Jeffery Hudson, who was born in Oakham, was only only 18 inches tall until he was 30 years of age. Then he started to grow again but he never exceeded 3 feet 6 inches.

As you can imagine, he was something of a curiosity, and at a banquet given in honour of the King and Queen, he was served up in a cold pie for their amusement. As a result he was taken into Royal service and knighted by the King.

His later history was no less remarkable. On his way to France to acquire a French servant he was captured by pirates and fought a battle with a turkeycock.

He must have escaped for later we hear of him on another foreign mission, this time being captured by Turkish pirates, sold as a slave then ransomed only to return for the Civil War when he was appointed a captain for the Kings army, fighting the Round Heads.

As if this was not enough, he was to fight a famous duel and ended up shooting his opponent. After this his luck ran out, he had various ups and downs, living in obscurity for some time. He died in prison in 1682.

He packed the most into his life of 63 years despite only being knee-high and riding a pony.

Richard Lawson, a pupil at Oakham School, for writing the original text for this page.

If you would like to add to this page please email info@rutnet.co.uk.