British Samson

Thomas Topham, often referred to as the "British Samson," was a legendary strongman from the 18th century, known for his remarkable feats of strength. Born in London in 1710, Topham worked as a carpenter before gaining fame for his incredible physical prowess.

Early Life and Discovery

Topham's path to fame began in a somewhat humble and accidental manner. While working as a carpenter, his incredible strength was noticed by his peers, who encouraged him to demonstrate his abilities in public. His feats quickly became the stuff of legend, and he soon transitioned from a tradesman to a professional strongman, performing in public exhibitions.

Legendary Feats

Topham's strength was the central feature of his performances, and he became known for several extraordinary feats:

1. Breaking a Rope: One of his most famous acts involved breaking a thick rope by placing it around his chest and expanding his ribcage. This feat required not just brute strength but also remarkable control over his body.

2. Lifting Heavy Weights: Topham could lift enormous weights, including a famous demonstration where he lifted a large oak table with his teeth while holding two men on the table. This particular feat showcased not only his lifting ability but also his neck and jaw strength.

3. Iron Bar Bending: He could bend iron bars with his bare hands, a feat that impressed and astonished his audiences. This demonstration was often part of his public exhibitions and helped cement his reputation as a modern-day Hercules.

4. Lifting a Horse and Rider: In one of his most famous displays, Topham reportedly lifted a horse and rider off the ground, an incredible testament to his strength and balance. 

5. Pulling Against a Horse in Moorfields: Topham once pulled against a horse in Moorfields, showcasing his incredible strength and determination. This feat demonstrated his ability to match the power of a horse using only his own physical strength.

6. Lifting an 800-pound Rolling Stone: He lifted an 800-pound rolling stone with his hands alone, standing in a frame above it and holding the chain fastened to it. This feat required immense upper body strength and control.

7. Rolling Up a Pewter Dish: Topham could roll up a pewter dish weighing seven pounds with his bare hands. This feat showcased his ability to manipulate solid metal objects with ease.

8. Squeezing a Quart Pot: He held a quart pot at arm's length and squeezed the sides together like eggshells. This demonstration highlighted his exceptional hand strength and grip power.

9. Lifting 200 Weight with His Little Finger: Topham could lift 200 weight (approximately 224 pounds) with his little finger and move it gently over his head. This feat required not only finger strength but also balance and coordination.

10. Lifting an Oak Table with His Teeth: He lifted a six-foot-long oak table with half a hundredweight (approximately 56 pounds) attached to it using his teeth in a horizontal position. This remarkable display emphasized his jaw strength and endurance.

11. Bending an Iron Bar: Topham could bend an iron bar three inches in diameter around his arm. This feat showcased his ability to apply tremendous force and manipulate thick metal bars.

12. Lifting Two Hogsheads of Water: He lifted two hogsheads of water, demonstrating his ability to manage extremely heavy loads. A hogshead typically holds around 63 gallons, making this feat incredibly impressive.

13. Heaving His Horse Over a Turnpike: Topham reportedly heaved his horse over a turnpike, a feat that highlighted his immense lifting power and ability to manage large, unwieldy objects.

14. Dropping a Sleeping Watchman and His Cabin in a Burial Ground: In one of his more unusual feats, Topham allegedly carried a sleeping watchman and his cabin and dropped them in a burial ground, showcasing his ability to lift and transport heavy loads.

Legacy

Thomas Topham's legacy endures as a symbol of extraordinary human strength. His feats have been recorded in various historical accounts, and he remains a figure of fascination for those interested in the history of strongmen and physical culture. His life story serves as a reminder of the incredible potential of human strength and the sometimes tragic interplay between personal turmoil and public success.