In 18th-century Yorkshire, one man drew attention not for his intellect but for his extraordinary facial feature. Thomas Wedders, also known as Thomas Wadhouse, reportedly had a nose measuring an astonishing 7.5 inches, earning him the record for the largest nose ever documented.
A Curious Celebrity
Born around 1730, Wedders’ striking appearance made him a subject of fascination, and he is believed to have participated in freak shows. Newspapers and magazines of the time often wrote about him with irony and humor, with The Strand Magazine in 1896 joking that if nose size determined importance, Wedders could have conquered Europe.
A Life Shrouded in Mystery
Despite his fame, very little is known about Wedders’ personal life. Records don’t reveal how he felt about his nose, whether he willingly joined exhibitions, or what kind of life he led. He died in his 50s around 1780, leaving behind only stories, satirical commentary, and later, wax replicas displayed in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not.
The Origins of His Nose
The cause of Wedders’ extraordinary nose remains unknown. Some researchers suggest a rare illness or genetic anomaly may have played a role, while rumors even hint at unusual family circumstances contributing to his distinctive appearance.
Viral Fame in Modern Times
Recently, a photo of Wedders’ wax figure went viral on Reddit, sparking reactions ranging from shock to humor, with users comparing him to Squidward from SpongeBob or even an oversized anteater.
Historical and Modern Records
Guinness World Records recognizes Wedders as the historical record holder for the longest nose. Today, the title belongs to Mehmet Özyürek from Turkey, whose nose measures 3.46 inches.
Though much of Thomas Wedders’ life remains a mystery, his enormous nose and unusual story continue to capture the imagination of generations, a reminder of humanity’s enduring fascination with the extraordinary.
