natal north of and including Estcourt. Owned by descent by granddaughter Griselda and husband artist Ted Folkard. The bench resided at Bank House, Builth Wells, Wales for many years.

The Siege of Ladysmith was a battle that lasted 119 days. It took place between 2nd November 1899 and 28th February 1900 at Ladysmith, Natal, a township in South Africa. Over the time period a total of 21,000 Boers advanced into Natal from all sides. At the beginning of the war the British had only 12,500 troops in Ladysmith. The British Relief was widely celebrated throughout the empire.