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The life of John Metcalf, commonly called Blind Jack of Knaresborough / with ... anecdotes of his exploits in hunting, card-playing, &c., some particulars relative to the expedition against the rebels in 1745 ...; and also a succinct account of his various contracts for making roads, erecting bridges ... in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, and Cheshire ... cover

The life of John Metcalf, commonly called Blind Jack of Knaresborough / with ... anecdotes of his exploits in hunting, card-playing, &c., some particulars relative to the expedition against the rebels in 1745 ...; and also a succinct account of his various contracts for making roads, erecting bridges ... in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, and Cheshire ...

By John Metcalf
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History - British

About This Book

The narrative recounts the life of a blind man from Knaresborough who, after losing his sight in childhood, learns to navigate town and countryside, masters music and hunting, and becomes known for resourcefulness and daring exploits. It collects entertaining anecdotes of hunts, card-playing, and youthful pranks; describes his participation in an expedition against rebels and documents his later work contracting for roads, bridges, and other public undertakings across several counties. The tone preserves colloquial speech and first-person recollection while arranging chronological episodes and practical details of his career.

About the Author

Metcalf, John portrait

John Metcalf

John Metcalf, often referred to as Blind Jack of Knaresborough, was an Englishman renowned for his remarkable achievements despite his blindness. Born in the 18th century, he became a prominent figure in the construction of roads and bridges across Yorkshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, and Cheshire. His life story is vividly captured in his autobiography, "The Life of John Metcalf, Commonly Called Blind Jack of Knaresborough," which details his adventures in hunting and card-playing, as well as his involvement in the 1745 Jacobite uprising. Metcalf's resilience and ingenuity have made him a notable character in the history of English engineering and a symbol of overcoming adversity.

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