Edwards, Joseph Menear and Cornish Wrestling in London (Aug 2025)

An article written by Francis Edwards on 2nd August 2025 explores how Cornish wrestling became a popular spectator sport in 19th-century London, driven by urbanisation, media coverage, and organised promotion. At its centre is Joseph Menear, a Cornish miner turned wrestler who rose to dominate the London scene in the 1860s. Competing mainly at Hackney Wick under the Cornwall and Devon Wrestling Society, Menear became a leading figure in what was effectively an early form of commercialised sport, supported by venues, sponsorship, and press hype.

A key narrative thread is Menear’s rivalry with Devon wrestler John Slade, sparked when Menear controversially lost a major prize (the Duke of Cornwall’s Cup) on a coin toss. Their subsequent matches—heavily promoted in newspapers—captured public attention and embodied regional pride, helping sustain interest in the sport.

Menear ultimately emerged as the dominant champion, winning multiple titles and becoming the face of Cornish wrestling in London. However, his very dominance, alongside shifting public tastes toward newer sports like football and rugby, contributed to the sport’s decline in the city. By the late 1860s, crowds dwindled, and Menear’s career faded, leaving him a largely forgotten figure despite his earlier fame.

The full research by Francis is available here: https://the-cornish-historian.com/2025/08/02/joseph-menear-and-cornish-wrestling-in-london/. It is referenced with kind permission from Francis Edwards. You can read more research his website: https://the-cornish-historian.com/