The quaint town of Market Weighton is rightly proud of the extraordinary story of William Bradley, the Yorkshire Giant, also known as England’s tallest man.
Born in 1787, Bradley’s remarkable height of 7 feet 9 inches (2.36 metres) set him apart from an early age, and defined his life.
Explore Bradley’s journey from a young boy facing the challenges of his unique stature to becoming a celebrated figure in British folklore.
Bradley’s life, offers both a fascinating glimpse into his personal experiences and the societal perceptions of difference in Georgian England.
Early Life and Growth:
William Bradley’s was born on 10th February 1787 in Market Weighton, East Riding of Yorkshire. One of thirteen children, Bradley weighed an astonishing 14 pounds (6.35kg), presaging the extraordinary growth that would define his life. Unlike his siblings and parents, who were of average size, Bradley’s height surged remarkably, reaching 7 feet 9 inches (2.36m) by adulthood, making him one of the tallest men of all time.
Bradley’s childhood and adolescence were marked by both wonder and challenge. His school years were not easy; his towering stature drew curiosity and awe, yet it also isolated him from his peers. Anecdotes from his school days reveal how his height was both a source of fascination and a tool for discipline; teachers reportedly used Bradley to lift misbehaving students onto high beams, a testament to his strength and the societal inclination to highlight his difference.
Despite the attention, Bradley’s early life was rooted in humble beginnings. His father, a master tailor, ensured the family’s needs were met, including crafting bespoke clothing to accommodate his growing frame. His early work on a farm near Pocklington showcased his physical strength, yet it also highlighted the limited opportunities available to someone of his size during that era.
The Yorkshire Giant: Life in Show Business:
William Bradley‘s humble life was transformed by his move into show business which catapulted him from a farm labourer to a celebrated figure across Britain. His journey into the entertainment industry began when he was discovered by showmen from Barnum’s Travelling Circus who were captivated by his extraordinary height. Bradley’s life took a dramatic turn as he joined the circus, becoming a sensation and drawing large crowds eager to witness the tallest man in Britain.
During Bradley’s era, giants were prominent attractions in travelling shows and circuses. These spectacles, sometimes referred to as “freak shows,” capitalised on human curiosities, drawing crowds eager to witness the extraordinary. This environment, while providing a platform for giants like Bradley, also raised ethical questions about exploitation and dignity. The public’s fascination with physical anomalies reflected broader societal attitudes towards difference and normalcy.
Despite the initial allure of circus life, Bradley’s experience was not without challenges. The living conditions during his travels were cramped and unsuitable for someone of his size, leading to health issues and a growing dissatisfaction with the circus. His dissatisfaction was compounded by financial disputes with the circus owners, who failed to provide him with the promised share of the profits.
Determined to take control of his life and career, Bradley made the bold decision to leave the circus and venture into self-managed exhibitions. He travelled across the country, renting rooms in various towns where he charged a shilling for people to meet him. This entrepreneurial approach not only allowed him more dignity but also led to significant moments in his career, such as being presented before King George III at Windsor, where he received a gold watch that he cherished for the rest of his life.
Bradley’s decision to manage his own exhibitions marked a significant shift towards more dignified presentations, moving away from the exploitative nature of freak shows to more respectful and self-determined public appearances. Instead of being merely an object of curiosity, he took control of his narrative, offering a more humanising portrayal.
Personal Life and Challenges
William Bradley’s exceptional stature, while making him a celebrated figure, brought with it a set of unique challenges that impacted his personal life profoundly. His day-to-day existence was a testament to the human spirit’s adaptability in the face of extraordinary circumstances. Custom-made clothing and shoes were a necessity due to his unusual proportions; his feet alone measured 16 inches (40.6 cm) long and 6 inches (15.2 cm) wide, requiring bespoke footwear that was uncommon in the 18th century.
Living in a world not designed for someone of his height, Bradley’s home in Market Weighton had to be specially modified. The ceilings were raised, and doorways were widened to accommodate his towering frame, transforming his living space into a sanctuary where he could move freely without the constraints imposed by standard architectural norms. These adaptations were not just architectural but also deeply personal, reflecting a life constantly adjusted to fit into a world of different scales.
