Mad King George’s Would-Be Assassin & His Pet Squirrel
James Hadfield, a former soldier with brain injuries from the Battle of Tourcoing, attempted to assassinate King George III in 1800. Acquitted on grounds of insanity, he spent 41 years at Bethlem Hospital, a mental institution that also served as a tourist attraction. During his confinement, Hadfield kept various pets, including a squirrel named Jack, for whom he wrote and illustrated a touching epitaph poem upon its death in 1826. The poem, “Epitaph, of my poor Jack, squirrel,” details the squirrel's accidental death and Hadfield's grief. Copies of the poem, exchanged for snuff during Hadfield's lifetime, remain at the Bethlem Museum of the Mind in Beckenham, a testament to the unusual life of a would-be regicide and his affection for his pet. Hadfield's story highlights the intersection of historical events, mental health treatment, and unexpected human connections, showcasing the enduring appeal of his poignant poem. The museum, a successor to the infamous Bethlem Royal Hospital, stands as a free and accessible resource offering insights into the history of mental health care.
