First-hand account of Zulu attack on show

THE REPORT by Lieutenant John Chard after he led the successful defence of Rorke’s Drift in 1879 is one of the highlights of a treasure trove of documents set to tour the UK.

The handwritten account of how 152 British and colonial troops held off 4,000 Zulus and Chard’s drawing of the mission station was brought to Downing Street last week along with other documents from the National Archives.

The battle went down in history with 11 Victoria Crosses awarded for bravery.

It was portrayed in the 1964 film starring Stanley Baker and Michael Caine.

Sir Anthony Seldon, chairman of the National Archives Trust, also presented other extraordinary historic documents including Henry VIII’s will, the funeral arrangements for Admiral Lord Nelson and writs summoning sheriffs and other commoners to the original House of Commons in 1265.

Sir Anthony said: “We want to see these documents far better known across the country, engaging individuals and families who have never before come across them.”

Details are set to be announced of dates and locations for the tour of the documents later in the year.

Other extraordinary treasures include a letter from Anne Vaux to Jesuit priest Henry Garnet who had been implicated in the Gunpowder Plot.

The letter was written in invisible ink made from orange juice which then became visible when heated by a candle.

Garnet was arrested on January 25 1606,