William Robert Whatton facts for kids

William Robert Whatton was an important British surgeon and historian. He was born on February 17, 1790, in Loughborough. He passed away on December 5, 1835.

He became a qualified surgeon in 1810. He helped many wounded soldiers in hospitals in Lisbon. This was during big battles like the Battle of Albuera. He also treated soldiers after the Sieges of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz.

Later, he worked at the Poorhouse in Manchester. He also became part of the Manchester Royal Infirmary in 1833. A notable event was when he helped William Huskisson in 1830. Mr. Huskisson was hit by a train and sadly died.

William Whatton's Life as a Surgeon

William Robert Whatton trained to become a surgeon. He earned his qualification from the Royal College of Surgeons in England. This happened on March 11, 1810.

Helping Soldiers in War

After becoming a surgeon, Whatton traveled to Lisbon, Portugal. He worked at Da Graça Hospital. His job was to treat soldiers who were hurt in battles.

He helped many wounded soldiers from the Battle of Albuera. This was a very big battle. He also treated those injured during the Sieges of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz in 1812. A siege is when an army surrounds a city to take control.

Working in Manchester

Later in his career, Whatton returned to England. He was appointed to work at the Poorhouse in Manchester. A poorhouse was a place that helped people who were very poor.

In 1833, he joined the staff of the Manchester Royal Infirmary. This was a well-known hospital.

A Famous Patient

On September 15, 1830, William Whatton was called to an emergency. He attended to William Huskisson. Mr. Huskisson was a famous politician. He had been hit by a train. Sadly, despite Whatton's help, Mr. Huskisson died.

William Whatton's Writings

Besides being a surgeon, William Robert Whatton was also an antiquarian. This means he studied old things and history. He wrote several books about history.

Books on Manchester History

One of his important works was about the history of Manchester. It was called History of the Foundations in Manchester of Christ's College, Chetham's Hospital, and the Free Grammar School. He wrote this book with other authors. It explored the history of important schools and hospitals.

Books on County History

He also worked on a book about the history of a large area. This book was titled History of the County Palatine and Duchy of Lancaster. He wrote it with Edward Baines. This book covered the history of Lancashire, a county in England.