Peter Bishop, 1792-1851: Soldier of the 69th Foot and Veteran of Waterloo

By John D Ellis

The respectable citizens of the city and shire of Lincoln must have breathed a sigh of relief in February 1851, when the Stamford Mercury reported the death of Peter Bishop.^[1]Stamford Mercury, 11^th July 1851. findmypast.co.uk A recidivist, in and out of gaol (Lincoln and elsewhere) for over three decades, Peter Bishop had “…been known for many years in the city and neighbourhood…”, being variously described as a “…troublesome and disorderly character…an idle and disorderly person…” and “a notorious character”. Few would have been surprised that the last two decades had seen his dissolute habits lead to vagrancy –resulting in incarceration in gaols and workhouses (the ‘1824 Vagrancy Act’ had made it an offence to sleep rough or beg, the usual punishment was up to one month’s hard labour). That he should finally expire in the Union Workhouse, Lincoln, was also probably considered fitting. The ‘1834 Poor Law Amendment Act’ had ensured that relief could only be given in workhouses, in which conditions were made deliberately spartan in order that only the most destitute would apply for entrance.

Those citizens who had experienced the harsh conditions of life in the workhouse for themselves or read Charles Dickens’s “Oliver Twist” (1838) might have had some sympathy for Peter Bishop. Older citizens of Lincoln might have known Peter Bishop before he became a vagrant and remembered that he had formerly been a soldier in the local regiment, the 69^th (South Lincolnshire) Regiment of Foot, and a married man and father.^[2]In 1881 the 69^th (South Lincolnshire) Foot became the 2^nd Bn Welch Regiment. Subsequently, the Welch Regiment, then the Royal Regiment of Wales. It is an antecedent regiment of the Royal Welsh.

That a former soldier should descend into vagrancy was not uncommon; the end of the Napoleonic Wars (1793-1815) had seen thousands of British Army and Royal Navy veterans returned to ‘civvy street’ at a time when Britain was a country in turmoil. Famine, unemployment, and civil unrest were rife. Veterans of battles like Trafalgar (1805) and Waterloo (1815) found their campaigns eulogised – whilst paradoxically they were left to fend for themselves (the ‘1824 Vagrancy Act” was, in part, passed as a response to former sailors and soldiers living on the streets or in make-shift camps). Reliant on the support of friends, family or their own wits, many prospered. Others fared less well. Peter Bishop was one of the latter. It was a phenomenon that endured throughout the nineteenth century and one highlighted by Rudyard Kipling’s 1890 poem, the “Last of the Light Brigade” (from the famous ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ during the Crimean War – and as a response to Alfred Tennyson’s 1854 narrative poem “The Charge of the Light Brigade”).^[3]Kipling, R. “The Last of the Light Brigade” in St James’s Gazette, (London, 28^th April 1890). For Alfred Tennyson’s “Charge of the Light Brigade” see poets.org/poem/charge-light-brigade Whilst Tennyson eulogised the achievements of British soldiers, (albeit not uncritical of the leaders – “someone had blundered”) Kipling focussed on the hardships faced by returning veterans to shame the British government into offering financial assistance: “…They had neither food nor money, they had neither service nor trade…And we leave to the streets and the workhouse the charge of the Light Brigade!”^[4]Ibid.

Peter Bishop’s military service and his subsequent fate were then, by no means unusual. What was unusual was that he was a Black veteran of Waterloo, born in Barbados and known locally as “Black Peter”.^[5]Over 20 years of research has resulted in the identification of approximately 500 Black British Army soldiers and over 100 Black Royal Navy sailors who served sometime between 1715 and 1860. Only a … Continue reading Whether Peter Bishop’s subsequent experiences were because he was Black, had formerly been enslaved, or because he was a veteran, or a combination of all three factors and others, is uncertain.

It is not the place of this article to judge Peter Bishop, simply to detail the known recorded events of his life. In the experience of this researcher, most nineteenth century newspapers tended to focus on reporting serving/former Black soldiers and sailors when the story was related to sex (e.g. relationships with White women, fecundity, bigamy, adultery and homosexuality), crime (more frequently the victim rather than the perpetrator), and death (age of and circumstances surrounding).

