John Merrick's Story and Grave - The Elephant Man - Famous Graves

Todays Famous Grave & Story is that of Joseph Carey Merrick " The Elephant Man."
Joseph Carey Merrick (5 August 1862 - 11 April 1890), often erroneously called John Merrick, was an English man known for his severe physical deformities. He was first exhibited at a freak show under the stage name "the Elephant Man"
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Some information is taken from Wikipedia and other sources.

[@RachelMM250]

Oh the moment when he removed the pillows at the end of the movie had me in tears. John Hurt played the role incredibly well

[@wildwolf2567]

Poor young man. He thoroughly deserves a mention Such a gentle soul. Thank you Paul for this .

[@thecelticdruid7707]

I remember watching the film. I was a teenager, played rugby, went to the boxing gym, stood up to school bullies, so I thought I was really a tough Welshman from a mining family background, watching the film, I sobbed my heart out.

[@sandykenuk]

Rip John, you were a lovely human being,

[@ladygaynor16]

I agree. The true beauty lies within!

[@Lillilady888]

His condition is still suffered by people today so nothing new can be learnt from keeping the skeleton, other than for his fame. I think he should be laid to rest entire.

[@racheldemain1940]

Surely new teachings are helping Medical Students now . He should be fully laid to rest.

[@MPG.Brough]

Great story but such a sad way to end I agree his remains should be buried it's not 1890 it's 2024 we should do the right thing for.this man and allow.him.to rest in peace. Great drone footage Paul

[@TheElizabethashby]

HE IS EITHER WITH THE LORD OR IN HELL NO ONE RIP AFTER DEATH ONCE TO DIE THEN JUDGMENT

[@SUPERSKUNKWERX]

Just had a crazy moment! I have just realised Merrick is buried literally 10-15 meters away from where my grandfathers ashes are interred....never knew it.. Will give him a visit to pay my respects next time I go see grandad.. Amazing!

[@crystaldance5731]

You said this was going to be sad Paul and it really was heartbreaking to hear this wonderful human beings story the fact that he tried to work and seek employment to support himself with those awful deformities and being used for public exhibition was disgusting like you said John hurt played this character so emotionally thankyou Paul for acknowledging this dear soul god rest him rip ❤️🥲

[@AlanVanOutten-gl6iq]

Horrible horrible story, sadly society has not changed that much, great video Paul , very thought provoking.

[@thecelticdruid7707]

Your words are right. I have a good friend, he has learning disabilities and it shows physically. He was bullied relentlessly to the point that his mother had to move him to a different school. I befriended him as I saw past his obvious learning disabilities and saw that he really was and is a genuine, honest and kind person who would harm nobody. He lives alone but not far from his elderly mother. He has regular support from the authorities. He still gets taken advantage of by toxic people who manipulate him. He never married but goes on dating sites but is targeted by scammers and I try to warn him. He's 56 and is still looking to have a relationship with a woman, he deserves happiness. His name is Nicholas and I have him on my channel occasionally, you will see him.

[@irenedavies144]

What a sad story, in my opinion his bones should be buried. ,

[@janetpendlebury6808]

His bones helped doctors in the past to understand more about the condition he had. They are not on general display, and are no longer of use to him, so if they can help others in the future they should stay in the medical museum.

[@irenedavies144]

@@janetpendlebury6808 I think they have got all they need by now, they could even bring in a new team and do all the scans and what ever then bury him, it's about time. The guy has been a freak show 😞 for too long.

[@savethebeesplantherbs8809]

Agree respect a life no human is a plaything give the guy dignity

[@sonjastanger5858]

Felt soooo very bad for Mr Merrick, may he RIP ❤☦️🕊🙏🏽🪶

[@stevekirby1090]

I've been fascinated by Joseph Merrick for decades. John Hurts depiction of him was perfect. Joseph was a very cultured man, loved the arts and made a model of the hospital he finally found as a peace in on the top floor paid for by public donations. He had many famous visitors including Queen Victoria. He had a beautiful sole despite his outward appearance. He loved visiting the theatres in London. He said this of himself. "Ti's true my form is something odd, But blaming me is blaming God. Could i create myself anew, I would not fail in pleasing you. If i could reach from pole to pole, Or grasp the ocean with a span, I would be measured by the soul. The minds the standard of the man". Such beautiful words. Thanks Paul.

