The Tragic Story of The 'Elephant man' Joseph Merrick | Well, I Never

Joseph Merrick's life started out normally enough but his body soon began to change in an unusual way. Growths on his skin and bone would progress to such an extent that he would become known as 'The Elephant Man'
These afflictions would lead to him being largely shunned by Victorian society until his final few years where he would finally receive some comfort and human connection.
00:00 - Intro
00:35 - Joseph Merrick's Early Life
05:10 - Kicked Out. Time in the Workhouse
06:10 - Becoming the 'Elephant Man'
08:50 - First Meeting with Frederick Treves
11:50 - Life at the London Hospital
16:45 - The Death of Joseph Merrick
18:03 - Aftermath

[@drumdad54sdl47]

How beautiful it is that despite the unimaginable cruelty he suffered from his father, his step siblings/ stepmother, society, and his manager who abandoned him abroad, Joseph was able to maintain a spirit that didn't become bitter toward the world or life in general. God bless the doctor who brought him to the hospital and made his last few years of life relatively happy and peaceful for him.

[@foo219]

Some people react to cruelty by becoming cruel. Others react to cruelty by becoming kind. He chose wisely.

[@drumdad54sdl47]

@@foo219 Yes. Appealing to the better angels of their nature. What a beautiful discipline that requires more than I have within myself alone.

[@foo219]

@@drumdad54sdl47 All we can do is try our best.

[@paddlefar9175]

The Bible texts taught people that anyone with a blemish on them or is disabled, blind, etc. was not worthy and should stay out of Church and be kept from entering. “And the lord spake unto Moses, ... Whoever he be of thy seed in their generations that hath any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God.... a blind man, or a lame, or he that has a flat nose, or any thing superfluous. Or a man that is broke footed, broken handed, a dwarf, or hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones broken... he shall not go in unto the vail, nor come nigh unto the altar, because hath a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries: for I the Lord do sanctify them.” (Leviticus 21:16-23) It made people feel ashamed for being disabled or for having a disabled child, maybe even look down on themselves or their disabled child, so as a consequence, parents would often hide them away from society, which was often very cruel, just so they wouldn’t be judged by other irrational, indoctrinated, non skeptical thinking people who believed the bunk! Luckily, nowadays we have learned that the Bible is not to be taken literally or even seriously, in my opinion.

[@crashburn3292]

Oh yes. God bless the doctor. Because everything good that happens is "God's work." And everything horrific that happens in life isn't mentioned to be a God's fault as "God works in mysterious ways" or some bullshit logic like that. But sure, credit God for the people who helped Merrick.

[@birdflipper]

His skull looked like it had barnacles. It's bad enough he suffered such physical pain, but the psychological abuse Joseph had to endure is unimaginable. Poor man.

[@dfuher968]

And he was not even been given basic human respect in death, he was still a friggin exhibit.

[@puffchick4197]

@@dfuher968 very true

[@geneticdisorder1900]

And all these years later, people still insult Joseph by referring to him as the elephant man. Can’t you just use his full name !!!!

[@ZeroOmega-vg8nq]

@@geneticdisorder1900 its the same thing with how frankenstein works. The monster wouldn't exist without his creator but the creator wouldnt even be remembered because everyone only remembers the monster calling it by his name. Its an inescapable legacy for joseph.

[@yeahokbuddy2510]

@@dfuher968 I think it’s really cool that his legacy has been preserved. At least look at the positives

[@JoMungoTours]

Thank you so much for the mention, it really means a lot. After finding Joseph's grave, I make an effort to visit on his birthday, the anniversary of his death, and Christmas. I also lay flowers at his mum's grave. Many people now visit and pay their respects to Joseph's. May he rest in peace.

[@usamaaqeel7992]

You've done a really good thing for him.

[@JoMungoTours]

@@usamaaqeel7992 bless you. Thank you 😊

[@FucU4ever]

Oh that was you who found his grave?? Bravo!

[@evelynmcconnell6833]

God bless your respect and empathy for this poor man, he’s up blowing you kisses and sending you love 🙏🙏🙏

[@elizabethanyan8249]

That’s lovely 😊

[@peternesbitt]

How incredibly heartbreaking. It's nice to know some people treated him humanely.

