The Weird World Of - Eccentric People
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"If you're poor and you do something stupid, you're nuts. If your rich and do something stupid, your eccentric." Bobby Heenan
We've all heard of them and read about them. But what is an eccentric person? Is it a form of insanity? Or are these people simply free spirits who have the courage to do their own thing? This first collection of eccentrics are taken from times past. But be assured, eccentricity is alive and well in the 21st century!
Definition:
- Noun - a person that deviates markedly from an established norm, especially a person of odd or unconventional behaviour.
- Adjective - Departing from a recognized, conventional, or established norm or pattern.
The above definition gives a sense of what an eccentric person may be like. But it doesn't cover the range and versatility of behaviours and habits displayed by many eccentrics. Perhaps the best way to understand these unique people is to read about what their lives were like.
Jemmy - The Eccentric Business Man of York
James Hirst - known as 'Jemmy' was not only one of the most famous eccentrics of his time, but he was also one of the best businessmen of his age. Despite the idea that most eccentrics tended to loose their fortunes, Jemmy was the exception to the rule. He was born in Rawcliffe, Yorkshire in 1738. Very early on his bizarre behaviour would lead him into trouble. He was expelled from his first school due to many antics such as training his teacher's pig to jump hurdles. As a young man he became so well known for his weird experiments and behaviour that he came to the attention of the King - George III - who commanded him to attend his court. Here are some of the other escapades that Jemmy became famous for:
- It was very rare for Jemmy to ever ride a horse while travelling. Preferring instead his favourite bull called Jupiter.
- When hosting a party at his home, guests would be served drinks from Jemmy's favourite coffin that was set up in the parlour. Jemmy also had a 'second best' coffin that stood up on its end. The front of the coffin had folding doors to get in and also a window at the head end. Guests were invited to try it out. But when they closed the doors they found they could not be opened from the inside. Men would have to pay a penny to be released and women would have to give Jemmy one of their garters.
- When first summoned by King George III to attend his court, Jemmy apologised to his Majesty, that he could not come immediately on his request. He was busy teaching an otter to swim at the time.
- When Jemmy did arrive at court, he arrived in a multi-coloured wicker carriage designed and made by himself. He wore a lambskin hat thought to have been at least 9 feet in circumference. An otter-lined coat made of red flannel. A waistcoat made from drake's feathers. Patchwork breeches and socks that were striped and coloured red-white. On his feet he wore magnificent shoes with an enormous silver buckle adorning them. The King's reaction? Apparently King George was delighted with Jemmy and filled his wickerwork carriage with bottles of the finest wine from the royal cellars.
- Jemmy used his wicker carriage frequently. On one occasion at least he is known to have rigged the carriage with ship's sails and 'sailed' into Pontefract. However, a sudden gust of wind caught the sails and blew the whole contraption into a draper's shop window.
- One of his wishes when he died was that his coffin should be carried by 12 old maids. They were to be accompanied by both a fiddler and a bagpiper. On his death only two old maids were found that would swear to still being 'maidenly'. In addition, the horrified vicar banned the fiddler from the proceedings. He allowed the piper to stay but he was instructed to play only 'solemn and appropriate music.'
- Jemmy would also go around his neighbourhood blowing a hunting horn. This was not for the 'hunt' but to summon all the poor and elderly in the surrounding areas to visit him at his home for tea. They were of course served tea out of the previously mentioned 'favourite coffin'.
- Jemmy married his housekeeper dressed in a Roman toga and the cermony was reported to have been conducted in sign language.
Elagabulus - The Horrible
Elagabulus was Roman Emperor from AD 218 - 222. By all accounts this young man was either completely insane or extraordinarily eccentric. People were so fed up with his antics that his Grandmother ordered his assasination when he was 17 years of age. Since that time, although not one of the most famous of emperors, there was plenty written about him in the aftermath. Scholars are divided as to what is real about Elagabulus and what was fabricated for propaganda reasons after his death. What does remain clear is that most historians - ancient and modern - agree that this young emperor was weird! Here are just some of the things claimed to have been carried out by him:
- He may have been responsible for inventing the first 'whoopee' cushions. He would invite 7 of the fattest men in Rome to dine with him. The men would be asked to sit on cushions filled with air. When they were comfortable, slaves were instructed to pierce the cushions sending the obese men sprawling all over the floor - much to the delight of the Emperor who would go into fits of hysterical laughter.