Health was another significant concern for Bradley. The physical toll of his height became more evident as he aged, with reports indicating that he relied on a walking stick taller than most men. This reliance on a cane suggests mobility challenges, likely exacerbated by his size and the limited medical understanding of such conditions at the time.
Despite these hurdles, Bradley sought to live a full life. He engaged in local wagers and challenges, displaying a sense of community involvement and personal agency. These activities, while seemingly mundane, offered glimpses into a life striving for normalcy amidst extraordinary circumstances.
Bradley’s personal life, marked by adaptations to his environment and the pursuit of everyday pleasures, underscores the resilience and ingenuity of an individual navigating a world ill-suited to his needs. It paints a picture of a man who, despite the spectacle surrounding his height, sought to carve out a semblance of normalcy and human connection in a world that viewed him through the lens of curiosity and wonder.
Bradley’s Death and Burial:
William Bradley’s life, marked by its extraordinary height and the fame it brought him, came to a premature end on May 30, 1820, when he died at the age of 33. The cause of his death was tuberculosis, a common affliction in the 19th century, which took a significant toll on his health, exacerbated by his unique physical condition. Bradley’s funeral was a significant event for Market Weighton, reflecting the community’s deep connection to its most famed resident.
Bradley was originally buried in the graveyard of All Saints Church, however concerns about grave robbers, prevalent during that era, led to the decision to bury Bradley inside the church itself; an unusual practice that underscored the community’s respect and desire to protect his remains. His coffin measured 9 feet long and 3 feet wide, reflecting his exceptional size.
William Bradley’s Legacy in Market Weighton:
William Bradley, Britain’s tallest man, left an indelible mark on Market Weighton, leaving a legacy that the local community still celebrates today. The town has immortalised Bradley in various ways including several physical memorials.
Giant Bradley Day
Bradley’s memory is celebrated annually in Market Weighton on Giant Bradley Day, a festival started in 1996 that has since become a much loved local tradition. This July event features a variety of family-friendly activities, including stalls, rides, and entertainment, all dedicated to commemorating Bradley’s extraordinary life and celebrating the Market Weighton community.
You can find out what’s planned for the next Giant Bradley Day here. Events such as the Bradley Ball and quiz nights are run throughout the year to help raise finds for the big day. You can keep up to date with these events at the Giant Bradley Day Facebook page.
William Bradley Oak Statue
A life-size wooden statue of William Bradley, carved by local sculptor Malcolm McLachlan from a single oak tree, stands prominently in the town, serving as a visual tribute to the Yorkshire Giant’s towering presence.
It was initially planned to have been a cast bronze statue but the estimated cost of £30,000 was too high and so the oak carving was commissioned.
A scale model of the proposed bronze can be seen on the front desk at reception in the town hall.
You can find the oak statue at the end of Market Place at the junction with Holme Road and York Road.
Giant Bradley Heritage Trail
Created in 2005, the Giant Bradley Heritage Trail offers locals and visitors alike a guided journey through Market Weighton, highlighting key sites related to Bradley’s life and providing insight into his experiences and the town’s rich history.
The trail starts at Bradley House on York Road and consists of 23 granite footprints set into the pavement. You can pick up a free guide to the trail from the Town Hall which describes the significance and history of the buildings along the trail.
The Giant’s Stone
Bradley was well known for enjoying a wager or two.. One of his favourite challenges is said to have been loading a manure wagon faster than two regular-sized men could manage. Bradley’s most famous bet however is relates to a large boulder you can still see to this day.
The story goes that someone wagered that William couldn’t carry this huge stone all the way from Goodmanham (the next village over) back to Market Weighton, a distance of about a mile (1.6km). Of course, William accepted the challenge and, according to local legend, easily managed the feat thus winning the bet.
You can find the Giant’s Stone on Londesborough Road opposite All Saints Church, alongside a life size reproduction of the event.
Other Memorials
The Bradley Award
Bronze statuettes like this were presented to members of the community who had carried out work in the town considered to be “head and shoulders above the rest” or “making the most of what they had” in line with the Giant Bradley theme.
Giant Bradley Way
A section of the A1079 road, which links York and Kingston-upon-Hull, has been named Giant Bradley Way in Bradley’s honour. You can find this part of the road to the east of Market Weighton. This bypass was opened in 1991. Prior to this the road went through the town centre, originally being the York to Market Weighton turnpike road.
