Lewes in East Sussex, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Russian Cannon
Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 12, 2018
1. Russian Cannon Marker
Britain, France and Turkey fought against Russia in the Crimean War from 1854-6. After the Siege of Bomarsund in Finland (then part of Russia), 300 Finnish and Russian prisoners were sent to Lewes. Some of them were held in what became the Naval Prison in North Street.
The Finnish officers were allowed out on parole. They became quite popular and were even allowed free entry to the Castle. When they went home in 1856 the Town Band marched to the station with them.
In 1858 Lord Panmure, the Secretary of State for War gave the cannon to Lewes in recognition of the number of prisoners of war who had stayed in the town. He had the replica Russian gun carriage made at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich. The Gun Garden is named after this gun.
Did You Know?
Cannons were not used in England until the 14th century?
Until then soldiers used weapons like swords, bows and arrows and spears.
( photo caption )
Local people taking a look at the Finnish and Russian prisoners.
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.
Location. 50° 52.37′ N, 0° 0.482′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Norman Gatehouse and the Barbican (here, next to this marker); Anchor (a few steps from this marker); Stocks (a few steps from this marker); Brack Mount (a few steps from this marker); The Shell Keep and Angled Towers (a few steps from this marker); Barbican Gate (a few steps from this marker); The Curtain Wall and Castle Moat (within shouting distance of this marker); What Happened Where? (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewes.
Photographed By Michael Herrick
2. Russian Cannon Marker
Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 12, 2018
3. Russian Cannon Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 7, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 213 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 7, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
