The Cavalry Sabre of Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant Anthony Hardolph Eyre
Possibly the earliest item relating to the Nottinghamshire Yeomanry in existence. The sword of the regiment's first commander, and captain of the Retford Troop, Anthony Hardolph Eyre.Previously a time served professional soldier, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the 1st Foot Guards in 1776, made Captain in 1778, and rose to be the regiments Lieutenant-Colonel in 1787. Retiring from the regular army in 1790. With the Government establishing the Yeomanry cavalry volunteer force in 1794, he became Captain of the newly formed Retford Troop, and appointed Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant of the whole Corps receiving the Regiments Standard in Nottingham's Market Place in 1795.
It is fair to assume that from his previous military career, Anthony Hardolph Eyre already owned a number of swords. It may stand as good testament to how seriously he took his new role in 1794 as the Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant of the newly formed Nottinghamshire Yeomanry by the sword he had made for the position. Based on the regulation cavalry sabre of the time, the officers type Pattern 1788 light cavalry sword, Anthony Hardolph Eyre had a sword made to the highest possible standards and quality of the time, which would have cost him a large sum. The blade engraved with the Royal Cipher to the right hand side along with his family crest.This crest in heraldic terms being "A leg in Armour Couped at The Thigh Quarterly Arg. And Sa., Spurred Or." The left side of the blade engraved with "Nottingham Volunteers" with his personal crest below with a stylised "H". Originally the engraving was filled with gilt, and the first half of the blade with peacock blue finish as was the fashion of the time, this now faded away. The forward half of the blade in wootz, or damascus steel, the swirling patterns still visible. The blade, although the full standard length of 850 mm has been made very light by the full and broad fuller which goes close to the edge,the back of the blade, and close to the reverse edge tip. In the hand the sword weighs just 700 grams, and in the scabbard, 1460 grams. To make a blade so large, yet so light would have taken the best swordsmiths of the time,and would have been an expensive purchase. The result being a sword that was light to wear on parade, and easy to wield in battle for cut and thrust.The scabbard and hilt in line with the 1788 Officers Pattern sabre of the time, a "D" guard hilt with wire bount grip. A wooden scabbard with black leather panels and mostly covered in sheet steel.
Born 8th March 1757, Anthony Hardolph Eyre was the son of Anthony Eyre, 1722-1788 who was a landowner and politician who sat in the House of Commons 1774-1784, himself son of Anthony Eyre, the family following the gentries tradition of giving the first born son and heir the same Christian name as the father. Through his mothers family, Anthony Hardolph Eyre inherited the manor and estate of Headon in Nottinghamshire. Purchased for him, the manor and estate of Grove next to his other properties at Rampton and Treswell near Heaton in 1762.
Anthony Hardolph Eyre started his army career in 1776 commissioned as an Ensign in the 1st Foot Guards. Rose to the rank of Captain in 1778, and Lieutenant-Colonel in 1787. His father died in 1788 making him head of the estate of the Eyre family, this no doubt having some influence in his decision to retire from the regular army in 1790.
In 1794 the British Government established the formation of yeomanry cavalry units in response to the threat from France.This proved to be the perfect opportunity for Anthony Hardolph Eyre to re-engage his interest and commitment to military service, while at the same time being able to manage his personal estates. On the June 10th 1794, a meeting held at the Moot Hall in Mansfield was held to discuss the raising of a Corps of yeomanry Cavalry. A subscription was opened to fund the establishment of the new regiment which raised -, for the time, a very large sum of £8549. Four Troops were formed, Nottingham, Mansfield, Newark, and Retford which was captained by Anthony Hardolph Eyre.As well as Captain of his own local Troop, Anthony Hardolph Eyre was also made Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant of the entire regiment, presumably due to his previous military experience. The Regiment saw its first action the following year in the suppression of the Nottingham Bread Riots of April 1795. brought about by the lack of food, a consequence of so many working age men being away in the army during the Napoleonic Wars. The Nottingham Troop together with a Troop of the Inniskilling Dragoons quelled the riot after having been pelted with stones by the rioteers. There were more riots later that year, and again in 1796. In 1800, two more riots occurred in Nottingham, the first in April which was quelled by one Yeomanry Troop, and again in August, this time a larger disturbance lasting three days with rioting and looting. This finaling quelled by 3 troops of the Blues, and three troops of the Nottinghamshire Yeomanry.
