Robert Redman
Bob Redman was a famous Uxbridge character of the 18th and early 19th century.
He was known for his strength, courage (or foolhardiness) and odd behaviour. He worked as a bricklayer but amused himself with stunts, such as wrestling a bull or riding one from Cranford to Hatton. Once, he jumped off the church tower into 7 feet of water. Fond of his gin, he would sometimes swallow the glass as well. He was also said to have swallowed various coins and even a clay pipe full of smouldering tobacco.
According to his own account, he once encountered the Devil in the Lynch, Uxbridge. This man in black seized him by the collar and hauled him to Uxbridge Moor, dragging him through hedges, ditches and the river until dawn. After this, Bob was a reformed character and gave up swearing.
He lived to be a hale and hearty 90-year-old and died in Uxbridge workhouse.