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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: 252
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Maldon
Maldon Town Council provide a number of rooms in the Town Hall for hire, that are suitable for a variety of events.
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…
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Small family run business which specialises in the best authentic Belgium waffles with sweet and savoury toppings, delicious pancakes/crepes, delicious milkshakes, loaded Freakshakes, good coffee and light lunches and afternoon teas. Vegan and…
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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.
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Until December 31. Salty Dogs pop-up Christmas shop showcases the work of local artists in the Maldon area. Organised by photographer Den Phillips, you will also find gifts, cards, calendars and much more in store.
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Greggs serves breakfast rolls, sandwiches and salads, savouries and bakes including its famous sausage roll and the new vegan sausage roll, and sweet treats and drinks to eat in or takeaway.
Maldon
Come along and enjoy crafts and activities with an Easter theme on Saturday 5 April, 10am to 12. Children over six can be left, subject to numbers. Younger children must be accompanied. Free drinks and hot cross buns. No need to book, just turn…
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Lovely selection of ladies clothing, jewellery and accessories. Now in a larger shop in Maldon High Street.
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Whether you're looking for a quick coffee before work or a relaxing lunch with friends, Driftwood is the perfect hangout. With its relaxed coastal vibe, inspired by Maldon's location on the Blackwater estuary, there's something for everyone…
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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…
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The Maeldune Heritage Centre, set in the beautiful old St Peter's Church, is one of Maldon's most fascinating visitor attractions, mixing local history, temporary art and craft exhibitions, tourism information and the permanent home of the…
Maldon
With state of the art key machines and programming software along with over 4000 key variations in stock Key Station is now ready to serve Maldon & the surrounding areas in cutting domestic and commercial keys as well as cut and program vehicle keys…
Maldon
Unique decor, comfortable ambiance, dog friendly and with a wide variety of all-day food and drink, the Salero Lounge offers a new place to eat and drink in Maldon High Street.
Maldon
Rainbow House is a takeaway Chinese restaurant with all your favourite oriental dishes, including sweet and sour, egg foo yung, chop suey and chow mein.
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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 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
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
Maldon Gig Rowing Club has 2 Harker's Yard gigs and arrange club rowing, adventure rowing and race training to club members.
Maldon
Moonlight Balti Express is an Indian takeway in Maldon High Street which offers a wide range of dishes for collection or delivery. From tasty thali and tandoori to mouthwatering Mughlai prawns, all your favourite Indian dishes are available here.
Maldon
Maldon Masjid – the Maldon District Islamic Cultural Association is set in a building that was once the Labour Hall. The mosque opened in 2005 and has been restored and transformed into a tranquil place for Muslim prayers. There is a separate…
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