[@scottswan7830]

Heart breaking yes. It's left me scared I believe.

[@HavianEla]

I just wish more people would have :( it wasn’t until he became somewhat famous that he was truly treated with any real level of respect, and from experience I’d be willing to bet some of that kindness came out somewhat patronizing as well.

[@abigailrose1806]

I remember watching the movie, and honestly, Merrick was perfectly portrayed as this unknown, even chilling "creature" from how he wore a sack over his head and was completely silent when first introduced. But like the doctor, we become educated that he was a normal person dealt a nasty health condition. His story is extraordinary and timeless as much as it is sad.

[@rationalmuscle]

The movie is a work of art. A brilliant portrayal of the cruelness and beauty of mankind simultaneously.

[@rosspatterson131]

should of seen his mother.

[@petscraftsandwonderfulthin1279]

What's the movie called?

[@nathandublin3039]

@@petscraftsandwonderfulthin1279 the movie is called " The Elephant Man" came out in 1980 in black and white. The actor who played the doctor Treves is Anthony Hopkins.

[@johnbrereton5229]

@@nathandublin3039 Yes and the actor who played Merrick so well was John Hurt, I believe he won a bafta for his incredible performance. Highly recommended as its well worth watching.

[@chalinmari]

Clicked quickly because I knew YOU would treat his story respectfully.

[@braidena1633]

He dead tho

[@glorygloryholeallelujah]

Joseph’s story always makes me cry. Particularly his childhood after his mother passed away. I wish I could reach back in time, bring him here and take care of the little chap.😢

[@thebirdee55]

I feel the same way.

[@msdanascully11]

Same here, you just want to go and hug him, poor little thing....

[@usamaaqeel7992]

Unfortunately this world would still be cruel to him like old times...

[@glorygloryholeallelujah]

@@usamaaqeel7992 I 100% agree that the world is still cruel (and always will be). But at least today we have great medical advancements, better education opportunities, more ways for him to easily communicate with others, online communities to engage socially with, connecting with support groups, therapy and overall, most people nowadays are more understanding/knowledgeable that people with severe physical deformities are not “cursed” or “contagious”- they are just like everyone else, but simply have rare health complications that they struggle with. And most importantly of all-he would have access to a loving family who genuinely wanted him around, didn’t view him as a “useless burden” and would do everything in their power to help him, support him, protect him, encourage his talents and help him achieve his dreams/goals in life.🥺❤️

[@Spacekriek]

You have a beautiful soul, GGH.

[@LorienInksong]

I've always danced around stories or documentaries about Joseph Merrick as so many treat him with such intense disrespect and sensationalism. Thank you for covering his story; I knew you would treat this man's memory with respect and a level head. His story is intensely heart-breaking, but I am deeply appreciative to hear about who he was and what he went through. It sounds like Mr. Merrick was a man with a beautiful soul, and I hope if there is an afterlife he is existing in peace and joy.

[@GeorgiaGeorgette]

Lovely words. Bless you.

[@josepha3805]

What documentary was disrespectful? I gotta see that!

[@anne-marieriamitchell1140]

You shoul watch the film it’s done very from poor merricks view point he was such a genital person I think if people treated me like this I would be bitter heartbreaking

[@anne-marieriamitchell1140]

I ask myself would we as people treat him better now? I wish I could have helped him

[@scottswan7830]

@@anne-marieriamitchell1140 yes I think we are all scared once we learn about the abuse he took. I know I cried.

[@tsurugizaki]

It's horrible how much he was judged and mistreated. I'm glad that he was still able to experience good things later in his life, and some people managed to look past his appearance and see that he was just a normal guy. His mother sounded very sweet as well.

[@anyathepanther7977]

He was such a sweet soul. I am happy for him that his last years in the Hospital were filled with kindness and sympathy.

[@annemorgan2064]

My uncle had nuerofibromatosis. He lived with so many tumors and eventually became isolated except for his many cyber friends. I don’t remember his appearance so much as I remember his dry sense of humor and him teaching me how to play poker.

