Jug commemorating the Earl of Cardigan at the Battle of Balaklava, 1854 (c)

Creamware, made 1854 (c).

This jug depicts Major-General James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, during the Charge of the Light Brigade on 25 October 1854. Cardigan had misinterpreted an order and led his brigade in the fateful charge down 'the valley of death' against Russian positions. He bravely galloped many yards in front of his men and was the first among the Russian guns. However, in the subsequent melée he turned back, gave no further orders and left his men among the enemy without direction.