[Taken from BBC Radio Leicester website - 23/06/2009]
Daniel Lambert was, at the time of his death, the heaviest man around! The Leicester man still retains a place in the Guinness Book of Records for his size.
He was born in Leicester on 13 March 1770 into a family of gamekeepers, huntsmen and field sportsmen. By the time of his death 39 years later he weigh a massive 53 stones and his waist measured in at over nine foot.
While Daniel may have been ridiculed for his vast size if he's been around now, back in Georgian times he was celebrated as a British Champion and the pride of Leicester.
Throughout his boyhood, Daniel was active, healthy, athletic - and slim. In fact, he was an excellent swimmers from the age of eight and taught many other children to swim in the River Soar.
In 1791, at the age of 21, Daniel took over from his father as the Keeper of Leicester's House of Correction on Highcross Street. Before long he'd earned himself a reputation as a benevolent jailer who took great care of his inmates' welfare, introducing a raft of improvements to the city prison which won him the respect of those behind bars as well as prison reformers of the time.
A Growing Lad
In spite of not being a drinker or a big eater, within 11 years of taking up the job, he tipped the scales at a whopping 32 stone, with his office job blamed for his huge weight gain. It is believed he may also have had a medical condition that caused his weight.
By the time he hit his late thirties he had swelled to nearly 53 stone, could no longer climb the stairs and special arrangements had to be made when he travelled.
He ended his days living in his London apartments where people would pay a shilling just to come and see him.
The Legend
When he finally died at the age of 39, the measurement around his calf was three foot one inch and his waist was a massive nine foot and four inches.
It seems that the interest around Daniel is still strong, with a number of people visiting the Newarke Houses just to learn more about the larger than life character. The museum has on display many of his possessions including a selection of made-to-measure clothes and a large chair.
Find out more about Newarke Houses Museum & Gardens, including visiting times...
Visit the BBC Radio Leicester website and read the full article and also hear an audio commentary about Daniel Lambert's Life
