---
title: The Defence of Rorke's Drift
author: Elizabeth Thompson
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21629/the-defence-of-rorkes-drift/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2026-03-09
---
# The Defence of Rorke's Drift
_Authored by Elizabeth Thompson_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21629.jpg)
## Image Caption
An 1880 oil on canvas painting *The Defence of Rorke's Drift* by Elizabeth Thompson, Lady Butler. The [battle of Rorke's Drift](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2910/battle-of-rorkes-drift/) saw a small mission station attacked by Zulu warriors during the [Anglo-Zulu War](https://www.worldhistory.org/Anglo-Zulu_War/) of 1879.
Royal Collection
## Cite This Work
### APA
Thompson, E. (2026, March 09). The Defence of Rorke's Drift. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Thompson, Elizabeth. "The Defence of Rorke's Drift." *World History Encyclopedia*, March 09, 2026. .
### MLA
Thompson, Elizabeth. "The Defence of Rorke's Drift." *World History Encyclopedia*, 09 Mar 2026, .
## License & Copyright
[Original image](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Elizabeth_Southerden_Butler,_Lady_Butler_(1846-1933)_-_The_Defence_of_Rorke%27s_Drift_-_RCIN_405897_-_Royal_Collection.jpg) by [**Elizabeth Thompson**](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Elizabeth_Southerden_Butler,_Lady_Butler_(1846-1933)_-_The_Defence_of_Rorke%27s_Drift_-_RCIN_405897_-_Royal_Collection.jpg). Submitted by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/ "User Page: Mark Cartwright"), published on 09 March 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Public Domain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain). This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.