Farley’s Exeter Journal (1726-1728)

I find that in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, we had of both Sorts that were excellent in their Way, and it is hard to say by which of the two we acquired the greatest Fame. Out-play Wrestlers did not shuffle, and dance about, and threaten, bur laid Hold, and never quited till they brought down their Adversary.

The Inn play was managed with great Skill, and yet all fair. —The Truth on’t is, that Princess was her self a great Judge of Wrestling, and when the King of Spain offered to try a Fall with her, and threatened to lay our fair Queen upon her Bsck, she gave him the * Flying Horse, and bruised him so sorely, that he did not recover it in a hundred Years.

The Truth on’t is, the Disgrace and Decay of good Wrestling is owing to the bringing the Norfolk Play upon the Stage, which consists of nothing but Dodging aud Shifting round the Stage, tearing Clothes, and shaking Peoples Money out of their Pockets, changing Countenance, und twisting of Hands and Arms, as a Man when he receives, a Bribe turns his Elbow before, and Palm behind; and in the Out-play never layin Hold of their Adversary, or shewing any Skill in breaking Hold, but only kicking the Dirt in their Faces, then shifting about to avoid Pursuit, and playing a Thousand Monkey Tricks, that entitle them to the Name of Posture Masters, rather than that of Wrestlers.

Upon the whole, I think that every Man who is a Lover of his Country, and of fair Wrestling, should Iabour, Hip and Thigh, to rescue it from the Hands and Feet of all Bunglers, as well as foul Gamesters whatsoever; for I should be sorry to live to see the Day when the Athletick Academy should be counted no better than a Nest of Sharpers.

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* A Form in Wrestling, when one throws another over his head.

** The Hanging Trippet is when one puts his toe behind the other’s Heel, and so throws him on his Back.