- Guests would often be served bizarre meals. On occasion it was known for artificial food to be served. Fruit, meats and other edibles were made out of such things as glass, ivory and gem stones. The strict etiquette of the time made it impossible for guests to refuse to eat this most expensive of meals. If any guest developed any health issues related to these meals, it is not recorded.
- Other guests would be served real food. However, the Emperor's warped sense of humour usually meant that within the delicious looking concoctions there was sure to be some unsavoury additions such as - spiders, animal dung, cobwebs, etc.
- His love of animals went to extraordinary lengths. He was known to have his chariot pulled not only by the usual horses, but by his favourite dogs, lions and tigers. It may well be that he regarded women as one of his favourite animals, as naked women were reported to have also pulled his chariot.
- But his love of animals went even further. He would order his slaves to gather spiders, scorpions, snakes and frogs and they would be sent as presents to his courtiers.
- The state money chests were exhausted by his extravagances. For example, he would build a luxurious bath house - lined with ivory and gold - use it once then have it destroyed.
- But the worst act he committed was to marry a Vestal Virgin. These women were held sacred and the penalty for abusing them in any way was usually being put to death. Vestal Virgins themselves would be buried alive if they had broken their vows in any way. The Roman people were outraged when they heard about this sacriledge.
Finally the people of Rome had enough. He was murdered by his own Praetorian guard on the orders of his Grandmother.
Mad, Sad and Rich!
The last two of our wonderful eccentrics are again from the past - where it would seem most of the more exotic eccentrics seem to be found. I've summarised their main habbits, but be aware folks, there were many more!
Squire John Mytton - early 1800's. Shropshire, England.
John Mytton, also known as 'Mad Jack', was a squire of monetary standing when he first inherited from his father. He was an avid animal lover and collector of clothes. However, his lavish spending meant that his whole fortune was gone within 15 years.
- The squire would frequently make an entrance to his parties riding on a pet black bear, called Nell. The guests amazement turned to horror on one occasion when Mytton, trying to urge Nell on, was bitten savagely on the leg by the pet bear.
- His favourite horse called 'Baronet' was allowed to wander throughout his house and even into the parlour where the horse seemed to find the fireplace a very relaxing spot.
- It wasn't uncommon for the squire to be seen out hunting, naked - even in the winter months.
- He was known to throw bundles of money at his servants and friends. He would also throw money into hedges and left it for anyone who was lucky enough to find it.
- He rode a gig with horse at high speed into a rabbit warren to see if it would overturn - it did!
- The squire - in pursuit of knowledge - set out to prove that a horse and carriage would not be able to jump over a closed toll gate, by driving straight at it at high speed. Despite these acts of lunacy Mytton only ever sustained minor injuries.
Francis Henry Egerton 8th Earl of Bridgewater
Lord Bridgewater, although English, spent much of his time living in Paris. He was an avid animal lover but did take this to extremes, much to the amusement of the French. But despite his eccentric behaviour, Lord Bridgewater was a very intelligent man. He was a great scholar and a patron of the arts. He was a fellow of the Royal Society. At the end of his life he donated a very important collection of documents - the Egerton Manuscripts - to the British Museum.
- Lord Bridgewater liked nothing better than to show his love for his dogs by holding dinner parties for them. All the animals would be dressed in the latest French fashion and included minature shoes to fit over the dogs' paws.
- The dogs would be seated around the table like human guests and were given all manner of foods to eat. Each dog had a white napkin to keep it clean and were served by servants from the best silver ware
- The Earl would only ever wear a pair of shoes once. He would place each pair of worn shoes in lines in order to measure the passing of time. Other shoes were hung around the walls as decorations.
There are many reasons why people become eccentric - and although the people chosen here have all been men, women can be just as bizarre in their habits. Many people believe that in order to be a true eccentric you need to be firstly, rich enough to satisfy your odd behaviours. Secondly, many suggest that you need to be arrogant enough not to care less what any one else thinks!
