Who was Colin Campbell? Step into history at The Lord Clyde. This pub commemorates a Scottish hero. He rose from humble beginnings to Field Marshal.
Colin Campbell was born Colin Macliver in Glasgow in 1792. His father was a cabinetmaker. The young Colin later took his mother’s maiden name. He became known as Colin Campbell.
Campbell’s early life was marked by loss. His mother and a twin sister died when he was young. His only brother died fighting in the Peninsular War. Major John Campbell, his uncle, guided him. He sent him to the Royal Military and Naval Academy.
A famous story tells of his name change. It says the Duke of York thought Macliver was Campbell. The Duke enlisted him under that name. But this tale is likely false. Evidence suggests he changed it earlier.
Campbell’s military career spanned decades. He saw action in the Peninsular War. He fought in the War of 1812. He commanded the 98th Regiment of Foot in the First Opium War.
His bravery shone in the Crimean War. At the Battle of Alma, he commanded the Highland Brigade. His “thin red line of Highlanders” repulsed a Russian attack at Balaclava.
The Indian Mutiny saw Campbell become Commander-in-Chief, India. He relieved and evacuated Lucknow. He decisively defeated Tatya Tope. Then, he recaptured Lucknow.
Campbell dealt with the “White Mutiny”. This involved East India Company troops. He organized the army for the Second Opium War.
Known as “Old Careful”, Campbell cared for his men. He was knighted for his service. He received a generous pension. In 1858, he was raised to the peerage. He became Baron Clyde.
The Lord Clyde pub on Kilburn High Road honors him. It has been a tavern for over a century. This Irish pub stands as a tribute to his legacy.
Campbell never married. He had no children. He died in 1863 and was buried in Westminster Abbey. Statues of him stand in London and Glasgow. They memorialize his achievements.
So, as you enjoy your time at The Lord Clyde, remember Colin Campbell. He was a soldier. He was a leader. He was a Scottish hero. His story lives on in this London pub.