Blind Jack of Knaresborough, Parsonage Lane, Knaresborough, N Yorks - Blue Plaques on Waymarking.com

John Metcalf was born in Knaresborough on 15 August 1717. Six years later he lost his sight due to a smallpox infection. He managed to earn a living as a fiddler and horse trader. Despite his sight problems he became an accomplished sportsman a guide to visitors in the area.

He developed a carrier business transporting goods around the country. His business later developed into a stagecoach line. Knowledge gained in the carrier trade helped Metcalf gain a contract to build a road between Minskip to Ferrensby after the passing of the 1765 act authorising turnpike trusts. Following his completion of the road contracts followed to build roads in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire and Cheshire.

Key to Metcalf’s success was his construction techniques for roads with good foundsatiomns and drainage. In particular Metcalf worked out how to cross boggy ground, a feat other builders had failed to master.

The development of canals ate into the profitability of turnpike roads. Metcalf retired in 1792 to Spofforth. He died on 26 April 1810.

The plaque reads

“Blind Jack of Knaresborough (John Metcalf) was born in 1717 in a cottage whose garden adjoined the churchyard. Though blinded by smallpox at the age of six, he became famous as a musician, guide, horseman, trader and pioneer builder of roads. He died in 1810 and is buried in Spofforth churchyard.”

Blue Plaque managing agency: Knaresborough Civic Society Individual Recognized: Blind Jack of Knaresborough (John Metcalf) Physical Address: Parsonage Lane Knaresborough, N Yorks UK Web Address: [Web Link]

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Date Logged Log User Rating   10/21/2021 dtrebilc visited it