Search
Search
One of the most enduringly famous Maldonians is Edward Bright (1721–1750), historically known as The Fat Man of Maldon - a much-loved grocer and family man who gained unexpected fame in his short life thanks to his great stature.
At the time of his death, aged 29, Edward was believed to be the heaviest man in Britain, with his weight estimated at around 57.5 stone (302kg). He was a thoroughly average 5ft 9in tall, but the measurement around his chest was 5ft 6in and around his stomach was an incredible 6ft 11in.
Despite his size, Edward led an active life until the last couple of years of his life. He is thought to have worked as a post boy as a young lad, riding daily to Chelmsford, then was apprenticed to Maldon grocer Joseph Pattison at the age of 12 (when he was already almost adult in size, weighing in at over 10 stone). At the age of 13, he was one of the people called to be witness to the Will of the Revered Joseph Billio, another famous Maldonian – a fact that shows his good character and standing in the community.
Court records show that Bright was discharged from his apprenticeship at the end of seven years, but as his skill and knowledge had grown so had his waistline – evidently by the age of 19 he was a sturdy 24 stone. As he left his apprenticeship to forge his own business, not only did he become a Freeman of the Borough of Maldon, but he also married his wife Mary, who went on to have six children, although only three survived to adulthood.
Bright had his grocery store and his married home in the building which is now 57 and 59 High Street (Kate Lifestyle nail salon and its neighbour) between Timpson and Coes – look out for the blue heritage plaque. He also had a candle-making factory near the top of Market Hill, where the Town Hall now stands.
At the age of just 29, Edward fell ill with what was called Miliary Fever – an old-fashioned medical term that referred to an infectious disease with a high-temperature and a rash (possibly scarlet fever or typhoid). By this time, his weight had more than doubled from a few years before, weakening his constitution. Contemporary reports state that during his final two weeks of illness, “his corpulence so everpower'd his strength that his life was a burden and his death a deliverance”.
After he died in the upstairs rooms above his shop, his size and weight provided a logistical challenge, and eventually a wall and staircase had to be knocked down to enable his coffin, 3ft 6in wide and 3ft 2in deep to be transported to All Saints Church on a carriage. Inside the church, the coffin was transported on rollers, rather than carried by pallbearers, and a pulley arrangement was used to safely inter it in a vault near the tower arch.
His burial record notes: “He was a very honest tradesman, a facetious [witty] companion, comely [handsome] in his person, affable in his temper, a tender father and valuable friend.” As you look around Maldon today you can find many references to this upstanding citizen, including his tomb in All Saints Church, the blue plaque on his home and his name immortalised in Brights Walk and Edward Bright Close.
You can also see the bronze statue that stands on the wall behind 38 High Street, created by well-known local artist and sculptor Catharni Stern. Rather than showing Bright himself, the sculpture recalls an incident not long after his death, when seven local men were buttoned inside his old waistcoat as part of a wager. The story goes that a man in a local pub tempted a gambler to bet that 700 men wouldn’t fit inside the jacket – well seven Hundred men (ie residents of the Dengie Hundred) did exactly that, and the gambler lost his bet. The following year, a second wager, over a ham and some wine, was settled when nine men, including Edward’s old boss Joseph Pattison, were successfully buttoned inside. You can see a full-size replica of the jacket at Maldon Museum, as well as a completely three-dimensional version of the artwork.
Bright’s son Ned (Edward) is also commemorated by a blue plaque, this one on the side of Mrs Salisbury’s tea room. He carried on the family grocery and candle-making business, as well as making Maldon salt, and became a prominent local politician, elected Mayor in 1837. One of his greatest accomplishments was setting up Maldon’s first bathing facility at the Promenade Park, off the sea wall. You can find the tomb of Ned’s son, also named Edward Bright, in the grounds of St Peter’s Church, which houses the Maeldune Centre, where the original Edward Bright is immortalised in the Maldon Embroidery. And if you are passing West Square and see Bright & Sons Solicitors – well the founder Frederick Bright was his great, great, grandson, and his descendants still serve the people of Maldon through that family business.
