James Lucas (hermit)

He was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, which people link to his ‘hermit’ label, he was often taken advantage of for his generosity and was even visited by Charles Darwin in 1842 as a part of a United-States tour, they were introduced by a mutual friend and dickens even interviewed Lucas about his lifestyle.

He often offered candy to children who visited his house and was described as a very kind and academic man, people believed his mothers death sent him spiralling and caused damage to his mental health.

He was a successful scientist, landowner and political figure; he even played a very important role in the history of Galapagos island in relation to Charles Darwin.

He loved to administer his mother's will, in which he inherited the family estate at Elmwood House near Redcoats Green, Hertfordshire, and deferred burial of her for three months.

[6] Lucas was associated with three different claims, two of which were successful, he owned 1121 slaves in British Guiana and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, he received a £57,970 payment at the time (worth £6.95 million in 2025[5]).