Early life

Lucy was born in Lexington, Kentucky to a black American mother and white English father.  

She rapidly put weight on as a child and by the age of 12 she was said to weigh over 27 stone.

Her weight was even more significant given the fact she was five feet four inches tall.

Professionally fat from age 17, working at circuses and freak shows. Her career began in the U.S. and then she toured in Europe, particularly in Germany and the U.K. from about 1898. She is said to have appeared before many figures of royalty. It is also said, that she travelled with her own specially adapted suite of rooms. Her touring career was very renowned amongst the general public but much of the evidence about her career comes from her own publicity.

Lovely Lucy

Although recorded as Eliza Elizabeth Moore in the Arnos Vale records Lucy had a number of professional stage names:

• Lovely Lucy
• The Jersey Lily
• The American Fat Girl
• Alma Moore
• Anna Chelton

Lucy is an extremely elusive and mysterious figure, due to the fact that throughout her life and career she has been known by several names, both personal and stage.

Later life in Bristol

Sadly she fell into Ill-health later in her life and lived with her sister, Annie Moore.  She developed a malignant cancer and she spent her final weeks at the BRI where her weight caused a lot of problems. She endured her illness cheerfully and the medical staff were able to relieve some of her pain.

Death and Funeral

At Arnos Vale, a rainstorm swept in as her coffin was lowered. Her funeral was watched by a huge crowd as well as the principal mourners, including her sister Annie and her former manager, Mr G.W. Langdon and his family. The service was led by the Reverend J. Stern of St Peter’s, Clifton, who had known Miss Moore well during her time in Bristol describing it as a great privilege to minister to her.

The extent of her popularity and career is put into context, by the fact that large crowds gathered  outside the Bristol Royal Infirmary, and on Whitson Street, close to the entrance to the hospital mortuary. Thousands gathered at other vantage-points, particularly Lower Maudlin Street, and down on Bristol Bridge. This shows the huge impact that her death had, as crowds gathered to see her exiting the BRI.

Despite the huge crowds and various reports, her exact grave location remains a mystery as she is just recorded as in 'Common interment'.