Follow in his footsteps...
Number of results: 319
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Maldon
Melodies for Memories is a monthly sing-along activity for people living with dementia and their carers, hosted by the Maldon United Reformed Church.
The Hythe, Maldon
Various dates. Explore the River Blackwater on board a traditional Thames Sailing Barge with experts from Swallow Birding. Fully catered from breakfast to tea.
Maldon
With its beautiful ever-changing window display including an array of plants, Dillys has already become an attractive feature of Market Hill. Just off the High Street, in a historic timber-framed building, Dillys offers a complete range of floristry…
Maldon
A local Independent health food store offering supplements, superfoods, health and nutrition advice and delicious fresh juices and smoothies.
Maldon
Tuesday 12 September. The Norbertine Monks’ Trail from Maldon to Beeleigh. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - We will explore an ancient track which linked the hilltop town of Maldon to the 12th-century Norbertine abbey at Beeleigh,…
Maldon
Chef Francesco Caruso joined forces with local entrepreneur Roberto Muca to open this modern Italian restaurant and bar, offering a menu intended to give a taste of authentic Italy using local and seasonal products, combined with high-quality…
Maldon
Salon Central Group are happy to be able to offer our hair and beauty services to Maldon! The main aim of our salon has always been to offer hassle-free hairdressing at better prices than our competitors. Eight years on, we have grown in 6 locations…
Maldon
Previously known as The Jolly Sailor, Fish on the Quay is a grade II listed building. Some parts date back to the 15th century. It specialises in fresh fish and seafood with fresh ingredients to create tasty seasonal dishes. Fish and lobsters are…
Maldon
The Bra Consultancy is a Lingerie Boutique that provides a personalised fitting service with a size range including 28-50 AA-K. We offer the following ranges of styles: Fashion, Sports, Post-Surgery, Non-Wired and Pregnancy & Nursing.
Maldon
Based in a beautifully quirky grade II listed building, The Yard bottle shop, run by Wharf Brewery, is the smallest pub in Maldon and specialises in ales and craft beers.
The Hythe, Maldon
Various dates. Learn to sail a traditional Thames Sailing Barge; set the sails, take the wheel and discover how two people can manage the boat. Fully catered.
Maldon
The different aspects of dentistry require different skills, abilities and techniques. This ensures the maintenance of the highest standard of care.
Many of the problems in the mouth used to go unnoticed and could become quite serious before even…
Maldon
Brent has been a much loved local landmark for over 40 years. It is the last surviving steam tug of the Port of London Authority’s fleet. Full restoration is planned for this unique vessel.
Maldon
Walking tours filled with ghoulish tales and tantalising tidbits of history (mostly of the gruesome variety).
Maldon
Maldon Masjid – the Maldon District Islamic Cultural Association is set in a building that was once the Labour Hall. The mosque opened in 2005 and has been restored and transformed into a tranquil place for Muslim prayers. There is a separate…
The Hythe, Maldon
Sunday 11 August. Two hour chill out cruise with vocalist Evangeline Brown on board a traditional Thames Sailing Barge. Includes light nibbles.
Maldon
Bespoke shoe repair service. All types of keys cut and guaranteed to fit. Watch batteries and straps fitted. We sell lots of different items, walking sticks, leather purses, leather wallets, luggage and bags, cuff links, padlocks, shoe laces and…
Maldon
Simply the Best Frames offers a professional picture framing service for all your artwork and photographs, with a wide range of options available. The shop also acts as an art gallery with a good selection of original artwork to purchase.
Maldon
The Promenade Park maze was built in the 1990s and is a simple hedge maze that children will enjoy. At the centre is a sculpture, in the shape of a standing stone or obelisk, that is called the Singing Stone.
Maldon
Large car park with High Street Access.
RINGO Location Code: 21805
© Maldon District Council 2024. All Rights Reserved
