Edward Hilton

Who was Edward Hilton?

Edward Henry Hilton was a former pupil of La Martiniere Boys' College in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, who was involved in the siege of Lucknow and the defence of the Residency during the Indian Mutiny of 1857. His father William Hilton was the Sergeant Instructor at the College and was also involved in the siege. Hilton was seventeen years old at the time and played an active part in the fighting. He wrote an eye-witness account of the battle which is an invaluable record for historians. His father, William, was awarded an Indian Mutiny Medal, but Edward seems to have missed out on this honour. Hilton later married Ellen Saunders, a girl who had shared the experience with him, and they lived to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.

Hilton lived throughout his life in Lucknow and was privileged to serve as a guide and narrator when the Residency was visited by Royalty and other dignitaries. In his obituary in The Times it was reported that "He never tired of the epic story, and told it with freshness and zest, readily answering any questions the visitor might put." He was the author of two guide books to Lucknow.