Outlandish Brits: Top 10 Eccentrics in British History

Sir George Sitwell (1860-1943), known for his eccentricities, had a daughter, Edith Sitwell, who was also quite eccentric. A sign at their family house warned guests not to contradict or differ from him in any way as it affected his digestion. Sir George had an inventive spirit and created peculiar gadgets, such as a miniature pistol for shooting wasps out of the air and a musical toothbrush. He even devised an edible egg made of smoked meat and rice, coated in chemical lime for travelers, although none of his inventions gained popularity.

Sir George's love for the medieval era led to challenges for his children. He tried to pay their school fees with produce from his farm and provided pocket money calculated according to 14th-century currency.

Alexander Douglas (1767-1852), the 10th Duke of Hamilton, held numerous titles, including Duke of Brandon and several Earldoms and Baronetcies. His obsession with his noble lineage and significance led him to construct a towering 120ft mausoleum. He outbid the British Museum to acquire an Egyptian sarcophagus meant for a princess, which he planned to use for his own burial. Concerned about fitting inside it due to his height, he would occasionally lay in it to reassure himself. Even on his deathbed, he worried about his size and instructed his family to 'double him up' to fit. Eventually, they had to remove his feet to accommodate his burial.

John 'Mad Jack' Mytton (1796-1834), a Regency gentleman, was renowned for his extravagant spending and eccentric behavior. He took his quirkiness to new heights during his university days at Cambridge, where he brought a staggering 2,000 bottles of port to aid his studies. Academics failed to captivate him, and he left to embark on a tour of Europe. After a brief stint in the military, Mytton ventured into politics, employing a rather bizarre method to persuade voters. He wore a hat adorned with ten-pound notes that people were encouraged to snatch. Despite his extraordinary campaign expenses, Mytton had one of the least distinguished parliamentary careers of all time. In a telling example of his disinterest in politics, he attended just one parliamentary meeting. Frustrated with the chamber's heat and discomfort, he left after only thirty minutes and never returned.

Mytton was also known for his mischievous pranks, one of which involved replacing his vicar's sermon with pages from a sporting paper. His eccentricities extended to his choice of transportation as he once famously rode a bear into a dining room. His passion for hunting was evident in the fact that he maintained a staggering 2,000 hounds for hunting. In the end, Mytton's extravagant and eccentric lifestyle drained his considerable fortune, and he passed away as a debtor, leaving behind a legacy of peculiar behavior and lavish living.

William Buckland (1784-1856) was not only a distinguished geologist but also a zoophage, known for his unconventional eating habits. His approach to food was far from ordinary, as he constantly sought out new and exotic animals to include in his diet. Buckland's unconventional culinary adventures took him to extremes. He indulged in a wide variety of animals, from mice and moles to crocodiles and crickets. His fascination with unique delicacies knew no bounds. He once learned of the death of a leopard at a zoo and was determined to taste it. To achieve this, he had the leopard exhumed.

One of the most bizarre episodes in Buckland's eating history involved blue bottle flies, which he claimed to be the worst food he ever consumed. His appetite went beyond animals, as he once famously ate the preserved heart of a French King, declaring, "I have eaten many strange things, but have never eaten the heart of a king before." William Buckland's unique gastronomic adventures showcased his adventurous spirit, and his penchant for trying the unconventional left a lasting mark on his reputation as a British eccentric.

Jemmy Hirst (1738–1829), a resident of Rawcliffe, Yorkshire, stood out for his eccentric habits and deep fascination with animals, particularly his penchant for training them. His journey into eccentricity began at a young age when he exhibited an extraordinary affection for animals. During his school days, Hirst became known for his unusual companions - he was often trailed by a pet hedgehog and a tame jackdaw. These peculiar friendships were early indications of his lifelong connection with the animal kingdom.

However, it was the untimely death of his fiancée that seemed to catapult Hirst into the realm of eccentricity. After this personal tragedy, he turned his attention to one of his most famous animal companions, Jupiter the Bull. Hirst's remarkable ability to train Jupiter to act like a horse was nothing short of remarkable. He even took part in hunts, using pigs instead of hounds, with Jupiter as his steed. Additionally, Jupiter pulled Hirst's unconventional wicker coach, shaped like an onion. Hirst's reputation grew, and even King George III recognized his eccentric talents. The king was so impressed that he invited Hirst to London and presented him with several bottles of wine. Jemmy Hirst's eccentricity extended to his lasting legacy, as he lived to the ripe age of 91. His unconventional approach to life and his remarkable relationships with animals set him apart as a quintessential British eccentric.

Lord Rokeby (1713 –1800), also known as Matthew Robinson, the 2nd Baron Rokeby, was a peculiar figure with an extraordinary fascination for all things watery. His eccentricity was particularly notable during a time when drinking water was associated with significant health risks due to waterborne diseases. In stark contrast to prevailing norms, Rokeby chose to drink only water or beef tea. Each day, he embarked on a ritual that was both unusual and physically demanding. He would walk to the beach and then swim in the sea until he reached a point of physical exhaustion. During these daily outings, he was not alone. Rokeby was followed by a carriage and a retinue of servants, a testament to the extent of his eccentricity.

