This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

Record of historical events

Victoria and Albert collected photographs that documented the political and military events that defined a period of global expansion

ROGER FENTON (1819-69)

Balaklava, from the top of Guard's Hill

26 - 26 Mar 1855

Albumen print | 24.2 x 33.9 cm (image) | RCIN 2500493

Photograph of Balaklava taken from Guard's Hill. In the foreground there is a small camp, with men standing between the tents. Further down the valley there is another small group of tents. Beyond is the town of Balaklava and its harbour, where a large number of ships are anchored. The old Genoese Castle can be seen on the hill behind the harbour. The town of Balaklava with its port and purpose built railway yard were of strategic significance throughout the Crimean War.
  • Creator(s)

    Roger Fenton (1819-69) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Army-GB-Infantry-Scots Fusilier Guards (1832-1877)
  • 24.2 x 33.9 cm (image)

    57.3 x 44.6 cm (page dimensions)

  • Balaklava from Guards Hill

  • Subject(s)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Ukraine
          • Crimea
            • Sevastopol [Crimea]
              • Balaklava [Sevastopol]
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Travel Goods
          • Tents
      • Engineering & Technology
        • Waterway engineering
          • Harbours
        • Vessels (marine)
          • Ships
      • Agriculture and related techniques
        • Animal husbandry
          • Horses
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Architecture
        • Buildings
    • Social sciences
      • Military affairs
        • Wars, Campaigns & Battles
          • Wars
            • Wars of the nineteenth century
              • Crimean War (1853-1856)
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs