The Cape Breton Giant

Angus MacAskill born in 1825 is the world’s largest true giant; he suffered from no growth abnormalities.

Angus an ordinary size baby was born in Scotland, his mother and father were both of normal proportions. In adolescence he grew rapidly and at the age of 20 years old he was 7’ 4” eventually growing to 7’ 9”. He weighed 500 pounds and he measured shoulder to shoulder 44” wide. The palms of his hands were 8” wide as were his feet. Despite his size he was well proportioned, and was said to be pleasant and mild mannered.

In 1981 the Guinness Book of World Records recognized Angus as the tallest natural giant to ever live, as well as being the strongest man to ever live. Measurements of his chest were the largest of any none obese person measuring at 80” round.

Angus was known for his great strength, lifting a 2800 pound anchor to his chest. He had the ability to carry barrels weighing over 300 pounds in each arm. People have also claimed to have witnessed him lift a full grown horse over a 4 foot fence.

He entered show business in 1849 and worked for P.T. Barnum’s Circus. Queen Victoria had heard of Angus’s great strength and asked him to give a demonstration at Windsor Castle. Afterwards she proclaimed him the tallest and strongest man to ever enter the palace, and in appreciation gave him two gold rings.

After his career in show business demonstrating his strength, he returned home and bought a general store.

In the summer of 1863 Angus took a trip to sell produce and to buy stock for his store. During the trip he became ill and returned back to his parent’s home. He was diagnosed with brain fever and died a week later on August 8, 1863.

1989 the Giant MacAskill Museum was opened in Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye.

Mike Morris