Egan, The Wrestlers (1836)

THE WRESTLERS :

——————-a mutual yoke of hands,
Dragging with arms and elbow – joints in intertwisted bands;
And in their clasp reciprocal they lifted from the ground
Each other’s body, snatched in air, descending round and round;
A double pleasure thus employ’d th’ Olympian dweller’s mind,
Lifting and lifted thus by turns upon the wafted wind.

Orlando – I come but in, as others do, to try with him the strength of my youth . – SHAKSPEARE (sic)

WRESTLING, the oldest sport upon record, has recently become a complete “Fancy article” in the Sporting World; and also quite an established species of amusement during the last five years in various parts of the Metropolis. For several years past the above sport was followed in the fields near White Conduit House, on Good Friday,  by a few young men who had left their native towns, and who feeling anxious to have a bit of the old amusement formed themselves into a club, denominated the Cumberland and Westmoreland youths. The above club gave a handsome belt to the successful Wrestler in the Ring on that day; but scarcely any thing was ever heard of the above sport during the remainder of the year, (pp. 322) except in a private match or two, until the next Good Friday afforded them another leisure day, for the WRESTLERs again to exhibit their skill and strength.

Notwithstanding the appearance of ‘wear and tear’ attached to Wrestling[1] (it is insisted upon by William Litt, a great Wrestler for many years), in contradiction to the foolish, but commonly received opinion, that Wrestling is so injurious to the frame that it destroys the constitution in a very few years, and brings on so many aches and rheumatic pains, that many believe a Wrestler when advanced in years must necessarily be a cripple: so far are we from coinciding in this opinion, that, as far as we are able to judge, we have reason to believe it to be a healthful and strengthening exercise. We may be laughed at for such an opinion; but facts are stubborn things, and numerous Wrestlers can be produced who some have enjoyed better health than men in general, and lived to a fine old age. In fact, many of the idle stories respecting the terrific consequences are mere chimeras; originating with those who know nothing about it, and credited only by those who have had no opportunities of judging for themselves. It is most true, that our forefathers cherished these rustic games as the surest means of keeping alive, in times of peace, that martial spirit, and that robust frame of body, which has hitherto opposed such an insuperable barrier to the gigantic efforts of the enemies of Britain.

About a century ago these games were in high repute; but the many restrictions imposed on the diversions of the lower classes of society caused their decay in all parts of the empire, except in some of the western counties of England, and a few places in Ireland. We, therefore, hail the revival of them with pleasure, as we consider them a desirable source of recreation for the peasantry, being devoid of any thing brutal or disgusting, and hope to see them patronised to the extent they merit; indeed, Wrestling has become very popular amongst the admirers of athletic sports in the Metropolis. In proof of which, Silver Cups, and a variety of other valuable prizes are frequently given by the proprietors of bowling-greens, cricket-grounds, &c. to the best Wrestlers, as rewards for their exertions and skill. Amongst the foremost of the above class of persons stands Mr. THOMAS ROUSE, the well-known spirited proprietor of the Eagle Tavern, in the City Road, who has kept the “game alive” ever since the above period, and who may be considered one of the best judges (without a wig) in the kingdom as to a general knowledge of society. Tom has wrestled with the world to a good purpose; and by his never-tiring exertions he has obtained the smiles of victory. In his “Caleb Quotem” sort of capacity (for he appears to be at all in the ring) he displays considerable tact; and the praise cannot be withheld from him that he has proved himself a good caterer for the public; and who also furnishes them with lots of amusement at a truly reasonable FIGURE. In his concert-room-I beg pardon, the Grecian Saloon a tip-top sort of thing of its kind, nay more, a very brilliant affair, in which authors, musicians, and professional singers are engaged, to give eclat to the exertions of the proprietor of the Eagle Tavern. Either in his characters of “Mine Host,” manager of the musical department, or acting as an arbiter in the athletic amusements to attract and interest the members of the Sporting World, it might be fairly said, that Tom Rouse is not only up and dressed in the whole of them, but at home to a peg. In short, the hero of the Eagle Tavern is a host within himself-and affords a convincing proof what may be achieved in this wonderful Metropolis by the union of industry and talent.

