A historically important early 19th century gold ring that was given to Lord Cardigan of...

A historically important early 19th century gold ring that was given to Lord Cardigan of 'Charge of the Light Brigade' fame, the heavy three colour gold broad band ring with chased foliate decoration in relief depicting the rose, thistle and shamrock representing the union of the United Kingdom, the inside of the hoop engraved 'A TRIBUTE OF GRATITUDE To the Rt. Hon'ble the Earl of Cardigan, FROM CAPT. G.T. WETHERED', c. 1830, ring size S

This ring was given or bequeathed by Lord Cardigan to his nephew George Augustus Frederick Louis Curzon-Howe, then Lord Curzon later 2nd Earl Howe, 1821-76, whose mother, Harriet was said to be Cardigan's favourite sister. Lord Howe was twice married, but had only one child (Lady) Harriet Alice. She married the Rev. Henry Neville Sherbrooke 2nd Son of Henry Sherbrooke of Oxton she died in 1875. The ring then passed to the vendor's grandmother Sybil Mary Curzon Sherbrooke, thence by descent.

James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, 1797-1868 became a national hero during the Crimean War after leading the Charge of the Light Brigade at the battle of Balaclava on 25th October 1854. He was born on 28th March 1797 at Hambleden, Buckinghamshire and educated at Harrow and Christchurch Oxford. In February 1818 he became a Member of Parliament for Marlborough. During this time he embarked on a Grand Tour, which included visiting Russia and Sweden. In 1837 he inherited the earldom from his father who had died while Brudenell was with his regiment in India, together with the extensive family estates, including Deene Park. It may have been on this occasion that he received the ring from Captain Wethered.

His first marriage was to Elizabeth Tollemache Johnstone in 1826 however this was not a happy union and by 1837 they had separated. He married a second time in 1858 to Adeline de Horsey. This marriage was a greater success however they had no children.

Cardigan's military career began at the age of 22 when he formed his own troop of horse and at the age of 27 he joined the 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars. In 1830 by purchase of commission he had become a lieutenant colonel, he was later appointed to command the 15th Kings Hussars. In 1836 he was given the command of the 11th Hussars.

Cardigans most famous exploit came during the Crimean War, on 25th October 1854 when he was in command of the famous Light Brigade composed of the 4th and 13th Light Dragoons, 17th Lancers, and 8th and 11th Hussars. The commander or the British Army Lord Raglan sent a message to George Bingham 3rd Earl Lucan the overall commander of the cavalry. The order stated ' Lord Raglan wishes the cavalry to advance rapidly to the front follow the enemy and try to prevent the enemy carrying away the guns'. These were guns being removed by Russian forces from redoubts on the south side of a valley. However Lord Lucan interpreted the command to attack the guns that were at the end of the valley and with the persuasion of the messenger, a young officer, Captain Louis Edward Nolan, Lucan commanded Cardigan to send his 670 troopers to attack these guns, that were about a mile away. The result was a disaster for the Light Brigade having to charge over 50 Russian guns and cost the lives of 107 men including Captain Nolan who was one of the first to be killed. Cardigan remained unscathed and after passing through the guns made his way back to his lines. He returned to England later that year arriving at Folkestone in January 1855. He was later made Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath and appointed Colonel of the regiment of the 11th Hussars. He retired in 1866 and died on March 28th 1868 ironically from injuries caused from falling from his horse.

A painting by R. Buckner shows Lord Cardigan wearing the ring. Sadly we have been unable to ascertain the relationship or biographical details of Captain Wethered.