Egan, Gaffney vs Saunders at Wellington Ground, Chelsea (1828)

In the above month, a Wrestling Match took place at the Wellington Ground, Chelsea, between PHILIP GAFFNEY and GEORGE SAUNDERS, a Cornish man, for forty sovereigns. On entering the ring, it was at once seen that Gaffney was not only taller, but also considerably heavier than his antagonist. Betting, 2 to 1 on Gaffney.

Saunders was completely overmatched, and had not half a chance from first to last. Gaffney now appeared determined to end the business at once; after a struggle of very long continuance, he had the best of a foil; and at the expiration of an hour and a half, Saunders was thrown another burster, which resounded through the ring, and from the effects of which he remained on the earth in a state of total insensibility. A medical gentleman, who was on the ground, immediately opened a vein in his right arm, and after taking a considerable quantity of blood from him, he showed signs of returning animation, and was removed into the Wellington, and put to bed.

The parties met at Tom Cribb’s on Friday evening, when Gaffney demanded the stakes. James Cann was present, and offered to wrestle Gaffney the best two in three fair back falls, with fair shoe and stocking, for £50.

The Wellington Ground throughout the whole of the last week in June presented a lively scene. Amongst the spectators were Earls Grey and Talbot; Lords Falmouth, Clanwilliam, Elliott, H. Kerr, Valletort, Wallscourt; Sir Charles Lemon, Bart., General Sir H. Vivian M.P., E. Pendarves Esq., and many others.

Source: Egan, P. (1836). Pierce Egan’s Book of Sports. T. Tegg, London.