Chinese Gingall

This plinth outside the town hall houses an unusual relic of the little known Boxer Rebellion in Imperial China at the turn of the last century.

It’s a type of heavy duty musket known as a gingall, which was captured by British forces during an attack on the rebel held Taku Forts in North West China in June 1900.

The weapon found its way into the hands of Commander Edward Charlton, who was at the time serving aboard HMS Orlando as part of the British forces deployed to put down the rebellion.

The future Admiral Sir Edward Charlton RN, a member of the Charlton family of Hesleyside Hall, Bellingham, then presented the gun to the people of Bellingham. 

Sir Edward Charlton RN in 1916

HMS Orlando