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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: 246
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Maldon
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.
Maldon
Flanked by several grade II listed properties, this building is said to be ‘early 16th century’ and is recorded in some of the earliest local trade directories from the 1780s.
Maldon
Crystal Cafe is a simple, friendly, good value traditional cafe offering full English fried breakfast, hearty lunches, drinks and snacks.
High Street
Founded in 2014, Mrs Salisbury's optimises the Great British tea room. Our tea room is proudly situated in the blue plaque dwelling of the late Edward Bright, The Fat Man of Maldon.
Park Drive, Maldon
Sunday 10 September. Riverside & Historic Maldon. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - As you take in both Maldon's historic town centre and its riverside and quay, you’ll hear stories about many of the historic buildings and places you’ll…
Maldon
Costcutter convenience store with everyday essentials, frozen food, pet food, confectionary and off-lience. Also home to the Post Office with a full range of counter services including Vehicle Tax, international Driving Permits, MoneyGram, document…
Maldon
THIS COMING SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PERIOD THE TRUST ARE HOLDING TWO OF ITS POPULAR CHILDREN'S DAYS - BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
Maldon
NEW FOR 2024!
A gripping tale of greed, murder and the supernatural, this production features an all-female cast who have performed open-air Shakespeare all over the country.
Maldon
Visitors have been coming to Maldon district for a day out or holiday for many a long year. During the 18th century the growth in interest in saltwater bathing began to bring leisure visitors to Maldon.
Maldon
January 5 to 7. Recycle your Christmas tree and raise money for Farleigh Hospice. Book by 3 January.
Maldon
Dr Patrick Chaplin, a Maldon born, social historian, will bring elements of the recent history of Maldon alive.
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,…
Maldon
Serving a selection of fine ales straight from the cask, as well as some superb wines, ciders, soft drinks, and tea & coffee. Cheese & pate boards with Tiptree relish also available.
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
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
Vibrant new cocktail bar and lounge serving a wide range of delicious drinks in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Strictly over 18s.
Maldon
A newcomer to Maldon's leisure scene, Paparazzi offers stylish dining and a nightclub atmosphere, with regular music and live entertainment. The venue is spread over several unique rooms. The Botticelli Room was inspired by the great artist Sandro…
Maldon
Local artist Lisa Gulleford will display her "Wonder of Nature" exhibition in Maldon over the next few weeks.
Maldon
Welcome to Poundstretcher Maldon, located on the High Street, where every penny counts! Find great deals across a huge range of everyday essentials and household products. Be they groceries, confectionery, kitchen appliances, décor, furniture,…
Maldon
For well over a thousand years, Hythe Quay has been the home to Maldon's maritime community and the gateway to Maldon for vessels arriving from the sea. Linking the award-winning Promenade Park with the pubs, restaurants and shops of Maldon High…
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