Bradford People: General Shrapnel

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Lieutenant-General Henry Shrapnel (1761- 1842) was a soldier whose name has passed into the English language as the word for pieces of metal thrown out by an explosion. He was born in Bradford as a member of a family of clothiers, many of whom have memorials in the parish church. As an officer in the Royal Artillery in 1784 he invented an anti-personnel weapon in the form of a a shell which exploded in the air. It was used in many battles until the end of the First World War. He lived at Midway Manor, between Bradford and Wingfield.

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Shrapnel shell, gate of Midway Manor, WingfieldThe gate piers of the drive that leads to Midway Manor, Wingfield are topped by four Shrapnel shells and his crest, which features a fiery shell is carved on the front, together with names of some of the battles that were won with the aid of Shrapnel shells.

 

 

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