[@racheldemain1940]

I saw a programme on how they made the film and the hours John Hurt spent in Makeup to put the Features of John Merrick on.

[@legacy1830]

Of course his bones ( remains) should be reunited so that his remains are in one place. Many cemeteries insist on “all the ashes” and not just some of them . All or nothing!

[@michaelmarsh-bl9mg]

The film brought me to tears , people can be absolutely disgraceful.....RIP Joseph ❤️

[@bobbidazzler1343]

I went to see this film with my dad when it came out. It covered my eyes for half it. His story absolutely broke my heart. They were so cruel to him. RIP John. ❤❤❤❤

[@nicola6387]

Such a sad story 😢 what he went through was disgusting, all because people didn't understand. I've got a book on him and apparently he was very intelligent and very kind. Bless him. 🙏🏻 xx

[@patrickmcquade8286]

Imagine the pain he was in not being able to lie down and sleep R.I.P John Great video Paul

[@carlday3538]

Such a sad story .. he was a human being with feelings .. my heart weeps for him .. I hope he is at peace ,

[@radman2002]

Poem by Joseph Merrick 'Tis true my form is something odd, But blaming me is blaming God; Could I create myself anew I would not fail in pleasing you. If I could reach from pole to pole Or grasp the ocean with a span, I would be measured by the soul; The mind's the standard of the man.

[@Alasdair-uo8zg]

That's fantastic. Ta for posting.

[@clouddog2393]

What a lovely poem . Obviously beneath he's deformities Joseph was an intelligent man which made he's condition even more difficult to bear no doubt .

[@pamelahall1495]

Hi Paul ..Very interesting video…I never realised that this was a true story ..This poor man must have gone through hell …it’s so sad to think how people can be so cruel…Thankyou Paul your such a legend X💞

[@jamiepr1991]

And to think people with physical and mental disabilities and impairments get treated just as badly nowadays 😢😢💔💔🥺 So very sad.

[@MaryBrown-cn2uu]

Mr Paul, Mr Merrick is someone very very special. Thanku for bringing this to us. We complain about menial things in our lives, but Mr Merrick! Well he is the most ultimate humble human being. Wow Mr Paul. Had to reply to this being shown. 😟💚. And ♥️🌹 to Mr Merrick. And 💚 to John hurt who acted as Mr Merrick. R I p. Mr Merrick.

[@SarahTre100]

Very sensitively presented video as always. A lot of information I didnt know. I think his bones should be buried/cremated and laid to rest with the rest of him. He has been privy to people looking at him for long enough. What a tragic tale and a short tortured life. May his kind soul RIP 💚

[@roseyk7677]

My mother made me watch this movie when I was about 12....i look back now and understand her reasons for exposing me to suffering, and know she planted a seed of compassion within me. It's only as I've matured that I look back on all the films and stories she chose to watch and read, and they were always ones filled with sadness, grief and adversity. My mum was such a kind forgiving woman, Christian to the core, and truly humble. One of her sayings was, "never frown upon a child" She could never vocalise her feelings much, so she just went about her life being kind to everyone instead, and always believed their was a higher power. I remember the Elephant mans story, and I honestly believe it impacted me to be a much kinder and compassionate person to others. ❤

[@Cazgirl-hq4hi]

What a nice story..my mum was a similar type of person.

[@dee2251]

She sounds like she was a wonderful person and mother.

[@kimmaddison8686]

i love mr merrick such a brave young man thankyou for this beautiful story he suffered pain but forever left a medical legacy

[@andreadixon9452]

I remember watching the film as a child. So sad , he was a brave young man. Watching this made me cry.

[@garyroberts3375]

I have actually got a photo of the skeleton of Joseph a friend took it when they were doing a student medical tour of the London hospital they weren't suppose to but they did as a student dare .... I do believe that Joseph had a strong Christian faith and the rest of his remains should be given a Christian burial ..... RIP Joseph

[@martinbrazil4474]

Interesting ❤

[@junelaw4162]

So sad 27 is no age RIP ❤

[@racheldemain1940]

Might have been an age back then more than it is now.

[@kaybee2930]

When I first watched this movie I cried my eyes out. Michael Elphicks character was a nasty piece of work but a marvellous actor as was John hurt. RIP to these wonderful people ❤

[@andyarmstrong1493]

Really informative video, Paul. Terrible to think about the process that must have been used to extract his "soft tissue," prior to cremation. What a really tough life he must have had.

