Departure Of The Grenadier Guards From Trafalgar Square Feb.22 1854, on Their Route To The East

Description

This scene depicts the ceremonial departure of the elite British infantry unit, the Grenadier Guards, from Trafalgar Square in London on 22 February 1854, to be sent to the Crimean War. This was shortly before the Crimean War officially began (Britain would enter the war in March 1854). In England, such military ceremonies were held openly and in a grandiose manner to mobilise public support and build morale before the war. The Grenadier Guards are one of the oldest and most prestigious regiments in England. Their roots date back to 1656, the period following Oliver Cromwell. They played an active role in the Crimean War, particularly at the sieges of Alma, Inkerman and Sebastopol. They are recognisable by the high plumed helmets and crossed cartouche belts on their uniforms (visible in the engraving).