The extraordinary story of the ‘New Zealand Giants’ who toured Victorian Britain
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By Holly Phillips, East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
A family from New Zealand, billed as “giants”, captivated Victorian Britain with their extraordinary size. But their story, recently unearthed by researchers at Hull History Centre, is one of both wonder and exploitation.
The family – the Kereopa – were Māori with a genetic condition called gigantism, causing them to grow to exceptional heights. Paikea Kereopa, the father, stood at 6ft 10in (2.08m), while his wife, Hine-i-tūrama, reached 6ft 6in (1.98m). Their children were also unusually tall.
In 1881, showman W.H. Chapman brought the Kereopa family to Britain, advertising them as “The New Zealand Giants”.They toured extensively, appearing in circuses, music halls, and exhibitions, drawing huge crowds eager to witness their impressive stature.
Advertisements promised audiences the chance to see “the largest family on Earth”, and photographs show them posing proudly beside bemused onlookers. The family’s height was a spectacle, and they became a popular attraction.
However, the reality behind the spectacle was far more complex. Researchers discovered that the Kereopa family were not simply willing performers. Letters held at the Hull History Centre reveal a story of financial exploitation and a longing to return home.
The family were promised a share of the profits from their performances, but this was rarely honoured.They were often poorly accommodated and faced discrimination due to their ethnicity and size.
“They were essentially trapped,” explains researcher Dr. Helen Graham. “Chapman controlled their movements and finances, making it difficult for them to leave.”
Despite the hardships, the Kereopa family maintained their cultural identity. they continued to practice their traditions and language, and Paikea even carved intricate wooden panels during their time in Britain, some of which are now held in museum collections.
The family eventually returned to New Zealand in 1889, but their experience left a lasting impact. The story of the “New Zealand Giants” serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between spectacle, exploitation, and cultural identity in Victorian Britain. It also highlights the importance of uncovering the hidden stories behind past events and challenging dominant narratives.
Hull Fair: From Medieval market to Modern Instagram Hotspot
Hull Fair is one of the largest travelling fairs in Europe, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Once a local event for northern communities, it’s now popular with social media influencers.
It originated when King Edward I acquired Hull in 1293 and ordered there to be an annual six-week fair to be held from 25 May until 6 July.
However, it was not a fun fair. Rather it started as a big market, selling cloth and manufactured goods, attracting people from all over the north of Europe.
But it wasn’t long until the fair – enshrined in the city’s 1299 charter – shifted its focus to entertainment and amusement.
‘Freak shows’
Once the stalls had closed and trades were done, locals and those from further afield wanted to be entertained.
“There were freak shows,” Martin Taylor, city archivist at Hull History Centre, says.
“There were also animal displays and things like boxing and wrestling matches.”
It also used to feature musicians, circus performers and other exhibits and curiosities.
The New zealand “giant family” once appeared at the fair. Ruby and Wilfred Westwood were siblings billed as “the biggest girl in the world” and her “huge brother”.
Born as part of an average-sized family, the pair were paraded around fairs so the public could mock their abnormal size.
A law passed in 1871 saw the majority of customary fairs shut down by Victorian politicians who complained of “grievous immorality”, including rowdy behavior and drunkenness.
But Hull Fair has survived longer than most. Martin says he believes “The Greatest Showman” style of entertainment started to fizzle out in the 1960s.
Nottingham Goose Fair: A Centuries-Old Tradition Continues in 2025
The nottingham Goose Fair, one of Britain’s oldest and largest travelling fairs, is set to return to the Forest Recreation Ground from Friday, October 10th to Saturday, october 18th, 2025. This annual event, steeped in history and evolving with modern trends, draws hundreds of thousands of visitors with its thrilling rides, diverse food offerings, and vibrant atmosphere. In 2025, the fair promises new attractions alongside beloved traditions, continuing its legacy as a cornerstone of Nottingham’s cultural calendar.
A History Rooted in Livestock and Protest
The Goose Fair’s origins date back to 1773, though its roots extend even further to a medieval goose market held in Old Market Square. Originally, the fair was a three-day event focused on the sale of livestock, particularly geese, and agricultural produce. https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/goose-fair-history/
However, the fair’s date wasn’t always fixed in October. A dispute arose in 1783 when the fair was delayed by 11 days due to a calendar change.This delay negatively impacted local businesses and traders. Locals protested, and from that year onwards, 11 October, or the Friday nearest to it, became the official date.
Over time, the fair transitioned from a primarily agricultural market to an entertainment-focused event. By the late 19th century, the emphasis shifted towards rides, stalls, and amusements.As Martin (surname not provided in source) notes, it became “primarily becoming the entertainment experience that we know today.”
In 2019, the fair attracted approximately 800,000 visitors, and the trend of attracting large crowds continues. https://www.nottinghamshirelive.co.uk/news/nottingham-news/goose-fair-2023-dates-rides-7614991 A meaningful recent growth is the growing influence of social media, with influencers flocking to the fair to capture content for platforms like Instagram and TikTok. They showcase the diverse food and drink vendors and the thrilling rides.
For the 2025 fair, attendees can look forward to several new attractions:
* Big Ben Tower: Billed as the UK’s tallest ride, standing at 280ft (85m) high.
* Skyfall: A thrilling drop tower ride.
* The Matrix,Techno Power,and the Joker: New and exciting rides adding to the fair’s adrenaline-pumping offerings.
Foodies will also be delighted by the new culinary options, including Asian fusion cuisine, traditional fish and chips, and gourmet mac ‘n’ cheese.
Official Opening and Civic Pride
The official opening of the 2025 Goose Fair is scheduled for 17:00 on Friday, October 10th. Nottingham’s Lord Mayor, councillor Cheryl payne, will officially commence the festivities by ringing the fairground bell on a waltzer ride.
Councillor Payne emphasized the fair’s importance to the city, stating, “It is one of the city’s longest traditions and something the thousands of visitors really look forward to.” https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/goose-fair-2024/
The fair will run until Saturday, October 18th, offering nine days of fun and entertainment. While historically spanning longer periods, the fair has evolved to its current eight-day format.
Looking ahead
The Nottingham Goose Fair continues to adapt and innovate while preserving its rich heritage. As it embraces new technologies and caters to evolving tastes, it remains a beloved tradition for generations of Nottingham residents and visitors alike. The 2025 fair promises to be another memorable chapter in the long and vibrant history of this iconic event.