Human nature and behaviour is a weird and wonderful thing. There are as many mysteries within the human mind as there are in the universe. I can't help but feel that if the world were to loose eccentric people and their exotic behaviours, what a less colourful place it would be.
Further Information & Sources
- British History Online
Digital library containing some of the core printed primary and secondary sources for the medieval and modern history of the British Isles. - BBC - History
Explore history with the BBC from the Egyptians to the World Wars. Browse through timelines and articles, read biographies, play games, and watch programmes. - History: Shows, Schedules and Resources
- UK History
A searchable directory of over 25000 venues, organisations, and experts in the UK, as well news, features and a timeline of UK history from 10000 BC
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Hi Tom,
Many thanks for stopping by and glad you enjoyed the hub - even it was a half hour long read! LOL! I agree, the other guys seem likeable, the Roman was a shi--- Head!!
LOL This was one fascinating hub. Made me realize some eccentric people can be fun. My favorite was Mad Jack.
This was a very interesting read! You put a lot of time and effort into this one, I'd say. Thanks for sharing this with us! I voted it UP, etc.
I always thought they're cool. They have the will and freedom to do and be whatever they want to. :)
S7,
it ws worth the read/time
TH
I'm just nuts then LOL! Interesting hub on eccentric people Seeker7, though I tend to think that our young Roman Emperor was psychotic as well as eccentric! Maybe only rich people have the time and money to be conspicuously eccentric?
Hi Gypsy! Glad that you liked the hub - they are great fun, well except the crazy Roman! And how funny, 'mad Jack' is my favourite as well. I think if we all had an eccentric in our life, it would never be dull or boring -stressful perhaps - but as you say, 'lots of fun' as well!LOL!
1. Hi mary615 - many thanks for the vote up and glad that you enjoyed the hub. Great to hear from you.
2. Hi thesingingnurse - many thanks for stopping by! Yes, I think most of them should be classed as free spirited rather than insane - all except the creepy Roman! LOL!
Hi CMHypno!
Lovely to hear from you and glad that you enjoyed the hub! LOL! Same here - I'm definately not rich enough to be eccentric and so I'm just a poor nutty person as well!
I agree about the young Roman guy - he seems just a bit too odd to be only eccentric! To be honest, his grandmother sounded as if she was two sandwiches short of a picnic as well! But them maybe most of the top families were, as they did marry and inter-breed very closely! All those crazy genes floating about?? No wonder they had some very weird leaders!
Seeker,
You've done it again and made me grin. :)
Oddities are often fascinating, and when it's people and their out-out-of-the-box behavior, I can't help but wonder how their minds concocted such ideas.
Very cool hub!!
femme
I learned something new today. Not only informative but humorous. Why don't they teach this in school? The nature of the human animal is always interesting and, at times, a mystery. In this case, truth is stranger than fiction. Thanks for sharing Seeker7.
You never disappoint me Seeker! Your Hubs are all very well written, informative and fun. And these guys all make Howard Hughes seem very tame by comparison!
These people are really weird. I'm glad I don't know anyone like them LOL. What an interesting hub. Voted up.:)
What 'interesting' characters! Jemmy was my favourite - he wanted his coffin carried by 12 old maids!!
An excellent hub, I thoroughly enjoyed reading and voted up.
Hi femme - aren't these wonderful people! Well all of them except the geeky Roman! I honestly wish I had someone like this - life would certainly never be dull! I think what's interesting though is the best eccentrics seem to come from the past. I think they were more inventive and just allowed their imagination free reign.
It was great fun writing this one and glad that you enjoyed it as well! Many thanks for the visit!
Hi Latasha!
I agree about school! For me these eccentric folks are just as much a part of history as any of the other - and boring - stuff they used to dish out at school. I never honestly enjoyed history at school all that much. It wasn't until I left and was able to choose my own books and time periods that my love for history grew.
Glad that you enjoyed the hub and many thanks for the visit.
Hi grandmapearl - lovely to hear from you! I think you're right about the comparison between the eccentrics from the past and Howard Hughes - who was a fascinating charcter - but even he didn't seem to have the imagination of 'Jemmy' or any of the others. They were good fun, where as Howard Hughs, as far as I can recall, didn't have much sense of humour or creativeness.