It might be asked, why have the inhabitants of CORNWALL and DEVON been so long celebrated for their expertness in Wrestling? Because they learned the art at an early period of life, you shall hardly find,” says Carew, “an assembly of boys in Devon and Cornwall, where the most untowardly among them will not as readily give you a muster (trial) of this exercise as you are prone to require it.”–Survey of Cornwall. Hence, to give a Cornish hug, is a proverbial expression. “The Cornish”, says Fuller, “are MASTERS OF WRESTLING, so that if the Olympian Games were now in fashion, they would come away with the victory. Their hug is a cunning close with their fellow combatants, the fruit whereof is his fair fall or foil at the least.” – Worthies of Cornwall. We learn from Stow, that the citizens of London formerly WRESTLED on St. Bartholomew’s day before the lord mayor and aldermen, who rode out of town on horseback to witness the sport. The Londoners and inhabitants of Westminster also made frequent matches, the reward being usually a ram. Thus Chaucer says of Sir Mopas (sic):

Of wrastling there was none his pere
Where any ram shulde stonde.

Before Chaucer’s time, however, a cock seems to have been a frequent prize.

In order that the readers of the BOOK OF SPORTS may form their own judgments on the merits of the various WRESTLERS who have won various prizes, we have selected the best of the matches that have taken place within the Metropolis during the last three or four years, excepting the following great contest, which took place between Abraham Cann and Polkinhorne, at Devonport, Oct. 23, 1826. It is impossible to describe the intense interest which the match between Cann and Polkinhorne, decided this day, has excited in this neighbourhood. These men being considered the two best men of their respective counties, Devon and Cornwall, their long-anticipated trial for the mastery has been eagerly awaited by the lovers of this athletic sport. The frequent challenges that have been, from time to time, sent to each other by the two champions, and which have hitherto ended in mere words, created a suspicion that they were afraid of one another; and there is no doubt that the wish on both sides to destroy this impression has been the chief cause of the present meeting. Ever since it has been known that these renowned heroes of the wrestling ring would try a fall for the honour of their counties, the large population of these towns (70,000), and of the country for more than fifty miles round, has been on tip-toe for the event.

There is an evident difference between the wrestling of the two counties; but the peculiarity of the former is kicking below the knee, and the seeming indifference with which practised Devonshire wrestlers receive the most violent contusions on the legs, is truly astonishing. Although the rules of the game allow the legs to be padded, it is very rare that the candidates wear more than a single stocking. The Cornish wrestlers invariably enter the ring without shoes, and they bear the severest kicks from their Devonshire antagonists without making the slightest attempt to return the compliment. The most formidable kicker in the West is, perhaps, John Jordan, a North-of-Devon man, some six feet three or four inches high, and whose Herculean proportions have procured for him the cognomen of “the Devonshire Giant.” This man’s prowess has caused him to be excluded from most of the annual matches in the vicinity of Devonport, the bills announcing such games generally containing the parenthetical words, “John Jordan excepted;” for he almost always bears off the chief prize. Jordan has more than once thrown Cann, and Cann has, in his turn, thrown Jordan; and considerable doubt still exists which is the better man. The latter is confident in his own superiority, and has frequently been heard to declare, in his own slang phraseology, that he would “kick Cann all to rags in vive minutes.” For the information of those who are not acquainted with the difference between Devonshire and Cornish wrestling, it may be well to remark, that the former is generally characterised by kicking and tripping, while the latter consists more of the close struggle. Who has not heard of the Cornish hug?

The influx of strangers into Devonport was immense. The beds of all the inns were engaged, and numerous individuals were obliged to seek lodgings in private families. Visitors flocked from Exeter, Barnstable, Bideford, Tavistock, Dartmouth, and the most distant parts of the county, and there was a pretty considerable sprinkling of the Tres, Pols, and Pens, [2]from Falmouth, Truro, Penzance, Launceston, St. Michael’s Mount, and even from that ultima Thule of England, the Land’s End, mustering, “one and all,” to witness the feats of their champion. There were, besides, present a great number of wrestlers, old and young, retired and practical, from the bleak wilds of Dartmoor and the sterile regions of the South Hams; and not deficient were the mighty “huggers” from the hard-named hamlets of the land of pilchards.