The most well recorded part of Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant Anthony Hardolph Eyre's service with the Notts Yeomanry Cavalry was the Ceremony of Presenting the Regimental Standards on 14th July 1795 in the Market Place Nottingham. Several speeches were made by local dignitaries and by Colonel Eyre during the handing of Standards to him, and him passing them on to the Troop Commanders. The event was meticulously recorded in Thoroton's book, The History of Nottinghamshire, republished by John Thorsby, details of which can be found below. On June 5th 1797, the Regiment was paraded by Colonel Eyre in honour of the King's birthday. Three volleys were fired in celebration, and Colonel Eyre gave what the Nottingham Journal recorded as being "an energetic speech of considerable length".
In response to the Peace of AMiens in 1802, it was decided that the threat from France had eased, and the Yeomanry Regiments of Cavalry were to be disbanded. In May 1802 the Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Cavalry were stood-down. Both the Holme, and Newark Troops were not stood-down and were allowed to remain.The Duke of Portland on behalf of Colonel Eyre informed lord Hobart that the Retford, Nottingham, and Mansfield Troops were to stand-down, but would be ready again if needed to stand forward in defense of their King and Country. The peace with France was short-lived and by May 1803 fears of a French invasion were back. The call for the formation of volunteer units, and reformation of disbanded units was made. In Nottingham, the Nottingham Troop were the first to reestablish themselves in June.On 5th August 1803, the Duke of Portland wrote to the Government. He stated that the former Lt.Col. Commandant, Mr.Eyre has proposed to raise four Troops of Yeomanry Cavalry. The reply to the Duke of Portland stated, "My Lord, I have had the honour of laying before the King, the proposals communicated in your Grace's letter of the 5th instant, namely, from Mr.Eyre of raising four troops of Yeomanry Cavalry. I am commanded to express the satisfaction His Majesty has derived from the zeal and public spirit manifested by these offers, which His Majesty has been pleased to approve and accept." It was the case however that the troops were now to be entirely independent. Rather than waiting for the full Corps to establish as a single functioning unit, each of the four Troops should establish independently as soon as the commanding officer was appointed, and the numbers raised. During this time of emergency, there was no attempt at even nominal regimental organisation. Each of the Troops Commander's commissions were made out as Captain-Commandants. When the Retford Troop was reformed, Lieut-Colonel Eyre was gazetted as Captain-Commandant only. After Nelson's victory at Trafalgar, the threat of imminent invasion had eased.
It is not recorded exactly when Anthony Hardolph Eyre retired from the Nottinghamshire Yeomanry, but in 1803 he followed his fathers footsteps into politics and that year was elected as M.P. for the county of Nottinghamshire. Tragically his only son, Gervase Anthony Eyre (1791-1811) who had followed in his fathers footsteps, having served in the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards was killed in the Battle of Barossa 1811.Ever drawn back to the duties and management of his estate, Anthony Hardolph Eyre retired from politics in 1812, but served as a local Justice of the Peace for many years. After his death in 1836 with the loss of his son, his estates were divided between his three daughters. The local family church for the Eyre family was Rampton All Saints. There can be found numerous monuments to the Eyre family including one to Anthony Hardolph Eyre which reads --
SACRED to the Memory of
ANTHONY-HARDOLPH EYRE Esqr
of Grove;
Eldest Son of A. EYRE Esqr.
Born March 8, 1757, Died April 13, 1836.
He was honourably distinguished by the useful discharge
of many public Duties,
and by the endearing exercise of every private Virtue.
In reward for the Services
Which in various capacities he had rendered
To his native County
He was unanimously elected as its Member
in three successive Parliaments.
In 1812 he retired voluntarily from its Representation,
and passed the Evening of his truly Christian Life
in the intelligent but unostentatious practice
of doing good unto all men.
He left three Daughters surviving him.
MARY-LAETITIA
Wife of CHARLES EARL MANVERS
FRANCIS-JULIA
Wife of GRANVILLE HARCOURT VERNON Esqr
HENRIETTA, married
1st to the Revd JOHN-HARDOLPH EYRE,
2dly to H. G. KNIGHT Esqr
ANTHONY-HARDOLPH EYRE Esqr
of Grove;
Eldest Son of A. EYRE Esqr.
