Joseph Merrick: The Real Elephant Man's Tragic Life and Legacy
Joseph Carey Merrick was born on August 5, 1862, in Leicester, England, and initially appeared to be a healthy infant. However, by the age of five, he began to exhibit symptoms of Proteus syndrome, resulting in abnormal tissue growth. Following the death of his mother in 1873, his father remarried and treated him poorly. At 17, Merrick was admitted to the Leicester Union Workhouse. In 1884, he reached out to showman Sam Torr and started performing as "the Elephant Man." Later, he signed with Tom Norman, who was kind to him. After touring, he was swindled by his manager Ferrari and returned to London in poverty. Dr. Frederick Treves admitted him to London Hospital, where he received funds for permanent accommodations. Merrick passed away on April 11, 1890, at the age of 27, with Treves declaring the cause accidental.
Key facts
- Joseph Merrick was born on August 5, 1862 in Leicester, England.
- He developed Proteus syndrome, causing excessive tissue growth.
- His head circumference reached three feet; his right arm was fin-like.
- His mother died in 1873 when he was 10.
- He entered Leicester Union Workhouse at age 17.
- In 1884, he exhibited himself as 'the Elephant Man' with showman Sam Torr.
- Tom Norman split profits 50/50 and treated him with respect.
- Dr. Frederick Treves examined him at London Hospital.
- Police shut down Norman's shop in late 1884.
- A manager named Ferrari robbed him and abandoned him in Brussels.
- Francis Carr Gomm raised public donations via The Times for Merrick's care.
- Princess Alexandra of Wales visited him.
- Merrick died on April 11, 1890 at age 27 from a dislocated neck.
- Treves' memoirs called him 'John,' used in David Lynch's film.
- His skeleton and a model of Mainz Cathedral are in the Royal London Hospital Museum.
Entities
Artists
- Joseph Merrick
- David Lynch
- Sam Torr
- Tom Norman
- Frederick Treves
- Francis Carr Gomm
- Princess Alexandra of Wales
- J Ellis
- George Hitchcock
- Sam Roper
- Ferrari
- John Atkinson Grimshaw
- Luke Fildes
Institutions
- London Hospital
- Royal London Hospital Museum
- Leicester Union Workhouse
- The Times
- National Portrait Gallery
- Wellcome Collection
- Cleveland Clinic
Locations
- Leicester
- England
- Nottingham
- London
- Brussels
- Belgium
- Ostend
- Antwerp
- Essex
- Dover
- City of London Cemetery and Crematorium
- Mainz Cathedral
- Germany