Readers might do well to remember the quote, oft attributed to both Winston Churchill and George Orwell, that we sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us.”^[6]The quote may well derive from Rudyard Kipling’s poem “Tommy”, originally published in “Barrack Room Ballads and Other Verses” (Methuen, 1892), which contains the lines: “Yes, makin’ … Continue reading

The 69^th (South Lincolnshire) Regiment of Foot

Peter Bishop was born in Barbados c.1792. By his own account he enlisted in the 2^nd Battalion of the 69^th (South Lincolnshire) Regiment of Foot in 1806, almost certainly whilst it was in England or Ireland.^[7]Northern Star and Leeds General Advertiser, 7th December 1844. www.findmypast.co.uk Whether he was free or enslaved prior to enlistment is unknown. At times, he appears to have been evasive as to his origins – possibly for good reason. A suspicion of authority was understandable given the fact that even after the Somerset Case (1772) Black people in Britain, whether free or escaped slaves, were still at risk of being sold into slavery. However, it might also have been that the various institutions he passed through were not particularly scrupulous about ascertaining with any exactitude the details of those they were recording, particularly if they were poor and Black.^[8]Gaol and workhouse registers, like parish registers, can be frustrating for those attempting to identify people of African or Asian origin. See: Chater, K. “Untold Histories: Black People in … Continue reading

In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries it was common for British Army regiments to recruit Black males to serve as enlisted military musicians.^[9]Ellis, JD, “The Visual Representation, Role and Origin of Black Soldiers in British Army Regiments during the Early Nineteenth Century”, (MA Thesis, University of Nottingham, September … Continue reading The fashion for “Turkish music”, and the ‘racialised’ belief in the ‘natural propensity for music of Black people’, resulted in most British regiments employing Black musicians to play percussion instruments such as cymbals, tambourines and drums (in addition to trumpets and bugles). Employed as symbols of regimental opulence and prestige, they were initially enlisted by high status cavalry and Guards regiments. The British Army of the period made no distinction between soldiers of African or Asian origin, simply referring to them as either “Black” or “of colour”.

The period Black soldiers served was one which saw an increase in the already historically established Black presence in Britain and Ireland: The Somerset Case (1772) resulted in many escaped slaves making their way to Britain. The American War of Independence (1775-1783), War of 1812 (1812-1815), and various British campaigns in the Caribbean, Africa and India also seem to have resulted in an increase of Black recruits into British Army regiments (both overseas and from amongst the Black resident in Britain and Ireland). Additionally, dominance of sea routes, particularly after the British victory at Trafalgar (1805), meant that many ports had Black populations, variable in size and made up of residents (native born and/or long-term inhabitants) and transients (e.g. merchant sailors). Thus, by the Napoleonic Wars (1793-1815), most regiments had some Black presence, be it individuals or small groups of drummers, trumpeters or bandsmen.^[10]Ibid.

The 69^th Regiment of Foot was raised in 1756. The 1^st Battalion served in the West Indies in the 1790s, and as marines on HMS Agamemnon under Nelson at the Battle of St Vincent (1796) off the coast of Portugal, following which he nicknamed them “The Old Agamemnon’s”. They subsequently went on to serve with distinction in the ‘East Indies’ (India, between 1806 and 1825).^[11]Smyth, Major R. “Records of the Sixty-Ninth, or South Lincolnshire Regiment. Compiled from the Original Records”. (Middleton & Dawson, Quebec, 1870).

The 2^nd Battalion of the 69^th (hereafter ‘2^nd 69^th’) was raised as a ‘hostilities only battalion’ in 1803 for service in the Napoleonic Wars (1793-1815). Following his enlistment in 1806, Peter Bishop was employed as a drummer. Drummers were employed at company and battalion level, and their role was to remain at the side of their commanders and communicate their orders to the company or the whole battalion (as in the case of the ‘Great Drum’ – the bass drum). As such, they participated fully in whatever action their units were in.

One distasteful part of the role of drummer was that they were responsible for administering corporal punishment (flogging) to miscreant soldiers. In regiments with Black drummers this inverting of the ‘racial hierarchy’ frequently caused friction.

The pay of enlisted men was based on rank, role and service and, as such, Black drummers received the same pay as White ones, and all drummers received more pay than soldiers ranked as privates (1s per day for an infantry private and 1s/2d per day for an infantry drummer – 1s per day being the average wage of an agricultural labourer). The King’s Regulations, the reference book for all matters of discipline and personal conduct, was the bane of many an enlisted soldier. However, it also guaranteed the rights of individual soldiers – something attractive to those whose individual freedoms had previously been deprived or threatened. The prospect of a pension at the end of service must also have been attractive for those unable to call on parish relief during times of hardship. When Peter Bishop enlisted he was joining a regiment which had an established Black presence. The 1^st Battalion had Black bandsmen whilst in India (1806-1825), and on its return to Britain reformed the band around three Black bandsmen in 1827.^[12]See Ellis, JD. “The Black, the Red and the Green: Black Red-Coats and Ireland during the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries.” Irish Sword 23, no.323 (2003): pp. 409-25. See www.academia.edu/ … Continue reading

