John Hampden, led a colourful life. He was educated by Francis Tallents M.A. both in England and on the continent, until he was "perhaps the completest gentleman of his time"; he was proficient in Latin, Greek and Hebrew; but he "unhappily adopted the principles of Father Simon, a most profligate man, which led him into great excesses".

John opposed the House of Stuart; was M.P. for Bucks; but in 1683 was sent to the Tower by King Charles II for treason in the Rye House Plot. He was tried before the dreaded Judge Jeffries in February 1684. Only one witness could be found, Lord Howard, which meant the treason charge was dropped but Hampden was fined £40,000 as security for his good behavior for life! But John got into more trouble, this time by joining the Duke of Monmouth's attempt to dethrone his uncle King James II in 1685 - the "Monmouth Rebellion". Hampden pleaded guilty and begged for his life. He survived to continue as Member for Bucks and was even offered an Earldom by King William which he declined. From having been a man of "great wit and vivacity, John succumbed to bouts of depression after his trial for high treason and was full of remorse for having sacrificed his principles by pleading for mercy from King James. He committed suicide by cutting his throat and was buried at Great Hampden with his ancestors on December 16, 1696.