The British Residency is one of the important landmarks of the Lucknow city and is at present in ruins and so the Archaeological Survey of India has declared this as the protected monument. This huge building gave refuge to more than 3000 British people during the Great Revolt of 1857. Within its compound there are graves of more than 2000 British soldiers who lost their lives during the war. The British people of Lucknow fled from their homes and sought refuge here and it gave shelter for them for more than 90 days.

There is a well maintained museum now within its premises. Also there is an observatory built for the British astronomer, Colonel Wilcox. The tombs of Sadat Ali Khan, the first Nawab of Awadh is found here.