NAM.2012-06-6

Inventory description: Papers of Capt James Girdlestone, 2nd Bn 31st (Huntingdonshire) Regiment of Foot, later 64th (2nd Staffordshire) Regiment of Foot, 1806 - 1842, largely covering his service in the Peninsular War from October 1808 - December 1913; including action in the Battles of Oporto, Talavera, Busaco, and Vittoria, with significant detail on the movements of his regiment, movements of the French Army, fighting alongside the Spanish Army, issues around pay, and the effect of the war upon local populations in Portugal and Spain. The papers also cover his service in England and Ireland after first joining the army from 1806 - 1808, his service in Gibraltar from 1819 - 1822, and his Grand Tour of Europe from 1826 - 1828. Accompanied by papers relating to his family, including his father Rev John Girdlestone and his brother Steed Girdlestone.