Mr. Bamfield, the Staffordshire Giant

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Date:1771

Description:Edward Bamfield or Bamford (1732-1768), the 'Staffordshire Giant', pictured with John Coan (1728-1764), the 'Norfolk Dwarf'. The inscription at the bottom of the picture describes Mr. Bamfield as being 7 feet 4 inches tall, and Mr. Coan 'not exceeding three feet'. Both died in London, aged 36. They both earned a living as sideshow performers; giants and dwarfs were special attractions around the Fleet Street area of London during the 18th century.

Engraved by Hawksworth after a portrait by Benjamin Rackstrow and sold by James Roberts, 4th May 1771.

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Donor ref:SCBPC-2009-273 (129/24258)

Source: Staffordshire County Buildings Picture Collection

Copyright information: Copyrights to all resources are retained by the individual rights holders. They have kindly made their collections available for non-commercial private study & educational use. Re-distribution of resources in any form is only permitted subject to strict adherence to the usage guidelines.