Benjamin Butler

Benjamin Butler who was living with his wife at Westrop Green.  Benjamin gave his age as 60 at the time of the 1851 census (born cir 1791) and his birth place as Frilsham.  His wife, Ann, was aged 58 (born cir 1793), birth place given as Bucklebury.

The occupation of Benjamin was given as Pensioner, which is long before any state pension was in place and therefore this prompted some more research.  This is what was found:

The public records held at Kew record office revealed Benjamin Butler born FRILSOME, Berkshire (this is almost certainly a mis-spelling of Frilsham), served in the Royal Waggon Train and was discharged aged 25.  No exact date given but records cover the period 1809-1817 and the records refer to the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, Soldiers’ Service Documents.  So Benjamin was a Chelsea Pensioner. 

This again prompted more research.  The Royal train controlled the supplies for the army and Military Transportation.  The first unit formed was The Royal Wagon Corps, which was established in 1799 until 1802.  This changed to the Royal Wagon Train in 1802, and this unit served during the Napoleonic Wars in the Peninsular and at Waterloo.  It was disbanded in 1833 as part of peace time economics.