https://wiki.tfes.org/John_HampdenIn 1870, John Hampden offered £500 to anyone who could prove that the Earth was round by repeating the Bedford Level Experiment. Alfred Russel Wallace, needing money, accepted the offer and the two went to the Bedford Level to perform Rowbotham's experiment.
Although Wallace has been awarded the bet by the referee, John Henry Walsh, an editor of The Field sports magazine, Hampden took an issue with the execution of the experiment, which deviated from Rowbotham's description, and rejected his demonstration. Despite his objections, the money was awarded to Wallace. Hampden then produced a pamphlet titled Is Water Level Or Convex After All? The Bedford Canal Swindle Detected & Exposed, accusing Wallace of cheating.[1]
He then sued A. R. Wallace, claiming the bet to be invalid, and issued multiple postcards demanding the return of his money as well as accusing him of being a cheat, a swindler, an impostor, and a thief (among other things). His persistence caused Wallace to sue Hampden for libel. After many long court battles the bet was deemed to be invalid and Hampden's money was returned to him in full. However, throughout the resolution of the conflict, Hampden had to pay multiple libel suits to Wallace, issue two apologies and was ultimately imprisoned for his remarks.
Mrs. Wallace
Madam — If your infernal thief of a husband is brought home some day on a hurdle, with every bone in his head smashed to pulp, you will know the reason. Do you tell him from me he is a lying infernal thief, and as sure as his name is Wallace he never dies in his bed.
You must be a miserable wretch to be obliged to live with a convicted felon. Do not think or let him think I have done with him.
—John Hampden in a letter to Wallace's wife
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