[@cydkriletich6538]

Joseph’s story was made into a stage play as well as the movie. I worked in a community theater that had some exceptionally talented performers. When this play was staged, the actor who portrayed Joseph did so without any special makeup or prosthetics. He simply hunched one shoulder one way and moved and talked in the manner Joseph had to. The performance was so realistic that the audience soon forgot the actor had no makeup, and came to see the performer as Joseph was. By doing it this way, the audience was able to better see Joseph’s spirit and intellect, and not be stuck on just his physicalities. Poor Joseph. Even though his remains are not buried together, I hope the dear man in resting in peace. ❤

[@greekbirb]

He was such a loving and gentle soul. I hope he found happiness wherever he is.

[@deniseleplatt1616]

This story has always made me sad. I'm so glad he had friends at the end. It reminds us that all of us are different in some way, so be kind.

[@RedCyanPhotos]

I actually have a similar but more mild condition and trust me it’s really horrible. I’ve got enchondroma- multiple enchondromas which are brittle bone tumours. They can grow anywhere at any time at any rate, but are also in risk of being broken off at any time which kind of course, cause further complications. It’s also extremely painful. Much of my body is held together by mesh, biomesh plates, titanium bars and screws and bone cement, by the time I was 34, I’d had about 14 surgeries including 7 on my chest all connected with my condition They said if my chest brakes one more time (titanium, can’t be that strong if I keep snapping it all the time!) there’s nothing they can do to help me, I basically would only have flesh covering my heart and lungs, which of course is very dangerous! My heart every time I hear the story, but I just wanted to say thank you for covering it so nicely if that’s the right word, as you think of this guy and the way he had it so severely, back in the day, you don’t think that there are actually people out there, suffering similar things right now and being one of them, seeing hurtful comments from people makes me think that they would be the same towards me, so it’s nice when it’s been done sympathetically and people are being kind! I’m pretty lucky that most of the areas I suffer for my condition isn’t noticeable, so a lot of people I meet just feel like I have an oversized twisted nose, it’s about all you can physically notice, but actually it’s full of tumours twisting making my top jaw smaller, I can’t push my jaw to one side and it clicks every single time I eat or chew, but like I said most of it isn’t noticeable- it must’ve been a nightmare for this guy to never be able to hide it.

[@FadingVitals]

All the best to you! ❤️

[@karenmarkasky7893]

I hope and pray that you are doing well!!!!!❤

[@scottswan7830]

I cried when I watched the movie, still do. I hope your doing well and have a wonderful long life. You have a beautiful heart and soul that should carry you through!!!

[@M-20-100]

Hello RCP, Even though I don’t know you personally, I was deeply touched when I read about your physical health - and I am in awe of your obviously great courage and perseverance. I am also greatly humbled by the grace with which you speak of your story. Kind regards, Vincent

[@letsdothis9063]

I wish you the best. My cardiologist suggested a plastic chest cover (kind of like form-fitting armor), if I wanted to continue jui jitsu after an operation. My heart is so enlarged, that it is partially unprotected by my ribs and sternum. Unfortunately, that wouldn't be practical, but my heart also became to weak to participate. I'm sure if something like that was an option, your doctor would have brought it up. Wishing you the best. I can't imagine the stress of dealing with such an affliction. I sincerely hope that all works out.

[@lightinthedark1594]

I watched The Elephant Man so many times as a child and it broke my heart. I cried my eyes out for the treatment he received. The world is a cruel place but you should at least find love and safely in your family. So sad

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

You can visit his cell in Leicester iv been

[@MikadoYuma]

Family is an illusion, no amount of blood can force you to care about someone. His father and his wife were selfish, and weren't willing to help or take care of him.. unfortunately this is not new and it still happens every day.

[@msdanascully11]

You really have to ask yourself how such an amount of totally undeserved illness and cruelty can be endured by just one innocent and - despite everything - lovable being. This story is truly heartbreaking....

[@roscoewhite3793]

If there a better place to go to when we die, Joseph Merrick deserved to find it. Thank you, Mr Brodie, for relating the story of his life with compassion and understanding.

