Sixteen tons of history and satire sit before us. This is the Cádiz Memorial. It is also known as the Prince Regent’s Bomb. This unique monument has a story that stretches from Spain to London. It involves battles, gratitude, and a fair bit of cheeky humor.
The C Cádiz Memorial commemorates the lifting of the Siege of Cádiz. The siege happened because of the Duke of Wellington’s victory over the French at Salamanca in 1812. The Spanish nation gifted this mortar to the Prince Regent as a token of respect.
Look closely at the mortar itself. It was cast for the destruction of Cádiz. It possessed power surpassing all others at the time. However the French abandoned it during their retreat.
The base is just as fascinating as the mortar. It is an elaborate brass sculpture. It depicts Dante’s reimagining of the monster Geryon. Some sources wrongly describe it as a Chinese dragon. Geryon is associated with the Isle of Gades. That is where Cádiz stands. Twin tails twist around to support the mortar. At the rear is a sculpture of the dog Orthrus.
Notice the liberties taken with Geryon’s classical depiction. Wings replace its multiple heads. The whole structure measures almost 10 feet high. It weighs 16 tons.
Read the inscriptions on the base. The north side has a Latin inscription. The south side displays an English translation. Both commemorate the raising of the Siege of Cádiz. They also express gratitude to George, the Prince Regent.
The Prince of Wales’s feathers appear in high relief. They are at the front of the bed. The rear states. Constructed in the Royal Carriage Department. Earl of Mulgrave, Master General A.D. 1814.
Originally, the French army used this mortar. Marshal Soult commanded during the two-year siege of Cádiz. The mortar was made in Seville in 1811. It was spiked and abandoned after the Battle of Salamanca. It could throw shells over a great distance. That distance was about 3.5 miles.
The mortar was intended as a terror weapon. The aim was to compel the inhabitants of Cádiz to surrender. Yet it proved ineffective and inaccurate. Shells often fell short. Others flew completely over into the bay. Some landed in the city. But they caused very few casualties.
The Spanish wanted to place the mortar in a Royal Park. This would commemorate the victory at Salamanca. It would also honor the liberation of southern Spain. The Prince Regent agreed. He instructed the Earl of Mulgrave to set it up in Horse Guards Parade. It was unveiled on the Prince Regent’s 54th birthday in 1816.
Now for the humorous part. Back then the slang term for a cannon was bomb. The C Cádiz Memorial quickly earned the nickname Regent’s Bomb. This prompted many jokes. These jokes linked it to the Prince Regent’s large backside. Cartoonists and satirists had a field day. They depicted the mortar in conjunction with the Prince Regent. They often included his mistress, Lady Hertford.
So the Cádiz Memorial is more than just a war memorial. It is a symbol of victory. It represents gratitude. It is also a reminder of the satirical wit of the time. A Grade II listed building since 1987, this unique piece stands as a testament to history. It is a monument to the power of a good pun.