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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
The Mayor of Maldon, Cllr Andrew Lay, is pleased to announce that nominations are now being sought for Maldon Town’s Community Awards 2024. Nominate your shining star, a person of any age, who you think deserves an award perhaps for a single act of…
Maldon
Maldon's Act of Remembrance & wreath laying
Maldon
Anvil & Ivy makes contemporary jewellery on the premises, with a focus on soft organic form and texture and the finiest materials and gemstones. The collection includes wedding and engagement rings and bridal jewellery, along with gifts and…
Maldon
Historic sailing barge moored at top of River Blackwater on Maldon's Hythe Quay. Ideal base for winter walks and bird watching.
Maldon
A "Two Island" cruise from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back. Bring a picnic or order a Ploughmans or Smoked Fish Platter.
Maldon
Master butchers in Maldon High St since 1928, Ansell & Sons is a meat and game specialist. Its meat, game and poultry produce ranges are primarily locally sourced from Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk farms, as well as direct from Smithfield Market…
Maldon
The historic town centre of Maldon has had a street market since medieval times, and the tradition is rejuvenated with the launch of a new outdoor market.
The market is weekly at Butt Lane car park on Thursday mornings,featuring artisan,…
Maldon
Dr Patrick Chaplin, a Maldon born, social historian, will bring elements of the recent history of Maldon alive.
Maldon
Local artist Lisa Gulleford will display her "Wonder of Nature" exhibition in Maldon over the next few weeks.
Maldon
Come and visit some of the best-kept gardens in Maldon and pick up some inspiration and ideas! A wide range of different gardens, large and small, will open around the town, raising money for Christian Aid. You can pick up a map/admission ticket for…
Maldon
Friday 15 December. Enjoy the sacred and secular music of the season in the Maldon Choral Society's Christmas Concert in the beautiful surroundings of All Saints' Church.
Maldon
Join Callum White for another sell out show 'Doing It My Way' a singing, story and comedic show, featuring songs from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Tom Jones, Josh Groban, Queen and much more! With lots of audience participation! If…
Maldon
The original modest chapel on this site was replaced by this handsome building in 1801. This was as a result of the popularity of the resident preacher Reverend Joseph Billio. His enthusiasm and inspirational energy had caused the congregation to…
Maldon
This fantastic pub, with its enviable and superb river location, is run by Charlie & Vivian Little.
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
USA has a wide takeaway menu of all your favourite dishes, so everyone in the family can enjoy something different. We have crispy fried chicken, burgers, pizzas, kebas, garlic bread, wraps, nuggets, kids meals and recession-beating meal deals,…
Maldon
Walking tours filled with ghoulish tales and tantalising tidbits of history (with some honest laughs to round it out).
The Hythe, Maldon
Various dates. A "Two Island" cruise from Maldon Quay on board a historic Thames Sailing Barge, past Northey Island to Osea Island and back. Includes posh Ploughmans and hot pudding.
Maldon
Founded in London by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa in 1971, Costa Coffee is present in 41 countries around the world, with over 2,700+ coffee shops in the UK&I and 1,100+ globally. We are proud to be the Nation’s Favourite coffee shop,…
White Horse Lane , Maldon
Tuesdays. A fun brick building club for children of all ages at Maldon Library - FREE to take part. All materials are provided and the activity is available on Tuesdays from 3:45 to 4:30pm.
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