Sir Thomas Picton
for General Picton's Mansion
and uncouth, Thomas Picton was one of the best of the senior officers
working with the Duke of Wellington
in the Peninsula.
soldier, Picton fought in the American War of Independence, served
in the West Indies and eventually became Governor of Trinidad in
style of leadership was unpopular and he resigned only to find himself
facing charges of allowing a woman to be tortured.
of wrong doing, Picton became a major-general and went to Walcheren,
but suffered health problems while Governor of Flushing and returned
next military assignment was to join Wellington in the Peninsula
where he proved himself time and again as commander of the 3rd "Fighting"
Fuentes de Onoro, Badajoz
and Vitoria he won admiration for
his courage, if not his manners.
described him as "a rough-mouthed devil", but one in which he had
1813 he was knighted and promoted to lieutenant-general. Joining
Wellington again in 1815, he led the 5th Division at Quatre
Bras and was wounded during the battle.
it would mean his being replaced, Picton hid the fact he had been
injured and so lined up at Waterloo
two days later.
was a fatal decision, as he was shot through the head and died while
leading his men forward.
for his roughness and unusual dress style - a shabby greatcoat and
round hat being favourites - he even wore a nightcap during the
battle at Bussaco.