Illustrated Sporting News, Hackney Wick Easter wrestling programme (1862)

WRESTLING. DEVON AND CORNWALL WRESTLING SOCIETY. This great annual carnival will take place at Hackney Wick Grounds (Victoria Park station). The committee have voted the liberal sum of £100, to be contended for by men under 12st, which will be apportioned in twenty money prizes. The committee have also secured the valuable services of R. Hake, Esq., Mr. G. Rooks, of Stepney, and Mr. W. P. Snell, who will be the judges; Mr. G. Willey acts as secretary.

All the elite of the two counties have already entered, and, among other notables, include the champion Meneer, Breadbeer, Cosway of the Guards, and many others of our gallant army; Wratt, King, Gould, and the other names so well known. The prizes will be thrown open for competition to “all comers,” at the stipulated weights, the conditions being the “fair back fall,” as practised time immemorial, as being the true style of the ancient pastime “wrestling.” No better locality could have been chosen, as the “tilting ground” is surrounded by a vast amphitheatre capable of accommodating 20,000 spectators.