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: 248
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Tolleshunt Knights
Tolleshunt Knights is a small village close to Tiptree, home to a Greek Orthodox Monastery set in an ancient church, as well as a large and modern village hall.
Maldon
New Maldon gift ship with a wide range of fun and novelty gifts (including some saucy mugs - parents beware!)
Maldon
As an independent business we can offer you expert knowledge and advice. Whether you need a set of brake pads, a new battery, some seat covers or mats to brighten up your car or even a set of furry dice we can help! Our massive web store contains…
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
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…
Maldon
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 take part in fun craft activities to celebrate the Christmas season and take home some beautiful handmade festive treasures. Admission, materials and refreshments are all free! Come along for the whole session or drop in and out.…
Maldon
The Mayor of Maldon is hosting a coffee morning supporting Macmillan Canncer Support. Come & enjoy cake and allow the Mayor to serve you a beverage.
Special event: We are auctioning the Mayor! Bid to have the Mayor help with your grocery shop, help…
Maldon
Il Camino Italian Restaurant In Maldon, Essex brings authentic Italian cuisine to Maldon High Street.
Maldon
THIS COMING SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PERIOD THE TRUST ARE HOLDING TWO OF ITS POPULAR CHILDREN'S DAYS - BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
Maldon
From 13 December. Serendipity Gift and Tea Shop is hosting craft workshops to make either a Christmas Table Centre or a Rag Wreath .
Maldon
The history and importance of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation given by Director, Colin Edmunds
Maldon
Each year, local residents gather to remember the brave men and women who kept our “Island Nation” afloat during both World Wars in a special service of Commemoration on the Quay. Maldon Town Council invites you to join this special service, run in…
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
Self-catering apartment just off Maldon's historic High Street. Sleeps two, with a king sized bed. Apartment includes a sofa, kitchen area and detached private bathroom.
Maldon
The Promenade Park maze was built in the 1990s and is a simple hedge maze that children will enjoy. At the centre is a sculpture, in the shape of a standing stone or obelisk, that is called the Singing Stone.
The Hythe, Maldon
Various winter dates. A leisurely one and half cruise from Maldon Quay to Mill Beach and back. Add an optional Spicy Ginger Cake and Hot Drink.
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.
Tolleshunt D'Arcy
This hall is available to hire for a variety of functions including children's parties, birthday parties, wedding receptions, and christening parties to name but a few.
Maldon
Lovely selection of ladies clothing, jewellery and accessories. Now in a larger shop in Maldon High Street.
© Maldon District Council 2025. All Rights Reserved
