John Trunley
John Thomas Trunley | |
|---|---|
| Born | 14 October 1898 Camberwell, London, England |
| Died | 30 September 1944 (aged 45) England |
| Other name | The Fat Boy of Peckham |
| Occupation | Music hall performer |
| Years active | 1903–1927 |
| Known for | Being proclaimed one of the heaviest people in Britain during his youth |
John Thomas Trunley (14 October 1898 – 30 September 1944) was a British music hall and sideshow performer, widely known as The Fat Boy of Peckham.[1][2]
Early life
[edit]Trunley was born in Camberwell, London. He gained weight rapidly during infancy and reportedly weighed 2 stone (28 lb; 13 kg) at seven months old. By the age of four, he weighed approximately 12 stone (170 lb; 76 kg). He was examined by surgeon Sir Frederick Treves, who is also known for treating Joseph Merrick, the "Elephant Man".
Career
[edit]Trunley made his music hall debut in December 1903 at the Yarmouth Hippodrome, and later performed at venues including the Royal Theatre in Holborn.[3]
He became a popular novelty act and toured across England under showmen such as Fred Karno and Buffalo Bill Cody.[4]
Despite his early stage success, he was later required to attend school in Peckham. Reports from the period noted that he had a chest measurement of 44 inches (1,100 mm) and a waist measurement of 46 inches (1,200 mm) during childhood.[4]
By 1906, his fame had grown sufficiently that The Sketch published a satirical piece suggesting that London authorities might need a special tram service to transport him.[5]
After the First World War, Trunley reportedly secured minor roles in early film productions.
Personal life
[edit]Trunley married Florence Weeden (born 1899), and the couple had one child, also named John.[4]
Death
[edit]Trunley died on 30 September 1944 from pulmonary tuberculosis. He was buried at Camberwell New Cemetery.[4]
References
[edit]- ↑ "The Thirty Three Stone Teen Who Rocketed to Celebrity". Southwark News. London. 15 October 2007. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 17 March 2015.
- ↑ Bondeson 2015, p. 28.
- ↑ Will Noble (2 March 2017). "The Sad Story Of The Fat Boy Of Peckham". Londonist. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
- 1 2 3 4 Sheila Bruce. "John TRUNLEY aka The Fat Boy of Peckham". Retrieved 24 June 2024.
- ↑ Ernest A. Bryant (5 December 1906). "After Dinner". The Sketch. London: 240.
Bibliography
[edit]- Bondeson, Jan (March 2015). "The Fat Boy of Peckham". Fortean Times (325). London. ISSN 0308-5899.