The Crimean War Tree.

The Crimean War Tree.

The Crimean War Tree was planted by W. F. Barton Esq. J.P., Clonelly in commemoration of the taking of Sebastopol in 1856. The parapet was erected by his son H. Barton Esq. J.P. in 1895. Edward Barton and many others from the Pettigo area served in the Crimean War. After the capture of Sebastopol the Crimean War was virtually at an end. The Impartial Reporter newspaper records the local rejoicing.

“On Friday night the 21st September, the little town of Pettigo presented a scene of unusual animation and excitement, that evening having been set apart for rejoicing in honour of the capture of Sebastopol. The preparations were on an extensive scale, as F. W. Barton Esq., of Clonelly had procured a large supply of fireworks from Dublin. At 8 o’clock, Mr. Barton, accompanied by his guests heard a salute of 21 guns followed by a most brilliant display of fireworks, such as would not have disgraced the metropolis itself. A crowd of about 2,000 witnessed the splendid occasion.” This sycamore tree is believed to be the second tree sited here. The Crimean war is famous for the birth of modern nursing under Florence Nightingale and the famous “Charge of the Light Brigade” which was immortalized in poetry by Alfred Lord
Tennyson.

Half a league, half a league,
Half a league onward,
All in the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
“Forward, the Light Brigade!
“Charge for the guns!” he said:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.