Sempronius Stretton
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British EmpireSempronius Stretton | |
|---|---|
 Sempronius Stretton's portrait by William Salter (a study for his painting of the Duke of Wellington's banquet)[1] | |
| Born | 15 May 1781 Nottingham, England |
| Died | 6 March 1842 (aged 60) Croydon, England |
| Allegiance | British Empire |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | 40th (the 2nd Somersetshire) Regiment of Foot 68th (Durham) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) |
| Relations | William Stretton (father) Severus William Lynam Stretton (brother) |
| Other work | Painting |
Sempronius Stretton CB (15 May 1781 – 6 March 1842) was a British Army officer who served in numerous campaigns including the Battle of Waterloo.[2] He is also known for his sketches that recorded early Canadian life.[3]
Stretton was the eldest son of William Stretton, a builder and antiquarian. He was born in Nottingham on 15 May 1781, and baptised nine days later at St Mary's Church, Nottingham[4] He was given an unusual name beginning with "s" which was a common feature of all his siblings.
Artist and the military
He entered the army at an early age, commencing his military career in the Nottinghamshire Militia, which he joined at Dumfries, in April 1800. In the following November, he entered the 6th Regiment of Foot at Chatham as an ensign.[2]
In April 1801, he was promoted to a lieutenancy in the 49th Regiment, and shortly afterwards sailed for Quebec. Whilst he was in Canada he used his artistic skills to sketch not only landscapes but also made a valuable record of the wildlife and the local dress.[3] Stretton's 1804 sketch of "York Barracks, Lake Ontario, Upper Canada, 1804" is credited as being one of the earliest pictures of what was to become the city of Toronto.[5] Lieutenant Stretton served under Colonel Isaac Brock, who selected him to act as his aide-de-camp.
Later he was promoted to a company in the 40th Regiment. He returned to England and undertook duties in the recruiting service. Stretton ability as a draughtsman was acknowledged by his father and many of his sketches were included in his father's records.[2]