Born March 8, 1757, Died April 13, 1836.
He was honourably distinguished by the useful discharge
of many public Duties,
and by the endearing exercise of every private Virtue.
In reward for the Services
Which in various capacities he had rendered
To his native County
He was unanimously elected as its Member
in three successive Parliaments.
In 1812 he retired voluntarily from its Representation,
and passed the Evening of his truly Christian Life
in the intelligent but unostentatious practice
of doing good unto all men.
He left three Daughters surviving him.
MARY-LAETITIA
Wife of CHARLES EARL MANVERS
FRANCIS-JULIA
Wife of GRANVILLE HARCOURT VERNON Esqr
HENRIETTA, married
1st to the Revd JOHN-HARDOLPH EYRE,
2dly to H. G. KNIGHT Esqr
CEREMONY OF PRESENTING THE STANDARDS.
------------------------------
Tuesday last, according to public advertisement, the respective troops of Notts, Yeomanry Cavalry (comprising the Nottingham, Newark, Retford, and Mansfield) met together in this place to receive their colours. The day proving exceeding fine, it prompted an innumerable concourse of spectators to view the novelty of the scene. About ten o’clock the troops took their ground in Sneinton Field, from whence they rode in regular military pro- cession to the Market Place, and, forming a square in front of the Exchange Hall, the windows of which, being filled by ladies of the first rank and fashion, the sight became truly enchanting. Everyone seemed pleased, and doubtless admired the patriotic spirit of their countrymen. ‘The four troops being drawn up in front of the Exchange Hall in the Market Place, and an escort being detached to attend the Standards, they were handed from the
windows to Chas. Pierrepont, Esq., M.P., and Thomas Webbe Edge, Esq.,
who, accompanied by the Rev. Chas. Eyre, as Chaplain, advanced to the
centre of the Regiment, where they were met by Colonel Eyre, to whom
Mr. Pierrepont presented the RoyaL STANDARD on the part of Mrs. Lumley
Savile with the following address :—
Gentlemen,—Next to the honour of being your representative, I know
no greater than being deputed to present you this Standard, which comes
from the hands of beauty, and is consigned to those of honour. If as
Englishmen and Nottinghamshire men the name of Savile was dear to us
before, it will now be doubly so. May your laurels be ever entwined with
myrtle, and may the conduct of the corps be as irreproachable and meri-
torious as that of its commander.
To which Col. Eyre returned an answer as follows : —
Sir,—In the name of the whole corps, I must request you to return our warmest thanks to Mrs. Lumley Savile for the particular honour she has con- ferred upon us in presenting us with the Royal Standard ; assure her that its glory shall never be tarnished in our hands, that we shall cherish and guard it, as well from affection as duty, that, zealous in the cause in which we are engaged, and animated by the patronage of our fair countrywomen, we trust we shall ever bear it in the paths of victory, and we are resolved never to part with it but with our lives,
Mr. Edge then presented the Provincial Standard, with an address in the
following terms :—
Gentlemen,--In presenting you the Provincial Standard, allow me to recall to your memory that in the unnatural Rebellion of 1745, the only county corps that served in quelling it was raised in this province; where they served is known to every one: how they served is recorded in the history of their country, and I trust, to its gratitude. The lady, in whose name I have the honour to present you this ensign, is the daughter of a General Officer of distinguished reputation, and the wife of one who is Serving his country at this moment with the greatest zeal, activity, and success. . . . . May the present Warren prove the future Howe.
