Grave of John Middleton

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“Here lyeth the bodie of John Middleton the Childe of Hale. Nine feet three.” So reads the inscription on the grave in Hale churchyard.
John Middleton was born in Hale in 1578. Middleton grew to a height of nine feet and three inches (2.8m), so tall, it is said, that he had to sleep with his feet sticking out of the window of his tiny cottage. Because of his ‘formidable appearance’ Middleton was employed as a bodyguard by a local landlord called Gilbert Ireland.

In 1617 on his way back from Scotland, King James I (James VI of Scotland) stopped to knight Ireland, and in doing so heard of his gigantic protector. Both master and servant were invited to visit the king’s court, and a fine outfit of purple, red and gold was specially made for Middleton. In London, John beat the king’s champion wrestler, and in doing so broke the man’s thumb. Embarrassed by the defeat and displeased with the amount of money many of his subjects had lost in betting on the match, James sent the Childe home with the substantial amount of £20 for his troubles. Unfortunately, jealous of his wealth, and taking advantage of his apparently slow wits, Middleton’s companions mugged him on the journey back to Hale. John Middleton returned to the village penniless and remained there until he died in 1623.
Across the road from the Church is a tall tree stump that has been carved into a statue of the giant.
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Middleton_(giant)
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   53°19'56"N   2°47'43"W

Comments

  • if anybody knows of a taller man let here about him
  • The tree stump has gone, apparently removed by Halton Borough council due to 'danger to the public' as a result of rot. A bronze statue of John Middleton now stands nearby.
This article was last modified 11 years ago