Glad that you enjoyed the hub and many thanks for the visit.
Hey!! Cheerful Nuts!!!! Happy New Year and so glad to see you back on Hub Pages! I've really missed you and your sister being around here! Will you be starting to write hubs again? I'll need to pay you a visit!
Glad that you enjoyed the hub and many thanks for the visit - it was a really nice surprise!
Hi MM - glad that you enjoyed the hub! I liked all of the characters, except the Roman - he was very unpleasant I think!
Great to hear from you and many thanks for the vote up!
Seeker,
In reference to your comment about the best eccentrics coming from the past, maybe that'd be an idea for a new hub on current eccentrics.
Just a thought. :)
femme
I miss you and everyone here on HP, too! I have transferred some of my hubs to Blogger and Squidoo. I'm not sure if I'll write hubs again, but I won't delete my HP account so I can still hang out here.:)
I was completely captivated from start to finish by this hub! I have known my share of eccentrics and whether they are mad or not is always up for debate. Isn't it strange that the eccentric James Hirst was favored by the King who would become known as the mad one?
Hi femme - that's a really good idea! It would be interesting to compare today's wonderful eccentrics with those from the past!
Hi cheerfulnuts! In that case I'll need to look you up on squidoo and blogger. I miss reading your articles! That's really interesting about blogger as I was looking at the site the other day and fancied starting a blog with them. So I'll maybe see you around there as well within the next week or so! Take Care
Hi North Wind - lovely to hear from you and many thanks for stopping by.
That's a really interesting comment about James and George III - I had never actually thought about that, but you have a point. Maybe the poor King saw a kindred spirit in James? I think the other thing that has struck me is that quite a few of them were also animal lovers, so there does seem to be, with some of them at least, a kind of pattern.
Yes - are they mad or just free spirits? It's probably not the best way to judge people, but I tend to think that ones like the Roman kid were mad, really because of the cruelty he could display. Where as if their actions are more benign I tend to think of them as just free spirits. I'm sure though that psychologists and psychiatrists will disagree and will have a better reasoning that I have.
Glad that you enjoyed the hub and many thanks for your comment - it was very interesting!
Once again a very interesting and fascinating hub.
Jemmy was my favourite. I love the story of him charging people to let them out of the coffin, that is so cheeky. And then to want his coffin carried by 123 old maids. Lol I used to live not far from Rawcliffe.
Elagabulus - The Horrible, I think if I had been his grandmother I would have had him assassinated too. What a nasty cruel person.
They are all so colouful charactersand must have been fun to be around
Birds of a feather-Jemmy and King George III, wouldn't you say Seeker. Jemmy had an ingeniously eccentric way of collecting pennies too. Really glad you wrote on Elagabulus as he's not as well known as say Caligula. He definitely was a dangerous joker-boy. Big mistake with the vestal virgin though. Squire John and Earl Egerton were cool to discover and read about as well. Another awesome hub. Thank you Seeker!
Seeker7, thanks! If you started your own blog, let me know. See you around.:)
Hi Rosemay - as always lovely to hear from you!
That's great that you lived near to Rawcliffe! From what I saw of the photographs it looks like a lovely area of the country. I loved Jemmy as well - as you say, I think it was the cheek of him that makes him so appealing! I wonder what he did with all the ladies garters that he stored up?
I agree as well the nasty Roman! To me he sounded just like the proverbial spoilt brat! And although his Grandmother was probably a bit batty as well, I can't really say I blame her!
Hi Alastar! It's always great to read your comments and get your insight into things!
That's interesting that you have mentioned Jemmy and King George as well. I hadn't really thought about that angle until NorthWind and now yourself have pointed it out. But I do now wonder if poor George did see something of himself in Jemmy and so that's why he took to him? It would make sense and I think, although a king, they were often very lonely people.
As to the nutty Roman! I agree, so much has already been written about Caligula, Nero and so on that there's nothing really new to say. But Rome was full of the weird, bizarre and down right cruel and they're worth reading about if you take the time to look out for them. Elagabulus - I had heard the name vaguely some years ago and it was by accident that I came on him again on the internet. I didn't really know that much about him so when I read some of his story I was really shocked at some of the acts of cruelty that he carried out. As you say 'bad joker boy' indeed. I just wonder if his stupidity with the Vestal really was the beginning of the end for him!
