DURING this season of remembrance, Tredegar House in Newport is commemorating the 170th anniversary of the Charge of the Light Brigade with an exact replica of Godfrey Morgan’s military horse ‘Sir Briggs’, created in willow and draped in over 4,000 hand-made poppies.
The 15 hands high willow sculpture of the horse has been hand-woven by local willow artist and BBC Repair Shop TV personality, Sarah Hatton.
Now cared for by National Trust Cymru, Tredegar House was home to one of the greatest Welsh families, the Morgans, for over 500 years. In 1854,Godfrey Morgan bravely rode into the Battle of Balaclava on his loyal charger, Sir Briggs. This artistic willow tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifice of all who have served their country, as well as commemorating the military past of those who have lived and worked at Tredegar House.
Thousands of hand-made poppies cascade from the sculpture. The labour of love began in the summer and the team estimates over 200 hours of work have gone into the creation of 4000 handmade poppies by ‘Make Do and Mend’ volunteers, staff, the local community and visitors.
This week, the Sir Briggs sculpture was unveiled in the historic 17th century stable-block at a special event attended by Robert Talbot Rice CBE, who is a direct descendant of former Lord Tredegar Godfrey Morgan’s sister, the former Viscountess of Hereford, Mary Anna Devereux.
Lizzie Smith-Jones, General Manager, South East Wales Portfolio, National Trust Cymru said: “Remembrance at Tredegar House is a meaningful way for us to honour the courage of Godfrey Morgan and his horse, Sir Briggs.
“We hope visitors will find the experience both moving and thought-provoking.”
Alongside the Sir Briggs sculpture, a new exhibition called ‘Remembrance at Tredegar House’ delves into the life of the young Captain of the 17th Lancers, just 23 years old at the time of the charge, who would later become the first Viscount Tredegar.
The exhibition provides an opportunity to reflect on how war and conflict shaped the lives of the Morgans and the staff at Tredegar House. In a speech made at Newport Agricultural Show in December 1855, Godfrey Morgan, Lord Tredegar said: “I will not further enlarge on the horrors and miseries of war. May you never see them as I have done.”
Remembrance at Tredegar House runs until 18 November, please check the website for information on opening times. Free entry to National Trust members and those with a Local Resident Pass. Usual admission fees apply.
For more information and to plan your visit, please visit the National Trust Tredegar House webpage.
