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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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The Hythe, Maldon
Various dates. Learn to sail a traditional Thames Sailing Barge; set the sails, take the wheel and discover how two people can manage the boat. Fully catered.
Maldon
Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant, with a separate upstairs cocktail bar. Sark serves a wide and frequently changing menu of specialities such as kebabs and grills, including sharing platters, sea food, pasta, hot and cold meze selections and…
Maldon
Family run, independent jeweller in Maldon High Street, offering a wide selection of jewellery, suitable for all occasions and budgets. Dealing with some of the best designers in the UK and Europe we provide a varied collection of traditional and…
Maldon
Crystal Cafe is a simple, friendly, good value traditional cafe offering full English fried breakfast, hearty lunches, drinks and snacks.
Maldon
Large car park with access to Maldon High Street.
Maldon
The Mayor of Maldon, Cllr Andrew Lay, is pleased to announce that nominations are now being sought for Maldon Town’s Community Awards 2024. Nominate your shining star, a person of any age, who you think deserves an award perhaps for a single act of…
Maldon
This 15th-century CAMRA award winning pub has a village feel despite its town location. Beer and cider festivals are held annually and lunchtime snacks are available.
St Peter's Tower, Market Hill, Maldon
Saturday Family Craft workshops at
the Maeldune Heritage Centre
Free to all - first come basis.
Times: 11.30am – 12.30pm, 1.00pm – 2.00pm, 2.30pm - 3.30pm
• 3rd August - Mayoral paperchain making - celebrate 150 years of Maldon's Mayoral chains by…
Maldon
Venture across the Irish Sea to County Kerry this Spring as Eastern Angles present Stones In His Pockets. Local lads Jake and Charlie are working as extras in a Hollywood epic that has taken over their small village in rural Ireland…
Maldon
Join us for a fabulous event dedicated to all things menopause, for women peri to post, or those who would like be more prepared for when that season arrives. Get ready to laugh, learn, and connect with other amazing women going through the same…
Maldon
HAUS is the latest addition to the Maldon dining scene, offering seasonal menus with small plates of locally sourced, fresh British foods for the whole table to enjoy. The restaurant sources its fresh ingredients only from suppliers and other small…
Maldon
Independent boutique selling women's fashion, lifestyle items and accessories, along with gifts, childrenswear and menswear.
Maldon
Maldon Library
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. From the award winning Promenade Park to the pubs, restaurants and shops of Maldon High Street,…
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
Il Camino Italian Restaurant In Maldon, Essex brings authentic Italian cuisine to Maldon High Street.
Maldon
Join our special Homes for Ukraine Christmas Event at the United Reformed Church in Maldon.
Maldon
20, 22 and 23 December. Maldon Museum will be providing half term entertainment with a spooky vibe. Halloween themed activities include a new children's search guide throughout the Museum and Halloween themed arts and crafts.
Maldon
The history and importance of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation given by Director, Colin Edmunds
Maldon
King Traditional Indian Curries brings a taste of authentic home-cooked cuisine from around the country's regions, made with traditional spice blends from the different states of India.
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