Col. Eyre then addressed him thus :-—
beg you to assure Lady Warren
that we feel most sensibly the honour she has done us in presenting us with
the Provincial Standard, which allows us the enviable privilege of regarding
her as our peculiar patroness; assure her that we will not part with it but
with our last drop of blood, and that, as the influence of her charms has
already borne the palm of victory over the seas, we feel the animating hope
that the same success will attend us wherever we march under her propitious
patronage,
The Chaplain having consecrated the Standards with a suitable prayer,
Col, Eyre delivered them to the Cornets of the Regiment with this short
exhortation :—
Gentlemen,—It is with the greatest confidence that I trust these
Standards to your hands, as I am convinced that you are sensible of the
sacredness of the deposit, and that you will never deliver them up but with
your lives,
Col. Eyre afterwards advanced to the Regiment, and in the most distinct
and animated manner addressed them thus :—
Gentlemen,—In the names of Mrs, Lumley Savile and of Lady Warren
I have the honour to present you the Standards of the Regiment, which it is
your duty to defend with your lives, I flatter myself that few exhortations
will be necessary to induce you to fill this duty, when you consider the cause
in which they are set up—the cause of your King, of your Constitution, of
your Religion, and everything that is dear to man or sacred to God. A
neighbouring nation having torn asunder all the bounds of civil society,
having trodden under foot all laws human and divine, has dared in the hour
of her insolence to threaten this country with invasion, and relying for
assistance on the traitorous promises of some disaffected individuals within
this realm, has ventured to hope that she might plant her destructive prin-
ciples in this soil; but I trust that the universal loyalty and attachment to
the Constitution which have been manifested through the kingdom, will
convince her of the folly of her expectations, and that we shall secure to
ourselves peace and tranquility ky being prepared for war. It must give the most heartfelt satisfaction to every good citizen to see
the number of Volunteers who, at this alarming crisis, have stood forward in
support of our country, and who have shown themselves worthy of the
blessings we enjoy under our present form of government, by being ready to
sacrifice everything in its defence. With spirits such as yours, my comrades,
I will be bold to say we shall overcome all our foes, foreign and domestic;
we shall support our laws, maintain our liberties, and transmit to our
posterity that excellent Constitution which has been established by our
ancestors after many hardy contests, and which has long been the envy and
admiration of the world. For this cause, gentlemen, our Standards are now
erected; of this cause who does not feel it his duty to die in defence?
And when you consider the fair hands from which you have received them,
and that the smiles of beauty yield us their patronage, I am convinced that
you will all feel what is your duty, your delight.
The Regiment then marched to Shirewood Forest, where these provincial soldiers went through a variety of evolutions to the satisfaction of a vast assemblage of people. On their return to the Market Place, Colonel Eyre addressed them as follows :—
Gentlemen,—I cannot dismiss you without expressing to you the satis- faction I feel at seeing the progress you have made in your military exercises ; this can only have been effected by your unremitted attention and by your laudable zeal for the causes in which we are engaged. Already your country has benefited by your exertions; let us persevere, my comrades, and what- ever may be the inconveniences which you now suffer, be assured that you will be amply repaid by the highest of all earthly rewards—the approbation of your own minds, and the merited thanks of your fellow citizens.
Afterwards the corps dined in Thurland Hall, where were given many suit- able and loyal toasts. This happy day ended with a ball, and with fireworks displayed in the Market Place.
DESCRIPTION OF THE STANDARDS.
The Royal Standard was of the most superb workmanship, being crimson,
very richly embroidered with the Royal Arms on both sides, devices at one
corner, a white horse embroidered, at the other N.Y.C. surrounded with the rose and thistle. The beautiful display of taste represented in the execution
of this trophy reflects great credit upon the fair patroness.
The Provincial Standard was peculiarly elegant, and the devices admirably
chosen, the ground buff silk, the facing of the Regiment, G.R. with a crown,
very richly embroidered in the centre, costly ornamented with roses, wheat
ears, and the olive branch entwined; the arms of the county at one corner,
at the other implements of husbandry, bound up with flowers; at the
opposite corners martial trophies, with a bow and quiver, on which were
embroidered “ Robin Hood” over the crown, on a garter blue silk label the
words “Libertas sub Rege fid,” in letters of gold spangles; underneath, a
similar label, with the words “Conguges Liberi et Penates.” On the reverse an oak tree, with golden acorns, ivy creeping up the stem, and at the root of it the word “Shirewood,” On one side of the tree husbandry. Above the oak tree, a label on garter blue silk had the words, “Et Decus et Tutamen,” and underneath a
similar label, with the words “Nottinghamshire Volunteer Cavalry,” the
whole edged with silver fringe and tassels richly ornamented with silver and buff silk, and was a performance of the most beautiful embroidery.the arms of the county, on one point of the swallow tails martial trophies,on the other implements of husbandry. Above the oak tree, a label on
garter blue silk had the words, “Et Decus et Tutamen,” and underneath a
similar label, with the words “Nottinghamshire Volunteer Cavalry,” the
whole edged with silver fringe and tassels richly ornamented with silver and
buff silk, and was a performance of the most beautiful embroidery.
