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The Fat Boy of Peckham
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The Fat Boy of Peckham
John Trundley, or sometimes, Trunley (1898 - 1944), known as the Fat Boy of Peckham shown in a series of photographs at the time he was appearing at the Royal in Holborn, when he was aged five and already weighed 10 stone, 4lb. Unable to walk to school, London County Council proposed to run a tramway an additional 400 yards to Reddins School so that John could receive an education, a decision criticised by Lord Northcliffe. Trundley lived to adulthood, married and had children, but died in an air raid in 1944. Date: 1903
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Media ID 14413730
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Childhood Dec16 Freak Freakshow Huge Obese Obesity Overweight Peckham Sailor
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures five-year-old John Trundley, affectionately known as the 'Fat Boy of Peckham,' during his appearance at the Royal Hall in Holborn, London, in 1903. At the tender age of five, John already weighed an astonishing 10 stone, 4lb (approximately 142 pounds), making it difficult for him to attend school due to his size. London County Council proposed a solution to this issue by suggesting the extension of a tramway line an additional 400 yards to Reddins School to accommodate John's transportation needs. However, this decision was met with criticism from Lord Northcliffe, who believed that public funds should not be spent on an individual case. Despite the controversy, John continued to live a remarkable life. He grew up, married, and started a family. Tragically, his life was cut short during World War II when he was killed in an air raid in 1944. This poignant image serves as a reminder of the unique challenges faced by individuals with obesity during a time when societal understanding and acceptance were limited. John Trundley, or 'Trunley' as he was also known, was a child who defied expectations and captured the attention of the world, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and intrigue.
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