The Childe of Hale (1578-1623)

[Kev]

In 1578, the village of hale, near the New Liverpool John Lennon Airport, John Midleton was born...

He was the tallest man in the world at the time...9ft 3inches!

[cwilson]

Does anyone know the story of a cottage in Hale which has 2 windows close together? Supposedly the Childe of Hale used to sleep in a room with his feet sticking out of each one.

[Blondeshiva]

Here are some facts or myths about John Middleton: -

1. Born in 1578

2. Died in 1623.

3. His cottage still stands and is inhabited to this day in Church End, Hale Village.

4. There are two small windows in one end of his cottage where folklore has it that he was too tall to sleep in his bedroom and that he had to stick his feet out of the these two small windows.

5. Wooden pegs where he hung his clothes are about 10ft above the floor.

6. Two of his walking sticks were said to be 4ft 7ins and 5ft 21/2ins long.

7. Folklore also says that he was a normal sized boy who went down to Hale Shore on the Mersey and marked two lines in the sand. He then lay between the two lines and went to sleep. When he woke up he was the length of the two lines which was 9ft 3ins.

8. A full size painting of John Middleton hangs in Speke Hall, close to Liverpool Airport.

9. He was taken to London to the court of James the First, fought the King’s champion wrestler, won by breaking his opponents thumb and won a purse of £20.00.

10. His clothes consisted of "large lace ruffs around his neck and hands; a striped doublet of crimson and white around his waist; a blue girdle embroidered with gold, large white plush breaches, powdered with blue flowers; green stockings, broad shoes of a light colour, having red heels and tied with large bows of red ribbon; and, just below his knees were bandages of the same colour with large bows and by his side a sword was suspended by a broad belt over his shoulder, and embroidered with blue and gold , with the addition of a gold fringe upon the edge".

11. On the way home, Sir Gilbert Ireland showed him off to students at Brazenose College, Oxford and a portrait of him hangs at the college.

12. He was born of poor parents, he never married, and he was shown off by to the friends and associates of the Lord of the Manor, Sir Gilbert Ireland, He was robbed of any wealth that he had and ended up working on the land "following the plough".

13. His grave is in Hale St. Mary’s Church graveyard.

14. A study of his bones took place in 1768.

15. The Childe of Hale Hotel is a local pub named after him. The pub is a very old building, probably 200 years old.

16. In 1996, a diseased Elm Tree opposite Hale Church was sculptured in his image and it is a visitor attraction.

17. He is mentioned in the Guinness Book of Records but his height is not official because there is no actual proof of measurement.

18. Other details can be found in Peter Hatton’s "History of Hale" and other works.

[cwilson]

Thanks for all the info about the childe of hale. Blondeshiva. ;D.I might have a look for the book as I have a great interest in local history. I often see that carving when we go for a walk down to hale lighthouse.....which is actually up for sale!!! Anyone for a lighthouse?


Collette