The 69^th Foot was not the only regular infantry regiment linked to Lincolnshire: The 10^th Foot had been linked to North Lincolnshire in 1782.^[13]In 1881 the 10^th (North Lincolnshire) Foot became the Lincolnshire Regiment. Subsequently the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment, it is an antecedent regiment of the Royal Anglian Regiment. A number of Black soldiers served in its ranks during and after the Napoleonic Wars, including:  Private John Carey, born in St Pierre’s in the West Indies c.1774, and described as “a man of colour”, who enlisted in the 10^th Foot in London in 1786 and served until 1823 when he was discharged on a pension.^[14]For John Carey see: TNA WO 25/331 and WO 97/314. Also, Private John Traif, born in Jamaica c.1787, a “man of colour” and former rating in the Royal Navy (1805-1810), who served in the 10^th Foot between 1810 and 1822.^[15]For John Traif see: TNA WO 25/332, WO 97/321 and WO 120/23.

Between 1806 and 1809 the 2^nd 69th served in Ireland, returning to Lincolnshire as aid to civil power and to engage in recruiting. According to the Stamford Mercury, the battalion was in Lincoln until March 1810, and it is likely that Peter Bishop met Anne Powell during this period, as they were married at St Swithin’s Church, Lincoln in May 1810.^[16]Stamford Mercury, 9^th March 1810. findmypast.co.uk Also, Lincolnshire Marriages. Lincolnshire Archives. findmypast.co.uk Both appear to have been below the age of 21 years, and marked the marriage certificate.

From December 1813 to March 1814, the 2^nd 69^th served on campaign in the Netherlands, including the assault on Bergen Op Zoom. Despite this, when Napoleon returned from Elba for the ‘100 Days’ culminating in the Battle of Waterloo, the battalion was inexperienced, with many private soldiers either under-age or having seen limited service.^[17]See Martin Aaron’s “2^nd Battalion 69^th (South Lincolnshire) Foot during the Waterloo Campaign”. www.napoleon-series.org/military-info/organization/Britain/Infantry/c_2-69Waterloo.html

The 2^nd 69^th in the Waterloo Campaign, 16^th to 18^th June 1815

During the Waterloo campaign, the battalion served as part of 5^th Infantry Brigade alongside 2^nd Battalion 30^th (Cambridgeshire) Foot, 33^rd (1^st Yorkshire West Riding) Foot and 2^nd Battalion 73^rd Foot.^[18]The 30th Foot subsequently became the ‘East Lancashire Regiment’, the ‘Lancashire Regiment’ and the ‘Queen’s Lancashire Regiment. It is an antecedent regiment of the ‘Duke of … Continue reading Peter Bishop was not the only Black soldier in the brigade: John Lewis Friday (an African) was serving in the 33^rd, and George Rose (a Jamaican) was in the 73^rd.^[19]For John Lewis Friday see: Ellis, JD. “John Lewis Friday: One of a Band of Heroes.” www.africansinyorkshireproject.com See www.academia.edu/ For George Rose see: Ellis, JD. “George Rose – An … Continue reading

The 2^nd 69^th had a nominal strength of over 500 officers and men at the start of the Waterloo campaign. Most of the men were English, (Lincolnshire and Essex being the two most common counties of origin, according to Martin Aaron), and over one third being Irish.^[20]See Martin Aaron’s “2^nd Battalion 69^th (South Lincolnshire) Foot during the Waterloo Campaign”. www.napoleon-series.org/military-info/organization/Britain/Infantry/c_2-69Waterloo.html

Drummer Peter Bishop served in Number 4 (No. 4) Company of the battalion.^[21]TNA WO 12/7779. His duty was to beat out the drum patterns issued by his commanders to communicate orders to the soldiers. When not beating the drum, he would be expected to assist in carrying the seriously wounded into the centre of the square or take up a musket and a place in the ranks.

At Quatre Bras, on the 16^th of June 1815, the battalion was surprised by French cavalry whilst in the process of forming a defensive square.^[22]The ‘square’ was the most effective defence infantry had against cavalry. A square would be  4 ranks deep. The drummers and bandsmen were stationed in the centre of the square alongside the … Continue reading The cause of the subsequent breaking of the square is still subject to debate, however, Martin Aaron vividly describes the consequences:

