La Martiniere is a non-denominational public school in India (Calcutta and Lucknow) and in France (Lyon). La Martiniere Schools were founded posthumously by Major General Claude Martin in the early 19th century. Martin had acquired a large fortune while serving the Nawab of Awadh Asaf-ud-Daula and bequeathed a major part of his estate to establish the schools. His will outlined every detail of the schools, from their location to the manner of celebrating the annual Founder's Day. The seven branches function independently, but maintain close contacts and share most traditions. La Martiniere College, Lucknow was awarded a Battle Honour - 'Defence of Lucknow' for the part the staff and pupils played in the Defence of the Residency at Lucknow during the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 - the only school in the world so distinguished. La Martiniere Calcutta and La Martiniere Lucknow consist of separate girls' and boys' schools, while the three in La Martiniere Lyon are co-educational. The Colleges are day schools, but Calcutta and Lucknow have boarding facilities as well.