I have compiled a set of notes for Napoleon on St Helena. This list comprises historical figures, subjects and events that I found useful in developing my understanding of The Atlantic World of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Click on the relevant letter of the Alphabet or Search for a specific name. For information on the regiments search under ‘R’.
There are currently 12 names in this directory beginning with the letter B.
Baird
Sir David. 1757-1829. Born in Scotland and commissioned into the 73rd Highlanders (later 71st). Served in India before being captured and held prisoner by Tipu Sultan for four years. Commanded at the Battle of Alexandria against the French in 1801 and at Cape Town in 1806. Fought with Sir John Moore ast Corunna and served as Commander in Chief in Ireland.
Balcombe
William (1779-1829) and Betsy (1802-1871) Balcombe was rumoured to be an illegitimate son of Prinnie, later George IV, and had good connections at Court which may have accounted for his earlier career it the Royal Navy and his appointment as Purveyor to Napoleon’s household at Longwood House on St Helena. He held other key appointments that included acting as the East India Company’s Agent on the island and owning and managing a private trading company with two partners in Jamestown that had a monopoly to supply all vessels calling in at the island. When Napoleon first arrived he lodged with the Balcombe family at their house, The Briars, whilst his permanent residence was made ready. The two men became friends and after Napoloen had moved to Longwood, Balcombe and his family were frequent visitors. It was at The Briars that Napoleon first met Balcombe’s 14 year old daughter who became his particular friend although there was a gap of over 30 years in their ages. Betsy was a lively and attractive teenager and Napoleon and she spent many hours with each other in the Longwood Gardens. Meanwhile, the Governor, Sir Hudson Lowe, became increasingly suspicious that Balcombe was disobeying his instructions regarding fraternisation and was passing messages to and from Napoleon’s supporters in London and throughout the Atlantic World. Balcombe was gregarious, indiscreet did nothing to hide his sympathetic views of Napoleon. Eventually, Lowe lost his patience and Balcombe and his family were summarily dismissed the island and returned to England in disgrace. After five years of petitioning the Government for another position, Balcombe was appointed as Head of Revenue Collection in New South Wales and he and his family left for Australia. By this time Besty was married but had been deserted by her husband, Edward Abell, and accompanied her parents to Sydney, later returning to live in England.
Beanes
William, doctor. 1749-1828. Third generation American born in Maryland. Provided medical services to the wounded after the battles of Concord, Lexington and Brandywine during the American War of Independence. During the war of 1812 became involved in a dispute about prisoners; was witness to the attack on Fort McHenry and the compostion of the Star-Spangled Stripes.
Bertrand
Count. 1773-1844. Accompanied Napoleon to St Helena on HMS Northumberland and was with him until his death in May 2021. Served as ADC at the battle of Austerlitz and appointed Grand Marshall of the Palace in 1813. Accompanied Napoleon to Elba in 1814. Attempted negotiation with the British Government for Napoleon to be allowed to live in England.
Birmingham
Lieut. 66th Foot. Dismissed the service in May 1816.
Bladenburg, Battle of 24th August 1814. The British, General Robert Ross commanding, attacked the village of Bladenburg in preparation to crossing the bridge on its edge that led directly to Washington four miles to the West. The river Anancostia was shallow and the men were able to wade across and down it. The American forces retreated and Washington and Georgetown filled with refugees. That evening Washington and The White House were torched before thunder storms extinguished the flames.
Blakeny
Capt. 66th Foot. Orderly Officer at Longwood. Served in the Peninsular War. Died at Cheltenham in 1823.
Blane
Dr. William. 1750-1835. Came from a well-to-do Glasgow family. Medically qualified and went to India as an EIC surgeon. Made his fortune before returning to Britain and buying Folijon Park in 1804. High Sheriff of Berkshire 1814.
Bow Street Runners
Founded in 1749 with six men by the magistrate, playwright and author, Henry Fielding. The first British police force. When Henry died in 1754, his brother John, blind since birth, took over as magistrate. The Runners were paid off in 1829 when the Metropolitan Police Act was passed by Parliament. John Sayer and John Townsend were two of the best known of the Runners.
Brandywine
Battle of. 1777. A large force was assembled by the American rebels to defend Philadelphia that was hidden in a forest near Brandywine Creek. Men of fhe 49th Regt. of Foot (Hertfordshire, later 1/66th) crept up silently during the night and routed the Americans as they slept. From that time onwards no quarter was given.
Brook’s Club
A number of clubs were started up in the West End of London in the 1750s. These included Almack’s, Brook’s, Boodle’s and White’s. Some were social only, others developed political affiliations. ‘The Female Coterie’ was a club for both sexes.
Brooke
A, Col. 1772-1843. Born in Fermanagh. Joined the 44th Foot in 1792 and served throughout the French Revolutionary Wars in Egypt and Spain. Served under Sir Robert Ross in the War of 1812 and fought at Bladenburg, Baltimore and the Battle of North Point, where Ross was killed after which Brooke was promoted to command of the British troops on the Chesapeake.
Bunbury
Sir Henry. 1778-1860. Born at Mildenhall in Suffolk. Son of Henry Bunbury well known caricaturist. Joined the 2nd (Coldstream) Guards in 1797. Fought in the Mediterranean and married niece of Charles James Fox leader of the Whigs in the House of Commons. Close to the Holland House set while serving under Lord Liverpool and the Tories but was highly critical of the Government’s handling of the Peterlee massacre and denounced its oppressive domestic policies. Campaigned for the alleviation of agricultural distress., lower taxes on the poor and Parliamentary reform. Also, presented a series of ant-slavery petitions in Suffolk and in 1832 campaigned for the abolition of the death penalty for non-violent crimes.