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Bells on Monday - Season 02, Episode 14.

Blind Jack Delight Major: -5-4.5-2.3-2-1.34-34.1,1

John "Blind Jack" Metcalf was born in Knaresborough on 15th August 1717. He was blinded by a smallpox infection at the age of six. Despite this he became accomplished in playing the fiddle, swimming and diving, cock fighting, playing cards, and even hunting. He knew his local area so well he was paid to work as a guide to visitors.

Jack was best known for the period between 1765 and 1792 when he built about 180 miles of turnpike road and, as such, became known as one of the fathers of the modern road. In 1739, Colonel Liddell (Member of Parliament for Berwick-on-Tweed) and Jack had a wager of 10 guineas as to who could travel the 207 miles from London to Harrogate first; Jack on foot or the colonel in his coach. Jack took five and half days, and arrived first, despite his blindness, the state of the roads having slowed the colonel.

Jack passed away on 26th April 1810 at the age of 92.