A larger than life character...
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.
Discover more about Edward Bright and family
Number of results: 271
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Maldon
This is a riotously chaotic adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Join 14-year-old Jim Hawkins on board The Jolly Todger as he sets sail on the high seas. Alongside him, the crew includes Captain Birdseye, Black Dog, Blue Peter,…
Maldon
Historic sailing barges ‘Hydrogen’ and ‘Thistle’ are available for regular public cruises and also for private hire for groups up to 50 from a variety of East Coast locations including Maldon and Ipswich.
Maldon
Dark Horse Morris will be celebrating the Platinum Jubilee by dancing at Hythe Quay, then outside the Black Rabbit pub in the High Street and finally outside All Saints Church.
Dark Horse were formed in 1995, and dance Border Morris. This style of…
Maldon
Mens (Hair)
Maldon
Talking Flowers is a florist shop that delivers flowers, bouquts, arrangements and floral tributes to Maldon and the surrounding areas, including hand-tied designs, baskets and centrepieces. Flowers for weddings, funerals and special occasions of…
Maldon
First Stop Supermarket is a well-stocked convenience store with an array of genuinely fresh vegetables, fruit and generous bunches of herbs, as well as all the everyday grocery and household essentials. The store also has an off-licence and is open…
Maldon
You won't be disappointed by our variety of freshly baked pies served with a choice of mash, chips, liquor, gravy or eels.
Pie & Mash Shops have a special place in our affections because they are unique and inextricably linked to East London, bound…
Maldon
T J Frostick & Son cobbler offers a friendly, traditional repair service for all your shoes and boots, including new soles and heels, stitching etc. They also cut all kinds of keys and can do specialist alterations.
Maldon
We've been your local estate agents since 1890 when William Henry Brown began trading, offering an auctions and valuation service. Over the years we have continued to grow - we now have 129 offices and we're one of the most established names in the…
Maldon
Barclays Bank, everyday banking, mortgages, savings and more.
Maldon
Moonlight Balti Express is an Indian takeway in Maldon High Street which offers a wide range of dishes for collection or delivery. From tasty thali and tandoori to mouthwatering Mughlai prawns, all your favourite Indian dishes are available here.
White Horse Lane , Maldon
A fun brick building club for children of all ages at Maldon Library - FREE to take part.
This event takes place every Saturday from 2.30pm - 3.30pm.
Maldon
Cards & Gifts
Maldon
Curtis O'Boyle Estate Agents
Maldon
Join us each week for a singalong and a story with Yolanda. We meet every week at All Saint's Church (opposite the bookshop!) and all families are welcome.
We've got just 3 dates left at All Saints Church before we relocate to our Book Hut (from…
Maldon
The hair room has been in the high street for over 20 years and offers a full range of services from cutting and colouring to perms and extensions.
Maldon
Charity shop selling good-quality women's, mens' and children's clothes, along with china, collectibles, jewellery, housewares, accessories, shoes, books and more.
High Street
Founded in 2014, Mrs Salisbury's optimises the Great British tea room. Our tea room is proudly situated in the blue plaque dwelling of the late Edward Bright, The Fat Man of Maldon.
Maldon
As well as traditional fish and chips, Fish Inn also serves Turkish kebabs cooked on a charcoal grill, burgers, chicken, hot pies, drinks and desserts to takeaway. Delivery also available.
Maldon
A beautiful grade two listed building with sumptuous rooms decorated to a high standard, providing comfortable accommodation for all your requirements - business or social occasions.
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