Trijntje Keever

Trijntje Keever

Trijntje Cornelisdochter Keever (April 10, 1616 – July 22, 1633) was a Dutch woman who is often considered the tallest female person in recorded history, standing at an alleged height of 8 feet 4 inches (254 cm) at the time of her death at the age of 17. Her extraordinary height was attributed to a pituitary gland disorder, which resulted in an excessive production of growth hormone. Trijntje Keever lived in the early 17th century in the town of Edam, located in the Netherlands, and became a local and later a wider European curiosity due to her remarkable stature.

Early Life

Trijntje was born to Cornelis Keever and Anna Pouwels in Edam. From an early age, she displayed an abnormal growth pattern, quickly surpassing her peers in height. Her parents were of average height, which made her condition even more unusual for the time. The family capitalized on Trijntje's height by exhibiting her to visiting nobility and curious onlookers, charging admission fees for a glimpse of the "giantess".

Public Attention and Exhibitions

Throughout her short life, Trijntje Keever attracted significant attention from across Europe. Nobles, including those from foreign lands, visited Edam to see her. Reports from the time suggest that she was gentle and well-spoken, qualities that endeared her to many of her visitors. Her fame as the tallest living woman spread, and she was often referred to as "De Groote Meid" (The Big Girl) in contemporary accounts.

Health and Death

Trijntje's extraordinary height was likely due to a medical condition known as gigantism, caused by an overproduction of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. This condition often results in several health issues, including joint pain, cardiovascular problems, and a shortened lifespan. Trijntje Keever died at the age of 17, on July 22, 1633. The exact cause of her death is not documented, but it is speculated that her condition contributed to her early demise.

Legacy

Trijntje Keever's life has been the subject of much fascination and study. She remains a significant figure in the history of medical anomalies and has been mentioned in various historical records and medical literature discussing gigantism and acromegaly. Her story is also a poignant reminder of the human aspect behind medical conditions, especially in eras before modern medicine could offer explanations or treatments.

See Also

• Gigantism
• Acromegaly
• List of tallest people
• History of the Netherlands