Crimean War bronze plaque

This bronze commemorative plaque records: The two guns situation either side of this plaque are restored ships' cannons from the 19th century. They may have seen action during the Crimean War (1863-1866) or during one of the many naval expeditions that Britain undertook during the 19th century. Cannon like these were classified by the weight of the round iron cannon balls that they fired: the cannon made in 1811 is a '24 pounder', the cannon made in 1819 is an '18 pounder'. Both are of Blomfield design and were made from cast iron at the Carron Foundry in Falkirk. For many years after their working life the barrels of these cannon were sunk into the quayside at Devonport Dockyard and used as bollards. The grooves caused by ships cables rubbing against them during that time are clearly visible. The gun carriages are replicas, manufactured from iron in the RN workshops ink the Fleet Maintenance Base, HMS Drake These guns were presented to Plymouth City Council by Admiral Sir Nigel Essenhigh KCB ADC, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff on 29 November 2001

The Crimean War (1853-1856) was a significant conflict involving the Russian Empire against an alliance of France, Britain, the Ottoman Empire, and Sardinia, fought primarily in Crimea. It is remembered for its impact on military strategy, the introduction of modern nursing practices by Florence Nightingale, and its role in reshaping European power dynamics in the 19th century.