[@funkyzero]

I've always thought that the story of Merrick lives on due to it's built-in messages about the human condition in all respects... the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's [the story] as if it were a parable, but in this case, it's a story about a human who lived among the rest of us, suffering the injustices of societal misconduct, and then finally being recognized for the suffering human that he was. Every time I hear it being retold, it forces me to re-evaluate myself and how I conduct my life and interact with others. Thanks for putting this out.

[@ceering99]

This is probably the most personal and human retelling of Joseph's story that I've seen.

[@kayevans2964]

A reminder to always be kind. John suffered terribly, not just from his own afflictions but at the hands of the opinion/reaction of others. His life could, and should, have been so different. A sad story beautifully and respectfully told. Thanks Paul.

[@fay-amieaspen6046]

His name is Joseph Carey Merrick.

[@kayevans2964]

@@fay-amieaspen6046 thank you, my error.

[@bunnymad5049]

@@kayevans2964 Yes, I watched initial things that called him John and I keep forgetting he's Joseph. I'm terrible with names.

[@kayevans2964]

@@bunnymad5049 I had to rewatch the film last night. I thought I'd lost my marbles. Thankfully they did call him John in the film. I watched it with a whole new perception though. Such a sad story and a remarkable portrayal by John Hurt.

[@bunnymad5049]

@@kayevans2964 Yeah! They did. It can get confusing! But yeah, I've read a lot about him and watched a few different docs and he was such a remarkable and wonderful man. And John did an excellent job, I agree. xxxx Merry Christmas!

[@DawnOldham]

I've known of "the elephant man" for many years, but you shared new information. I had no idea that he finally found kindness toward the end of his life. God bless people who reach out to those in pain.

[@GeorgiaGeorgette]

It doesn't matter what he looked like, Joseph was truly beautiful. Bless his sweet soul.

[@rheverend]

Hearing how gracious he was at experiencing the bare minimum of kindness and how he took so much delight in the smallest things, it puts the rest of us in an unfavorable light. Shame on us for our selfishness and entitlement

[@trj1442]

Such a sad story. I remember when I was a boy at boarding school in the 1980's and we had movies in the assembly hall on Saturday nights. Some master decided it would be a good idea to put on the 1980 movie The Elephant Man. The hall was completely silent which was very unusual, and after which we all walked back to our boarding houses and barely said a word before we all went to bed. A lot different effect on 400 boys from when say they put on Bruce Lee's Enter the Dragon, after which we were all Kung Fu Fighting on our way back to our boarding houses. I'm not sure I've got the stomach to watch The Elephant Man again.

[@vampyre4me]

Bless you, darling. Really, truly, sending you virtual hugs. ❤❤❤

[@wendyhoag9637]

I experienced the same thing after seeing the movie. My date and I didn't say a word after the credits, nor the whole drive home. It was the saddest thing I had ever seen in my life.

[@jwv6985]

What a tragic story. Makes me feel silly for complaining about things in my life that haven't gone well. 🥺

[@Dragon1Grrl]

is ok to have difficulties in life, we aren't competing in a 'suffering olympics'. I get the impression that Merrick was not bitter about his lot (from what i have seen in this video) but i can't find the words i want to say to convey all my thoughts on this.

[@kristinbreaux1918]

As sad as it is that he was treated so horribly, I'm heartened by the amount of people that came out to support him

[@HavianEla]

Later in life, after it became “acceptable” to do so. Joseph deeply deserved better, and from experience as a disabled person, I can assure you that at least SOME of the kindness he received later in life was given with patronization.

[@gabriellagalli8564]

Joseph had a horrible and painful childhood, but he still remained a strong individual, something that I greatly admire. His story is proof that no matter what, always try to be kind and compassionate towards others.

[@mariealexander9545]

the poem he wrote brought tears to my eyes lm so glad he spent his last years safe and happy l can only imagine how awful his life must have been until the doctor helped him RIP Joseph

[@joeysplats3209]

It seems Mr. Merrick was not a bitter man, despite nearly the whole world recoiling in horror at his appearance. Commendable.

[@Bald.Lady.Crone.]

The doctor's kindness was life changing ✨️

[@purplegothicqueen]

He wasn't that kind. Little respect was given to Merrick after death.

[@elvenkind6072]

Really a sad story. The ignorance of people can get to the point of extreme cruelty. It was really touching with the picture of the woman that smiled at him at 13:45. Thanks a lot for the story.

