Medal, commemorative medal

This medal commemorates the disbanding of the Bethnal Green Volunteers on the 24th June 1814. The medal was designed by Peter Wyon, a member of the renowned family of medallists and engravers. After the departure of his brother Thomas for London in 1800, Peter continued to run the Birmingham branch of the family business. He also worked for the manufacturer Matthew Boulton at the Soho Mint. His son William later became Chief Engraver at the Royal Mint in London.

During the period of the Napoleonic Wars local militia were formed across London to counter the threat of French invasion. Around 2,300 men were recruited in the East London parishes. A parade of some 27,000 volunteers in scarlet uniforms took place in Hyde Park on 28th October 1803. The Bethnal Green Volunteer Infantry was formed a few months earlier under the command of Lieutenant Colonel John Carrick. The Volunteers disbanded following Napoleon's abdication in April 1814. Carrick commissioned the medal and presented one to each member of the corps. On the obverse the figure of Britannia is depicted holding a laurel leaf, a symbol of victory, and stamping on a slain dragon representing Napoleon.