An exploration of the eccentric life of John 'Mad Jack' Mytton, a British gentleman known for his reckless behavior, extravagant spending, and audacious actions. The podcast delves into his controversial marriage, involvement in fox hunting despite his lack of skill, excessive alcohol consumption, and playful pranks. It also highlights his generosity towards struggling tenants, financial troubles, and tragic personal setbacks.
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Quick takeaways
John 'Mad Jack' Mytton's extravagant lifestyle led to financial ruin and descent into debt.
Mitten's passion for fox hunting overshadowed his political aspirations, leading to his short-lived career in politics.
Deep dives
The Eccentric Life of John Mitten
John Mitten, known as Mad Jack, lived a life filled with reckless behavior, eccentricities, and immense wealth. His love for fox hunting, horse racing, and gambling led him to notorious episodes, including losing a wager of 10,000 pounds in a billiards match. Despite his outlandish antics, he was seen as a local hero and admired for his generosity. Mitten's extravagant lifestyle and excessive drinking eventually led to financial ruin and his descent into debt. He spent time in prison and died at the age of 37 due to delirium tremens caused by alcohol abuse. His unpredictable behavior and moments of kindness left a lasting impression on those who crossed his path.
Marriage, Political Ambitions, and Organized Chaos
John Mitten's marriage to Harriet Emma Jones was tumultuous, and rumors of mistreatment circulated. He served as a member of parliament, but his lack of interest in politics and attendance led to a short-lived term. Mitten's passion for fox hunting, horse racing, and boxing overshadowed his political aspirations. His unpredictable behavior included starting fires, engaging in daredevil stunts, and owning a pet bear. His extravagant spending and refusal to handle money responsibly, combined with reckless pursuits, ultimately contributed to his financial downfall.
Fall from Fortune and the Unraveling of a Life
After his wife left him, John Mitten's financial situation deteriorated rapidly. He fled from his creditors and spent time in both French and English prisons. During this time, Mitten's mental and physical health declined. He suffered from delusions and erratic behavior, relying heavily on alcohol to cope. Despite moments of kindness and generosity, his life ended tragically in the confines of a debtor's prison at the age of 37. Mitten left behind a legacy of both admiration for his charm and generosity, as well as condemnation for his wild and self-destructive antics.
Legacy and Influence
While John Mitten's life was marked by extravagance and recklessness, he left an indelible impact on those who knew him. His complex and contradictory nature, possessing both kindness and self-destructive tendencies, fascinated those around him. Mitten's son, John Mitten Jr., appeared to inherit some of his father's qualities. Although Mitten's memory is often associated with wild behavior and financial ruin, some remember him as a tragic figure who lived life on his own terms, leaving behind a cautionary tale of excess and self-indulgence.
John Mytton is often called an eccentric, but that doesn’t really capture his whole story. Despite his wild behavior, he's something of a local hero, and sometimes a joke, but his life is sort of sad in many ways.
Research:
Bibby, Miriam. “Mad Jack Mytton.” Historic UK. https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Mad-Jack-Mytton/
Haskin, Frederic J. “John Mytton – Madcap.” Quad-City Times. June 8, 1938. https://www.newspapers.com/image/301169605/?terms=john%20mytton&match=1
“Joh Mytton’s Follies.” Mnchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser. March 1, 1907. https://www.newspapers.com/image/800081799/?terms=john%20mytton&match=1
“The Late John Mytton, Esq. of Halston.” The Yorkshire Herald and the York Herald. May 10, 1834. https://www.newspapers.com/image/410154461/?terms=john%20mytton&match=1
Ludington, C. “Happily, inebriety is not the vice of the age”. In: The Politics of Wine in Britain. Palgrave Macmillan, London. 2013. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230306226_12
“Madcap’s Progress.” Liverpool Daily Post. March 24, 1938. https://www.newspapers.com/image/891779638/?terms=john%20mytton&match=1
“Memoirs of the Life of the Late John Mytton, Esq. of Halston, Shropshire, formerly M. P. for Shrewsbury, high sheriff for the counties of Salop and Merioneth and major of the North Shropshire yeomanry cavalry; with notices of his hunting, shooting, driving, racing, eccentric and extravagant exploits.” London. Methuen. 1903. https://archive.org/details/memoirsoflifeofl00nimriala/page/n3/mode/2up
“On the 29th In the King’s Bench Prison … “ Gloucestershire Chronicle. April 5, 1834. https://www.newspapers.com/image/793256607/?terms=john%20mytton&match=1
“The remains of the late John Mytton … “ The Morning Post. April 23, 1834. https://www.newspapers.com/image/396894049/?terms=%20LATE%20JOHN%20MYTTON%22&match=1
F.H. “John Mytton, Junior.” The Standard. March 28, 1900. https://www.newspapers.com/image/409754772/?terms=john%20mytton&match=1