THE HON. CHARLES RADCLIFFE, 
AND HIS CONNECTION WITH THE REBELLIONS 
OF 1715 AND 1745. 
BY Ja Fo CROSTHWAITE. 
(Read at Keswick. ) 
In selecting a subject for a paper on the present occasion, I 
have been led to take up the story of the unfortunate Charles 
Radcliffe, chiefly because of his connection with the Vale of 
Derwentwater. I think it should be an object with a society like 
this, to rescue from oblivion the memory of any who have been 
conspicuous, and who have played a part in the great drama of life, 
whether they have been fortunate or unfortunate. Few men are 
born to be truly great, and those few have many admirers, and 
command a host of brilliant biographers. But there are in all 
times men of ordinary ability and sterling integrity, who pass 
through life doing their lesser part, who nevertheless deserve to be 
remembered, and from whose lives the bulk of mankind may 
derive much valuable instruction. And this may be the case, even 
if the’individual has been mistaken, or unfortunate, or, in the eye 
of the law, even criminal. His life may stand out as a beacon to 
warn the unwary of the rocks upon which he has wrecked his 
fortunes, and wasted what might have been otherwise a noble and 
an honourable career. It is in this view that I have chosen for my 
motto the words of Pope: 
“THE PROPER STUDY OF MANKIND IS MAN.” 
