John Camden Neild

Succeeding in 1814 to the whole of his father's property, estimated at £250,000, he lived in a large house, 5 Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, and, while he was very wealthy at this time, he was so frugal with worldly pleasures that for a while he had not a bed to lie on.

His dress consisted of a blue swallow-tailed coat with gilt buttons, brown trousers, short gaiters, and shoes which were patched and generally down at the heels.

He continually visited his numerous estates, walking whenever it was possible, never went to the expense of a great-coat, and always stayed with his tenants, sharing their coarse meals and lodging.

While at North Marston, in Buckinghamshire, about 1828 he attempted to cut his throat, and his life was only saved by the prompt attention of his tenant's wife, Mrs. Neale.

Unlike other eminent misers – Daniel Dancer or Hetty Green – he occasionally indulged in acts of benevolence, possessed considerable knowledge of legal and general literature, and to the last retained a love for the classics.