Peter the Wild Boy

Peter the Wild Boy

Peter the Wild Boy was a feral child from Hanover in Germany who was found in 1725. He was discovered living wild in the woods near Hamelin, and his exact origins remain unknown. Peter's case attracted significant attention in England and Germany, and he became a subject of fascination for many.

Discovery and Early Life

Peter was found in the forest near Hameln in 1725. He was estimated to be around 12 years old at the time of his discovery. He was unable to speak and exhibited behaviors that were more animalistic than human. He walked on all fours, ate raw food, and showed no understanding of human customs or language.

Life in England

Peter was brought to London in 1726 by King George I, who was also the Elector of Hanover. He was presented at court and became a curiosity for the British aristocracy. Despite attempts to educate him, Peter never learned to speak and remained largely non-verbal throughout his life.

Later Life and Death

After the initial fascination with Peter waned, he was placed in the care of a farmer in Northchurch, Hertfordshire. He lived there for the rest of his life, supported by a royal pension. Peter died on February 22, 1785, and was buried in the churchyard of St Mary's Church in Northchurch.

Legacy

Peter the Wild Boy's life has been the subject of various studies and speculations. Some modern researchers believe he may have had Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, a genetic disorder that could explain his physical and behavioral characteristics. His story has also inspired various works of literature and art.

See Also

• Feral child
• George I of Great Britain
• Pitt-Hopkins syndrome
• Northchurch