1Mad Jack Mytton's Lavish Life
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.
2William Buckland's Exotic Appetite
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.
3Jemmy Hirst: Animal Trainer Extraordinaire
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.
4Lord Rokeby's Aquatic Obsession
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.
5Francis Dashwood: Hellfire Club Founder
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.
6Comtesse de Noailles' Unique Parenting
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.
7Duke of Portland's Underground Obsession
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.