Tuesday last, according to public advertisement, the respective troops of Notts, Yeomanry Cavalry (comprising the Nottingham, Newark, Retford, and Mansfield) met together in this place to receive their colours. The day proving exceeding fine, it prompted an innumerable concourse of spectators to view the novelty of the scene. About ten o’clock the troops took their ground in Sneinton Field, from whence they rode in regular military pro- cession to the Market Place, and, forming a square in front of the Exchange Hall, the windows of which, being filled by ladies of the first rank and fashion, the sight became truly enchanting. Everyone seemed pleased, and doubtless admired the patriotic spirit of their countrymen. ‘The four troops being drawn up in front of the Exchange Hall in the Market Place, and an escort being detached to attend the Standards, they were handed from the
windows to Chas. Pierrepont, Esq., M.P., and Thomas Webbe Edge, Esq.,
who, accompanied by the Rev. Chas. Eyre, as Chaplain, advanced to the
centre of the Regiment, where they were met by Colonel Eyre, to whom
Mr. Pierrepont presented the RoyaL STANDARD on the part of Mrs. Lumley
Savile with the following address :—
Gentlemen,—Next to the honour of being your representative, I know
no greater than being deputed to present you this Standard, which comes
from the hands of beauty, and is consigned to those of honour. If as
Englishmen and Nottinghamshire men the name of Savile was dear to us
before, it will now be doubly so. May your laurels be ever entwined with
myrtle, and may the conduct of the corps be as irreproachable and meri-
torious as that of its commander.
To which Col. Eyre returned an answer as follows : —
Sir,—In the name of the whole corps, I must request you to return our warmest thanks to Mrs. Lumley Savile for the particular honour she has con- ferred upon us in presenting us with the Royal Standard ; assure her that its glory shall never be tarnished in our hands, that we shall cherish and guard it, as well from affection as duty, that, zealous in the cause in which we are engaged, and animated by the patronage of our fair countrywomen, we trust we shall ever bear it in the paths of victory, and we are resolved never to part with it but with our lives,
Mr. Edge then presented the Provincial Standard, with an address in the
following terms :—
Gentlemen,--In presenting you the Provincial Standard, allow me to recall to your memory that in the unnatural Rebellion of 1745, the only county corps that served in quelling it was raised in this province; where they served is known to every one: how they served is recorded in the history of their country, and I trust, to its gratitude. The lady, in whose name I have the honour to present you this ensign, is the daughter of a General Officer of distinguished reputation, and the wife of one who is Serving his country at this moment with the greatest zeal, activity, and success. . . . . May the present Warren prove the future Howe.
Col. Eyre then addressed him thus :-—
beg you to assure Lady Warren
that we feel most sensibly the honour she has done us in presenting us with
the Provincial Standard, which allows us the enviable privilege of regarding
her as our peculiar patroness; assure her that we will not part with it but
with our last drop of blood, and that, as the influence of her charms has
already borne the palm of victory over the seas, we feel the animating hope
that the same success will attend us wherever we march under her propitious
patronage,
The Chaplain having consecrated the Standards with a suitable prayer,
Col, Eyre delivered them to the Cornets of the Regiment with this short
exhortation :—
Gentlemen,—It is with the greatest confidence that I trust these
Standards to your hands, as I am convinced that you are sensible of the
sacredness of the deposit, and that you will never deliver them up but with
your lives,
Col. Eyre afterwards advanced to the Regiment, and in the most distinct
and animated manner addressed them thus :—
Gentlemen,—In the names of Mrs, Lumley Savile and of Lady Warren
I have the honour to present you the Standards of the Regiment, which it is
your duty to defend with your lives, I flatter myself that few exhortations
will be necessary to induce you to fill this duty, when you consider the cause
in which they are set up—the cause of your King, of your Constitution, of
your Religion, and everything that is dear to man or sacred to God. A
neighbouring nation having torn asunder all the bounds of civil society,
having trodden under foot all laws human and divine, has dared in the hour
of her insolence to threaten this country with invasion, and relying for
assistance on the traitorous promises of some disaffected individuals within
this realm, has ventured to hope that she might plant her destructive prin-
ciples in this soil; but I trust that the universal loyalty and attachment to
the Constitution which have been manifested through the kingdom, will
convince her of the folly of her expectations, and that we shall secure to
ourselves peace and tranquility ky being prepared for war. It must give the most heartfelt satisfaction to every good citizen to see
the number of Volunteers who, at this alarming crisis, have stood forward in
support of our country, and who have shown themselves worthy of the
blessings we enjoy under our present form of government, by being ready to
sacrifice everything in its defence. With spirits such as yours, my comrades,
I will be bold to say we shall overcome all our foes, foreign and domestic;
we shall support our laws, maintain our liberties, and transmit to our
posterity that excellent Constitution which has been established by our
ancestors after many hardy contests, and which has long been the envy and
admiration of the world. For this cause, gentlemen, our Standards are now
erected; of this cause who does not feel it his duty to die in defence?
