Massive silver-gilt centrepiece presented to Admiral Edward Pellew, 1st Baron Exmouth (1757-1833), by the officers who served under him at the Bombardment of Algiers, 27 August 1816. On 27 August 1816, Pellew, with thirty-five vessels, including five ships of the line and a squadron of Dutch frigates, bombarded the town for nine hours in order to secure the release of more than a thousand Christians held captive by the Dey of Algiers. The masonry of the fort was more than five feet thick. For his achievement, Pellew received the thanks of Parliament, a diamond and enamelled sword from the City of London, and was created a viscount.Paul Storr
