Early Life
Banastre Tarleton was the fourth of seven children born to the merchant, ship owner and slave trader, John Tarleton of Liverpool (1718 – 1773), who served as Mayor of Liverpool in 1764 and had extensive trading links with Britain's American colonies.
Tarleton was educated at the Middle Temple, London and went up to University College, Oxford University in 1771 and prepared for a career as a lawyer. In 1773 he inherited £5,000 on his father's death. Unfortunately for him he squandered almost all of it on gambling and women, in less than a year, mostly at the Cocoa Tree club in London. In 1775 he purchased a commission as a cavalry officer (Cornet) in the 1st Dragoon Guards and proved to be a gifted horseman and leader of troops. Due to his outstanding ability alone, he worked his way up through the ranks to Lieutenant Colonel without having to purchase any further commissions.
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