“The experience of the men in the 69th (South Lincolnshire) Foot at Quatre Bras was undoubtedly a horrific one – youngsters stumbling through the rye in terror whilst the big cavalrymen in armour hunted them down, slashing downwards with their sabres….The total of men listed as killed outright on the 16th June is 27…..A similar number would later die of wounds and maybe three times that number were wounded, many so severely  – with hands and arms hacked off – that they would be discharged from the army.”^[23]See Martin Aaron’s “2^nd Battalion 69^th (South Lincolnshire) Foot during the Waterloo Campaign”. www.napoleon-series.org/military-info/organization/Britain/Infantry/c_2-69Waterloo.html

Amidst the confusion, French cuirassiers sabred the colour party of the 2^nd 69^th protecting the two regimental flags and carried away the King’s Colour. The 2^nd 69^th had over 150 casualties – killed in action or wounded.^[24]Brereton, JM. “A Brief History of The Royal Regiment of Wales (24^th/41^st Foot) 1689-1989”. (RHQ The Royal Regiment of Wales, Cardiff, 1989).

The officers and men of the 2^nd 69^th had little time to dwell on the loss of their comrades and precious colour. Following Quatre Bras, they were combined with the 33^rd Foot into a single battalion (hereafter the ‘33^rd/69^th Battalion’). Consequently, Peter Bishop found himself serving directly alongside Private John Lewis Friday of the 33^rd Foot.

On the night of the 17^th/18^th of June 1815 a violent storm lashed the opposing armies with rain as they huddled beneath their cloaks waiting for dawn to break. Napoleon delayed his attack on the British and Allies on the 18^th of June 1815, until the ground was dry enough for his artillery and cavalry to be brought into position. This delay arguably resulted in the British and Allied armies having sufficient time for the Prussians to arrive to seal Napoleon’s fate. However, the effect of the storm on individual British soldiers, combined with the practice of frequently having to live in the open whilst campaigning, was directly attributable to health problems for some veterans in later years: Trumpeter William Afflick of St Kitts, a “man of colour” serving with the 10^th Hussars, was discharged on a pension in 1819 “…suffering a pain to his chest since exposed to wet and cold in France 1815”.^[26]Ellis, JD. “A Revolutionary Activist in his own cause: William Afflick of the 10th Hussars.” Westminster History Review 5. Barber, J and Sargent, J (eds.), (City of Westminster Archives Centre, … Continue reading

As dawn broke on the 18^th of July, the tired, sodden and hungry soldiers of the 33^rd/69^th occupied the summit of Mont St.Jean Hill, dominating Wellington’s right flank –  part of the line just north of the fortified farms of La Haye Sainte and Hougoumont – the focal point of the French attacks. When not under direct fire from artillery and musket they were ordered to lie down to minimise casualties; frequently having to rise and form square when threatened or attacked by French cavalry. Ensign George Ainslie served with the 2^nd 69^th at Waterloo:

“…Our view to the front was limited by the rise of the ground, but we commanded the field on the right, and to the rear, when the absence of smoke would allow us to obtain a view of the scene, which was at intervals; nor was the mind always disposed to take advantage of these opportunities; being otherwise engaged. The 69th Regiment of Foot having suffered so severely on the 16th (at Quatre Bras), as did also the 33rd., another Regiment of our Brigade, the two were united, and even then formed but a small body of men. Soon after the firing had become general, the Infantry of our Army were chiefly formed into squares, on which occasion our regiment composed our front right face; the rear and left remaining to the 33rd. This formation by squares, is admirably adapted for sustaining a heavy cannonade, and for being at the same time ready to receive the attack of cavalry; for, by causing the men to lie down, a square of four or five hundred men is no easy object to strike with shot or shells, and on the approach of cavalry, it is ready in a moment to receive them. The experience of the whole day confirms this. The increasing effect of the fire to which our situation behind the farm of La Haye Sainte exposed us, soon forced us to lie down; a command not unwillingly complied with. This formation causes no confusion, the square preserving its form, as when the men are standing; the only difference being that that the officers spaced in the centre for the supernumeraries and colours is thus reduced. The Regimental Colour remaining in my charge, my station necessarily was in this place. In this manner were passed several hours during which the tremendous cannonade in almost every direction plainly told us that we had no more than our share in the business of the day. The time was only marked by the occasional striking of a shot in our square….. Among those [events] which made the strongest impression, is the grand charge of the French Cavalry, which took place in the middle of the day. After we had been exposed for hours to the heavy fire I have just spoken of, on a sudden there seemed to be a pause; and soon after rose a general alarm that the Cavalry were coming. We were quickly ready to receive them. The firing now almost ceased on both sides; the French that (determined not to) injure their own troops; and that on our side, by the forced retreat of the guards, through the intervals of the squares. In many cases, the guns were even left; and the men and horses alone, took refuge either in the squares or behind them. The brow of the hill was in a moment covered with Cavalry, and they then swept down, literally like a torrent, on our squares. From some cause or another, I think from our being in the direction of La Haye Sainte, our square was never charged on the 18th.”^[27]www.emedals.com/a-waterloo-medal-to-ainslie-who-carried-69th-regiment-colours-consignment-4-gb4374

