'The military review - the camp at Chobham. The troops returning to their encampment after a field-day', 1853

Coloured tinted lithograph by Edmund Walker after Louis Haghe (1806-1885), published by Ackermann and Co, 8 October 1853.

In addition to providing practical training for the Army, Chobham Camp was designed to be a military spectacle entailing splendid royal reviews. Lord Hardinge credited Prince Albert with the formation of the camp and the royal family visited it frequently. A number of marquees and small tents were erected on Magnet Hill, the camp Headquarters, which served as a banqueting hall and suite of apartments for the royal party and distinguished guests.

Even before the camp was complete, it had become part of the social 'Season', attracting crowds on their way to the Ascot Races. Once the regiments had arrived, Chobham drew large numbers of visitors who flocked to witness this exhibition of British military prowess with its glittering array of uniforms. In an attempt to profit from the huge popularity of Chobham Camp, a number of artists and printmakers produced pictorial souvenirs whilst 'The Illustrated London News' published a diary of each day's events.