Cadiz Memorial / French Mortar (London)

 memorial, donated / gifted object

 Upload a photo

The Cádiz Memorial, a French mortar mounted on a cast-iron Chinese dragon which commemorates the lifting of the siege of Cádiz in Spain in 1812 is displayed here.

The mortar was presented by Spain to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent. The inscription, on the left side of gift, reads:
"To Commemorate / the raising of the siege of Cadiz, in consequence of the Glorious Victory, gained by the / Duke of Wellington / over the French near Salamanca, on the XXII of July MDCCCXII. / This Mortar, cast for the destruction of that great port, with powers surpassing all others, / and abandoned by the Beseigers on their Retreat. / Was presented as a token of respect and gratitude by the Spanish Nation / to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent".

The right side of the gift as an inscription in Latin that probably reads the same.

The rear, of the base, has an inscription that reads:
"Constructed / in the / Carriage Department / Royal Arsenal / Earl of Mulgrave / Master General / 1814". That would seem to refer to the base that the mortar is at on.