Lightboxes
Cart
alb3819480

Robert Hales and Eliza Simpson, Quaker Giants

Entitled: "The Quaker giant and giantess. As exhibited at Barnum's American museum." Robert Hales (May 2, 1820 - 1863) was an English sideshow performer know as The Norfolk Giant. He grew to a height of 7 feet 8 inches, was said to be over 450 pounds with a chest measurment of 64 inches. At the age of 13 he joined the navy, but when he was 17 years old he became to big. Hales started to exhibit himself at fairs and shows throughout the country. Later he joined his sister Mary (7 feet 2 inches) and her manager/husband Joe Laskey. After Mary, Joe married the sister Anne (6 feet 8 inches tall). Robert did not agree to Joe marrying his other sister and the group parted. He went to America where he met P.T. Barnum. Barnum signed him for his American Museum and he was exhibited in New York and known as the Norfolk Giant. While with Barnum, he met and "married" (show business stunt) the giantess Eliza Simpson (born in 1828 - ?) known as the Scotch Giantess and the Quaker Giantess. Hales was with Barnum for another 2 years before he went back to England, tired of touring. He became the landlord of the Craven Head Tavern in London. He died in 1863 at the age of 43.
Share
pinterestPinterest
twitterTwitter
facebookFacebook
emailEmail

Add to another lightbox

Add to another lightbox
add to lightbox print share
Do you already have an account? Sign in
You do not have an account? Register
Buy this image. Select the use:
Loading...
Title:
Robert Hales and Eliza Simpson, Quaker Giants
Caption:
Entitled: "The Quaker giant and giantess. As exhibited at Barnum's American museum." Robert Hales (May 2, 1820 - 1863) was an English sideshow performer know as The Norfolk Giant. He grew to a height of 7 feet 8 inches, was said to be over 450 pounds with a chest measurment of 64 inches. At the age of 13 he joined the navy, but when he was 17 years old he became to big. Hales started to exhibit himself at fairs and shows throughout the country. Later he joined his sister Mary (7 feet 2 inches) and her manager/husband Joe Laskey. After Mary, Joe married the sister Anne (6 feet 8 inches tall). Robert did not agree to Joe marrying his other sister and the group parted. He went to America where he met P.T. Barnum. Barnum signed him for his American Museum and he was exhibited in New York and known as the Norfolk Giant. While with Barnum, he met and "married" (show business stunt) the giantess Eliza Simpson (born in 1828 - ?) known as the Scotch Giantess and the Quaker Giantess. Hales was with Barnum for another 2 years before he went back to England, tired of touring. He became the landlord of the Craven Head Tavern in London. He died in 1863 at the age of 43.
Personalities:
Credit:
Album / LOC/Science Source
Releases:
Model: No - Property: No
Rights questions?
Image size:
3290 x 4200 px | 39.5 MB
Print size:
27.9 x 35.6 cm | 11.0 x 14.0 in (300 dpi)
Keywords: