Daniel Lambert was named after Leicester’s most famous jailer and heavy man (weighing over 52 stone). Daniel was born on 13th March 1770 in Boar Lane, his weight gaining rapidly in his teens and, by the age of twenty three, he was tipping the scales at 32 stone. Daniel followed in his father's footsteps as keeper of Leicester gaol close to his birthplace. His strength became legendary; a prolific swimmer, he could carry two men upon his back whilst doing the breast stroke. Such was his power, he was reputed to have fought a bear with his hands and come off the victor.

Daniel Lambert's duty as a jailer was conducted with benevolence; testimonials from the prisoners in his charge were useful in his later years, when Daniel would exhibit himself as a freak for a price, eventually becoming a celebrity of society. Daniel died on a visit to Stamford races in 1809; he was lodging at the Wagon & Horses in the town opposite St Martins, where he is buried to this day. Such was his size that a doorway had to be taken out of the inn to get his coffin out; it took twenty men to lower his body in to the grave.

On his death, Daniel weighed 52 stone 10 pounds.