Cornwall Record Office, Match Rules (1778)

MATCH RULES – 9 JUNE 1778

Particulars to be observed by the players at Wrestling for a Hat now to be played for as follows:

1st No persons to play for the said Hat who hath ever gain’d a Prize or share in a prize before. The man who throws the first fall is to have the favour.

2d No two Person to play by consent nor no two of one parish.

3d No two Persons to play more than 10 Minutes. If any player throws two falls & holds out a third man 10 minutes \he/ shall be a Stander |&/ every one that throws three falls shall be a stander. Every one who shall throw his partner on his Back Binbone [hip?] or Shoulder shall be allowed a fair fall.

4 Every Stander is to play with each other according to the custom of Wrestling, and the last Stander to have the Hat, He paying to Francis Lane 1s. 6d. for Liquor as a Treat for the Players.

5 Every one that plays for the Hat is to pay for a Pint of Ale. If any Man throws one or two falls and no one come to play against him for the space of 5 Minutes he shall be allowed a fall for each 5 Minutes.

6 All matters of play is to [be] decided by the Triers [sticklers], and no Notice to be taken on that account of the Spectators, and as the Field for play is rented by Francis Lane every Spectator is to keep his distance for a fair Ring or go out of the Field.

7 Any person who is willing to pay for a pint of ale is to have a seat in the Ring.

The Triers are: Mr John Hill, Mr William Lake, Rob[er]t Vi

Currently in the Cornwall Record Office, BU/412.