Tom Emmott
Thomas Clifford Emmott was a British author and political activist.
Emmott grew up in Colne in Lancashire and travelled the world, collecting curiosities such as emu and rhea eggs, a large trilobite, and pieces of volcanic rock.[1] He fought in World War I, and later claimed to have served with Military Intelligence.[2] He returned, in the 1940s, to live in Wycoller Cottage, becoming the only long-term resident of the remote village. While there, he wrote an autobiography entitled An Outlaw in the 20th Century and a volume entitled Eamot Eternal, in which he described his family's supposed descent from inhabitants of Atlantis and the incredible feats of ancestors who shared his name.[3]
In 1959 Emmott formed the "Lancastrian Party", with the stated aim of attracting attention to the neglect of north-east Lancashire,[2] and of representing "the little people who slink round lampposts".[4] He carved a stone in the garden with the inscription "LANCASTRIAN PARTY HQ", and stood in Nelson and Colne at the 1959 general election, and promoted his candidacy by distributing leaflets and badges.[1][2] His campaign attracted limited interest, with his public meetings only having three or four attendees.[2] He took 4.6% of the votes cast, and lost his deposit.
Emmott remained at the cottage for many years, and became known for writing letters to prominent individuals complaining of persecution.[3] In particular, he claimed that people had been prevented from attending his campaign meetings. This left him frequently unemployed and in poor health.[2]