Lucknow Residency, Lucknow Overview

The British Residency of Lucknow, which is also a Residential Complex served as the headquarters for the generals of the British East India Company. However, with the 1857 uprising, this once composed complex turned into a British refugee camp during that revolt.

The fort is now in ruins and a British cemetery nearby sites the graves of all the colonisers who died during the Lucknow siege. The ruins are now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The Residency also hosts a light and sound reminiscing the 1857 revolt show every evening.

Architecture of the British Residency

The British Residency houses three levels which once houses a billiards room, offices and a library besides a protective basement. There is also a huge cross at the entrance, remembering Major General Sir John Inglis and his wife. Some of the highlights of the Residency include the Begum Kothi, the Mosque and the Canteen during the time, which are all in ruins now.

One of the walls of this ruin holds a marble tablet of all the soldiers who fought the Indian revolt. The grounds of the British Residency also houses an ancient Banquet Hall which still adorns some impressive carvings on its pillars and walls. There is also another section of refuge during the time, called the House of Dr Fayer, which was also used as a hospital.

British Residency History

Initiated by Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula in 1775, the British Residency was completed in 1800 by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan. Nonetheless, this residential complex has been through years of back and forth laws, renovations and ruins.

Post the 1857 revolt, this dilapidation with growing flora and greenery turned into a tourist magnet. Soon after Lucknow's colonisation, the city not only became a vital site of British administration, the British Residency also turned into the private residence of Oudh's English commissioner.

How to Reach the British Residency

Located about 2.5 to 4 km from the Lucknow city centre, the British Residency can easily be reached via cabs, buses or even autos. Cycle-rikshaws are the cheapest modes here, they turn out much inexpensive than autos too.

However, even if opted for an auto-ride, shared autos work out more affordable. There are a couple of metro options too with the Vishwavidhyalaya Metro being the nearest transit head.