Elephant man joseph merrick biography of christopher

(1862-1890)

Who Was Joseph Merrick?

At a young age Joseph Merrick began to develop physical deformities that became so extreme that he was forced to become a resident of a workhouse at age 17.

Seeking to escape the workhouse several years later, Merrick found his way into a human oddities show in which he was exhibited as "The Elephant Man."

After an unsuccessful trip to Belgium, Merrick returned to London and was eventually brought to the London Hospital.

Elephant man joseph merrick biography of christopher

Unable to care for Merrick, the chairman of the hospital published a letter asking for public support. The resulting donations allowed the hospital to convert several rooms into living quarters for Merrick, where he would be cared for the rest of his life.

He died from a broken vertebra on April 11, 1890, at the age of 27.

Early Life and Healthy Childhood

Joseph Carey Merrick was born on August 5, 1862, in Leicester, England, and was by all accounts a healthy child at birth.

However, by the age