General Charles Gordon Statue

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This bronze figure by Scottish sculptor Thomas Stuart Burnett (1853-1888) was a donation from the Clan Gordon. General Charles Gordon wears his regimental uniform of the Royal Engineers.

 

Gordon’s military success was based on his role in the Crimean War (1853-65) and cemented during his leadership as a captain in China in the early 1860s. His reputation was that of a popular exemplar of the then cult of the Christian military hero.

 

General Gordon was killed at Khartoum on 26th January 1885, at the end of one of the most famous sieges in history. His career, although sometimes controversial, has generally always enjoyed a good reputation, as can be seen in the 1966 film Khartoum, in which he was depicted by Charlton Heston.