Jabez Wilson, a London pawnbroker, comes to consult Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson on a Saturday. While studying this prospective client, both Holmes and Watson notice his red hair, which has a distinct flame-like hue. Wilson tells them that some weeks before, his young assistant, Vincent Spaulding, urged him to respond to a newspaper advertisement by "The Red-Headed League" offering highly-paid work to only red-headed male applicants. The next morning, Wilson had waited in a long line of fellow red-headed men, was interviewed, and was the only applicant hired because none of the others had hair colour to match his.

Wilson was grateful to secure the position, as his pawnshop was struggling. He was required to occupy an office from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every day and copy out the Encyclopaedia Britannica, for which he was paid £4 per week (equivalent to £468 in 2021[2]). The work was useless clerical labour, performed in nominal compliance with the will of an American millionaire who wanted to provide for the welfare of red-headed men like himself.

Follow us on Instagram Talking tales 

Subscribe to our Youtube channel Talking Tales