Jewellery, Watches, Silver and Objects of Vertu

A 19th century memorial brooch for Henry Roxby Benson, the oval onyx panel applied with initials ‘H R B’, inset with rose-cut diamonds, the reverse engraved with inscription ‘Henry Roxby Benson born Nov. 2. 1818. died Jan. 23.1892. M.F.B.’, mounted in gold, length 34mm.
£300-£500

Henry Roxby Benson (2 November 1818 - 23 January 1892) was a 19th century British General.

From a distinguished Welsh family, Henry was the second son of the merchant Thomas Starling Benson and his second wife Elizabeth Meux.

In 1840 he joined the 17th Lancers, and quickly rose through the ranks becoming Lieutenant in 1842, Captain in 1845 and Major in 1854. He served in the Crimean Campaign, 1854-1855, notably at the Battle of the Tchernaya and the siege and fall of Sebastopol.

In 1856 he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel of the 17th. He subsequently served in Indian, leading to further promotion. He was appointed CB in 1861 and continued to rise until his final promotion to the rank of General 20 years later.



The initials MFB on the memorial brooch may refer to his daughter Mary Florance Benson, one of his nine children.