File:Plate 03, The Residency and Banqueting Hall (complete).jpg

The Banqueting Hall within the Residency compound originally also served as a council chamber. During the siege that accompanied the 1857 Indian uprising, it was used as a hospital. Dodgson wrote: "The rebels were well aware of this and made it an especial mark for their shot; several wounded soldiers had their earthly career terminated by round shot of shell, while lying in their cots." The Indians only spared the rooms north of the hospital area where state prisoners such as the Nawab's brother and two Mughal princes were lodged. The uprising of 1857 produced a spate of publications: illustrated books and prints after sketches by army officers like Dodgson. A Bengal infantry officer, he was Assistant Adjutant-General with Henry Havelock at the relief of Lucknow. This city, of which the Residency was the most evocative relic, had special resonance with the British public, symbolising British valour in the face of terrible odds.

A plate from General Views & Special Points of Interest of the City of Lucknow, from Drawings made on the spot by Lieut. Col. D. S. Dodgson, A.A.C. London: Day & Son, Gate Street, Lincoln's Inns Fields. Lithographed title and 27 tinted lithographed views on 11 sheets, engraved plan at the end. Dedicated to Lieut. Gen. the Ho. Sir James Outram, Bart. G.C.B. Member of the supreme council of India, &c. &c.