It was (and still is) almost impossible to design a single universal type of ordnance. The pieces of ordnance in the British service, during the period 1867, are divided into four classes:

GUNS (shot, shell, rifled) In Brief: long barrel, low trajectory, smooth bore (24-pounders) or rifled (Armstrongs)

HOWITZERS In Brief: made of brass, shorter and lighter than a gun with a higher angle of fire

CARRONADES In Brief: shorter than a gun, used in small spaces such as reverse firing chambers, or on a ship

MORTARS In Brief: fired at a high angle, usually 45 degrees; large diameter bore, very short barrel

In each class there are different calibres. There are also many pieces of the same class and calibre which differ in other respects such as length of barrel. In the 1860s there were over 50 different pieces of ordnance in service in the British Army.

Ultimately each of these ordnance's principle was to deliver a projectile into the heart of the enemy. Before we delve further into the design of these cannons, it is interesting to examine the types of projectiles used. They give a clear view of the complexity and ingenuity of the art of warfare at that time.

Next Page: Types of Projectiles

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