The 2^nd 69^th suffered over 70 casualties at Waterloo (killed, wounded or died of wounds), including the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Morice, killed by musket fire.^[28]Brereton, JM. Op-cit. Across the whole battalion there was a 41% casualty rate in the three-day campaign (killed, wounded or missing), but in Drummer Peter Bishop’s No.4 Company, the casualty rate stood even higher at 57%.^[29]See Martin Aaron’s “2nd Battalion 69th (South Lincolnshire) Foot during the Waterloo Campaign”. www.napoleon-series.org/military-info/organization/Britain/Infantry/c_2-69Waterloo.html The … Continue reading

On the 24^th of July 1815 the 2^nd 69^th were amongst the Allied troops to enter Paris to be reviewed by the Emperors of Austria and Russia and the King of Prussia.

The Waterloo Medal

In 1816, those who served in the campaign were issued the ‘Waterloo Medal’. It was the first campaign medal officially awarded to all ranks of the British Army. Thus Drummer Peter Bishop was awarded the Waterloo Medal alongside his White comrades. ^[30]TNA WO 100  

Prize money for the Waterloo campaign was distributed to all ranks, and according to rank: Infantry privates received £2/11s/4d for privates: The equivalent of just under three months’ pay.^[31]Brereton, JM. Op-cit.

Additionally, Waterloo service counted as an additional two years towards pension, although the extra reckonable service was of little benefit to those Waterloo veterans discharged before they were eligible for pension.

A popular rhyme of the time summed up the significance of the battle and those who fought it, (‘Waterloo Men’),  in the minds of the British public:

Were you at Waterloo?
I have been at Waterloo.
Tis no matter what you do,
If you were at Waterloo.

The 2^nd 69^th returned to England in January 1816, and Peter Bishop was discharged the following month, his period of service having expired. The battalion disbanded in October 1816.^[32]Ibid.

‘Civvy Street’

Usually, former soldiers disappear from records after re-entering civilian society (‘Civvy Street’) but it is now known that Peter Bishop returned to Ann in Lincoln.

In 1816, the cathedral city of Lincoln had a population of a few thousand. It had prospered during the Industrial Revolution: Workers being needed on canals and dykes. Later in the nineteenth century, imports of coal and other raw materials meant that Lincoln excelled in heavy engineering. Records indicate that Peter Bishop worked as a ‘labourer’ and, as such, he would have been employed in unskilled work in the city and its environs. However, when Peter Bishop returned to Lincoln it was to a country in turmoil. Food shortages, un-employment and civil unrest were rife. Recently discharged soldiers and Royal Navy ratings, veterans of battles like as Waterloo and Trafalgar, found their campaigns eulogised. The county of Lincolnshire recognised the significance of Waterloo: the Lincolnshire Militia held an annual ‘Battle of Waterloo Dinner; ‘Waterloo Wood’ was planted in Woodhall Spa shortly after the battle (with the ‘Wellington Monument” being erected nearby in 1844); and at least one ‘new build’ was named in honour of the battle (‘Waterloo Farm’, Fulbeck c.1815). Whilst the great and good of Lincolnshire waxed lyrical about Waterloo, and the Lincolnshire Militia basked in the belief that the militia had won Waterloo, (not an inaccurate claim – many of the British soldiers at Waterloo had previously served in militia units prior to enlistment, although it remains to be seen how many of the Lincolnshire Militia had  actually fought at Waterloo), Peter Bishop, was finding ‘civvy street’ difficult.

In January 1819 he was admitted to Lincoln Gaol charged with a “felony” (also referred to as a “larceny”).^[33]TNA PCOM2/308. Gaol Register – Lincoln, city and county. 5th October 1808 to 22nd November 1842. Peter Bishop appears in the register on four occasions. He is the only person whose complexion is … Continue reading Described as 27 years of age, 5/7” tall with a Black complexion, he was a married man (without children). Unusually, both place of birth and occupation were left blank in the register. He subsequently appeared before Lincoln Assizes in April for the theft of “…a brass candlestick the property of James Cotterill…” Found Guilty he was sentenced to imprisonment for “…three months and kept to hard labour, the first and last week in solitary confinement.^[34]Stamford Mercury, 30^th April 1819. findmypast.co.uk Appearing in the dock alongside him, charged with a “misdemeanour” was Ann Bishop. She was 28 years of age, 5/1” tall with a sallow complexion. A married woman (without children), her place of birth was given as Lincoln.^[35]PCOM2/308. Ann was subsequently found Guilty and sentenced to imprisonment for six months.