The spot chosen for the contest between Cann and Polkinhorne was a large enclosed yard at Morice-Town, a village about a quarter of a mile from Devonport, and the scene of many a celebrated struggle between the prime men of Devon and Cornwall, it being situated on the bank of the river Tamar, which separates the two counties. The yard alluded to, which formed, in time of war, part of a large government establishment, presented the finest possible arena for such a display. Exclusive of the ground occupied by the seats, which were fitted up for the comfortable accommodation of 10,000 spectators, there remained an expanse of level springy turf, 400 feet long, and 110 feet wide, for the wrestlers. At one end of the yard an extensive range of warehouses were fitted up as an inn, by Mr. Elliott, of the Devonport Hotel, for the purpose of affording accommodation and refreshment. The prices of admission to the ring were five shillings and half-a-crown.

At twelve o’clock at noon, there were above 10,000 persons in the ring, and the money taken at the doors amounted to more than £1300. The hills around were crowded with spectators, and it may be stated, without exaggeration, that the match took place in the sight of 20,000 individuals. At half-past twelve, the champions entered the ring, and were loudly cheered by the numerous company. A striking difference was perceived between the two men when they stripped; Polkinhorne being nearly twice as stout as Cann, and 3st. 4lb. heavier. Cann weighs 12st. 716. They were, however, nearly of a height; and, if there was any advantage in tallness, it was on the side of Cann. Polkinhorne played without shoes; but, as kicking forms part of the tactics of a Devonshire wrestler, Cann had a shoe on the right foot. The terms of the wrestle were, that the wager should be decided by the best of three back falls, to be determined by four tryers-two Devonshire and two Cornish; the men to catch what hold they could. Betting was considerably in favor of Cann before the set-to.

Round 1. After some manœuvring for a hold, Cann seized Polkinhorne with a firm grasp by the shoulders, and Polkinhorne seized his antagonist by the elbow, and placed his head on the left side of his (Cann’s) breast. They then walked slowly round the ring, Cann keeping off the Cornishman, and occasionally dealing him a kick or two under the right knee, for the purpose of weakening his legs as much as possible. It was, however, now perceived that Polkinhorne was by much the most powerful man of the two, which, indeed his appearance had from the first promised. Cann, however, displayed considerable muscular power, and proved that the title of champion had not been bestowed on one who could not show play for it. The two men were continually shifting their holds, each endeavouring to obtain his favorite grip. At last, however, after a struggle of four minutes and a half, they both fell together: Cann under, but no fair back.

2. The men again advanced to each other, and each seized hold where he could of his antagonist. Cann at first kept hold of Polkinhorne’s right arm, but the latter freed himself by a most gigantic effort, flung his arm over Cann’s shoulder, and seized him by the jacket half-way down his back. The efforts of the two rivals were now truly fine. The physical power displayed by both was astonishing. Polkinhorne, however, gained an advantageous hold round Cann’s body, when the latter, to avoid being thrown, partly disengaged himself and fell on his knees.
3. There was very little manœuvring in this round. Polkinhorne made an impetuous onset, and, having obtained his favourite hold, threw Cann the first fair back fall.
4. After the lapse of fifteen minutes, which was the time allowed between the falls, the champions again grappled each other. Polkinhorne showed his superior strength, by frequently putting his antagonist forward, but this “pully-hauly work,” as wrestlers call it, demonstrated no superiority of skill. Polkinhorne had once nearly got Cann on the fore-hip, which would have been the prelude of a fair throw, but Cann, by using a favorite crook of the leg, for which he is famous, disengaged himself, though they both continued their hold. They walked round the ring closely grappled together, Cann now and then iflicting a most severe kick on Polkinhorne’s leg, which discipline the latter, by frequently flinching, began to show symptoms of not liking. After a round of ten minutes they both fell.
5. This round displayed nothing peculiarly interesting. Both men instanced the astonishing strength of their hands by freeing themselves from the holds of each other. After a considerable time they mutually separated, without either falling.
6. After considerable exertion on both sides, the men fell together, the Cornishman under. 7 and 8. These rounds were marked by some fine play, and were evidently in favour of Cann, who showed that he possessed the valuable qualification of holding out. Polkinhorne appeared much distressed by the severe kicks which Cann inflicted with his right foot, and repeatedly attempted to close with Cann, in order to settle the matter by main strength, but Cann persevered in keeping him off, evidently with the intention of wearing him out, for the Devonshire hero has the superiority over Polkinhorne in point of wind. Cann continued his kicking system for some time, when the Cornishman, by a desperate effort, closed with him, and got him on the hip. Cann then had recourse to his favourite crook of the leg, and threw Polkinhorne, what was almost universally deemed a back fall, but, to the surprise of every body present, it was given against Devonshire. A dispute of nearly an hour first occupied the two committees.

9, 10, 11, and 12. During these rounds Polkinhorne showed play; that is, he acted less cautiously, and more on the offensive. Cann continued to kick him most severely, and was evidently getting a better man, while Polkinhorne was losing ground. At last, however, in the 12th round, a desperate struggle took place, and Cann, contrary to the expectations of all present, was thrown another fall, which by some was declared to be fair, and by others not.

Remarks. This match was decided by main strength. Cann, as has been before observed, was no match for Polkinhorne in point of size, and, though the Devonshire hero has been beaten, he has gained considerable celebrity by the manner in which he held out; and there is no doubt but the victory would have been his, had not the dispute about the fall in the 8th round afforded Polkinhorne time to regain his wind, which he had almost entirely lost. Cann is a very modest unassuming man, and gave in to the decision of the umpires without a dissenting word; but, when the dispute concerning the fall occurred, Polkinhorne did not show himself very ready to acquiesce in defeat. It was the feeling of the majority of the ring, that Cann was not fairly treated. Let this be as it may, Cann would undoubtedly have thrown twenty men of his own weight, one after the other. The pride of Devonshire has no need to be ashamed of the issue of the match. He is an honor to the West, and, should he again meet Polkinhorne, it is very likely that the palm will not be borne off to the western side of the Tamar.-Cann has always been eager for another trial.

The Grand Match between ABRAHAM CANN and GAFFNEY, was decided on Monday, Sept. 24, 1827, at the Golden Eagle, Mile End Road, Cann betting £60 to £50, THREE fair back falls out of Five. Two to One, and higher odds, were laid upon the ground, and taken by the Patlanders.

The concourse of spectators was immense, amongst whom were great numbers of sporting characters. The crowd at length, became excessive. The roofs of the long line of boxes or sheds, which surround the green, were filled with spectators; and about two hundred, who could get no better accommodation, climbed the poplars to witness the contest. At four, Cann threw his hat into the ring; and shortly after, whilst expectation was on the stretch for the appearance of Gaffney, a tremendous crash was heard; in fact, a large portion of the tiled roofs of the boxes gave way, and precipitated some hundreds of persons to the ground. As soon as it was ascertained that the fallen persons had nothing to bewail but dirty faces, crushed hats, and light bruises, shouts of laughter were, uttered at their dismal and frightened appearance. At length the two champions shook hands and grappled, and the attention of the immense crowd was intense. Cann was extremely quick in getting the hold, and his adversary’s left hand was over his shoulder grasping his loose jacket, while his right was more firmly fixed on the waistband. Gaffney, immediately he had got his hold, set to work, and acted as much as possible on the offensive; whilst Cann remained almost fixed to the earth, his face expressing great caution, and as great confidence and self-possession. Gaffney kicked very much at the shins of Cann, but they exhibited no signs of punishment, though the sound resounded through the ring; whilst, after Cann had inflicted a few retorts upon the shins of Gaffney, his worsted stockings were sopped with blood, and his laced shoe of the left foot seemed saturated like that of a slaughterer from the shambles. After a close contest of four minutes and fifty seconds, Cann gave his adversary a fair back fall. This was a beautiful throw, given in the best possible style.

2d. This bout was well contested, and Cann administered some severe punishment to Gaffney’s shins. His repeated kicks caused the blood to flow profusely. Gaffney was thrown after a struggle of fifteen minutes; but the umpires decided that it was not a fair back fall.

3d. This was a most interesting bout. Gaffney succeeded in gaining the inner crook, but the superior science of Cann enabled him to avoid a back fall.

4th. This bout lasted nearly twenty minutes, and was well contested, and at length Gaffney was thrown. There were loud cries of ” Fair,” “Foul,” &c., but the umpires, on being appealed to, decided that it was not a fair fall.

5th. This was a short bout, and Gaffney was laid on his back. The match being the best of five back falls, and Gaffney not having thrown Cann as yet, the betting underwent considerable alteration, and, to use the phraseology of Josh. Hudson, “It was a horse to a hen.”

6th. Gaffney came to the scratch evidently exhausted, and was thrown, but not a fair fall.

7th. Gaffney was thrown a heavy fall, and, on getting up, said his shoulder was put out, and that he resigned the contest. The Devonshiremen then threw up their hats in high glee, and Cann left the ground amidst deafening cheers.

Remarks. As a Wrestler, we have never seen any one like Abraham Cann; he appears to us to use his legs with the same facility and judgment as Jack Randall exercised his fists in the P. R. This is saying quite enough to place Abraham Cann at the top of the tree amongst WRESTLERS.

SECOND DAY. The match for forty sovereigns commenced on Tuesday evening at the Eagle Tavern, Mile End. Several first-rate players were in attendance, among others, Abraham and James Cann, Copp, Thorne, Chappell, &c. The conditions were, that twenty standard players should be made; the standards either to throw two men, or to throw one man and hold out ten minutes against two others.

The articles having been read, Parish threw his castor into the ring, and his challenge was immediately accepted by Taylor, a Berkshire man. The bout was altogether devoid of interest, and ended in Taylor being thrown. Finney, a tall, athletic Irishman, then entered the ring, but Parish, although little more than half his size, contrived to hold out.

Finney was then matched against Murray, whom he threw easily.

Parish and Finney. These two men having thrown one man, and held out another, were again matched; having only to hold out to make themselves standards, the thing was very quietly arranged between them-they pulled each other about until time was called, without an attempt to throw on either side. Uncle Ben, who had bet upon Parish, said it was a complete humbug.

Euston and Jordan held out.

Middleton and Jordan. In this bout there was some very excellent play, and it was the first in which the men went to work in any thing like earnest. After manœuvring for a few minutes, Middleton threw his opponent a heavy back fall.

Middleton and Clargoe. This bout was well-contested, and it was generally considered the former would be unable to stand the severe kicking of Clargoe. They held out until time was called, when it was found that Clargoe had sprained his ancle.

Knight and Lyon. -A well contested match, and held out.

James Cann, brother of Abraham Cann, and Knight. This bout excited considerable interest, James Cann being considered by many persons to be as expert a wrestler as his brother, and Knight is generally considered a good one. There were several bets made on the event. Cann displayed considerable skill, and threw his opponent easily. His success appeared to damp the spirits of the other players, and he continued in the ring six minutes without meeting with an opponent. Hutchins at length tried his luck with him, and was thrown in fine style.

Several other matches were played, and the sport continued until dark, when the following were declared standard players:-Parish, Finney, James Cann, Easton, and Clarke.

THIRD DAY.-The Wrestling on Wednesday was renewed with great animation. A great number of the best Wrestlers in London, who showed great unwillingness to come forward on the preceding day, were obliged to make themselves standards, or relinquish their chance for the prizes altogether; in consequence of which the sports were of the best description. The play was principally confined to the Devonshiremen; only one Cornish Wrestler was present (Saunders, of the Coldstream Regiment of Guards), and he quickly made himself a standard by throwing two men. Twelve double players were made. Abraham Cann closed the play by throwing one man. Among the double players are the following names: – James Cann, Sanders, Copp, Middleton, Thorne, Pyle, Finney, Clarke, &c.