[@tracyanne64]

So sad 😞 I'm glad his final years were a bit better for him.

[@TheLegacy87]

Extremely sad that was the first movie that made me cry

[@susannewton970]

I watched the film many years ago and cried my eyes out through most of it .This dear man suffered so much in his life , if there is life after death I hope he is having a wonderful time and no longer in pain or disfigured. Xxx

[@susanrobinson910]

I have heard the story of Joseph Merrick many, many times. I am so thankful to the people who were with him at the end of his life, and that he was able to know kindness and friendship before his death. He didn’t deserve to be treated the way he was by society at large. I hope wherever he is now (depending on what you believe, I guess) that he is happy! Thank you so much for this video, and for doing it in such a gentle and compassionate way. ❤

[@chrisbrowne239]

I love that you spent so much time on his time at the hospital and on his happiness. I'd heard about the standard parts of the story before, the parts every other documentary or youtuber uses, but it's the little things we would take for granted like him getting to go and see a panto and being absolutely thrilled about it that I'd never heard before and that just break the heart a little more. That's what makes your channel so good

[@weldonreed1950]

No one does this format better! Don't change a thing!

[@WellINever]

Thank you, Weldon. 🙏

[@kathyn8780]

he could write such a beautiful poem after he had experienced such trauma and negativity off people, so pleased he did have the love of his mum to show him the way in life, such dignity and pure soul God Bless that man

[@momv2pa]

A lesson to all of us. The most attractive people can have the most corrupt souls. Mr. Merrick shows us that “not judging a book by its cover” was never more true in his case. God bless and RIP.

[@georgewashington938]

Merrick was such a beautiful spirit, being able to suffer incredible pain and indignities while not harboring bitterness or resentments. He is an inspiration and positive example to us all.

[@Thundralight]

Many viewed him as a monster because of his appearance but the real monsters were those that mistreated this unfortunate man.

[@goodday126]

Joseph really is one of the most heartbreaking medical cases in history.

[@lydiavliese8246]

Thank you, sir. You have honoured Joseph Merrick.

[@charleendavis8171]

Thank you for such a touching telling of Joseph's life. My grandparents loved the movie of his life starring John Hurt and after seeing it I have long been fascinated by his acceptance of his condition and his kindness. I'm so happy he found comfort and friendship in his final years. His art was so incredibly beautiful. He was an extraordinary man and someone I would very much have enjoyed knowing. ❤

[@jmgfx4161]

He gained the respect he deserved in life after his death. Undoubtedly Joseph Merrick has left a lasting impression on the world.

[@garyedwardgray7549]

Very interesting… and pleased to hear that his final four years were RELATIVELY happy. I’m also glad that so many stepped up to help him. For example, though she’s mentioned but not really “credited”, I’m sure the Lady whose box Merrick was in for the Christmas theater show was aware that her box would be used for this… and she approved it. Many caring people seemed to reach out to help him. Overall, his story is a tragic one. But the fact that his final years were his best years does make it somewhat less horrific. I’m glad he was able to find some comfort and happiness in the end.

[@Alaryicjude]

I think I saw a plaster cast or skeleton replica or both at the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia. It was two decades ago now so I don't fully remember all of what we saw there but I'm so glad to hear he had some happiness in his life. He sounds like a real trooper and it seemed he always kept his kind heart. The part where he said Layla was the first woman to ever smile at him and shake his hand, I lost it. It seemed that things mostly got better from there and that warms my heart. He had such a rough start and did nothing to deserve it. Thank you for all of this history on one of the world's most famous men!

[@Originella]

My father showed me the film version of this when I was between four and six. I wasn't frightened, just devastated. He loves telling the story of me asking, "Why were they so mean to him?" I just want to sit with him and talk to him, to this day. I think I would've been a wonderful friend to him.

[@ziriceII]

i was about the same age and i still remember the scene of sir anthony hopkins crying at the sight of him

[@gabriellagalli8564]

I remember the scenes where Joseph yells “I am NOT an animal! I am a MAN.”, the princess and the widow shook his hand and him receiving his very first gift in years

[@elainemoreland3908]

He had so much sadness in his life yet he always strived to better himself. Never unkind, brave and full of love. He should be a role model. I thank the people who worked and took care of him. RIP kind soul.

