Bradford People: General Shrapnel
Posted on Aug 5, 2012 in People, Social History |
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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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The 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.
The 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.