Thomas Wetton - hero of the Crimea

Colour Sergeant Thomas Wetton of the 95th, Derbyshire Regiment, was a resident of Crich who had lost a leg at the battle of Alma during the Crimean War.

He was an honoured guest at the village celebrations to mark the end of the Crimean War (1854-56) which was held at Crich Stand in June 1856. The Crich Stand had been rebuilt in 1851 by Francis Hurt and was the focus for many of the village notable celebrations. Sergeant Wetton was carried to the Stand in a specially adapted chair. This event was reported in the Derby Mercury dated 11 June 1856 as follows:

CRICH CLIFF.
The fete on Crich Cliff in commemoration of peace came off on Tuesday, June 17th, with great eclat. The appearance of the morning was anything but auspicious, until about ten o'clock, when the ominous clouds began to disperse, and the sun burst forth in all his glory, shining brightly on the faces of the villagers as they stepped lightly to the sound of the merry bells. Flags were hoisted on the church, the stand, and the village cross; others were seen fluttering in the breeze on the tops of the cottages. From many windows the union jack, tricolour, and crescent, proclaimed the happy alliance of the nation. Garlands were suspended, and triumphal arches erected, with suitable mottoes and devices. At twelve o'clock upwards of 500 sat down to dinner at the several inns of the parish, where a most ample provision had been made, that did credit both to the committee of Management and the different hosts and hostesses. It had been arranged that three processions should be formed, each to be accompanied by a band, to meet in the Market-place, there to be united and proceed to the Cliff. When this union had taken place a Sag signal was given, and a discharge of cannon on the Cliff announced that they were in marching order. A large banner was carried in front bearing the inscriptions, "Peace to all the world" and "God save the Queen." Thos. W. Hall, Esq., the chairman of the committee, rode before the procession, which was headed by the Sutton-in- Ashfield Brass Band. The ancient order of druids was represented by two standard bearers in scarlet robes. The chief attraction was a triumphal car, drawn by forty men, in which rode Serjeant Wetton, of the 95th, (Derbyshire) regiment, who lost a leg at the battle of the Alma. The soldier appeared in his regimentals, and wore the Alma medal; also a medal given for distinguished conduct on the field. The car was tastefully designed and decorated by Mr. L. R. Saxton, Crich. Wetton is a native of this place, and the inhabitants were glad to embrace this opportunity of honouring their townsman. Immediately preceding the chariot was the Derby Juvenile Drum and Fife Band, which created great interest. Hundreds of persons on the cliff were eagerly watching for the first appearance of the procession, which was announced by a second discharge of cannon. The novel sight of so many booths erected, so many flags flying, and above all, so many people assembled on a spot, which is usually as lonely as the desert, was only equalled by the appearance of the procession from the cliff when it first arrived there, its rear not having left the village. This effect was produced by the advantage of the ground, which admitted of every "feature of the procession being seen distinctly. Along the whole line of route banners and flags were waving, and the numbers were swelled by hundreds of spectators. Those who heard the martial notes of the band, the merry peal of bells, and the successive discharges of cannon, will not readily forget the occasion. As the immense numbers continued to arrive on the cliff they dispersed in groups, and on reaching the summit it was evident that many persons gazed on the vast landscape beneath for the first time, from tho feelings of pleasure and astonishment to which they gave expressioAround for miles tho village spires are seen
Tho dusky fallows and the meadows green,
And crowded woods whore sylvan nymphs retreat,
Whose darksome shades exclude tho summer heat
An American writer, Emerson I believe, says that an English landscape appears as if it were laid out with the pencil and not with the plough ; this maybe said of the scenery around Crich Cliff. The view from the eastern side has many objects of interest, some of which we may notice. First, there is Wingfield Manor-house, one of the ruins with which Oliver Cromwell adorned our land, whose time worn turrets peeping above a wooded eminence, carry us back to the time when
" The warriors on tho turrets high
Moving athwart the evening sky,
Seemed forms of giant height."

Considerably farther in the distance, for Wingfield is only two miles from Crich, may be seen Hardwicke Hall; both these places are interesting as having been the prison houses of the unfortunate Mary Queen of Scots. Stilt farther in the distance appears Bolsover Castle, which is the extreme point of view this way. The most extensive view is in a south-easterly direction, where, on a clear day, the dim outlines of hills may be observed at the distance of about fifty miles. Looking southward, the town of Derby, which is 13 miles off, appears comparatively near, when the immense view beyond is taken into consideration. But for the most romantic scenery we must turn to the north-west, where
" Successive hills majestically rise,
And deep below a lovely valley lies,
'Where through the flowery meads a river glides,
And often in tho woods its waters hides."

It is an agreeable change for the eye to turn from the vast plain we have attempted to describe, to the majestic hills of the Teak as they rise in grand succession, until their blue heads are nearly lost in the distance. About one mile and a half from the Stand in this direction may be seen the home of Florence Nightingale, situated in a lovely valley and sheltered by rising woodlands:
"Far down below in you romantic vale
Appears the home of Florence Nightingale;
That maid heroic whose immortal name
Has been recorded in the hook of fame;
She left these rural scenes, these sylvan bowers,
And meadows now adorned with summer flowers,
Where rosy health in native beauty blooms
To breathe the air of pestilential rooms;
To smooth the pillow of the dying brave,
And stand between our heroes and the grave."

