Childe of Hale

This 'Tree carving' depicts John Middleton who was born in Hale in 1578, but is more commonly known as "The Childe Of Hale"! Even before he was 20 years of age, his height reach a staggering 9 foot 3 inches. John Middleton died on August 23rd 1623, as entered into the Hale Church death register. His name is given and "Childe Of Hale" is written along side in pencil. His grave lies on the south side of St Mary`s church surrounded by iron railings. In 1768 John Middletons remains were removed from his tomb/grave by the schoolmaster and Parish clerk, Mr Bushell. They were then taken to Hale Hall for preservation and were mesured. It was during this that it was discovered that his thigh bones each stretched from the hip of an average sized man to his foot. His hands were also mesured and found to be 17 inches from the carpus to the end of the middle finger and 8 and a half inches across the palm. Later his remains were re-interred into St Mary`s churchyard where they are now today! A close up of the Childes grave reveals the inscription "Here lyeth the bodie of John Middleton the Childe Nine feet three Borne 1578 Dyede 1623"