35 Facts About Angus Macaskill

Early Life and Family

Angus MacAskill's story begins in a small Scottish village. His early years were quite different from what one might expect for someone who would later be known as a giant.

1. Angus MacAskill was born in 1825 on the island of Berneray in the Sound of Harris, Scotland.
2. He was the fourth of ten children born to Norman MacAskill and Christina Campbell.
3. As a baby, Angus was so small that his survival was not expected.
4. At the age of six, his family emigrated to the New World, settling in Englishtown, Cape Breton Island, around 1831.

Growth and Physical Characteristics

Angus's transformation from a small child to a towering giant was nothing short of extraordinary. His physical attributes were both impressive and unique.

5. Angus experienced a dramatic growth spurt during his adolescence.
6. By his early twenties, he stood at an impressive 7 feet 9 inches (2.36 meters) tall.
7. He weighed over 500 pounds (230 kilograms), making him the tallest non-pathological giant in recorded history.
8. His shoulders measured 44 inches wide, and his hands were nearly a foot wide and 12 inches long.
9. His boots were 17.5 inches long, and his feet were approximately 16 inches long and 8 inches wide.

Feats of Strength

Angus's strength was legendary, and his feats of power were well-documented. These acts of strength made him a local hero and a figure of fascination.

10. He could lift a 2,800-pound ship's anchor to his chest.
11. Angus could carry barrels weighing over 350 pounds each under his arms.
12. He was known to lift a hundredweight (112 pounds) with two fingers and hold it at arm's length for ten minutes.
13. One of his most impressive feats was lifting a ship’s anchor weighing between 2,200 and 2,700 pounds.
14. Despite being seriously injured by one of the anchor's flukes, he successfully completed the lift.

Challenges and Show Business

Angus's strength often led to challenges from skeptics. His career in show business brought him fame and recognition far beyond his local community.

15. He was challenged by a fighter named Red McManus, who called Angus a coward and a phony.
16. In a makeshift ring, Angus crushed every bone in McManus’s hand, ending the fight swiftly.
17. In 1849, Angus joined P.T. Barnum’s circus, performing alongside General Tom Thumb.
18. He toured across North America and Europe, drawing large crowds and widespread attention.

Recognition and Legacy

Angus's incredible feats and gentle nature earned him recognition from royalty and a lasting legacy in his community and beyond.

19. Queen Victoria invited him to perform at Windsor Castle.
20. After his demonstration, she proclaimed him the tallest, stoutest, and strongest man to ever enter the palace.
21. She presented him with two gold rings in appreciation.
22. After his show business career, Angus returned to Englishtown and opened a general store.
23. He also purchased several real estate holdings and a gristmill, becoming a wealthy man.

Illness and Death

Despite his immense strength, Angus's life was cut short by illness. His death marked the end of an era for his community.

24. In the summer of 1863, Angus fell ill with what was described as brain fever.
25. He died peacefully in his sleep on August 8, 1863, at the age of 38.
26. His custom-made coffin was large enough to float three men across the Bay of St. Ann’s.
27. A tombstone at his grave in Englishtown bears the inscription: "Erected To The Memory Of Angus MacAskill The Nova Scotia Giant Who Died August 8, 1863 Aged 38 Years".

Community and Cultural Impact

Angus's legacy lives on in his community and in the cultural memory of those who knew of his incredible feats.

28. In his home community, Angus was affectionately known as "Big Boy" or "Gille Mòr".
29. His family has spread across Canada, sharing stories about his incredible feats and legacy.
30. Despite some modern strongmen questioning the accuracy of his feats, contemporary accounts confirm his incredible strength and size.
31. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Angus as the strongest man, the tallest non-pathological giant, and the largest true giant in recorded history.
32. His deep-set blue eyes and musical, if somewhat hollow voice, contrasted dramatically with his massive size.
33. Angus found joy in simple tasks like working on his family farm and fishing.
34. He shied away from attention and would often skip church to avoid drawing people’s attention away from the weekly sermon.
35. His life and achievements have significant historical importance in Scotland, reflecting the country’s rich history and tradition of strongmen.

Angus MacAskill: A Legacy of Strength and Stature

Angus MacAskill's life is a testament to human potential. Born in 1825, he grew from a tiny baby into a giant standing 7 feet 9 inches tall and weighing over 500 pounds. His feats of strength, like lifting a 2,800-pound anchor, are legendary. Known as the Cape Breton Giant, Angus wowed audiences in P.T. Barnum’s circus and even performed for Queen Victoria. Despite his size, he was gentle and well-loved in his community. After retiring from show business, he became a successful entrepreneur. Angus passed away at 38, but his legacy endures. Recognized by the Guinness World Records, his story continues to inspire. From his humble beginnings in Scotland to his remarkable life in Canada, Angus MacAskill remains a symbol of strength, resilience, and community spirit. His life reminds us of the extraordinary capabilities within us all.