The Life of John Metcalf: Commonly Called Blind Jack of Knaresborough (Cambridge Library Collection - Technology) - Softcover

Metcalf, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 110807913X ISBN 13: 9781108079136

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2017

Synopsis

Blinded by smallpox at the age of six, John Metcalf (1717–1810) led a life that might have featured in an eighteenth-century novel. Popularly known as 'Blind Jack of Knaresborough', Metcalf had many and varied careers, including musician, horse trader, fish supplier, textile merchant and stage-wagon operator. Developing a method for building roads on marshy ground, using heather and gorse as a foundation, he eventually became one of the eighteenth century's great road builders, laying over 120 miles of high-quality roads in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire and Cheshire. Published in 1795 and based on conversations with Metcalf, this book recounts his life in a series of anecdotes. Metcalf starts with his boyhood escapades, and his becoming an accomplished swimmer, climber and gambler. Among the later episodes recounted are his services in raising troops to fight Jacobite rebels, during which he was present at the battles of Falkirk Muir and Culloden.

About this title

Book Description

Blinded by smallpox at the age of six, John Metcalf (1717–1810), popularly known as 'Blind Jack of Knaresborough', nevertheless became one of the eighteenth century's great road builders. Published in 1795, his engaging memoirs recount an eventful life, including his part in the suppression of the Jacobite rebellion.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 110807913X
• ISBN 13: 9781108079136
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 166