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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: 242
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The Hythe, Maldon
Saturday 13 July. See the Blackwater Barge Match from the vantage point of a traditional Thames Sailing Barge.
Maldon
THIS COMING SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PERIOD THE TRUST ARE HOLDING TWO OF ITS POPULAR CHILDREN'S DAYS - BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
Maldon
Saturday 16 September. SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL EVENING EVENT - Historian and former Mayor of Maldon, Stephen Nunn, will be retelling the famous story of Earldorman Byrhtnoth and his heroic, but doomed, fight against the Viking invaders.
Maldon
Established family orientated restaurant serving best authentic Indian/ Bangladeshi dishes. The owners pride themselves in their customer service endeavouring to give every customer a great experience.
Maldon
Kate Lifestyle is a Maldon based beauty salon specialising in beauty, skincare, hair and nails. We offer a vast range of treatments including nail art, waxing, eyelash extensions and more. We provide top notch hair, beauty, nail art & gentlemen…
Maldon
Today, the SUBWAY® brand is the world's largest submarine sandwich chain with more than 44,000 locations around the world. We've become the leading choice for people seeking quick, nutritious meals that the whole family can enjoy. Wide range of subs…
Maldon
The Club offers a variety of summer sailing programme and winter socials, RYA training courses and moorings. Both novice and experienced boat owners are welcome.
Maldon
The Vintage Rose is a vintage style tea room located at Quest Place just off of Maldon High Street.
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
Based in a beautifully quirky grade II listed building, The Yard bottle shop, run by Wharf Brewery, is the smallest pub in Maldon and specialises in ales and craft beers.
Maldon
Gentlemen's barber shop in Maldon Essex offering a premium barber service to all. All inclusive time-based fee system - for example, the Full Works includes wash, cut, beard trim and styling.
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
A "Two Island" evening cruise from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back. Choose to add a cheese and ham Ploughmans or Fish Platter.
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
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
At Serendipity you can enjoy our home-made food whilst also having a browse around our lovely gift shop.
Maldon
Until Friday 22 December. You can find beautiful photography of Maldon and the surrounding area at Crisp Photography's pop-up Christmas shop, including calendars, jigsaws and wall art.
Maldon
Family run coffee shop in the heart of Maldon, selling over 65 types of coffee beans, a large range of loose teas and delicious artisan cakes and pastries! Comfortable seating area and dog-friendly environment. There is seating upstairs, overlooking…
Maldon
Charity shop selling good-quality women's, mens' and children's clothes, along with china, collectibles, jewellery, housewares, accessories, shoes, books and more.
Maldon
Maldon Methodist Church has a varied programme of worship and activities. The main Sunday service is at 10:30 which features both traditional and modern hymns, with occasional livelier services aimed at young families. There are regular coffee…
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