The study of teeth proves invaluable to archaeologists. Teeth preserve well and frequently feature among unearthed human remains. Their examination unveils a trove of information, discerning not only the sex and age of the individual but also shedding light on diet, disease, and even geographic origins through isotope analysis.
In Calgary, Canada, there exists a burial site that, upon exhumation and isotope analysis of the teeth, would reveal a childhood spent in Scugdale. This skeleton would also indicate a height of 8 feet 6 inches—a veritable giant of a man.
Henry Alexander Cooper, known locally as the “Scugdale Giant,” presents a tale woven with ambiguity. Conflicting reports suggest his birthplace could be Swainby or Norton, but what is known is his youth in Scugdale, marked by various manual labours, from farm work to mining. A pivotal moment in his adolescence saw a severe illness trigger an extraordinary growth spurt, propelling him to his remarkable height and altering his destiny. His immense stature and strength earned him the affectionate moniker “Long Harry” and cemented his local legend.
Henry’s unique physicality did not go unnoticed. A travelling circus owner saw his potential and offered him the chance to exhibit his extraordinary height. Thus began Henry’s career in show business, eventually leading him across the Atlantic to P.T. Barnum’s illustrious American show. Billed as the “Yorkshire Giant,” he captivated audiences with his towering presence. America brought not only fame but also love; he married a tall American woman, and together they built a family. Their life for years revolved around touring North America with various circuses and sideshows, with rumours of a child born at a staggering 17 pounds.
Tragically, Henry’s life ended at the age of 46. While travelling to Canada, he succumbed to illness in Calgary. Initially buried without a marker, his final resting place was eventually honoured with a proper headstone, secured by his devoted family.
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