1-152-935 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Phineas Taylor Barnum (1810-1891), American showman, 1864. Barnum was founder of what became the biggest circus in the world, what eventually became known as Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. His association with the circus did not begin until 1871 when, aged 60, he founded his travelling 'Greatest Show on Earth', which was a huge success. He had previously travelled with various entertainers, including the highly popular General Tom Thumb, who he began promoting in 1842.