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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...
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Maldon
Maldon's Community Climate Action Workshop: Be Part of the Solution!
Maldon residents, local councils, businesses, schools, and community groups are being invited to take part in an interactive and solutions-focused workshop aimed at tackling…
Maldon
Maldon’s Quaker Meeting House was built in 1821. It comprises two separate rooms; originally one for women and one for men, but now everyone worships together. The Georgian benches and tiered elders’ benches remain.
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Founded in 1704 this historic library still houses Thomas Plume’s books and his small collection of paintings.
Maldon
One of the architectural gems of Maldon, part of this quaint pub and hotel date back to the 14th century. The oldest part of the complex is the timber framed range immediately to the left as you pass through the coaching archway from Silver Street,…
Maldon
Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant, with a separate upstairs cocktail bar. Sark serves a wide and frequently changing menu of specialities such as kebabs and grills, including sharing platters, sea food, pasta, hot and cold meze selections and…
St Peter's Tower, Market Hill, Maldon
Saturday Family Craft workshops at
the Maeldune Heritage Centre
Free to all - first come basis.
Times: 11.30am – 12.30pm, 1.00pm – 2.00pm, 2.30pm - 3.30pm
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Maldon
Sunday 17 December. All are welcome to an afternoon of carols, music, kids crafts, mince pies and mulled wine and festive fun and games - family friendly and free. Wear a Christmas jumper if you have one!
Maldon
This event is sold out but don't despair, join our waiting list to receive updates on more exciting opportunities about the Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival.
Friday 15 September. SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL EVENING EVENT - Special Edition…
Maldon
Maldon & District Cycling Club (MAD CC) was founded in 1953 as Crouch CC. It is based in Maldon, Essex and caters for cyclists of all abilities, ages and cycling interests.
Current membership stands at approximately 120 members, across a wide age…
Maldon
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Maldon
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Maldon
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Maldon
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Maldon
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Maldon
Enjoy the quiet beauty of the early spring river during a two-hour cruise aboard a vintage sailing barge. Afterward, indulge in a seated two-course Sunday Roast lunch once back at the Quay.
Maldon
An established independent family-run business that opened its first shop in Maldon of spring of 2012 followed by a second store in Witham. Online shopping is also available. Specialising in women's fashion, classic clothing and accessories,…
Maldon
Thursday 13 September. SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL EVENING EVENT - TV location manager Harriet Lawrence and marine co-ordinator Jonjo Strickland talk about the challenges of filming The Essex Serpent in the wild saltmarshes of the Maldon…
Maldon
An attractive blend of rustic charm and modern style, The White Horse is a popular high-street pub that provides a great place to dine, drink and stay in Maldon. For those just popping in for a pint, there’s a choice of ales and lagers from Shepherd…
Maldon
Maldon Town Council provide a number of rooms in the Town Hall for hire, that are suitable for a variety of events.
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