Famous residency in lucknow : If you want to see the traces of Gadar, then you will not find a more beautiful place than the Residency. During that period, the drunkards of freedom occupied the Garh Residency of the British officers for the whole 86 days. During this, many small and big British soldiers and officers were killed at the hands of freedom fighters. Many Indian soldiers were also martyred in the struggle. Covering many stories of the past, the Residency still captivates the tourists visiting the city.
The Residency was built during the reign of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. Seeing the convenience of the British, the Nawab settled them on a high mound on the banks of the river. In 1800, the residency was prepared under the rule of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan. Earlier the officers appointed by the East India Company lived in it. This two-storied building made of Lakhori brick and red lime consisted of large verandahs and a portico. There is still a large cellar under the Residency. Residents of Awadh used to take rest in this basement. During the mutiny, all the British women and children had taken shelter in this basement.
Banquet Hall
The Awadh government had also built a banquet hall for the British Resident in this building. This two-storey building was once filled with European furniture and Chinese decorative items. Fountains used to run in its main room. During the reign of Emperor Naseeruddin Haider, many feasts used to take place in this hall. During the days of Gadar, this building was converted into a hospital. The Reverend Pallyhampton was badly wounded here in the July 8 attack.
St. Mary’s Church
In 1810, the Gothic-style St. Mary’s Church was completed in the Residency. At the time of Gadar, it was converted into a godown for cattle. The tomb of the first Englishman of the Residency who died in the freedom struggle was built in this church. This is also the tomb of Nawab Mustafa Khan and Mirza Muhammad Hasan Khan.
Treasury House
The Residency housed the Exchange Department of European officials. In the revolution of 1857, its central part was made a laboratory. Cartridges of infield guns were made in this. Near this there was post office of Residency near Old Banyan, in which tools shells started being constructed at the time of Gadar.
Henry Lawrence Memorial
Henry Lawrence was a very efficient administrator among the British officers living in the Residency. The tomb of Henry, who died in the Battle of Gadar, was earlier built 51 feet high and in a large circle. It was given a new outline in 1904 during the British rule.
Importance In Freedom Struggle
The Residency has its own importance in the freedom struggle of 1857. On 30 June 1857, the day after the Battle of Chanhat fought under the command of Begum Hazrat Mahal’s chief aide Raja Jialal, the Indians under Syed Barkat Ahmad opened fire on this foreign stronghold. The revolutionaries kept their occupation here for 86 days. During this, all the British families remained imprisoned here. On the night of 17 November 1857, Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah made the last attack on the Residency, on the second day of which Colin Campbell brought troops from Kanpur and then the British took possession of it.
