Notable Characters from the Past: The Unforgettable John "Mad Jack" Mytton
ÍllustriousCharacters of Quirkiness: History's Most Unusual Personalities Revealed
Eccentricity, a term that can be elusive to define, finds its best illustration in the unusual behaviors we all secretly harbor. And let's face it, we all have our quirks that make us unique. Throughout history, there have been individuals who have entertained, shocked, and confounded society with their peculiarities.
A Tale of the Most Inimitable: John "Mad Jack" Mytton
Graced with a substantial inheritance and a grand estate at a young age, John Mytton was given rein to indulge his every eccentric whim.
To begin with, he was a connoisseur of alcohol, savoring between six to eight bottles of port each day. His alcohol consumption was so prodigious that one of Mytton's companions claimed he had been under the influence for the last twelve years of his life[1].
Source: The Study
Hailing from a noble family with political ties, Mytton sought to follow in the family tradition by becoming a Tory MP. To secure his seat, he bribed voters with £10 notes. Once he was elected, he attended a solitary 30-minute meeting in the House of Commons before finding it tedious and never returning[2].
This turn of events occurred after he had spent over $1,000,000 (today's value) to secure his position.
Two anecdotes about Mad Jack demand consideration here. In one account, he endeavored to banish his hiccups by setting his nightshirt on fire.
The other narrative involves him arriving at his own dinner party, riding a bear named Nell while dressed in full hunting attire[5]. Mytton was an avid hunter, preferring to strip naked, even during the winter months, while in pursuit of his quarry.
[1] The Study[2] The Study[3] Rogues Gallery[4] Rogues Gallery[5] Rogues Gallery
- John "Mad Jack" Mytton's lifestyle, a blend of politics and unconventional behaviors, offers a compelling insight into the history of the past, as he invariably stood out with his extravagant habits and eccentric actions.
- Despite his political ties, Mytton's engagement with politics was brief and questionable, with instances such as bribing voters and attending a solitary meeting in the House of Commons before deeming it tedious.
- Mytton's legacy extends beyond politics, into the realms of fashion-and-beauty and entertainment, with anecdotes like setting his nightshirt on fire to cure hiccups and arriving at his own dinner party riding a bear named Nell in hunting attire, still circulating on social media.
