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MOST people only know Banastre Tarleton as the villainous anti hero played by fellow Liverpudlian Actor Jason Isaacs, in Mel Gibson's blockbuster:- "The Patriot." But he is to receive a more sympathetic treatment in a new biography by Historian John Knight. The 1st in over seventy years to reconsider 1 of Liverpool's forgotten heroes.

Tarleton was the second son of Liverpool Mayor John Tarleton, a figure so dominant in his day he became known as:- "The Great T." The Tarleton family originated from Aigburth, but moved onto prestigious Water Street after making a fortune dealing in West Indian sugar and West African slaves.

Banastre however sought a career in the army instead of commerce and volunteered to serve in the American Revolution in 1775. He fought throughout the 13 colonies, commanding a legion made up of Americans loyal to the crown. During the war the Patriots accused Tarleton of various crimes, including massacre and rape, and even today he is reviled in the United States. But Author John Knight believes he has been much maligned. "Never was it truer that winners write the History. Tarleton was an excellent cavalry Officer and won many battles, frequently against overwhelming odds. He excelled in what today we would call:- 'special operations,' becoming the most feared British soldier of the war. If anything, he was too good at this job."

The book:- "War at Saber point: Banastre Tarleton and the British Legion" examines the young cavalry dragoon and the Americans who fought for him. Knight thinks both are long overdue a revision. "Tarleton certainly had his weaknesses. His father left him ₤5000 (₤1 million today) when he died in 1773, and he squandered the lot gambling and womanising in just over a year. Tarleton also defended the slave trade on his return from the war, although to be fair he was an MP for Liverpool and representing the concerns of many of his constituents. He was a fascinating and contradictory figure. People sought him out, and he became the most written about British hero of his day. He became intimate friends with the Prince Regent and enjoyed a long career after the war as both a politician and full General."

The book has been well received in the USA where it was launched in December 2020, and John has been approached by a Hollywood studio to turn the book into a screenplay. "I think it would make a great production. Tarleton's life had everything, fighting, gambling, duelling, womanising. A regular Saturday night in Walton!." The book was dedicated by the author to another Liverpool legend, Sir Paul McCartney. "It was important for me to show what he has meant to my life. It was a small token of appreciation in return for a lifetime's pleasure."

The book:- "Banastre Tarleton and the British Legion" is to be released in the UK, on the 30 January 2021.