12-pounder Blomefield pattern siege gun, 1800 (c)

The Blomefield pattern gun, named after Major General Sir Thomas Blomefield, who was appointed Inspector of Artillery in 1780, was of improved design with a strengthened breech. It could fire to a maximum range of 2,435 yards but was normally used at shorter ranges to penetrate fortifications.

Throughout the Peninsular War (1808-1814) it was regarded as the most efficient breaching weapon known. Its round shot could penetrate 12 feet of rammed earth. It remained in service until the advent of breech-loading guns in the 1860s. The gun was cast by Samuel Walker and Co of Rotherham, Yorkshire, who were important government contractors during the Napoleonic Wars.