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The origins of The Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry can be traced back to the end of the eighteenth century when Britain was under threat of invasion from Revolutionary France.
Change has been a feature throughout the life of The Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry and this will continue as 2014 takes us onwards to become 'B' (DLOY) Squadron Queen's Own Yeomanry.
1798 to 1899
The formation of The Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry occurred in the year 1828 with the amalgamation of three independent troops from Bolton, Wigan and Furness.
Bolton
In March 1798 two troops of Bolton Light Horse were raised under the command of Maj J Pilkington and their services were accepted on April 5 of the same year.
Bolton Light Horse Volunteers 1800s
Wigan
During November and December 1819 one troop was raised under the command of Captain John Hodson Kearsley. Kearsley House is the current home of the Duke of Lancaster's own Yeomanry Squadron.
Furness
Between August and October 1819 one troop was raised under the command of Captain Thomas Braddyll.
Further notes: John Pilkington was buried at Bolton Parish Church but since the graveyard was closed and a new church built on site there is now no evidence of Pilkinton's grave. However, inside the church can be seen the memorial to Captain James Kearsley who commanded the Bolton Troop until his death on 29th December 1834. A photograph of this handsome memorial incorporating bas-relief of crossed guidons, light cavalry sabre and shako can be seen below. The inscription reflects the high esteem in which this officer was held.
In the first half of the C19th the DLO Yeomanry were called upon to deal with the Chartists and the "plug rioters" but with the waning threat of a French invasion and the introduction of a police force the raison d'être of the force faded. through the second half of the C19th the yeomanry were very much "passing time" with the occasional escort duty and inspection. Nevertheless, the spirit of selfless service continued to flourish. A little more detail can be gleaned from contemporary newspapers and regimental records but it is clear that The Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry was very much from a cut above the level of society which furnished the volunteer infantry and local militia, having risen from a mill owning class to include several members of the aristocracy.
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