Joseph Carey Merrick, better known as ‘The Elephant Man’ was born in Leicester, England, on the 5th of August 1862. He was the eldest of three children, a sister and a brother who died at the age of five. Named after his father, Joseph and given his second name after the leading Baptist preacher and missionary, William Carey.

 Joseph did not show signs any physical distortions until the age of two and was believed to have ‘Elephantiasis’ which was later diagnosed as ‘Proteus syndrome and Neurofibromatosis’ both affecting the central nervous system and genes which control the growth of cells. After the death of his mother in 1873 (who was also believed to be a cripple) Joseph ran away from home many times when his father remarried his stepmother, who would make his life ‘a perfect misery’ and was forced to ‘hawk’ on the streets as he was unable to find proper employment due to his condition. Soon after, Joseph’s predicament grew worse and he was reduced to labouring in a workhouse for a considerable amount of time, until the age of seventeen when he decided to become a sideshow freak.

It was then that he came to the attention of Sir Frederick Treves, a young surgeon from the Royal London Hospital. He befriended Joseph and during the course of their friendship he discovered in Joseph, a courageous spirit and the most gentle and dignified nature, and the intelligence of a normal human being. Joseph was cared for and given permanent residence at the Whitechapel Hospital until his death on the 11th of April 1890. He was found lying in his bed having asphyxiated from the weight of his head (Joseph could not sleep lying down; he slept in an upright position with his knees bent and his arms and head rested on them. He had a pile of pillows to support his back to try and make it more comfortable for him, though I doubt it was ever the slightest bit comfortable). It is believed by many people that Joseph meant to slip away (knowing he was nearing the end of his life anyway) as during past conversations with Dr Treves, Joseph often brought up the subject of being able to lay down, like normal people. Others believe it was a last attempt of Joseph’s determination that went tragically wrong.

To this day Joseph’s skeleton remains on display at The Royal London Hospital and is used for scientific studies in an attempt to find a cure for Proteus syndrome. Parts of Joseph are buried in an unmarked grave in an unknown location. There are no documents signed by Joseph giving his consent to leave his body to science after his death.

There has been some confusion about Joseph’s real name; in Dr Frederick Treves’ memoirs he refers to him as ‘John’, though it is said to be a deliberate mistake due to Treves’ old age. There is no evidence that Joseph’s name was anything but ‘Joseph Carey Merrick’.

Joseph’s story has been made famous through David Lynch’s film ‘The Elephant Man’ starring John Hurt who portrayed him as ‘John’ Merrick. He has also been the subject of a Broadway play and several biographies.

Joseph’s extraordinary and moving story has inspired and captured the hearts of many worldwide.