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Welcome to Wicstun
The mediaeval town now known as
Market Weighton - The Heart of East Yorkshire
750 Years a Market Town, 1251 - 2001
William Bradley - The Yorkshire Giant
(1787 - 1820)
William Bradley, the Yorkshire Giant, was born at
Market Weighton in the East Riding of Yorkshire on the 10th February 1787. At the age of 20 he was an amazing seven feet and nine inches tall, and weighed 27 stones. He died on the 30th May 1820. |
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He spent some years as the 'Yorkshire Giant' with a group of travelling showmen, before eventually retiring to his native Market Weighton. After his death he was buried in the grounds of All Saints Church, but as it was feared that body snatchers might attempt to steal his remains, he was later re-interred inside the church itself. |
William (Giant) Bradley postcard reproduced by kind permission of Garforth Gallery,
Market Weighton.
William Bradley's house in York Road, Market Weighton. The house was constructed for him, with rooms and doorways large enough to accommodate his exceptional build. |
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The plaque erected on the wall of William Bradley's house, showing the size of the shoes that he wore. They measured fifteen inches in length and five and three quarter inches in width. |
| Market Weighton Chamber of Trade plan to locate a life
size bronze statue of William Bradley in a prominent position within the
town, hopefully to enhance the tourist attractions available. The Chamber of Trade commissioned sculptor Chris Wormald to produce this magnificent prototype miniature statue, which stands a tiny one foot tall compared to the 7 feet 9 inches of the final version. Funds are being raised to complete the project, and hopefully the life size statue will a reality in the not too distant future. |
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The William Bradley memorial stone, in All Saints Parish Church, Market Weighton |
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William Bradley is an essential part of Market Weighton's recent history, and his life has been celebrated each year at the annual 'Giant Bradley Day' celebrations, the first celebration taking place in May 1996. During the celebrations the main street through the town is closed to traffic so that the local population, and the many visitors to the town, can enjoy the various stalls, exhibitions, entertainers, etc. This is a wonderful day for everyone, especially the children, and should not be missed.
The next Giant Bradley Day will be held on Sunday 27th May 2007 |
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Christopher Greener, Europe's tallest man at seven
feet six and a quarter inches, just under |
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Christopher Greener with 'friends' on Sunday 24th May 1998, on the occasion of the third Bradley Day celebrations. |
Christopher in the nineteenth century costume created especially for him, at the sixth Bradley Day event, Sunday 27th 2001. |
If you wish to learn more about William Bradley, the following sources are recommended:
A website dedicated to William Bradley can be found at www.giantbradley.com
The Wonderful Life of William Bradley the Yorkshire Giant
Author, Keith Lowe
Published by Market Weighton Chamber of TradeMarket Weighton with Goodmanham, Town Guide
Published by Market Weighton Civic Trust, 1992
Written
and Designed by Colin Westley (© 2001-2007) - All Rights Reserved
Last revision : 17 January, 2007