Thanks once again for your visit, I really enjoy sharing thoughts back and forward and getting new insights from you! Take care!
S7,
Ha
TH
Fascinating read. Kept my attention from first word. My favorite was Jemmy. Thanks.
Hi Ruth, lovely to hear from you. I hope you have had a great start to 2012!
I think the majority of us do have a very soft spot for Jemmy. He would have been a lot of fun to be around - never a dull moment!
Really glad that you enjoyed the hub and many thanks for taking the time to comment - it really does mean a lot to me!
Wow, I didn't know about any of these people, but I am glad I haven't met and don't have to meet any of them personally! I think by comparison, I am a rather boring person. Voted up and across.
Hi Millionaire Tips!
Many thanks for your visit and glad you enjoyed the hub!
I think it would be interesting meeting these guys, but now I wonder if they would be just a bit too much to cope with? LOL! I agree with you, compared to them I'm very dull and conservative and boringly sane!
Many thanks for the vote up - greatly appreciated!
I've known quite a few "eccentric" people in my lifetime...my daughter's pediatrician is one of them, but I have to say that I love it! Her doctor wears neon pink tennis shoes and has laser lights in his office! I think variety and eccentricity makes life more interesting. If everyone were as boring as the next person what a blase life we would live! Voted up and interesting. Seeker - you're a wonderful writer and come up with some awesome topics!
Hi Kitty - wonderful to hear from you! I hope you have had a good start to the New Year!
I agree about eccentric people brightening up this dull old world! I don't know if at sometimes, they would maybe be a bit too much - they seem to have never ending energy, unlike the rest of us - but I agree that if we were all the same, life would be so tedious!
Many thanks for the lovely comment and the vote up - much appreciated.
What a great hub and thanks for sharing.
This is what makes HP the great place that it is;the great variety of topics to read and learn from or that make us laugh or also very often inspire us.
Take care and here's to so many more to share on here.
Eddy.
Hi Eddy, many thanks for another visit - it's always great to hear from you!
I totally agree with you about HP. Many of the writers and poets have definately inspired me both with topics to write about and for giving me insight into subjects I've been writing about. I think HP's is a very, very magical place and the people are incredible!
Many thanks again for your visit!
Hi Seeker7, I came back to let you know that I have included this hub in my list of favorite hubs I've read this week. Congrats!
What a fun read! I do think that the true eccentrics need the means to support their ideas...otherwise they'd go crazy (for not being able to act) or their eccentric ideas would forever reamian ideas.
Or maybe they'd just become authors of the absurd?
I think on of Lord Bridgewater's parties would have been interesting to witness...wonder what the dogs thought of their finery! (and what if they decided to chew those spare shoes? Hmmm.)
Hey MT!!! What a lovely surprise this was - I am delighted to be on your favourites list! Thank you - you've made my day!!!
Hi msviolets - I have to say I had so much fun writing this one. These people are fascinating!!! But I do agree, I also wondered many times what would these folks have done, if they hadn't had the money to release all this, em.. 'creativity'? Knowing dogs, I don't think they would have been too impressed with the fancy gear, but maybe they were too busy eating the fine dishes to notice? And if they did chew the shoes up, bet he just went out and bought them some more!!LOL!!
Many thanks for stopping by and glad that you enjoyed the hub!!
I bet this was fun to write Seeker. I had a blast reading about all these people in the day and their weird behaviors. What a funny thing to visualize dogs eating at the dinner table and dressed to the t's. This article made me feel pretty normal. LOL P.S. I hit every button on this masterpiece.
Hi, loved this! what makes me smile is the fact that these excentrics find things to do that I would never ever think of! but of course the Roman was the mad one, or maybe he was just being a teenager! lol!
Hi MT - you're right! Of all the hubs I've written, and I've enjoyed them all, this one has to be the most fun! I always thought I was a bit of an odd ball - quite common with Aquarians so an astrologer told me - but boy when I read this, I was glad to know that in comparison I am normal!!LOL!
