The Prince-Regent's Bomb

Here is a strange thing I saw at London on the Horse Guard's Parade grounds -- the Prince Regent's Bomb.

It's pretty darned cool, right?
Check out the scales and tail, and the feathery, leathery wings!

It's not a "bomb" per-se. It is a mortar. Mounted on a dragon. With dogs behind.

He speaks with forked tongue.

I know, it's a little confusing, but it is a gift to England from Spain, in gratitude for lifting a siege from their port. The mortar itself was built just for the destruction of the port, and was (according to the plaque) more powerful than any others of its kind.

Post-battle, the French mortar was dressed up and sent to England, where it stands today, a bit out of the way, tucked into a corner where you can stumble upon it.

It's quite interesting, nicely made, and has a kind of sea-serpent kind of quality. I was fascinated and must have walked four circles around it.