Henry Lawrence (Indian Army officer)

HenryLawrence NPG D5026

Henry Montgomery Lawrence - Project Gutenberg eText 16528

No. 19. Lawrence and Neil's tomb Lucknow - British Library

Sir Henry Lawrence Memorial

Memorial to Henry Montgomery Lawrence

Sir Henry Montgomery Lawrence (28 June 1806 – 4 July 1857) was a British soldier and administrator in British India. He is best known for his role during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and his efforts in the administration of the Punjab region.

Early Life and Education

Henry Lawrence was born in Matara, British Ceylon, the son of Colonel Alexander Lawrence and Letitia Knox. He was educated at Foyle College in Derry, Ireland, and later attended the East India Company College at Haileybury.

Military Career

Lawrence joined the British Indian Army in 1823 and was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Bengal Artillery. He saw action in the First Anglo-Sikh War and played a significant role in the Battle of Sobraon. For his services, he was appointed as the Resident at Lahore in 1846.

Administrative Career

In 1849, following the Second Anglo-Sikh War, Lawrence was appointed as the first Chief Commissioner of the Punjab. He implemented several administrative reforms and worked towards the development of the region. His efforts in the Punjab earned him a knighthood, and he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.

Indian Rebellion of 1857

During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Lawrence was stationed in Lucknow as the Chief Commissioner of Oudh. He played a crucial role in the defense of the Lucknow Residency during the Siege of Lucknow. Despite his efforts, he was mortally wounded on 2 July 1857 and died two days later.

Legacy

Henry Lawrence is remembered for his administrative acumen and his dedication to the welfare of the people in the regions he governed. Several institutions, including the Lawrence School, Sanawar and the Lawrence School, Lovedale, were established in his memory.

Related Pages

• Indian Rebellion of 1857
• First Anglo-Sikh War
• Second Anglo-Sikh War
• Residency (Lucknow)
• Punjab
• Oudh

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