
The Crimean War and the Ball of 1856
In 1854 Britain joined the Crimean War on the side of France against Russia. As a female monarch, it was not possible for Queen Victoria to have a traditional military role, she therefore created a new one that focused on the welfare of the troops. She knitted woollens for the soldiers, sent provisions to the camps and inspected military hospitals. When peace came in early 1856, Victoria marked the occasion with a series of balls in her new Ballroom.
Sir Joseph Noël Paton (1821-1901)
Home (The Return from the Crimea)
Attributed to Meyer & Mortimer [London]
Queen Victoria's Military Jacket
Brown, W.C. : 13/14 New Bond Street
Queen Victoria's Military Hat
George Housman Thomas (1824-68)
Queen Victoria distributing the first Victoria Crosses seen close up
Sir John Tenniel (1820-1914)
The distribution of Crimean Medals on Horse Guards Parade, 18 May 1855
Louis Haghe (1806-85)
The Ballroom, Buckingham Palace, 17 June 1856
William Simpson (1823-99)