Unusual Trivia: Ancient Church Knockers and the Tallest Man in History
Throughout history, various fascinating and often unusual trivia have emerged, some of which are still relevant today. Today, we explore two such stories: the mystique surrounding medieval 'sanctuary knockers' found on old churches and cathedrals, and the incredible story of the tallest man in recorded history, Robert Wadlow.
The 'Sanctuary' Mystery
In medieval England, old churches and cathedrals possessed elaborate knockers on their front doors, known as 'sanctuary knockers.' These knockers played a significant role in society, offering refuge and protection to those fleeing from legal persecution. The knocker became a symbol of sanctuary, a term derived from the Latin sanctus, meaning holy.
According to old English law, touching these sanctuary knockers automatically granted the person seeking sanctuary immunity from arrest. This meant that if a person was being chased by the law, all they needed to do was touch the knocker, and as long as their hand remained on it, they would be secure in the sanctuary of the church.
The sanctuary knocker provided a fascinating but rarely used loophole for inmates sentenced to death. Individual guards or the executioners themselves could walk a condemned prisoner through the church courtyard, stopping near a knocker to provide the prisoner a chance to flee to safety. Priests could then spirited them away to a safe distance and away from the authorities.
Church sanctuary laws existed in England until 1623, when they were officially outlawed. However, the notion of sanctuary knockers remained a curious part of English history. Little did people know that these ornamental pieces of metal could change the course of someone's life.
The Tallest Man in History: Robert Wadlow
The tallest man in recorded history, Robert Wadlow, was born in 1918 and stood at an impressive 8 feet 11 inches (2.72 meters) tall when he died at the age of 22. Standing far above his contemporaries, Robert was born into a normal-sized family and had a normal childhood.
However, Robert's extraordinary growth began at the age of 8, when he towered over his father. His family spent a large amount of money on his specially made clothes, especially his custom-made shoes. At 18, Robert weighed around 630 pounds (285 kg) and constantly required assistance due to his weight, which put immense pressure on his joints and caused him considerable discomfort.
One of the most significant complications faced by Robert was a loss of sensation in his feet—a condition termed hypohydration. This inability to feel pain and discomfort made simple tasks like checking for blisters extremely challenging. It was during such a moment of vulnerability that his life took a tragic turn.
One night, Robert developed a painful blister on his foot. Due to the lack of sensation, he did not realize its severity. As the blister worsened, it became infected, leading to a high fever. His overall health quickly deteriorated. Despite all the efforts of the medical staff at the hotel where he was staying, no local hospital had beds large enough to accommodate him, and Robert died on the morning of his 23rd birthday.
Robert's passing was peaceful according to his family, who recalled him making his last request, 'The doctor says I won't get home for the celebrations.' This reference was to the wedding anniversary of his grandparents, a joyous occasion that would never come to pass due to his untimely death.
Conclusion
The stories of these two historical figures offer insights into different eras and their unique challenges. The popularity and practicality of medieval church sanctuary laws provide a window into the religious and legal landscapes of medieval England, while Robert Wadlow's story highlights the importance of medical care and understanding of human anatomy in such extraordinary cases.