Mad Jack Hall facts for kids
'Mad' Jack Hall, whose real name was John Hall, was an English leader and landowner who lived from 1672 to 1716. He was also known as 'Crazy Jack Hall'. John Hall was a Jacobite, which means he supported the old royal family of England, the Stuarts, who had lost their throne. He was also a Justice of Peace in Northumberland, meaning he was a local official who helped keep law and order.
John Hall was part of a family group called Clan Hall, which had Scottish roots. He owned a large home called Otterburn Tower in Redesdale, Northumberland. You can still see his initials carved above a doorway there today!
Early Life and Family
John Hall was born in 1672, most likely at his family's home, Otterburn Tower. His father, also named John Hall, lived from 1624 to 1692.
John "Mad Jack" Hall married a woman named Mary, who was the daughter of a person known as Alderman Hutchison. They were married in Newcastle. John Hall spent many years working as a Justice of Peace in Northumberland, helping to manage local affairs and keep the peace.
Role in the Rebellion
John Hall became an important figure during the Jacobite rising of 1715. This was a time when many people who supported the Stuart royal family tried to bring them back to power.
He was captured in Preston during the rebellion. Even though he was given chances to be set free several times, he was eventually put on trial. While he was in prison, John Hall talked to another prisoner. He mentioned how their families had gained land in Cromwell's time by taking property from rebels, and now they were losing their own land for being rebels themselves.
His Execution
John Hall was described as a very strong-willed and energetic person. People said he was "violent, passionate and indiscreet," but also very generous and well-liked by the people who followed him. It was his fiery personality that earned him the nickname "Mad Jack Hall of Otterburn."
He was found guilty of high treason, which is a very serious crime against one's country. John Hall was executed on 13 July 1716, at a place called Tyburn.