In May 1824 Peter Bishop was again admitted to Lincoln Gaol, this time charged with a “misdemeanour”. On admission, he was 32 years of age with a Black complexion. A labourer by occupation, his place of birth was given as Liverpool, and he was a married man (without children).^[36]Ibid. Liverpool was a city with a well-established Black presence. Also admitted, on the same date and for the same offence, was Ann Bishop, aged 33 years, 5/1” tall, born in Lincoln and married (without children).^[37]Ibid. Both Peter and Ann Bishop’s behaviour whilst in Lincoln Gaol was described as “Good”. Alongside the Bishops were Robert William Witton, Mary Witton and Martha Ratcliff.^[38]Ibid. The Witton’s relationship to each other was not stated. Martha’s age was not noted, but she was 5/2” tall, had a “Dark” complexion and was married (without children). Like Ann Bishop, she had been born in Lincoln.^[39]Ibid. The little group appeared before Lincoln Assizes in July 1824. Peter and Ann Bishop were found “Guilty”. He was imprisoned for one month, fined £30 and bound over to keep the peace for 12 months. She was also imprisoned for one month.^[40]Ibid. Robert William Witton was acquitted. Both Mary Witton and Martha Ratcliff were found Guilty and sentenced to one month imprisonment.

Ann Bishop died in January 1826. Aged 36 years and a resident of St Mary’s Street, Lincoln, she was buried at the Church of St Mary le Wigford.^[41]Lincolnshire Burials, Lincolnshire Archives. findmypast.co.uk

In August 1826 Peter Bishop married for a second time, at St Swithin, Lincoln, to Martha Ratcliff (who had faced charges alongside the Bishops at Lincoln Assizes in 1824).^[43]Lincolnshire Marriages, Lincolnshire Archives. findmypast.co.uk, also Drakard’s Stamford News, 4th August 1826 Peter was a widower and Martha a widow. Both were “of the parish” and marked the marriage certificate.^[44]A William Ratcliffe married Martha Allison, at St Martin, Lincoln in June 1819. He died in April 1825, and was buried at St Martin, Lincoln. Lincolnshire Marriages, Lincolnshire Archives. … Continue reading

In October 1826, Peter Bishop, son of Peter and Martha Bishop, was baptised at St Swithin. Peter, (senior), was a labourer who resided in Little Lane, Lincoln.^[45]Lincolnshire Baptisms, Lincolnshire Archives. findmypast.co.uk Sadly, the parish registers of St Swithin, 10^th of November 1826, reveal the burial of Peter Bishop, infant son of Peter and Martha Bishop of Little Lane^[46]Lincolnshire Burials, Lincolnshire Archives. findmypast.co.uk

On the 18^th of November 1826, just over a week after the burial of his infant son, Peter Bishop was admitted to Lincoln Gaol charged with “Assault”.^[47]PCOM2/308. On admission, he was 34 years of age, 5/5” tall with a Black complexion. A labourer by occupation, his place of birth was given as India, and he was a married man (without children).^[48]Ibid. It might be that Peter Bishop claimed to originate from India, or that the person writing the entry was unable to distinguish between those of African and Asian origin. He appeared before Lincoln Assizes in January 1827, and after being found “Guilty” was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment.^[49]Ibid. Reporting on the trial, the Stamford Mercury referenced his service as a drummer in the 69^th Foot.^[50]Lincolnshire Burials, Lincolnshire Archives. findmypast.co.uk It also revealed something of the attitudes of the press of the time, when it described Peter Bishop as “…a Negro by blood and colour…” known as “Black Peter”.^[51]Ibid. From the Stamford Mercury, 19^th January 1827:

