The Metcalfe Society - Blind Jack of Knaresborough

Blind Jack Metcalf

Blind Jack Metcalf of Knaresborough was blind from the age of six but nonetheless became an accomplished musician, guide, and road maker. His work as a civil engineer is well known but for an interesting story relating to his musical abilities visit Blind Jack Metcalf : From The Life of Thomas Telford by Samuel Smiles . He was born in 1718, died in 1810 and is buried in Spofforth. The inscription on his tombstone reads:

Here lies John Metcalf one whose infant sight
Felt the dark pressure of an endless night:
Yet such the fervour of his dauntless mind,
His limbs full strung, his spirit unconfin'd,
That long ere yet life's bolder years began,
His sightless efforts mark'd th'aspiring man.
Nor mark'd in vain High deeds his manhood dar'd,
And commerce, travel both his ardour shar'd:

Twas his a guide's unerring aid to lend;
O'er trackless wastes to bid new roads extend;
And when Rebellion rear'd her giant size,
Twas his to burn with patriot enterprize,
For parting wife and babes one pang to feel,
Then welcome danger for his country's weal.
Reader! like him exert thy utmost talent giv'n;
Reader! like him adore the bounteous hand of Heav'n.

Thanks to Giles Metcalf, a descendant of Blind Jack, for the idea.