Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Christopher Ingham was born in Colne in 1787 and worked as a weaver. He eventually joined the 95th Rifles, a rifle regiment for the British Army, and took part in major campaigns across Europe, including the Battle of Waterloo.
Passing in 1866, he is buried in Utley Cemetery in Keighley. with all his 'conflicts' listed on his headstone. These military records are apparently eerie similar to the character of Sharpe from the TV series and novels of Bernard Cornwell, even to the same '95th Rifle Regiment'.
But is Christopher Ingham actually the real life inspiration for Major Richard Sharpe?
Christopher Ingham was born in Colne in 1787 and worked as a weaver. He eventually joined the 95th Rifles, a rifle regiment for the British Army, and took part in major campaigns across Europe, including the Battle of Waterloo.
Passing in 1866, he is buried in Utley Cemetery in Keighley. with all his 'conflicts' listed on his headstone. These military records are apparently eerie similar to the character of Sharpe from the TV series and novels of Bernard Cornwell, even to the same '95th Rifle Regiment'.
But is Christopher Ingham actually the real life inspiration for Major Richard Sharpe?
