11th Hussars Charge of the Light Brigade Scrapbook of Willia...

Hammer

£440

11th Hussars Charge of the Light Brigade Scrapbook of William Henry Pennington

This historic scrapbook was compiled by William Henry Pennington, who’s account of the famous charge appeared in the Times newspaper shortly after the charge. In later life he became a Shakespearean actor . 
The scrapbook contains original letters sent to him, newspaper cuttings, programmes etc. A number referring to the charge, drawing on his own experiences. Pennington wrote a book about the charge, one which sits in the Royal Library, within the album is the letter from Balmoral sent on behalf of Queen Victoria thanking him. He would be a favorite actor of William Gladstone British Prime Minister and the album is with a letter from 10 Downing Street. Covers approximately 64 pages.

William Henry Pennington was born in 1833, after a period of three years at sea with the merchant marine, he enlisted into the 11th Hussars which was one of the regiments in the advance party landing on the Crimea. He took part in the famous charge, his horse was killed underneath him and he received a ball to his thigh. Somehow surviving he limped back only to be handed a loose horse by a 8th Hussar trooper and then fought his way back along the valley of death. His letter sent home giving details of the charge would be published in the Times newspaper. Leaving the Army he took up as a Shakespearean actor, becoming a favorite of the Prime Minister William Gladstone. In 1870 he became the lessee and manager of Sadlers Wells Theatre London. He died in 1923 and was the last of 11th Hussars and the second to last of the noble 600.