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Daniel Lambert

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Daniel Lambert was an English man who became famous for his extraordinary physical size. Born in Leicester on March 13, 1770, he lived a life of many different roles. He worked as an apprentice in a Birmingham factory for four years. Later, he became the keeper of the Leicester gaol, which is a place where people are held.

Daniel Lambert
Daniel Lambert

Despite his eventual size, Lambert was a highly active and strong sportsman. He was an expert in breeding animals like dogs, horses, and fighting cocks. He was also a skilled swimmer who taught local children how to swim.

Lambert's weight began to increase steadily around 1788 when he returned to Leicester. This increase happened even though he claimed to eat normal amounts of food. He also stated that he did not drink alcohol. He remained physically strong during this time. He could easily carry heavy weights. He even once fought a bear to protect his dog.

Lambert engraving
Lambert engraving

However, his growing size eventually changed his lifestyle. By 1801, he weighed 540 pounds. This weight made it impossible for him to keep up with hunting parties. He had to give up hunting, though he still kept a pack of 30 terriers.

In 1805, the Bridewell gaol in Leicester closed down. This meant Lambert lost his job as a gaol keeper. He could not find other work because his size made him unemployable. He became a recluse for a short time because he was sensitive about his weight.

Bodleian Libraries, Two wonders of the world, or- a specimen of a new troop of Leicestershire light horse
Bodleian Libraries, Two wonders of the world, or- a specimen of a new troop of Leicestershire light horse

To raise money, he decided to put himself on public exhibition. In 1806, he moved to London to live at 53 Piccadilly. He charged visitors one shilling to enter his apartments and meet him.

His time in London was very successful and fashionable. He welcomed about 400 paying visitors every day. Many people from the middle and upper classes visited him. They did not just come to look at him. They came to talk to him about animal husbandry and sports.

Daniel Lambert
Daniel Lambert

Lambert was known for being intelligent, well-read, and having an excellent memory. He even met King George III during this period. Because he was so successful, he became wealthy. He eventually returned to Leicester in 1807 to breed sporting dogs.

Medical professionals studied Lambert to understand his condition. They confirmed that he weighed 540 pounds in 1806. They measured his height as 5 feet 8 inches.

Daniel Lambert
Daniel Lambert

Doctors found that his bodily functions worked correctly. He breathed freely and had a normal speaking voice. He did not snore and was always alert when he woke up. While doctors found fat in his abdomen, they found no signs of a thyroid disorder. It is also unlikely that he had Cushing's syndrome, which is a disorder that causes a specific facial appearance. Scientists cannot say for certain what caused his weight gain.

Lambert died suddenly in June 1809 in Stamford, Lincolnshire. At the time of his death, he weighed 739 pounds. This made him the heaviest authenticated person in recorded history up to that point.

Daniel Lambert grave
Daniel Lambert grave

His death required very special arrangements. His coffin was made using 14 cubic feet of wood. Even though the coffin had wheels, it was very difficult to move. It took 20 men almost thirty minutes to drag his casket into a grave. The burial took place in a new area behind St Martin's Church.

Today, Daniel Lambert is remembered as a famous figure. While other people have since recorded higher weights, he remains an icon in Leicester. The Leicester Mercury even called him one of the city's most cherished icons in 2009.

Daniel Lambert grave
Daniel Lambert grave

His life shows how a person can be both a medical curiosity and a respected member of a community. He was a man of many talents, from animal breeding to teaching swimming, despite the challenges his body presented.

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File:Bodleian Libraries, Two wonders of the world, or- a specimen of a new troop of Leicestershire light horse.jpg
Bodleian Libraries, Two wonders of the...
File:Daniel Lambert.jpg
Daniel Lambert.jpg
File:Daniel Lambert grave.jpg
Daniel Lambert grave.jpg
File:Lambert engraving.jpg
Lambert engraving.jpg
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