John Middleton the Giant: Childe of Hale, One of the Tallest Men

John Middleton, known as the "Childe of Hale," was a giant from Hale, Lancashire, who lived in the 17th century and was over 9 feet tall. His landlord, Sir Gilbert Ireland, accompanied him to the court of James I, where he wrestled and defeated the king's champion.

John Middleton the Giant Childe of Hale, One of the Tallest Men
Contemporary painting of John Middleton, Childe of Hale, hanging at Liverpool's Speke Hall.