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: 252
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Maldon
Friday 19 January. Local historian Kevin Bruce presents the third in a series of Winter Heritage Talks, called The Bishops of London and their Palace at Southminster Hall.
Maldon
Serving a wide range of freshly cooked takeaway food, including pizza, garlic bread, chicken, burgers, salads, kebabs, pasta and family meal deals. Vegetarian options. Delivery also available.
Maldon
Phoenix stocks an eclectic range of women's clothes & accessories for all ages, sizes 8-20. We offer affordable fashion collections from a vast range of designers, There are stylish dresses for that special occasion as well as funky tops and tunics…
Maldon
Chef Francesco Caruso joined forces with local entrepreneur Roberto Muca to open this modern Italian restaurant and bar, offering a menu intended to give a taste of authentic Italy using local and seasonal products, combined with high-quality…
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.
Butt Lane, Maldon
Saturday 9 September. Along the Blackwater Estuary to Goldhanger. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - This linear walk of approximately 7.3 miles takes in a long stretch of the England Coast Path alongside the spectacular Blackwater…
Maldon Fitsteps incorporates Country Walks for the Over 50s, is an accredited walking for health scheme coordinated and led by volunteers in the local community. The scheme is supported by a partnership including the Ramblers Association and other…
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
Takeaway pizzas for lunch and dinner, plus sides and drinks are now available from Papa John's in the High Street. Parking available in White Horse car park.
Essex
It is an old garden site and suffered a period of neglect but is now being cared for by volunteers from Maldon & Heybridge Horticultural Society. The garden is very small and normally open to the public for a short time once a month.
West Square, Maldon
Get ready for a magical Christmas experience as Santa's Grotto returns to Light Up Maldon on Thursday 28th November!
The Grotto will be open from 4pm to 7.30pm at West House, West Square, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6HA.
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.
The Hythe, Maldon
Various dates. Essex as you have never seen it ! A relaxing day sail on a traditional Thames Sailing Barge from Maldon exploring the river Blackwater. Includes meals.
Maldon
Welcome to LunaBlue Interiors, a place for quirky home decor and upcycled furniture! All products are hand made, hand painted and made with love. We are passionate about inspiring customers to be creative with your interiors and therefore all…
Maldon
Sunday 10 September. SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL EVENING EVENT - Maldon District Council Conservation Officer Tim Howson explores the architecture of the oldest surviving inns in Maldon, bringing them back to life through colourful…
Maldon
Post Office within the Costcutter convenience store. Full range of counter services including Vehicle Tax, international Driving Permits, MoneyGram, document verification for CRB, ID, savings accounts and DBS, foreign currency, travel insurance,…
Maldon
Kazen Kai Karate at The Martial Arts Centre in Maldon offers a wide range of classes for adults and children, focusing on traditional Karate along with kick-boxing, Taekwondo and self-defence.
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
QD Stores, which stands for Quality Discounts, is an independently owned discount retailer offering a great selection of goods at value prices. Stock is constantly changing in store, but you will find home and garden products, kitchenware, motoring…
Maldon
Friday 9 February. Architect Hilary Brightman presents the fourth in a series of Winter Heritage Talks, called Renovating an Essex farmhouse: Woodbarns, Belchamp St Paul.
© Maldon District Council 2025. All Rights Reserved