[@pimpozza]

Thank you for the fascinating live stream, Paul. Really enjoyed it.. 👍👏 Greetings to all from Italy 🇮🇹🙋🏻‍♀️

[@WellINever]

Thank you, Pimpozza! And thank you for your questions. We'll have to do a longer one next time. 😁

[@janetwebster5099]

Your appearance is immaculate and just right for the subject matter! It is as if you are a living "ghost" sent to tell us all of the present day's events! Really appreciate this authenticity, a big part of why I subscribed. And of course that you are British! :)

[@roxyabrooks864]

What a roller coaster of emotions I have for Joseph! I'm crushed by the way he was abused, relieved he had a kind Dr take a compassionate interest in his case, happy that he got to experience some fun and adventurous times, saddened by his pain (both physical, mental) and untimely death. What a brave and beautiful soul he must have had.

[@JJW77]

Well, I never can get over how cruel people can be to a good human being that is deformed.

[@chroniclesoflaura]

I’m glad the hospital and others tried to give him a decent last few years of life.

[@JootjeJ]

Thank you for focusing on his life and mental health and for the level of respect you show.

[@thebanjoman1963]

As a child born with a left hand deformity, I can somewhat understand his plight. The stares, the callous bullying children and even the mean adults. I have empathy for him and what he had endured. I am glad that he experienced some happiness and peace in the remainder of his life.

[@victorcontreras9138]

I admire so much this poor man's outlook despite the cruelty and sadness he experienced! He was strong in that he didn't commit suicide and many "normal" people do because they can't cope with trivial, sometimes silly problems. May his beautiful soul rest in the eternal peace he now has, free from the problems he had almost all his life🎗️

[@aquariusrose5621]

I remember hearing and watching the documentary on Joesph Merrick, and crying at certain points, from the horrible things he had to go though. I'm glad that you explained everything clearly of his gentle man...thank you for doing this video on him.

[@fay-amieaspen6046]

His name is Joseph Carey Merrick.

[@donnariahi2975]

You handled the life of Joseph Merrick in your normal truly respectful manner. You are a wonder. It does make you ponder the fact that while ‘society’ would have little or nothing to do with him, he was a well spoken & educated man.

[@benmcreynolds8581]

I admire him so much. Seriously certain people show us what TRUE STRENGTH IS and genuine good hearted character. Despite having every right to be mad at the world/ He fully lived his life instead. I admire the heck out of him and anyone else who struggles yet powers on and finds ways to enjoy the little things in life. Finding that perspective and internal feeling is something not everyone finds but if they do, it's blessing that let's you cherish the moment, where others might overlook, take for granted, or maybe not of even have engaged in it in the first place. So I appreciate anyone who finds this unique way of Life ❤️

[@patbowman6723]

Poor Joseph, what a miserable life he lived. In pain with no home and being laughed at by so many. NO one should live that life. RIP Joseph Merrick.

[@bettyfeliciano7322]

I have always heard of Mr Marrick & his deformities, but never heard his whole story until now. Thank you Paul for giving us an insight to this man and to once more prove that you can’t judge people by their outward appearances. Blessings to you! ❤️✝️

[@Sorchia56]

My heart and soul felt so much better for Joseph for the dignity shown to him in his later years. What a remarkable man he was. Finding joy in so much. Far too many today whine over this and that but have the truly suffered such as Joseph and the likes of him? May Joseph rest in peace, in God’s arms and with his mum. Thank you for doing such a brilliant job on Joseph’s life story.

[@RevengeRaptorREAL]

He seemed like a very gentle and kind soul. I would have loved to meet him. He deserved a better social life, with how shortlived it was.

[@VeraBean]

I'm familiar with his story. So glad you covered it with the dignity you always present. Always warms my heart to know his last few years he was treated well and lived a relatively "normal" life.

[@agolftwittler1223]

Poor man. Such a tragic story.

[@thebirdee55]

As usual, you tell his story in such a classy way. Such a sad story of such a sweet, intelligent man.