His swim in the sea was no ordinary exercise. Rokeby would often push himself to the brink of physical collapse, requiring assistance from his attendants to be dragged from the sea. The inherent dangers of his obsession with the sea eventually convinced him to construct a swimming pool on his estate. What made Rokeby's aquatic adventures even more peculiar was the presence of a joint of roast veal that would float alongside him during these extended swims. From this floating roast veal, he would occasionally snatch bites while in the water. Remarkably, Rokeby's eccentric aquatic lifestyle seemed to have no detrimental effect on his health. He lived to the remarkable age of 88, proving that even the quirkiest habits can coexist with a long and unconventional life.

Sir Francis Dashwood (1708-1781) was a prominent figure of the 18th century, known for his multifaceted life and eccentricities. He held the esteemed position of Chancellor of the Exchequer, which was a reflection of his status and influence during his time. However, Dashwood is perhaps best remembered as the founder of the infamous Hellfire Club. This exclusive group of gentlemen was known for its secretive and unconventional meetings. He had caves excavated in Wycombe where the Hellfire Club's activities would take place. Adding to his eccentric reputation, Dashwood's house featured a Latin motto that raised eyebrows. The motto, 'Peno Tento Non Penitento,' translates to 'I feel my p*nis, not penitent,' reflecting the libertine and risqué nature of the club's activities.

While the exact details of the meetings held by the Hellfire Club remain shrouded in mystery, one particularly odd incident stands out. During a mock Satanic ritual, Dashwood released a baboon dressed as the devil. This stunt led one member of the club to collapse in tears, pleading for the devil to spare him. Moreover, one distinguished visitor to Dashwood's estate was none other than Benjamin Franklin. The American statesman, known for his various accomplishments, enjoyed the unique experience of strolling around Dashwood's gardens in the nude, further adding to the eccentric reputation of the Hellfire Club's gatherings.

Helena, the Comtesse de Noailles (1826-1908), was born into a wealthy and noble English family, and her life took a peculiar turn with a series of unconventional decisions and beliefs. Although her marital life was short-lived, having married the Duc de Mouchy, she remained childless. However, it was her unique approach to adopting a young girl that truly showcased her eccentricities. When Helena came across a portrait of a young girl that captivated her, she was determined to bring this child into her life. Thus, she adopted the girl, embarking on an unconventional journey of child-rearing.

Helena's methods for raising the adopted girl were far from ordinary. She insisted on a strict dress code that demanded loose-fitting clothing to avoid any restrictions on circulation. Her dedication to hygiene was noteworthy as she drained the school pond to eliminate any potential sources of infection. Even more unusually, she held the belief that methane was key to health, and she believed that the presence of cows near the residence would provide a healthy dose of methane to support well-being. Throughout her life, Helena continued to innovate in matters of health and well-being. In her later years, she made a distinct choice in her diet, surviving primarily on a menu consisting of milk, champagne, and yes, methane. He unconventional and sometimes unorthodox beliefs in raising children and maintaining her own health set her apart as a British eccentric.

William Cavendish (1800–1879), the 5th Duke of Portland, was a man whose life was marked by an increasing obsession with seclusion and eccentric building projects. His transformation into a recluse was a stark departure from his earlier public life, as he was previously a fairly prominent figure. As his life progressed, Cavendish undertook vast building endeavors, with a particular penchant for constructing underground structures that he could enjoy in complete solitude. This peculiar fascination led to an intriguing paradox: Welbeck Abbey, his family estate, became home to thousands of workers engaged in these covert construction projects.

One of the most striking features of Welbeck Abbey was the underground ballroom, one of the largest in England. What made this ballroom exceptionally unusual was that it was capable of hosting thousands of guests, yet no one other than the Duke himself was ever invited. Servants who had the opportunity to meet the Duke during their work were given strict instructions to completely ignore him. Any acknowledgment of his presence was met with dismissal. In his later years, Cavendish's reclusive tendencies were so pronounced that he largely confined himself to his bedroom. Meals were passed to him through a slot in the door, further emphasizing his desire for isolation and avoidance of social contact.

John 'Mad Jack' Churchill (1906-1996) was a distinctive figure known for his audacious and unconventional actions during World War II. He defied the norms of modern warfare by taking to the battlefield armed with a bow and a Scottish broadsword, famously asserting that "any officer who goes into action without his sword is improperly dressed." Despite his unorthodox approach to battle attire, Churchill achieved significant success during the war. He was particularly recognized for leading guerrilla-style raids on the German forces. One of his remarkable feats was his courageous stance on the island of Brac. When his team was killed in action and he ran out of ammunition, Churchill remained steadfast, playing lamentations on his bagpipes, which he also took into battle.

Perhaps one of the most iconic moments in Churchill's wartime endeavors was his performance on the battlefield. In the midst of combat, he played his bagpipes to boost the morale of his fellow soldiers. His remarkable courage and unyielding spirit served as a source of inspiration to those around him. Furthermore, Churchill's wartime experiences included a daring escape from a German prisoner-of-war camp, which added to his legacy as a man of extraordinary determination and unconventional methods.