Western Times, Cornish and Devon wrestling: letter from old wrestler (1933)

CORNISH AND DEVON WRESTLING. To the Editor of the Western Times.

Sir,—The enclosed card—”St. Thomas Grand Wrestling Match, Grand Stand: Admission sixpence”—I found amongst some old papers. It may be of interest, especially now when we hear of women engaging in the sport.

About forty years ago I was engaged superintending the erection of a new school and other buildings at Fleming, Devon. I got into conversation with Farmer Ridd, who farmed the Glebe Farm. I soon found out he was an old Devon wrestler, and I told him I was a Cornish wrestler, and learned to play at Probus, near Truro, one of the oldest wrestling centres in Cornwall.

I remember him telling me that he had wrestled in all parts of Devon, and on one occasion he was so badly bruised about the legs that for the last three miles to his home he crawled on his hands and knees.

The Devonshire wrestling differed somewhat from the Cornish, as in Devon they wore heavy boots and a man was allowed to kick his opponent, in addition to using the various holds. In the Cornish style the wrestler dressed very similar to our present-day boxers—in his socks—no boots—and wore a canvas short jacket. It was legal to kick with the side of the foot, and I have witnessed some very badly bruised legs during a stiff “hitch” (Cornish wrestler’s term for hold) when the men have been evenly matched.

I always thought the Cornish style was the most interesting to watch, but couldn’t somebody tell us about Devon wrestling?