Grand Vestibule: The British Monarchy and the World
The Grand Vestibule at Windsor Castle reflects interaction between the monarchy and the wider world
Medallion
1799 - 1800RCIN 67220
These gold and silver medals commemorate the defeat of Tipu, Sultan of Mysore by British forces in 1799. The figure in profile is Marquess Wellesley, who served as Governor-General of India from 1797. On the reverse, two British soldiers attack a fallen Indian soldier, possibly Tipu himself. The medals were designed by F. Mills and N.G.A. Brenet in 1799, the year of the battle, but not struck by James Mudie until 1820, when British euphoria at Tipu's defeat remained strong. They were possibly intended for Mudie's 'Series of Medals of British Victories', a set of 40 medals each available in gold, silver or bronze commemorating recent national triumphs. However, they were not included in the final set, which was dedicated to George IV.