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 employment serving as a courier or messenger for lords or local people willing to pay his price.

It was during his frequent road trips by foot that Ellerton began noticing and appreciating the stones and rocks of the English countryside. Despite the weight, he often found it irresistible to pick them up and carry them home, putting them in sacks he carried on top of his head. Over time, he accumulated so many rocks and stones that he was able to use them to build himself a cottage. It was an inexpensive way to fabricate a home and also allowed him to enjoy the beauty he found in geology on a regular basis.

It wasn’t that the avid walker was transporting the stones short distances. In fact, he was known to lug these heavy loads 50 miles or more. He became so accustomed to walking with significant weight on his head, that even after he was no longer transporting rocks back for materials to use in building his house, he continued to pack rocks into bags that he hoisted on top of his skull — a practice he kept for the remainder of his life. If a curious passerby ever asked why he insisted on carrying rocks on top of his head, he usually responded, ‘’Tis to keep on my hat.”

Despite being a pleasant fellow, Ellerton’s neighbors did see him as an eccentric due to his obsession with rocks. The phrase “rocks in your head,” which typically described somebody displaying odd behaviors, is often traced back to this gentleman and how he carried rocks on his head.

He passed away on January 3, 1799 at Craike, believed to be somewhere between the ages of 96 and 104. Between his work as a courier and his passions of walking and collecting stones, he lived a quiet life. However, in hindsight he also led a remarkably long and apparently happy existence, even enjoying carying the weight of the world on his head.