Tallest Scottish or British man recorded. 1825–1863 (38) United Kingdom 236 cm 7 ft 9 in Frederick Kempster Tall Englishman, height disputed between 7 ft 8.5in and 8 ft 4.5in[23] 1889–1918 (29) United States 236 cm 7 ft 9 in Martin Van Buren Bates Known as the Kentucky Giant or The Giant of the Hills.[24] 1837–1919 People's Republic of China 236 cm 7 ft 9 in Bao Xishun Considered the tallest living person by Guinness World Records until September 2009 when he was replaced by Sultan Kösen.[25] 1951– People's Republic of China 236 cm 7 ft 9 in Sun Mingming Chinese basketball player. Formerly second tallest living person.