John Talbot Clifton 1868 - 1928

John Talbot Clifton 1868 - 1928

John Talbot Clifton was the penultimate Squire of Lytham.  It was a young Talbot, of only 14, who inherited the family estate on the passing of this grandfather in 1882 as his father, Thomas Henry, predeceased his own father by two years.  The premature death of his father and frequent absenteeism of his travelling grandfather had left Talbot without appropriate guidance and understanding, regarding his future responsibilities (and certainly of economy). Concerted effort was made by Talbot's mother and strict Grandmother, Lady Cecily, but their attempts at discipline were rebuked.

Although at the time of Talbot's death the estate was still reasonably solvent, there is no doubt that it was his reckless spending and lack of interest in affairs at Lytham that started the Clifton's sharp descent into financial ruin and obscurity.  That said, you'd find it hard to find a more colourful, eccentric character with such an appetite for adventure and such an intriguing story.

Talbot studied at Eton then Cambridge...