Hi Bernard,
long-time fan here. I’m working my way through Uhtred’s story, trying to catch up with the TV series before it comes back, and puzzling over Sharpe’s father in the meantime. I believe I have it: Major Patrick Ferguson, inventor of the breech-loading rifle. 8 letters, aged 33 in 1777, and it’s got a U in it for good measure… am I anywhere near?
Howard Train