Persons on this occasion had the advantage of seeing objects through a powerful telescope, by the payment of one penny; it is said that the exact time could be seen on the illuminated dial of the Town-hall clock, Derby. The Sutton-in-Ashfield glee singers and brass band (distinguished as the Brick and Tile band) contributed greatly to the pleasure of the day, who executed several airs and glees with great taste. This band played an air on the top of the Stand, which was very effective. After the singers had given a glee, Dr. Spencer Hall (who was present) was requested to address the crowd. He spoke very feelingly of the extent and magnificence of the scenery around, and told them that a gentleman, a Pole, who accompanied him, and who had travelled through many countries in Europe, pronounced it unequalled by anything he had seen, except once, and that was a view in Switzerland. The Dr. spoke briefly but powerfully on the advantages of peace, and the glorious possibility of a universal brotherhood among the nations of the earth. Frequently during his speech, and especially at the conclusion, these sentiments were warmly applauded. The Derby drum and flfe band were indefatigable in their labours: they played polkas, waltzes, quadrilles, and country dances, which gave the lovers of dancing an opportunity of indulging in their favourite exercise. Several quadrille bands were in attendance at the different booths, where every refreshment could be obtained at a reasonable charge. About ten o'clock the large beacon was lit, and another fire in a very large tar copper. It may be said that the monster fire ended in smoke, for the dense black volumes of smoke driven by the wind from the tar copper almost prevented it being seen very far distant, especially southward. It would be observed best in an easterly direction, as the fire was made on the eastern side of the Cliff on account of the wind; reports having already been sent thai it was seen for very many miles in Nottinghamshire. The flames illuminated the features of the hundreds of people assembled on this lofty mountain. The bands continued to play, and the guns that had been fired at intervals during the day were now discharged in quick succession, rockets were sent from the Stand, and the scene altogether had an air of wildness and romance. At eleven o'clock the band played the National Anthem and then proceeded to the village, followed by the bulk of the people, who expressed themselves highly satisfied with the day's pleasure. It is impossible to say how many persons visited the Cliff on this occasion, but it is supposed that upwards of 4,000 were there at one time.
Correspondent

Official Service Records for Thomas Wetton

Army record for Thomas Wetton

Casualty record for Thomas Wetton

ThomasWetton Army Record

 

After the war be became in inmate at the Royal ChelseaHospital.

ChelseaHospital record for Thomas Wetton

His Army Service Record remains intact and is available for viewing on the Find My Past website.

Army Service record for Thomas Wetton

Army Service record for Thomas Wetton

Army Service record for Thomas Wetton

Army Service record for Thomas Wetton

Army Service record for Thomas Wetton

Army Service record for Thomas Wetton

Army Service record for Thomas Wetton

Army Service record for Thomas Wetton

Census Data

1851: Thomas WETTON; 28; married; Sergeant 95 Regiment; Portsea, Hampshire
[ Ref: HO107 1658 470 5]

1861: Thomas WETTON; 38; married (wife Ann aged 23 of Matlock); Chelsea Pensioner; born at West Hallam; East Side of Town Street, Crich; three children
[Ref RG09 2512 27 10]

1871: Thomas WETTON; 47; married (wife Ann aged 35 of Matlock); Pensioner Cheslsea Hospital; born West Hallam; Friar Gate, Derby; seven children
[Ref RG10 3572 13 19]

1881: Thomas WETTON; 59 ; widower; Army Pensioner; born at Crich; Agard Street, Derby; with daughter Florence aged 15
[Ref RG11 3399 5 6]

1891: Thomas WETTON; 69; widower; Chelsea Pensioner; Agard Street, Derby
[Ref Rg12 2731 48 8]

Derby Daily Telegraph 15 February 1899
DEATH OF A CRIMEAN VETERAN IN DERBY
There recently passed away in Derby in the person of Colour-Sergeant Thomas WHETTON one of the few remaining veterans of the Crimea. The deceased, who was well-known and respected served in H.M. 95th Regiment, and lost a leg at the Battle of Alma. He had received three medals, one of which was for distinguished conduct on the field. He was the recipient of the Queens annuity for good conduct, and also, which he highly valued, a handkerchief stitched and presented to him by her Majesty. When the piece rejoicing is after the Crimean War were held at Crich (his native village) Sergeant WETTON was drawn by 40 men on a triumphal car to the Cliffe, where the fete was held. The funeral of the deceased, which was largely attended, was from the residents of his son, 11, Walter-street, where he died, and the coffin, which was of polished wood and brass mountings, and covered with lovely wreaths, was carried to and from the hearse by eight soldiers belonging to his old regiment, who walked by the remains to the Nottingham-road Ceremony, where the internment took place amid many manifestations of sorrow and regret. The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Messrs WATHALL and Son.


In 2005 an article appeared in a local newspaper about Thomas Wetton

Derby Evening Telegraph Tuesday 12 April 2005

newspaper article on Thomas Wetton

 

[With thanks to Terry FOX]