The Residency, Lucknow
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Through Lucknow, India and Indian Rebellion of 1857
History
The Residency was constructed between 1780 and 1800. Construction started during the rule of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah and ended during the rule of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan II, who was the fifth Nawab of Oudh. Between 1 July 1857 and 17 November 1857, the Residency was subject to the Siege of Lucknow, part of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Lucknow was recaptured by the East India Company in March 1858.
The Residency suffered extensive damage during the fighting, and has been in ruins ever since.
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Architecture
The Residency has been maintained as it was at the time of the final relief during the Siege of Lucknow, and the shattered walls are still scarred by cannon shot. Ever since Indian Independence, little has changed. The ruined building is now surrounded by lawns and flowerbeds and serves as a tourist attraction. The cemetery at the nearby ruined church has the graves of 2,000 men, women and children, including that of Sir Henry Montgomery Lawrence who died during the siege. There is a weathered epitaph near the grave of Sir Henry that reads "Here lies the son of Empire who tried to do his duty" while another nearby grave reads "Do not weep my children, for I am not dead, but am sleeping here." A light and sound show to display the history of the Residency is also played each evening.