468 
MR. W. G. CLARKE ON “FLINT JACK.” 
was a meeting of the Geologists’ Association, in their rooms in 
Cavendish Square, when a paper was read by the Rev. T. Wiltshire, 
on “ The Ancient Flint Implements of Yorkshire and the modern 
fabrication of similar specimens.” “Flint Jack” was present, and 
demonstrated his simple method of manufacture. 
“ Flint Jack ” again visited Salisbury in 1863, when his photo- 
graph was taken by Mr. Treble. Mr. Fitch has a copy of this, 
and another is to be found in the Lynn Museum. A full-page 
engraving from this photograph appeared in the ‘ People’s Magazine’ 
and the ‘ Reliquary.’ Lower and lower did he sink in vice and 
misery, until at length, in April, 1867, he stole some goods at 
Bedford, while in an intoxicated and half-starved condition. He 
was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment, and was confined 
in Bedford Gaol, where John Bunyan had preceded him in durance 
vile. It was, however, stated in January of that year that “among 
antiquarians he could generally raise a trifle for pressing needs — 
a proof of their placable disposition, but when possessed of a little 
cash he drank without ceasing until it was gone.” At that time 
many archaeologists had hanging in their residences a portrait of 
“ Flint Jack ” framed in spurious flint implements of his making. 
In the ‘Reliquary’ for October, 1867, the editor appeals for help 
to assist “Flint Jack” when he came out of prison, and says: 
“ The man possesses more real practical antiquarian knowledge 
than many of the leading antiquarian writers of the day; and he 
is a good geologist and palaeontologist.” The pity is that his 
talents were not put to better use. The ‘Newcastle Daily Journal’ 
of May 14th, 1868, says: “The celebrated ‘Flint Jack’ has been 
released from prison, and is engaged in his old trade of fabricating 
flint arrowheads.” Further than that I have been unable to find, 
and know neither the date nor the place of death of this most 
remarkable man, whose wonderful career of deception must always 
have a certain amount of interest for the antiquary. 