I'm really glad that you enjoyed it and many thanks for the vote up - much appreciated!
Hi Nell, lovely to hear from you!
Do you know you've actually hit on something that I hadn't thought about. I wrote a little description about eccentric people, but I never thought about their imaginations! You're spot on! For them to have thought up so many weird and wonderful schemes, their imaginations must have been awesome!
As to the mad and bad Roman - I just wonder if this kid had too much at his finger tips and was bored half the time. Also there didn't seem to be a father or mother figure mentioned that much - only the creepy grandmother! So maybe if he had a parent around he wouldn't have been quite so weird and carefree with his malicious jokes!
Many thanks again for the visit, it's always lovely to hear from you!
Hiya Seeker,
thought id have a rummage through your hubs as you were so kind as to comment on mine and im so glad i fell upon this one. These are great, i like jemmy haha, well i like all of them actually.
I'v always been told im somewhat of a nut but after reading this i dont think i can claim the title of 'eccentric' just yet...but i promise to work on it haha.
Thanks for a great hub!
Hi Wookie! Lovely to hear from you and glad that you enjoyed the hub!
I'm a bit of an oddball as well, but when I look at Jemmy and co I think I'm very, very ordinary! I think it would be fun - if nerve wracking - to have some of the guys around as friends!!!
I'm in! well as long as we get to SKIP the being locked in a coffin part! lol
LOL!! I agree! No coffin tricks!
It's so fun reading the stories of these eccentric people. It is these people who make life so unusual, fun and interesting.
Voted up and tweeted. :)
Hello Ingenira, many thanks for stopping by and glad that you enjoyed the hub - many thanks for the 'tweet' as well - much appreciated!
I agree with you - if we didn't have these wonderful eccentrics - well maybe apart from the loony Roman - life would be so dull!
I love your opener; that first quote. Funny! :D
The whole Hub is delightful, and it is superbly written. Thank you very much for this distinct pleasure.
Hi James, lovely to hear from you and glad that you enjoyed the hub. I love that quote as well and had me laughing when I first read it. But I think I like it because it's true.
Many thanks again for the visit - it's always a pleasure to hear from you.
What a fun hub! It seems like a lot of celebrities now are putting on eccentricities so that they will be remembered. It would be interesting to know who are the real eccentrics from our time that people will be talking about a hundred years down the road.
Hi ar.colton, many thanks for stopping by and glad that you enjoyed the hub. I agree with modern day celebrities and they don't seem to have the same class, if that's the right word, as some of the genuine eccentrics - at least the eccentrics from the past. It would be great fun I think to compare the oldies with the modern eccentrics to see if things have changed all that much!
Many thanks again for the visit - appreciated.
Hi just starting out on hubpages and at present wading through my many topics of interest! Your hub certainly caught my eye. I will definitely take the time to read through it properly and offer my feedback.Cant wait!!!
Hi Cherriquinn - and a very warm welcome to Hub Pages! I hope you enjoy the site as much as I have over the past 15 months or so.
Wow, this is great. A favorite hub now, for sure
Scotland, the land I am from, somewhere in my ancestors.
I will keep reading your hubs to learn more. Sharing it you bet!
Awesome Hub! So intriguing to know eccentric people... Every now and then.. there comes one such person who is different!
Not bending to the normal laws of men... enraptured by his own thoughts and lunacy... these men.. are born different I suppose.
My personal pick of the lot would be definitely Jemmy..'cause he gave me the most laughs when I read about him
LOL
Great hub!
Hi Ruby H Rose - many thanks for stopping by and glad that you enjoyed the hub! I think this was one of my favourite hubs to write - I just found these people so extraordinary!
That's really interesting about your ancestors being from Scotland. Do you know what area they originally came from?
Hi rahul0324 many thanks for stopping by and glad that you enjoyed the hub. I agree with your thoughts - these men made the world a much more interesing place! I loved Jemmy as well. He was the true, classic eccentric who just did what he thought was right - even if everyone else thought he was nuts!
tom hellert Level 7 Commenter 4 months ago
cool hub took me a half hour to read but really interesting facts n things I likd the Roman emperor...he was a bastard for sure
TH