Page 46 - ‘A Blaker Family History’ The family history of Joseph Blaker (1916-2007; ‘Joe’)

© The Blaker Society
© The Blaker Society

“This is to acquaint the curious that Mr. Blacker, the Modern Colossus, or
Wonderful Giant, who has given universal satisfaction, is to be seen in a
commodious room in Half Moon Court adjoining Ludgate. This phenomenon
in nature hath already had the honour of being inspected by great numbers
of nobility and gentry, by many of the Royal Society, and several gentlemen
and ladies who are lovers of natural curiosities; who allow him to be of
stupendous height and affirm him to be the best proportioned of his size
they ever saw. He is to be seen by any number of persons from nine in the

morning till nine at night.”

Henry was variously known as ‘The Cuckfield Giant’, and ‘The British

Giant’. His many admirers included William, Duke of Cumberland.

It is not known what Henry’s family thought of his exhibitionist activities,
nor the money and fine clothes that must have resulted. There are no
records of Henry’s death. It is likely that he did not marry, and that his
condition was caused by excessive amounts of growth hormone in
childhood, due to a pituitary gland tumour, or genetic abnormality.

Grave of William & Elizabeth Blaker, St. Mary Magdelene, Bolney

Henry Blaker: Etching by Carpenter

6.14.8 Moses Blaker (1730-1730)
Born: 1730, Bolney, Sussex
Christened: 18 August 1730, St. Mary Magdelene, Bolney, Sussex
Died: October 1730, aged c. 2 months; Bolney
Buried: 11 October 1730; St. Mary Magdelene, Bolney, Sussex

In the churchyard of St. Mary Magdelene there is a tiny round headstone
next to the graves of Richard and Jane Blaker. It is tempting to speculate
that this stone marks the final resting place of Moses, the last child born
to Jane.

6.15 James Blaker (1738-1779); Child of James Blaker (1708-1784)

and Sarah Back ( -1779)
Born: 1738, Cuckfield, Sussex
Christened: 5 May 1738, Holy Trinity, Cuckfield, Sussex
Married: 7 April 1768, aged 30 years, married Elizabeth Easton; St.
Nicholas, Worth, Sussex
Died: January 1779, aged 41 years, Worth, Sussex
Buried: 13 January 1778, St. Nicholas, Worth, Sussex

James was the first child born to James and Sarah Blaker. Nothing is
known about James’ life until he married Elizabeth Easton in 1768.