Peter Bishop, for an assault on James Burley, a watchman, guilty – 6 weeks’ imprisonment, the last fortnight in a solitary cell. The prisoner is a Negro by blood and colour, and formerly brandished the great-drum sticks in the band of the 69^th Regt. He has been for some years past resident in Lincoln, where he is well known both to children and adults as “Peter the Black,” and equally well known to the police as one of the most troublesome and disorderly characters in the place. On the night in question, he had disturbed the rest of many quiet inhabitants in Butchery Lane by quarrelling with his wife; the watch being called, found Mrs Bishop prostrate in the kennel, her husband standing over her in tremendous rage, and both drunk. The watchman assisted them home, and was in hopes of effecting a reconciliation, but the quarrel breaking out afresh, Peter resented Mr Burley’s interference so much as to “heave” first a candlestick and then a teakettle at him, and lastly he made a furious onset with the poker. The timely arrival of two more “guardians” prevented more and serious mischief.- The cause of all this commotion does not appear, nor if known are we sure that it would tend to the edification of our readers: Peter, who thought to “grace his cause” by speaking for himself, professed a complete oblivion – “a mass of things, but nothing distinctly; a quarrel, but nothing wherefore.” They had been burying the little one that morning, and he believed had been taking a few drops of comfort afterwards, and Desdemona being in a very “aggravating” mood, he remembered perfectly walking out of the house “lest he should get randy” with her. He supposed he must have got rather tossicated, but as to striking a man with either poker or candlestick, he scorned the action. “And as to Jim Burley,” said Peter, waxing warm, “do you remember mushroom time; crack that nut, Jim Burley.” At this mysterious inuendo, which was followed by others equally obscure against other witnesses, the court thought proper to interfere and deprive the audience of many rich tropical flowers of rhetoric, and a very brief consideration enabled a jury to find a verdict of guilty as above.^[52]Ibid.

Whilst the Stamford Mercury was unable to identify the cause of the incident, the comment “burying the little one”, reveals that the Bishops were grieving for their infant son. The Stamford Mercury was aware that Peter Bishop was of African origin, and that he had served as a drummer in the 69^th Foot. The reference to “…great drum-sticks in the band…” suggests that he played the ‘Great, or Big’ bass drum. Whilst his service in the 69^th Foot was referenced, his status as a ‘Waterloo Man’ was not. The 69^th was a Lincolnshire regiment, and there must have been many veterans of Waterloo in the city and its environs, men who had served alongside Peter Bishop in the ranks. It is unknown if his service in this most significant of battles was deliberately ignored or if Peter Bishop had remained silent about his participation. Peter Bishop’s scorning of “…striking a man with either a poker or candlestick…” indicates he considered such an action as beneath him. His cross-examination of Jim Burley, and “…other witnesses…” reveals Peter Bishop to be confident in accounting for his actions to his superiors and peers – “waxing warm” – and quite capable of casting informed innuendos on the integrity and objectivity of “…other witnesses…”

In September 1829 Martha Bishop died. Aged 36 years and a resident of Little Lane, Lincoln, she was buried at St Swithin, Lincoln.^[53]Lincolnshire Burials, Lincolnshire Archives. findmypast.co.uk

“An idle and disorderly person…” and “…notorious character…”

In November 1831, Peter Bishop was committed for one month to Spilsbury Gaol, Lincolnshire, due to vagrancy. He was a labourer by occupation, and his parish of origin was recorded as “African”.^[54]Spilsbury Gaol, Lincolnshire. Discharge Register. PCOM2/400.

In September 1840, Peter Bishop was admitted for one week to Lincoln Gaol – it was recorded that it was “the fourth time committed to this Gaol”.^[55]PCOM2/308.Convicted of brawling, he was 50 years of age, 5/6” tall with a Black complexion. A “man of colour”, and a labourer by occupation, he was married (without children), and had been born in Barbados, West Indies.^[56]Ibid. It is not known whether he had re-married or was in a common-law relationship. At some point since his admittance to Spilsbury Gaol nine years previously, he had acquired a scar on his top lip, (possibly the result of the recent ‘brawl’) and learnt to read and write, (albeit “imperfect”).^[57]Ibid.

In April 1843, the Lincolnshire Chronicle reported:“man of colour” POLICE OFFICE, BOROUGH OF BOSTON.- At a petty sessions held on Friday last…A man of colour, named Peter Bishop (well known in Lincoln by the name of “Black Peter”), was convicted as an idle and disorderly person; for begging alms, and committed to prison to hard labour for one month.^[58]Lincolnshire Chronicle, 28^th April 1843. findmypast.co.uk

In September the same year, the Stamford Mercury informed its readers: “Black Peter,” formerly a notorious character of Lincoln, has been committed to Lincoln Castle for re-examination to-day (Friday), on a charge of assaulting a female with whom he had co-habited, and stealing a bundle from her. The man has been roving about the country for some years, and he and his paramour have disagreed and separated.^[59]Stamford Mercury, 8^th September 1843. findmypast.co.uk

The breakdown of this relationship appears to have prompted Peter Bishop to travel beyond Lincolnshire. In 1844, he was in Bristol. A Mr WH Clifton, of Bristol described his meeting with the veteran:

Passing one evening through Old Market Street two months ago, I was struck with the appearance of a wretched being, who, like a ghost, crawled along the streets barefoot and almost naked. He was a man of colour: and from the costume (white) which he wore, contrasted with his dark features and fleshless form, inspired the beholders with an involuntary feeling of horror. He was begging, by his manner, but spoke no words. In the reflection of a light which he carried suspended from his neck, I fancied I perceived something glitter on his breast, and imagining it to be some Indian curiosity, I stopped and addressed him, at the same time placing my hand on the article which had attracted my attention….., when to my surprise, and I will add, to my shame, I discovered it to be……. a “Waterloo Medal!” Astonished, I asked “where he got it, or was it his own?” “Yes”, Sir, he replied in exceedingly good English. “How long was you a soldier?” I enquired. “Ten years” was the answer. “Have you any pension?” “No.” “When were you discharged?” “After Waterloo.” “What did you get on leaving?” “The same as all the others who left then,” he replied…..What is your name, and what regiment did you serve in?” I asked. “You can see, Sir, here” said he, as he turned the edge of his “glorious badge” upon which I read (I forget the Christian name), but “_________Bishop, drummer, 69th Regiment!”^[60]Northern Star and Leeds General Advertiser, 7th December 1844. www.findmypast.co.uk

He may well have remained in Bristol after 1844. In February 1847, as the Bristol Times and Mirror reported that an un-named “man of colour from Barbados” was one of three men admitted to St Peter’s Hospital.^[61]Bristol Times and Mirror, 13^th February 1847. St Peter’s Hospital was a workhouse.

In December 1847, the Brighton Gazette informed its readers of the plight of an individual who may well have been Peter Bishop, late of the 2^nd 69^th: PETER BISHOP, an emaciated miserable-looking creature, charged by Inspector Campbell with begging on the previous day, was sentenced to fourteen days’ imprisonment, and was told by the Magistrates that he would have surgical attendance. The poor man seemed thankful; and we believe the Inspector could not have done a greater act of charity than that of taking the poor man before the Bench.^[62]Brighton Gazette, 16^th December 1847. www.findmypast.co.uk

By 1851, Peter Bishop had returned to the East Midlands, living in Newark, Nottinghamshire, and lodging in the home of William Scott (a labourer) and his wife, Sarah.^[63]1851 England, Wales and Scotland Census. Water Lane, Newark, Nottinghamshire. HO107/2137/46/34/123. www.findmypast.co.uk Whilst William and Sarah Scott were both born locally, their seven lodgers had been born in Germany, the USA, Ireland, Leeds and Nottinghamshire. Peter Bishop aged 65 years and born in the West Indies, gave his occupation as “Discharged soldier 69^th Foot”. It would be normal for either a serving soldier or a Chelsea out-pensioner to have their military service recorded in the census. However, not for a veteran discharged without pension who had ‘left the colours’ decades before. One can only be grateful, for both Peter Bishop’s persistence in having his former service recognised and to the unknown census recorder who acknowledged that service.^[64]Ibid. It is not certain that Ann Bishop was related to Peter Bishop, or if they were, that the relationship was legally recognised. Ann may even have been the female he was co-habiting with in 1843. Interestingly, Peter Bishop was noted as being “married” and also lodging at the same address was an Ann Bishop, aged 62 years (also “married”) and born in Scotland.

By July 1851, Peter Bishop had returned to Lincoln. He died in Lincoln Union Workhouse on the 5^th of July 1851, aged 65 years, his occupation was recorded as “Tramp.” The cause of death was given as ‘phthisis pulmonalis’, (i.e. pulmonary consumption or ‘TB’, frequently caused by exposure to the open air, or pneumonia).^[65]England and Wales Civil Registration Indexes. General Register Office (GRO). HMSO/ONS. Lincoln, Lincolnshire. 3rd Quarter 1851. Volume 14. Page 273. ancestry.co.uk For a definition of phthisis … Continue reading

Having lived rough since the death of Martha Bishop, it remains unknown if the cause of Peter Bishop’s death was contracted in the hedgerows of Lincolnshire; streets of Bristol or the seafront at Brighton – over-crowded lodging houses, gaol cells and the ‘tramp rooms’ of workhouses were all fertile breeding grounds for disease. It might also be possible that the effects of the violent storm the night before the Battle of Waterloo and time spent living under canvas on campaign had finally caught up with Peter Bishop.

Less than a week later, notice of his death appeared in the Stamford Mercury: Died. In the Lincoln Union-house, on Saturday last…Peter Bishop, who has been known for many years in the city and neighbourhood as “Peter the Black,” aged 65.^[67]Stamford Mercury, 11^th July 1851. findmypast.co.uk

As a workhouse pauper, Peter Bishop would have interred in the burial ground of Lincoln Union Workhouse, Long Leys Road.

The location of his much-cherished Waterloo Medal remains unknown.