[@rachaelsevern8465]

A very sad story & what a hard life John Joseph Merrick had. He was called the elephant man as he was diagnosed with elephantiasis, which is Lymphatic filariasis. Thanks for another great vid Paul.

[@robertvanzant2653]

Poor guy , fucking grim life . He was truly an unfortunate victim , not like the woke freaks we have now a days . There more frightening in every way .

[@alaricamorganthe4912]

I also watched the film when I was a kid and I remember thinking at the end " Don't lay down you'll stop breathing" it broke my heart because he didn't deserve what he was put through by the public. John Hurt was magnificent. R.I.P. the 2 of you. 🌻🌻.

[@vforvictor7575]

John Merrick, what a very brave and intelligent gentleman who suffered at the hands of horrible people may he RIP.

[@sue-boo]

John Hurt portrayed him in the film. I thought it was very good but sad too.

[@terrysmith2117]

Thanks for another fascinating story. Sad, as well for that poor young man.

[@edd2097]

One of the best well done God bless john

[@joenewman7033]

Same as me 52, seen the film as a kid top man, thank you, John hurt brilliant actor

[@McBesty-wb8cm]

It's such a sad story & an even sadder end, I think his bones have now been studied enough & should be intered, so he can fully RIP 🙏😢

[@paulanewland2533]

Thank you Paul. Done with such sensitivity. Poor John - life was very cruel and hard back then. Nowadays he would have been better cared for. May he rest in peace, bless him.

[@jamiepr1991]

I doubt it very much nowadays people with disfigurement and disabilities still get treated appallingly 😢

[@molliesmomma]

I think he’d have suffered more because of social media, just look how cruel people can be when hiding behind a keyboard.

[@aliciacollins9886]

I remember watching the film and crying such a sad sad story, his short life was so troubled thank you for sharing his story and his resting place very interesting.

[@debbiemccarthy3864]

What a sad story ... Lovely tribute Paul ...Beautiful Plaque beautiful cemetery

[@moirahole1395]

God love him, so much misery in his life. He must have had so much personal courage to keep going. Another good one, Paul.

[@waynecorrigan2659]

Great video paul so sad the way he was treated.

[@tracyserfontein7026]

Good evening Paul. From South Africa. Sad but excellent video

[@peter.m.1825]

Hi Paul , Excellent film on Joseph Merrick (aka Elephant Man), how interesting i did no his skeleton were in the Whitechapel Hospital Museum, but never knew about the rest of of his remains..... Such a sad and very emotional, powerful film ,the 'Elephant Man'. When i first saw it on its release in London in 1980s, I witnessed many sobbing & crying Women leaving the Cinema during the film, something to this day i've never witnessed since....... Such a powerful film that portrays how a poor man were discriminated and treated badly for his looks & disabilities 😱😱🥲🥲. Thank You Paul for all your kindness & effort in showing us this film

[@ellesee7079]

Such a sad story, but even into the 20th century, you could still pay money to see a freaks show. I'd like to think that at the end, he found some happiness, and made the decision to have one night sleeping laid down, like everyone else. I thought the film was really good, and very clever to film in black and white, but I could've sworn they said the doctors name like 'Treevs'? Great vid Paul 🤗

[@racheldemain1940]

You are right it was Treeves. John Gielgud played the Hospital Director, Carr Gomm. I can still hear his voice from the film.

[@1089maul]

Paul. Thanks for a great but sad episode. So sad I with his affliction and the way he was handled! I think that his bones should now be interred with his ashes! Cheers mate, Bob

[@poc329]

I have always stood up for the underdog in life. There for the grace of God go I. I'm glad that he found Dr Treves later in life & treated with compassion & respect. It is one of the best films of all times. The acting & make up has stood the test of time. God Bless Joseph & thanks Paul for another great video.

[@1220b]

First ever VHS my parents rented in 1982. I was six years old and the film effected me deeply. I cried and understood disability for the first time. Also I realised the difference between cinema and movies. Without doubt the film is a true piece of art. Rest easy John.

[@jeffwalker7185]

They could take casts of his bones (pretty sure they already have) and then bury him. From what I recall of his story, he did not want to end up in a display case.

[@janetpendlebury6808]

I am sure he would have wanted the doctors to find out more about his deformities by looking at his bones after he died. They are not on public display.

