Walton (The Peterloo Massacre)

Walton was a British cavalry officer in the 1810s.

In 1815, Walton fought in the Battle of Waterloo.

In August 1819, Walton came to Manchester with his infantry to help the local yeomanry deal with gathering protesters.

On 15 August 1819, Walton found Tegan Jovanka in the Mount Street stables. Walton assumed she was a protester who came to sabotage the yeomanry's forces. William Hurley told Walton that Tegan wouldn't do any harm, but Walton insisted on keeping her locked up in the barracks overnight.

On 16 August 1819, the day of the Peterloo Massacre, Walton led his infantry and the Manchester yeomanry in the charge through the crowd of protesters at St Peter's Field. Beforehand, Thomas Tyler attempted to convince Walton to deal with the protesters in a less violent manner - Walton refused to heed. During the charge, Walton encouraged the cavalry to strike down protesters with their blades. Following the massacre, Walton celebrated with his men in the Star Tavern. (AUDIO: The Peterloo Massacre)