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 21 to 40.
Maldon
Santander has a full presence in Maldon High Street, including a counter service, ATM machines, cheque and cash paying in facility and financial advisors.
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
Car Parking with High Street Access.
RINGO Location Code: 21804
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
Every Thursday (except 28 December/4 January). Maldon's exciting, revitalised open air market features artisan, locally grown and handmade produce, including fresh organic lamb, beef, sausages, chorizo and scotch eggs; organic local vegetables,…
Maldon
Thursday 14 December. The December concert features traditional Christmas carols, music and readings. Churches Together in Maldon has resumed its popular series of lunchtime concerts set in the spacious Maldon United Reformed Church. The church…
Maldon
Barber shop providing cuts and beard trimming for men and boys.
Maldon
Welcome to Maldon Co-op Travel, your local, independent travel agency that takes the stress out of choosing the holiday that’s right for you. With more personal advice and choice than ever before, we have many years of experience in the travel…
Maldon
Saturday 16 December. An outstanding tribute to the music of Fleetwood Mac. Brentwood Mac are a six-piece amalgamation of some of the finest local musicians and they all love the Fleetwood Mac catalogue.
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.
Maldon
Yours in Sport in Maldon High Street offers a wide range of clothing, footwear and equipment for a variety of sports, as well as school uniform for local primary schools and school sportswear. You will find everything you need to support a healthy…
Maldon
The RSPCA's Maldon charity shop has a good selection of adults and children's clothing, homeware, gifts, bric-a-brac and more. Donations and new volunteers are very welcome.
Maldon
The Easter school holidays bring another Children's Activity Day on our historic sailing barges.
If you are a Parent or Grandparent of a child between 5 & 11 years, then why not book a place on our Easter Children's Activity Day on Thursday 11th…
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
Boots chemist shop and pharmacy has a wide range of medicines, vitamins and beauty needs. Prescriptions can be collected here, and flu jabs can be booked.
High Street
Our cakes are all freshly home made. They include chocolate, lemon, lemon and poppyseed, carrot, victoria, coffee and walnut, pecan and maple, bakewell tart, scones and a selection of home made cupcakes.
Maldon
Mens (Hair)
Maldon
Established in 2016, The Vape Hut is a family owned and run shop specialising in all things vaping. Our mission is simple, to create an environment for everyone to come and talk to us on a one to one basis so that they may come away with the right…
Maldon
Our Male and Female practitioners are registered with the general osteopathic Council and undergo continuous training in order to maintain standards and stay at the forefront of the profession.
Maldon
A "Two Island" cruise from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back. Includes Afternoon Tea of freshly baked scone with cream and jam, homemade cake, tea or coffee.
© Maldon District Council 2024. All Rights Reserved