[@Mr666999666999]

Simultaneously "The Elephant Man" film is a favourite & also very difficult for me to watch!. From what I've read he seemed very intelligent, friendly, & polite. It's strange, he seems like a national treasure in the U.K & a lot of people feel for him.

[@Sunriru]

look not at ones outward appearance, but what lies within oneself. he was truly a kind soul. so loving and not filled with hate. may he always be remembered for his caring soul.

[@rheverend]

It must be agonizing for parents to know that the child you adore will face pain and ridicule from his or her peers. Breaks my heart to think of what little ones go thru simply because they’re different

[@balaton1]

Sometimes, the greatest of us are hidden. Rest In Peace Mr. Merrick. You EARNED it.

[@Cheryltwin2012]

It's hard to imagine a person getting a worse hand dealt to them by life than Joesph Merrick. He had known, apart from his mother, nothing but brutality, shame and humiliation. Then Dr. Treves gave him a chance to live a life that, while sheltered and separated, was also filled with dignity and warmth. I'm always shocked to see the little church he fashioned. It's so lovely and intricate it's hard to believe the young man who could no longer roll cigars could have made it. Also, one of the things Joseph wanted was a gentleman's dressing bag, complete with clothes brushes, bottles for after shave lotion and other necessities a gentleman would find indispensable. Someone, Dr. Treves probably, did get him one and he prized it. Joseph had known such little happiness that any gesture that was gentle and thoughtful would render him speechless. He seems an altogether gentle and loving man. It's a shame his life was cut short, but he died in a comfortable room provided by friends rather than in some grimy alleyway. Thank you for telling his story with the same dignity and thoughtfulness.

[@davidbeaumont4455]

As always, a touching and compassion filled retelling that brought both a lump to my throat and a smile to my face. Again, I salute you, sir.

[@artianna85]

He left such a positive legacy. That’s admirable 😊

[@sweetpeatie7033]

As someone who is insanely interested in the human body and mental health of people, this is such an interesting story and I'm glad you were respectful towards this man who lived his whole life having people stare at him in disbelief or awe. It's a bit rough to go this long in the afterlife still being continued to be stared at and gawked at, I think the hospital should just give the remains up. There's not much more to look at or figure out, I don't think he'd want this for himself. Of course, it'd be interesting to come across a case like this again, maybe his remains could SOMEHOW help, but with the way medicine has come I don't think Joseph would be needed anymore. He should be laid to rest and have people stop looking at him, it's quite sad to see. Even though I love learning about medical phenomena, it should be at the consent of the deceased right before they passed.

[@starrynight1329]

John Merrick's story has always made me cry, it is so heartbreaking. God bless the individuals who helped him. Shame on the hospital for treating his corpse with basic human dignity. They could easily make a replica.

[@fay-amieaspen6046]

His name is Joseph Carey Merrick.

[@starrynight1329]

@@fay-amieaspen6046 thanks for correcting me.

[@lindataghon5712]

Over the years I have read all I could find on Joseph!.., Also have seen the movie many times..., I think he was the Gentlest and kind human being I have ever researched in my life!.., I know he read the bible every day and Loved the LORD dearly!.., When I die, I wish to meet Joseph in heaven so I can give him a kiss and a hug for his most kindness and gentleness he lived by!.., God Bless Treves!

[@ImCarolB]

You made a kind and gentle rendition of the sad story of Joseph. It is so good that so many people gave much of their time and resources to make this young man's later life as enjoyable as possible. I will be pleased to meet Joseph in heaven where he is enjoying his transformation.

[@Matityahu755]

Joseph Merrick was an amazing and intelligent human being. His love of poetry and living a life as normal as possible but to the rebuke of Victorian, England. I'm pleased his easing towards the end of his amazing life was filled with joy of somewhat, by the doctor that brought him to hospital to give him security and acceptance. We should never judge a book by it's cover. One of my Desert Island Disks requests would be, to have met and had a conversation with this wonderful man.

