Thomas Wedders: The Man With the World’s Longest Nose

When it comes to record-breaking body parts, there are long fingernails, tall hairdos, and towering statures. But in the 18th century, one man in Yorkshire, England, captured the world’s attention with something a little more… noseworthy .

Meet Thomas Wedders, also known as Thomas Wadhouse, the circus performer who became famous for having a nose that stretched to what experts believe was a staggering 7.5 inches long!

A Nose for the Spotlight

Born around 1730, Wedders found himself in the perfect time and place for his incredible nose. Traveling circuses and sideshows were booming, and people paid good money to see the strange, the spectacular, and the unbelievable.

Wedders’ nose became his calling card. Crowds would gather just to get a glimpse at a man whose face seemed to defy all proportions.

More Than a Curiosity

Contemporary writers weren’t always kind. Some described Wedders using harsh terms. None of the critics could stop Wedders. Instead of hiding from public ridicule, he carved out a career and embraced life as a performer.

In a world that wasn’t always welcoming to difference, Wedders’ ability to turn his feature into fame is nothing short of remarkable.

No Photos, Only Wax

Photography hadn’t yet been invented during Wedders’ lifetime, so we don’t have snapshots of the man with history’s longest nose. But his likeness lives on.

Wax figures of Thomas Wedders can still be found today inside Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Attractions, allowing guests to get nose-to-nose with one of history’s most fascinating figures.

The Nose Knows

Thomas Wedders’ story is more than just a tale about a long nose. It’s about how someone turned what could have been seen as a burden into a career that amazed and inspired.

Want to see this sniffer for yourself? Come visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and check out his wax likeness!