Siege of Lucknow
1857 · Lucknow (in today's Uttar Pradesh, India) · World · Modern
The British Residency was besieged for nearly five months; two relief forces entered in turn, the British finally evacuated the Residency, and Lucknow was recaptured the following year
Belligerents
Rebels
- Commanders
- Rebel leaders of Awadh
- Strength
- Tens of thousands
British troops and the Residency garrison
- Commanders
- Henry Lawrence, Havelock, Campbell
- Strength
- About 1,700 defenders; reinforcements of several thousand
Background
During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Lucknow, formerly part of the Kingdom of Awadh, was one of the centers of the uprising; the British and Indian soldiers loyal to them fell back to defend the Residency compound.
Course of the battle
- BesiegedAt the end of June the rebels surrounded the British Residency, and its commander Lawrence was killed by a shell
- First reliefIn September Havelock's relief force fought its way into the Residency, but was then trapped inside as well
- Second reliefIn November Campbell led a force that opened a route and evacuated the women, children and garrison
- RecapturedIn March 1858 the British recaptured Lucknow
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1857 |
|---|---|
| Place | Lucknow (in today's Uttar Pradesh, India) |
| Result | The British Residency was besieged for nearly five months; two relief forces entered in turn, the British finally evacuated the Residency, and Lucknow was recaptured the following year |
| Winner | British (in the end) |
| Casualties | Thousands of casualties on both sides; many of the besieged were women and children |
| Territorial change | The rebellion in Awadh continued until 1858 |
Impact
The Siege of Lucknow was one of the longest engagements of the Revolt of 1857. Both sides committed atrocities against civilians, and to this day it carries different meanings in the memories of the two countries.
See the world in 1857 on the map →