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Simeon Ellerton, The Englishman Who Spent His Life Devoted To Walking And Carrying Rocks On His Head
The 18th century eccentric spent his life obsessed with walking as much as he could and collecting rocks, which he insisted on transprting on his head
As humans, we all develop habits that bring us comfort in some way. Sometimes these are to our benefit, and at other times to our detriment. 18th century Englishman Simeon Ellerton was an early fitness fiend, who loved to walk as much as he could, traversing the country on foot. He also became an avid collector of rocks and stones, picking up and taking as many as he could home, typically by carrying them on his head. He became so accustomed to the weight that as his life went on he began carry a sack of stones on his head everywhere he went.
Born in 1702 (Or 1695 if one publication is to be believed), Ellerton was seemingly from modest means. He first came to prominence because of his zealous enjoyment of walking — no matter the distance. This included travelling on foot on occasion from Durham to London, a journey of approximately 265 miles. At the time, all travel was either in this fashion or by horse/carriage, but he relished being out and hiking around the country. Accordingly, he found regular…
