Mad Jack Hall
Early life and background. He was born John Hall, probably at Otterburn Tower, in 1672. His father, John Hall, was born 1624 and died 1692. John "Mad Jack" Hall's wife was Alderman Hutchison's daughter, Mary. They were married in Newcastle. Marriage Bond found dated 1701 Nov 4, Longbenton Parish. Hall had served many years as a Justice of Peace in Northumberland. Rebellion and execution. He was a major figure during the Jacobite rising of 1715. He was taken into captivity in Preston and was reportedly reprieved at least five times before being executed. While awaiting  trial in prison, Hall remarked to a fellow prisoner "Our fathers gained land in Cromwell's time as sequestrators of rebels, now we are going to lose them for being rebels." He was beheaded at Tyburn for high treason on 13 July 1716. He was described as a "violent, passionate and indiscreet man" but who was highly generous and beloved by his men. It was his fiery and energetic temper which procured him the name of "Mad Jack Hall of Otterburn".