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William Ball, also known as John Bull, 1851
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William Ball, also known as John Bull, 1851
Engraving showing William Ball (1795-1852), an Englishman from Shropshire, who came to be nicknamed John Bull on account of his weight - 40st. In 1851 he attended the Great Exhibition in London as a celebrity guest / exhibit
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Media ID 4392461
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10220070
1795 1851 1852 Account Attended Celebrity Englishman Exhibit Guest Nicknamed Shropshire Weight Will I Am
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This fascinating engraving from 1851 captures the larger-than-life figure of William Ball, also known as John Bull. Hailing from Shropshire, England, Ball gained notoriety for his immense weight - a staggering 40 stone. It was this remarkable physical attribute that earned him the nickname "John Bull," a moniker that would stick with him throughout his life.
In 1851, Ball made an appearance at the Great Exhibition in London as a celebrity guest and exhibit in his own right. Crowds flocked to catch a glimpse of this extraordinary Englishman who defied conventional standards of size and stature. His presence at the exhibition undoubtedly added an element of spectacle and intrigue to the event.
This historical engraving serves as a testament to Ball's unique place in history as both an individual and a symbol of British identity. His story is one that speaks to the fascination with human oddities and curiosities that characterized the Victorian era.
As we gaze upon this image, we are transported back in time to an age when individuals like William Ball could capture the public imagination and become legends in their own right. The legacy of John Bull lives on through images such as these, reminding us of our shared history and humanity.
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