And when you consider the fair hands from which you have received them,
and that the smiles of beauty yield us their patronage, I am convinced that
you will all feel what is your duty, your delight.
The Regiment then marched to Shirewood Forest, where these provincial soldiers went through a variety of evolutions to the satisfaction of a vast assemblage of people. On their return to the Market Place, Colonel Eyre addressed them as follows :—
Gentlemen,—I cannot dismiss you without expressing to you the satis- faction I feel at seeing the progress you have made in your military exercises ; this can only have been effected by your unremitted attention and by your laudable zeal for the causes in which we are engaged. Already your country has benefited by your exertions; let us persevere, my comrades, and what- ever may be the inconveniences which you now suffer, be assured that you will be amply repaid by the highest of all earthly rewards—the approbation of your own minds, and the merited thanks of your fellow citizens.
Afterwards the corps dined in Thurland Hall, where were given many suit- able and loyal toasts. This happy day ended with a ball, and with fireworks displayed in the Market Place.
DESCRIPTION OF THE STANDARDS.
The Royal Standard was of the most superb workmanship, being crimson,
very richly embroidered with the Royal Arms on both sides, devices at one
corner, a white horse embroidered, at the other N.Y.C. surrounded with the rose and thistle. The beautiful display of taste represented in the execution
of this trophy reflects great credit upon the fair patroness.
The Provincial Standard was peculiarly elegant, and the devices admirably
chosen, the ground buff silk, the facing of the Regiment, G.R. with a crown,
very richly embroidered in the centre, costly ornamented with roses, wheat
ears, and the olive branch entwined; the arms of the county at one corner,
at the other implements of husbandry, bound up with flowers; at the
opposite corners martial trophies, with a bow and quiver, on which were
embroidered “ Robin Hood” over the crown, on a garter blue silk label the
words “Libertas sub Rege fid,” in letters of gold spangles; underneath, a
similar label, with the words “Conguges Liberi et Penates.” On the reverse an oak tree, with golden acorns, ivy creeping up the stem, and at the root of it the word “Shirewood,” On one side of the tree husbandry. Above the oak tree, a label on garter blue silk had the words, “Et Decus et Tutamen,” and underneath a
similar label, with the words “Nottinghamshire Volunteer Cavalry,” the
whole edged with silver fringe and tassels richly ornamented with silver and buff silk, and was a performance of the most beautiful embroidery.the arms of the county, on one point of the swallow tails martial trophies,on the other implements of husbandry. Above the oak tree, a label on
garter blue silk had the words, “Et Decus et Tutamen,” and underneath a
similar label, with the words “Nottinghamshire Volunteer Cavalry,” the
whole edged with silver fringe and tassels richly ornamented with silver and
buff silk, and was a performance of the most beautiful embroidery.
Last image shows the evolution of the Cavalry from the first, this 1788 pattern, onto the universal 1853 pattern, this example marked to "B" Troop of the SN.Y.C, and the final fighting sword of the British Cavalry, the 1908/12, this example the property of Lieut.G.G. Weaving M.C., S.N.H.
