Anthony Payne the Cornish giant (7ft 4in) was born in the Manor House (Tree Inn) Stratton and served Sir Beville Grenville and later his son Sir Richard at the Plymouth garrison where his portrait was painted by Sir Godfrey Kneller. For all his size and bulk, the witty Payne showed no signs of clumsiness, but awed everyone with his dexterity and very quick reflexes. They also say he had the brains to match the brawn that had thrust him into the role of a mighty man. When he retired he returned to Stratton to live in the Tree Inn. He died in 1691 and his coffin had to be lowered through the ceiling as it was too large to move any other way. He was buried in Stratton church.
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