The talk at the Henry Bloom Noble Library in Douglas on Tuesday (March 17) will explore the life of Caley, who was born in Sulby in 1824 and grew to 7'11''.

It will be delivered by local writer John Quirk, who is writing a biography of Caley due to be published by the Manx Heritage Foundation later this year.

The project began when he was contacted by Carlton Mealin, one of Caley's descendants, who had been researching the Giant's life for several years.

Mr Mealin had compiled an impressive array of newspaper articles, family stories, anecdotes and photographs about the gangly celebrity.

'Caley's life story is fascinating,' Mr Quirk said. 'He was most likely a tall teenager, but he didn't really start growing until he was in his late teens and that carried on through his twenties.

'He was exhibited in Manchester and the north west before moving on to London and Paris.'

Caley was reported to have died in Paris, only to resurface in New York several years later where he worked with promoter P.T. Barnum under the alias Colonel Routh Goshen.

------------

>> Wikipedia: PT Barnum

------------

He is thought to be the tallest giant ever exhibited by the Barnum & Bailey Circus in its Greatest Show on Earth, watched by thousands of people each night.

Mr Quirk said: 'In today's world of glamorous movie stars and reality TV celebrities, it's difficult to appreciate just how popular Barnum's museum, shows and circuses were in the 19th Century.

It's not too far a stretch to suggest that Caley and his peers were celebrities of similar standing for that time period.'

All are welcome to the talk in the Henry Bloom Noble Library, Victoria Street, Douglas, starting at 7.30pm.

For more information contact Jeff Garland on 664796 or via email at jeffgarland@wm.im