Daniel Lambert, weighing almost forty stone. Etching by A. van Assen, 1804, after J. Parry.

  • Parry, Joseph, 1744-1826.
Date:
31 August 1804
Reference:
858i
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Description

The Dictionary of National Biography states that Daniel Lambert was "the most corpulent man of whom authentic record exists". He was born in the parish of St. Margaret in Leicester on 13 March 1770. After taking over his father's post as Leicester gaoler in 1791, his size and weight started to increase enormously. By 1793 he weighed 32 stone although he was very strong and active, only drank water, and slept for less than eight hours a day. In 1805 he resigned his post at the prison to turn his amazing stature to profit by exhibiting himself all over England. He died in Stamford at the Waggon and Horses inn on 21 July 1809 weighing 739 lbs. See further L. Fiedler, 'Freaks', New York 1978, pp. 128-129

Publication/Creation

[London] (London House Yard) : R.S. Kirby; [London] (Strand) : J. Scott, 31 August 1804.

Physical description

1 print : etching ; platemark 17.6 x 11.3 cm

Lettering

Mr.Daniel Lambert of Leicester. Weighs 39 stone, 12lbs. J. Parry, del ; A. VanAssen, sculp.

Notes

Mounted on chromolithograph of biblical text with flowers published by "Birn Brothers, Ltd."

Reference

Wellcome Collection 858i

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