Henry was born on the 12th June 1853 at Robinsons Yard,Commercial Street, Norton near Malton, North Yorkshire. After receiving a few years schooling Henry or Harry as he had become to be known was sent into farm service. He then went to Rosedale Abbey(north yorks)and became an Ironstone Miner in the local mine. This was the time which would change Harrys future forever for it was here in one of the valleys ajoining Rosedale where Harry was struck down by a severe fever, possibly typhoid because in 1869 there was a serious outbreak of typhoid in Rosedale and many died or suffered serious after effects. This kept him confined to his bed for thirteen weeks. During this time his size increased enormously. Eventually he would increase in height to a total of 8ft 6 inches with hands 13inches long and feet 17inches long.

When Harry left Rosedale he went to North Skelton Pit(called Fogga Pit in those days). He became known to the local residents as Long Harry. It is reported that Harry was spotted by a fairground owner at Brotton, North Yorks and he was invited to join the Circus. He toured places such as Leeds, Newcastle, Bradford, Morcambe, Sunderland etc.Harry became noticed by Mr P T BARNUM of the famous Barnum travelling show and was soon to join them and travelled to America with the largest show on earth billed as The Tallest Man in the World.

Harry was to travel America and Canada with several circuses for the rest of his life. Harry was know by many entertainers names i.e. Henry Alexander Cooper, Colonel H.A.Cooper etc. In 1882-84 he was with the Adam Forepaugh Circus as a giant in the side show. In 1887 he applied to become an American Citizen.

It was while Harry was travelling to Edmonton that he became ill and this meant that he had to be left behind at Calgary (Canada) while the circus moved on. He was tended by two doctors but despite this he passed away at the age of 46 and a weight of 29 stone. He was surrounded by his brother Oddfellows.He was buried in Calgary, Canada.

This site offer brief information about the life of Henry Cooper. A detailed biography of Henry Cooper can be obtained here.

Comments on the book and this site can be email to: