The Fat Boy of Peckham, John Trunley, in Southampton, 1912

During the early part of the last century, John Trunley - the Fat Boy of Peckham's real name - was described as an “overweight oddity’’ as he travelled the country, putting on shows wherever he could find a venue.

Although people’s curiosity to see such things seems vulgar, they were different times. Nobody would have seen anything like it on-screen and even newspapers rarely ran pictures.

Read more: Southampton lido - pictures of when we enjoyed the sun there >>>

And because of this, Trunley became, both literally and figuratively, one of the biggest stars around. He became so famous he was friendly with greats such as Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy.

When he arrived in Southampton, Trunley and his posse took over empty premises not far from where the Dolphin Hotel stands today.

An old photograph from the time shows the adverts and hoardings on display outside the premises during the Fat Boy’s stay in Southampton.

Trunley was born in Peckham, London on October 14, 1898, and was not exceptionally heavy at birth, weighing just under nine pounds, but it was not long before his extraordinary growth started.

At seven months he weighed in at two stone and at six he had ballooned to 14 stone. Despite extensive testing he confounded the finest physicians of the time, as they gave him a clean bill of health despite his size.

He said: “People are always saying to me it must be awkward to be fat, but I wouldn’t be thin for the world. For though I am 21 stone, I feel as light as a feather really. Anyway, if there are any disadvantages to being fat I haven't noticed them. Believe me, it is more awkward for other people.’’

Trunley was 14 and weighed 26 stone, when he arrived in Southampton during 1912 with the travelling Electric Automatic Vaudeville.

Opening for business at 32, High Street, next door to well-known wallpaper suppliers, Phippards and Co, other amusements included shooting, darts, billiards, and “scientific palmestry by Madame Rose.’’

Don't miss out: Get our weekly heritage and nostalgia newsletter >>> 

Although sitting on stage being stared at may seem undignified in the 21st century, John Trunley loved the attention that bordered on adulation.

He also enjoyed the fact, touring took him round large parts of the country and Europe - even as a child.

But at a time when almost every family had the threat of the workhouse looming over their heads, one can understand the reasons why his father would have capitalised in the way he did. 

Interestingly, at that time, there were laws that prevented children from being onstage. However, the Fat Boy of Peckham's earlier shows were permitted on the technicality that he was “exhibiting” as opposed to “performing”.

By the time Trunley was aged 18 his weight had risen to 33 stone and he was proclaimed to be the heaviest person in Britain.

The First World War affected Trunley greatly as he developed a nervous disposition and his weight dropped dramatically. By the time peace returned, he was 12 stone lighter, which ultimately left him less popular on the music hall circuit.

His career took a new direction and he proved to be a hit in silent films, where he was adept at being able to project mannerisms, he caught the acting bug and it wasn't long before he voiced ambitions to conquer Hollywood.

His friend Charlie Chaplin, said: “The problem was not that John did not have the talent, but the fact that there were already so many fat Americans that it would be almost impossible to get into the market.’’

With his Hollywood dreams dashed, Trunley learned the skills of watch and clock repairing and worked for a department store.

Just as the First World War saw him encounter health problems, the same happened at the start of the Second World War.

The nights in air-raid shelters saw him catch pneumonia.

On leaving a shelter on September 30, 1944, John Trunley collapsed and was rushed to hospital where he later died from pulmonary tuberculosis.

He was 46.

Despite having a relatively short life and a strange childhood, Trunley enjoyed the time he had. He used his size as his greatest asset and enjoyed the fame and spoils that came with it.