[@alanbatt]

a great video, a sad story, yes John Hurt was incredible in the film

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

One of the best films ever made, quite frankly.

[@dianewood15]

Very sad story Thank you for sharing this one Paul

[@frank290862]

Bless you Joseph, you deserved so much better. Much love. X

[@simonhill3088]

Hi Paul I'm a Leicestershire fella and have been to where he lived. The last time I went which was a number of years ago, number 50 Lee Street was an abandoned shop beneath one of the main multi storey car parks in the city. Best wishes Si

[@Claire-be4gd]

❤watching the film as a kid broke my heart ..Thankyou for taking us along this was so interesting..RIP Joseph Merrick 😔🙏🏽

[@soo_p2]

Such a sad sad life John had. I can't begin to imagine what he went through. It must have been horrible, despicable father, others taking advantage to line their pockets. He was a kind sweet soul who deserved much better. I saw the film only once, it upset me. Rest in peace John. One of possibly the first to be in the 27 club. Never to be forgotten. Thank you Paul 🤗 Xxx

[@gwenkelly1]

thank you Paul for remembering John. it doest matter where his bones are! his soul is in a good place.

[@David_Mc_Our_God_Reigns]

Just watched back now Paul. Such a sad story I feel so sorry for him. Thanks mate take care 👍👍

[@GwynnB]

Thank you Paul great video and a sad story 😢

[@silverlaptop2022]

Joseph 🌹

[@gillnelson9037]

Very sad but interesting story. He was probably the most strongest person because he had to deal with so much ridicule all his life. Thanks Paul for sharing love from Holmfirth West Yorkshire 💜 🫰

[@555tg]

This was a great one to Cover Paul . Very Sad how John Merrick Lived and Died and how Unbelievably evil People Can be to another Human Being ..Thankfully there were People who tried to help this Poor Man .

[@josehall97]

Thank you Paul such a sad story 😢 I saw the film and it made me cry. Bless his heart.

[@grannieannie162]

I watched the movie it made me cry...people can be so cruel id of loved to have a some convocations with him

[@philipcorrigan507]

Very interesting video Thank you.

[@gillpaterson1913]

As always Paul...you tell the story...but always showing respect!

[@louissmith399]

RIP Joseph so young to go no more pain sad unloved life 🎉thanks poul nice video respect 🙏 top man 👨 👏 👍

[@KarlKeeley]

Thanks Paul for bringing this video this is so sad I have watched the film with John Hurt and Anthony Hopkins and thought it was a sad film what this poor man went through these actors played an amazing part

[@JohnSteed-ef7fl]

With watching this , I remembered that John hurt played him. It would be great if you visited hurts grave as he had a long and varied acting career and some iconic roles.

[@wendyjones7753]

I watched a reconstruction of what remained of his face. A computer graphic and I can tell you that he was a very handsome lad. Such a shame for all he must have gone through.. I suppose the hospital would have paid for a funeral for him . I think his bones have been so helpful for our budding doctors at that time .. its time to lay him completely to rest xx may he r.i p... loved thus one Paul . Always done with the upmost compassion as usual xxx thank you xx

[@TheBrummie1960]

Another fascinating presentation! Coincidentally, Jane Bunford, the world's tallest woman at the time, had a spinal deformity, dying at the age of 22. Although buried at St. Michael's Churchyard, Birmingham, near her family home at nearby Bartley Green, her skeleton mysteriously and controversially ended up preserved at Birmingham Medical School.

[@Spartacus45]

Will be tuning in to this one as Joseph Merrick was from Leicester and was shown at the old Gaiety Theatre on Wharf Street South. I used to work in the same building before it was demolished which was strange as the building was listed and had a blue plaque? He lived just across the road on Lee Street too which is also demolished.

