The Box, Plymouth
Copy of Napoleon on HMS Bellerophon in Plymouth Sound, by J. Harris.
Copy of Napoleon on HMS Bellerophon in Plymouth Sound, by J. Harris.
To commemorate the two-hundred year anniversary of the death of Napoleon Bonaparte, Destination Plymouth has created a dedicated online resource called ‘Napoleon 200’ to be enjoyed by locals and visitors with support from The Box and the University of Plymouth. The new resources are included in a cross European programme commemorating Napoleon’s death, led by the Federation of Napoleonic Cities of which Plymouth is the only one in the UK.
The online resources include detailed information on various Napoleonic experiences such as activities and places to visit - incorporating 90-minute walking tours led by blue badge guide Chrissie Le Marchant and cycling routes.
Napoleon Bonaparte was held as a prisoner in Plymouth Sound onboard HMS Bellerophon from July 26th to August 4th, 1815, following his defeat at Waterloo, while the British Government decided his fate. He was later sent into exile on the South Atlantic Island of St Helena. Napoleon Bonaparte and the Bellerophon left Plymouth Sound and he was transferred to HMS Northumberland for the long voyage south. He died in exile, on St Helena.
Visitors to The Box can see a portrait of Napoleon in its ‘Port of Plymouth’ gallery. It was painted by John Harris the Younger (1791-1873), an English artist who specialised in pen and ink facsimile as well as miniature portraits, copies of printed landscapes and woodcuts.
It shows Napoleon posing in all his finery, despite being a prisoner on board HMS Bellerophon at the time.
Ephraim Graebke, Bellerophon’s assistant surgeon was quoted at the time as saying: ‘Buonaparte is a fine-looking man . . . Roman nose, good mouth and chin . . . big belly, arms stout and shews a good leg. He wears a cocked hat like our three cornered ones, white waistcoat and breeches and white silk stockings, thin shoes and buckles.’
Some highly detailed bone models made by prisoners of war from the Napoleonic era can also be seen in the gallery. The models were created with handmade tools as well as a great deal of skill and patience and are detailed examples of high quality craftsmanship.