Theodore’s hair and letter in National Army Museum

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Database entry: Framed letter bearing the great seal of King Theodore and a lock of his hair taken after death, 1868 (c).

This lock of hair was taken from the body of the Coptic Christian King of Abyssinia, Tewodros II (or Theodore) following his defeat and subsequent suicide. The king had seized a number of European hostages and in April 1868 Lieutenant-General Sir Robert Napier’s army stormed his stronghold at Magdala to rescue the hostages.

NAM Accession Number
NAM. 1959-10-71-1

Copyright/Ownership
National Army Museum Copyright

Location
National Army Museum, Army gallery

Object URL
https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1959-10-71-1