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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...
Number of results: 248
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Maldon
For well over a thousand years, Hythe Quay has been the home to Maldon's maritime community and the gateway to Maldon for vessels arriving from the sea. Linking the award-winning Promenade Park with the pubs, restaurants and shops of Maldon High…
Maldon
The trademark Penny Farthing bicycle entices visitors to explore the treasures of this compact museum. Housed over two floors of the former Park Keepers Lodge, the exhibits are wide ranging. The replica waistcoat of the Fat Man of Maldon, which…
Maldon
The Swan is run by Gary and Jackie and is situated in a prime high street position. It is a grade II listed building which dates from the late 15th century.
Maldon
New Maldon gift ship with a wide range of fun and novelty gifts (including some saucy mugs - parents beware!)
Maldon
Indian restaurant in Maldon.
Former mayor and mayoress restaurant adds spice to Maldon Current town mayor Mr Ogg joined at the official opening by mayoress Sharon Ogg, Maldon MP John Whittingdale, Maldon District Council chairman Mark Heard, Deputy…
Maldon
Part of The Edinburgh Woollen Mill group, Peacocks were founded in 1884 and now have more than 400 stores located all around the UK.
Maldon
Friday 8 March. Conservation Officer Tim Howson and local historian John Smith present the last in a series of Winter Heritage Talks about Recent Discoveries at 18 and 20 High Street, Maldon, one of Maldon's oldest timber-framed buildings.
Maldon
Sunday 10 September. SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL EVENING EVENT - Maldon District Council Conservation Officer Tim Howson explores the architecture of the oldest surviving inns in Maldon, bringing them back to life through colourful…
Maldon
Welcome to Maldon Books, an award-winning independent bookshop located in the heart of Maldon, Essex. We’re a family-run bookshop, nestled in at the top of the high street with a beautiful view of All Saint’s Church. We stock a wide range of titles…
Maldon
Public Toilets situated in Butt Lane Car Park in Maldon.
Maldon
First Thursday of the month. Founded in 1957, the Maldon Society aims to promote and preserve the historical heritage of this town and its surrounding area by encouraging civic pride in the area and promoting co-operation with other organisations…
Maldon
As well as traditional fish and chips, Maki Grill also serves Turkish kebabs cooked on a charcoal grill, burgers, chicken, hot pies, drinks and desserts, as well as generously sized family platters to takeaway. Delivery also available.
Maldon
SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 4.6 miles. If you want a mud-free stroll which takes in the lesser-known parts of Maldon then this walk is a good option. This easy circuit of Maldon uses plenty of quiet paths and lanes, giving you the chance to…
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
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
A café in the morning offers Fairtrade products, and a lunchtime menu with daily specials. In the evening, a bar serves an extensive wine list, local real ales and cocktails.
Maldon
Various dates. Discover the intriguing world of the Vikings and Saxons and learn the terrifying but moving story of the Battle of Maldon and the heroic defence by Byrhtnoth. The gentle two-mile walk is along paved footpaths and is wheelchair…
Maldon
January 5 to 7. Recycle your Christmas tree and raise money for Farleigh Hospice. Book by 3 January.
Maldon
An alternative view of Maldon's recent history 1987-1994
Maldon
Very talented musicians and amazing orchestra https://www.electrojazzorchestra.com/
Mayor of Maldon Town's charity event.
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