John Hampden

John Hampden (1819-1891) was an English scientist of the Royal Academy. He believed in Flat Earth Theory and performed the Bedford Level Experiment several times, most notably as a part of his wager with Alfred Russel Wallace.

Early Life

Hampden was born to John and Margaretia Hampden in 1819. Not much is known about his childhood apart from the fact that he took great interest in both science and religion.

Wager with Wallace

In 1870, John Hampden offered 100 pounds to anyone who could prove that the Earth was round. A.R. Wallace, needing money, accepted the offer and the two went to Bedford to perform the Bedford Level Experiment. Wallace won the wager and took the money. However, Hampden accused him of cheating and took him to court. The courts made Wallace return the money to Hampden, but also made Hampden pay several libel suits, for his public accusations against Wallace and letters such as the following:

Mrs. Wallace,

Madam — If your infernal thief of a husband is brought home some day on a hurdle, with every bone in his head smashed to pulp, you will know the reason. Do you tell him from me he is a lying infernal thief, and as sure as his name is Wallace he never dies in his bed.

You must be a miserable wretch to be obliged to live with a convicted felon. Do not think or let him think I have done with him.

John Hampden