These memorials and the annual festival not only celebrate Bradley’s unique life but also foster a sense of community identity, illustrating how individual legacies can shape collective memory and local culture. Through these commemorations, Market Weighton not only pays homage to William Bradley’s extraordinary life but also embraces its own identity as a town enriched by diversity and history. Bradley’s legacy, therefore, is not just a reflection of his personal story but also a testament to the town’s commitment to preserving and honouring its unique heritage.
Who Was Britain’s tallest Man?
William Bradley is held to England’s tallest man by Guinness World Records but who are the contenders for Britain’s tallest man?
Angus MacAskill (1825–1863) Born on the Isle of Berneray in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, MacAskill stood 7 feet 9 inches tall, tying with William Bradley as Britain’s tallest man. Known for his formidable strength and size, MacAskill was celebrated as the “true giant” because his height was not attributed to any growth abnormalities. Guinness World Records list him as the tallest non-pathological giant and the largest true giant in recorded history. His feats of strength, including lifting a 1,200 lbs (544 kg) anchor, contributed to his legend.
Frederick Kempster (1889-1918) is another Englishman known for his extraordinary height, was often referred to as the “English Giant” and also as the “Blackburn Giant“. Kempster was in the Guinness Book of Records from 1967 to 1993 as one of the tallest men in England, where he was reported to have measured 8ft 4.5in at the time of his death. Photographic evidence, however, suggests that his height was 7ft 8.5in (235 cm).
John Middleton (1578–1623) Born in 1578 in Hale, Lancashire, and known as the “Childe of Hale“, Middleton was traditionally said to have reached a height of 9 feet 3 inches (282 cm). However, recent analyses by Guinness World Records, using the size of his handprints at Brasenose College, suggest a more likely height of 7 feet 8 inches (234 cm). Despite the revision, this is still a remarkable height for his time and his stature still earned him an audience with King James I.
Britain’s Tallest Woman – Jane Bunford
Jane Bunford (1895-1922) towered over others at 7 feet 11 inches (241 cm) tall, making her not only Britain’s tallest woman but also Britain’s tallest person. She was probably the tallest person in the world during her time and to this day is still the third tallest woman to have lived. Born in 1895 in Bartley Green, Birmingham, Bunford’s growth was spurred by a pituitary gland tumour diagnosed after she sustained a head injury. Bunford chose not to publicise her height; instead, she led a quiet life away from the public gaze.
How Does William Bradley Compare to Other Notable Giants?
Robert Wadlow, known as the “Alton Giant,” holds the undisputed record as the tallest man ever documented. Born in Alton, Illinois in 1918, Wadlow reached a staggering 8 feet 11.1 inches (272 cm) due to hyperplasia of his pituitary gland, which resulted in an abnormally high level of human growth hormone.
Sultan Kösen, (b. 1982) is currently the tallest living man. Born in Turkey in 1982 Kösen has reached a height of 8 feet 2.8 inches (251 cm) due to a similar condition affecting his pituitary gland.
Neil Fingleton, from Durham, was Britain’s tallest living man at 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm) tall until his untimely death in February 2024. He was a well-known figure initially a basketball player in the US before he moved into acting, landing roles in Game of Thrones (playing the giant Mag The Mighty), X-Men and Doctor Who. Fingleton had also appeared at the Giant Bradley Day.
Henry Cooper, (1853–1899) from Norton-on-Derwent, only 25 miles north of Market Weighton, was another Yorkshire giant. Often referred to as the “Scugdale Giant,” Cooper reached a height of 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm). Though not as tall as Bradley, Cooper’s stature in the 19th century still drew crowds and like Bradley, he joined the circus. Billed as ‘The Yorkshire Giant – Tallest Man in the World’, Cooper travelled across America with Barnum’s Travelling Show.
Discovering More About Market Weighton
Market Weighton, a charming market town in the East Riding of Yorkshire, serves as a gateway to the magnificent Yorkshire Wolds. With its friendly atmosphere, scenic surroundings, and convenient location, it offers a delightful mix of rural tranquility and accessibility to major attractions.
You can discover more with our Market Weighton visitors guide , our Explore the Yorkshire Wolds Travel Guide and our Discover the East Riding of Yorkshire Travel Guide.
