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The English Lord Who Turned To Permanent Solitude and Roast Chicken After Being Rejected By A Woman
William John Cavendish-Scott-Bentnick became a permanent and eccentric recluse known as the Prince of Silence after his marriage proposal to a famous opera singer was turned down
Love makes people do crazy and unexpected things. The same can be said when somebody’s passion goes unrequited. Such was the case of English Lord John Bentnick, who became one of the most famous recluses in history after his marriage proposal to a famed opera singer was rejected.
William John Cavendish-Scott-Bentnick, nicknamed John to distinguish himself from his same named father, was born in 1800. His family was nobility, and John became the fifth Duke of Portland and Marquess of Titchfield.
One of nine children, he joined the military when he was 18. Although he achieved the rank of captain, it was more due to his heritage than his work in the field, as he was considered lethargic and of generally poor health. After he left the service, he did a bit of travelling but experienced unusual illnesses, including memory loss and sciatica. He assumed his royal titles after his older brother William died unexpectedly in 1824, coming into…
