Historical Oddities and Trivia: Church Knocker and the Story of Robert Wadlow
From medieval times to the modern era, peculiar and fascinating stories exist, often rooted in misunderstood customs and the human condition. Two such intriguing anecdotes are the church knocker and the tale of Robert Wadlow, the tallest man in recorded history.
The Church Knocker: A Rare Loophole in Medieval Law
In medieval England, old churches and cathedrals were adorned with elaborate knockers on their front doors as weavers of a different kind. These unique church knockers, known as sanctuary knockers, held a fascinating but rarely utilized loophole for those in danger of being pursued by the law. If a person being pursued by the authorities touched the knocker, they would immediately receive sanctuary in accordance with the church’s protection. This was a divine right that no earthly power could deny.
The sanctuary knocker provided a unique opportunity, particularly for those condemned to death. If their path to execution led them past a church, their guards could march them through the courtyard, allowing them to touch the knocker and be granted safe haven. Thus, priests could assist in orchestrating an escape to a sanctuary far beyond the reach of the law. This practice was officially outlawed in 1623, allowing these sacred door knockers to remain a vestige of a bygone era where one could escape any offense simply by touching a piece of metal.
Robert Wadlow: The Tallest Man in Recorded History
In contrast to the ancient and mystical world of medieval sanctuaries, we move to the modern era, where the story of Robert Wadlow stands as a testament to the human body's incredible capacity. Robert was the tallest man in recorded history, standing at an astounding 8 feet 11 inches (2.72 meters) when he died at the young age of 22. Born in 1918, he quickly outgrew his family, reaching a height twice that of an average person. His extraordinary size brought both marvel and hardship.
Robert’s family and doctors attempted to manage his growth, spending a fortune on specially designed shoes to accommodate his giant feet. However, his immense size put undue pressure on his feet, leading to constant discomfort and pain. Even more markedly, at the age of 18, his doctor discovered a critical issue: he had lost sensation in his feet, unable to feel anything in that part of his body.
Consequently, when a blister developed on his foot due to friction from the brace supporting his growing legs, he was unable to notice the pain. This lack of sensory awareness led the blister to worsen, causing a fever that rapidly deteriorated his health. Doctors at the hotel where he was staying did everything in their power, but his condition proved too severe.
On the eve of a significant celebration, the intensely personal event of marking the 50th anniversary of his grandparents' wedding, Robert took his final breath. His family gathered around him, offering comfort and support as he slipped into unconsciousness and passed away the next morning. The gripping tale of Robert’s giant stature and the painful journey that led to his untimely death stands as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those who are towers of humanity, as well as the fragility of life.
Conclusion
The stories of the church knocker and Robert Wadlow, though separated by centuries, reveal the extraordinary and sometimes overlooked facets of human history. The former illuminates the unique legal and cultural practices of medieval times, while the latter highlights the incredible and sometimes tragic stories of those at the extremes of the human spectrum.