[@ALFIEBOY-de9rh]

He endured more pain and suffering than anyone and he still made the most of his life and remained a great man, so much respect

[@HavianEla]

As someone with chronic pain, this story always broke my heart. Disabled folk often have to deal with psychological trauma from the stigma and harassment the general public and medical professionals give, but often times people SEVERELY underestimated the added psychological toll of never-ceasing agony. It’s easy to say emotional pain is worse than physical, until you’re CONSTANTLY in physical pain and realize that that suffering comes right along with psychological hurt.

[@MoonFlowers0107]

Wonderfully narrated, as always! I remember when I first (and last..) watched The Elephant Man, sobbed uncontrollably! He was such a beautiful soul born in such an unforgiving and cruel time in the world.. Showing such grace and humanity even after being thrown around and betrayed by those he put his trust in. Without holding resentment or ill will towards anyone.. His story is absolutely one which should be known to all for science sake, but more importantly to learn something deeper within ourselves.

[@keshhan6412]

I remember reading a condensed version of his story when I was a child, I think it was in an old Reader's Digest. It was incredibly moving and sad but I always thought how nice that he received kindness and humane treatment in his final days.

[@laurysteinke865]

This poor man. His depth of suffering is unimaginable!!

[@TheEnzyme94]

I watched and read about him as a child. He was the reason I knew I would be in the medical field.

[@nabila1379]

This is another heartbreaking story, but I'm glad Merrick found happiness in his later years. Thank you for the awesome video, as always. I love how you always tell the stories objectively and with full of respect. Keep up the good work!

[@Liz-cmc313]

This story has always been close to my heart. As always I'm in tears hearing his story again.

[@secretshaman189]

A compassionate review of this man's life, well done!

[@miapdx503]

Perhaps this man visited our world for the purpose of teaching compassion, and human understanding. We could have learned so much from him. He was an exceptional man.

[@hellbornbrat]

Coming from the q & a! Hope u do another one!! ❤❤

[@WellINever]

The time went so quickly! I think we shall certainly have to plan another. 😁

[@jstringfellow1961]

This is the first time I've heard anything really good about Mr. Merrick. I am so very happy to know that he is a Christian man. He will be raptured with the rest of us, and oh, how he will rejoice to be given his very perfected body! We will have to be told who he is! I am so very happy I watched this video. I never knew he lived out his last days at the hospital where he could be seen with the bird and in nature when he desired; until the end. Thank you for the presentation.

[@FucU4ever]

WOW, Thank you. I grew up reading through many Guinness books in the 80s. This video put some soul and personal touches to a real person vs statistic oddity , thank you for that. My heart truly goes out to him. I wonder what doctors today would have done for him? Surgery wise I am thinking he would have a lot more mobility, dexterity and a longer life, full and active. As far as his remains go, atleast a part of him was interred with some dignity

[@lukemorrison9653]

The way he was treated by his family is almost neglectful. It breaks my heart that his life was awful and everybody at that time should of treated him better. I'm extremely glad that he got to have a normal life at the very end. May you rest in pace Joseph Merrick.

[@priestessmikokikyo77]

Only his mother loved him that is the most tragic thing he is now at peace in Gods Holy Arms. RIP.

[@rabbitsonjupiter6824]

Thanks for this wonderful episode. You told Joseph's story with such compassion and respect. I thought it was a lovely tribute to him ♥️

[@dinascharnhorst6590]

Beautifully and sensitively handled, Paul. Such a tragic life of a man with a beautiful soul and mind. One wonders which of the causes mentioned might've been responsible...and how it would have been handled today. May he rest well, and may his memory be a blessing.

[@tammywheetley2384]

For years i've been always curious about Joseph Merrick.... I'm really happy to hear about the History of such a wonderful person...

[@zepmarq]

This broke my heart. I remember watching the movie "The Elephant Man" as a kid and how sad it made me feel even back then. Thank you for giving us this....

[@tinastanley4444]

He was a beautiful man. Imo RIP God bless you

[@diagorosmelos3187]

I live on the same spot in Lee street Leicester, where Merrick was born. There is a car park built over most of the old Street of terraced houses so they have all gone, but there is a commemorative plaque placed on Lee street for joseph. The rest of Lee street has new built flats which i am in directly over the spot of Merrick's house.

[@lynfawcett221]

Such a sad story. Joseph Merrick was such a strong person. He was shown kindness at the end of his short life. Thank you for telling his story.