[@carolsarah1959]

he came from were i was born i seen the film and cry every time RIP Joseph taken to soon you will never be forgot Bless you x and thank you for doing this story

[@GAZP1964]

Fantastic as usual Paul ,as I said on Facebook page we should be glad we live in these modern times , well done buddy

[@janicelee8743]

Thanks Paul...very sad what happened to him....such a shame people with disabilities still are treated badly 😢

[@helenmaynard5806]

So sad I couldn't imagine what he was going throw bless him rip John merrick ❤😔

[@pauljinks4446]

A sad story done so well 👍

[@zoeilobowdery8778]

He had neuroblastoma bless him I think it is allfull how he was treated Thank you for showing his resting place I r very kind and respectfull have you done Paulo hearts grave I would like to see it 🇫🇴🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@martinkirby3100]

Awesome video as usual Paul the elephant man is one of my favourite movies but I hope that the skeleton in the royal free hospital is a replica because if real then its a shame because he's being exhibited as a side show curiosity all over again

[@nemesis2264]

A replica of his skeleton is on display at the Royal London Hospital Museum and Archives. His real skeleton is kept in a private room at Queen Mary University of London's medical school and is not on display to the public.

[@mickthemerciless9694]

It's a book that brought me to tears several times. The film was tragic, compassionate and extraordinary.

[@ladygaynor16]

Thank you Paul for doing this very interesting video about Joseph Merrick. Such a sad story about this man who was judged by the way that he looked. I think that he must of been a very brave person, with all that he went through!

[@sobo1956]

That Poor Man and What he went Through very Sad Story John Hurt Played him well and also Anthony Hopkins as the Doctor thanks for Sharing Paul.

[@Wscb80]

Hi Paul and Thankyou for another amazing video. I honestly think the bones should now be interred as it’s like the freak show is still going on 130 years after his passing. He should be allowed to fully RIP now.

[@barryspeigel5287]

I’ve lived in that area most of my life and absolutely no idea poor Joseph was buried a few miles from my house, I shall definitely pay him a visit, thank you for the respectful way you spoke about him, I always hated the way the movie made me feel when I watched it all those years ago. (loving the channel Paul I only found this a few months ago)

[@UnusualThings1]

Cheers and hope you keep enjoying the vids

[@juliabenson9637]

I've watched a lot of your videos but I must say this is one of my favourites❤

[@patriciaridley457]

❤😊thanks for sharing your story very interesting about the Elephant 🐘 man I remember watching him I was young

[@kellysnowdon7736]

Another fantastic video Paul thank you for all your hard work x

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

This should be a good one. Looking forward to it Paul!

[@UnusualThings1]

Thank you for dropping in the chat Scott, much appreciated as always. 🙏

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

@@UnusualThings1 of course man

[@SharonHigham-jj6by]

Hello Paul. I too watched The Elephant Man+felt so terribly sorry for how people treated him…he was such an intelligent man!!! The actors in the film portrayed their characters perfectly yet sensitively!!! It was scary in parts but what a lovely man he was!!! Thank you for sharing his story, it’s so sad he died such a young man…RIP Joseph!!! X🙃❤️✝️🙏🏻 He should stay as he is now I think…it’s been so long now+the Medical World must have learned a lot from him over the years, let him rest in peace now!!!

[@kaybee2930]

Thank you for your caring reporting of this

[@joycebrown3102]

Hi Paul I've just watched your video of John Merrick sad story. But thanks for doing it 👍 Joyce

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

Hi Paul , Having been born and bred in Belfast and having lived here for over 58 years I enjoyed reading about you and your channel in The Sunday Life newspaper (7/4/24).

[@UnusualThings1]

Many thanks 🙏

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

@@UnusualThings1 You are welcome. Keep up the good work.

[@ughmazing8073]

Aww this is so sad. Poor man, it sounds like maybe the mother was the reason for the deformities. Great video.

[@CPDutch]

An incredibly brave, but tragic man. Rest easy John ❤️

[@sheilamcvay6592]

A sad story,well done Paul,respectful as ever,R.I.P Mr Merrick,lovely shots of the cemetery Paul with the drone x

[@ukphone4183]

Great video paul feel sorry for guy ❤❤❤ nice one bro

[@sophieunited1996]

Hi Paul and chat hope everybody doing great today

[@martinschermer5366]

Thanks Paul another great video thanks for letting us see it. Poor Joseph only 27 that's way to young. R.I.P Joseph

[@pearlmorgan777morgan6]

Thank you paul😊

[@juliekeys1880]

So very sorry for the young man.

[@darranweston9425]

He hasn't been able to rest in peace due to his skeleton being displaced. It's about time he was properly laid to rest instead of still being a sideshow. It's awful what he was put through, and it shows the horrible side of the human race to treat him so badly. Rest in Peace Joseph Carey Merrick and thank you Paul once again.