FOURTH DAY. -The match terminated on Thursday, in the presence of an immense number of the patrons of this manly sport. The following matches were the most worthy of notice:

Middleton and Saunders. This match was well contested throughout; Middleton did his best to win, but fortune favoured his rival, and he was reluctantly compelled to rest his back on his mother earth.

James Cann and Bell. The name of the former was no sooner announced than the winner was named-Bell was on his back in less than a second.

Jennings and Finney. This bout lasted upwards of half an hour, and several falls were given, but none of them fair back ones. The last fall was disputed, amidst loud cries of “Foul, fair,” &c. The umpires were referred to, but they differed in opinion; and the referee, on being appealed to, decided in favour of Finney.

A dispute arose amongst the respective partisans of the men, as to the decision

Uncle Ben, who had sported his blunt on Jennings, offered to bet a thousand pounds that it was not a fair fall; and Ned O’Neal, who had betted on Finney, was equally certain that it was. After a very long wrangle the men were taken from the ring.

Thorne and Knight. -This match was like a donkey’s gallop, short and sweet, and decided in favour of the former.

Saunders and James Cann. – This was decidedly the best bout throughout the whole three days’ play. In the opinion of the best judges it was impossible the men could be more fairly matched, and the bets were accordingly even. Each tried to gain his favourite hold, and when they closed, the display of science and strength exhibited by each in the struggle for the fall elicited applause from all parts of the ring. Saunders avoided a fair back fall for upwards of half an hour; but his opponent proved too much for him, and he was compelled to yield.

Abraham Cann (the Devonshire Champion) and Copp. The latter is acknowledged to be an out-and-out good one, but it was evident he stood no chance with the Champion; he however displayed considerable science, and proved himself to be no easy customer. He fell defeated, but not dishonoured.

Abraham Cann and Thorne. In this, as in the former bout, the result was obvious, and Thorne was soon laid on his back.

The umpires then decided Abraham Cann entitled to the first prize, £12. James Cann to the second, €10.

Finney and Thorne being the last two thrown, contended for the last two prizes, when, after a slight struggle, the latter was thrown.

Finney was declared entitled to the third prize, £5. Thorne to the last, £3.

The sports were conducted throughout with the greatest regularity, and afforded a fine treat to the company assembled.

At Leeds, in April, 1828, several days “good play” took place, but we have selected the double play for the amusement of our readers : -as several first-rate names appear in the various trials of skill :-Bolt and Burnet had a very severe turn; the latter was thrown: Clark and Wreford, the former gave up the point; Robert Stone and Bell, two good little ones, played a pretty turn, the latter was thrown; James Cann and Pook, the latter was thrown. On Abraham Cann and Finney mounting the stage, great expectations were raised of its being likely to be a good display of the science. They were not hitched above five minutes, when Finney gave Cann an excellent foil[3], and had it not been overdone, the point at issue between them would have been decided. The men again set to, when Finney was decidedly thrown in about ten minutes. Joe Butler (Bull-calf) and James Stone were then called, and Butler was thrown after about twenty minutes’ good play. -Roach and Cahir, the latter gave his back. Jordan and Webber, the last of whom also gave his back. King and Pyle, a well-matched pair, who played an excellent bout, which was terminated by King being thrown. ended the double play.

The triple play commenced with James Cann and James Stone, the latter quickly picked up the former, and threw him a complete somerset, heels over head.-Abraham Cann and Wreford then set to, when the latter was thrown.—Pyle was absent, and Bolt was given the fall.-Roach was thrown by Jordan.

The quadruple play commenced with Bolt and Robert Stone, when the latter was thrown. – Abraham Cann and Jordan tossed for who should have the fall, when Jordan lost.

The quintuple play was between Bolt and James Stone; the latter took the former up in his arms, as he had before done with James Cann, and flung his heels over his head.

There now only remained to contend for the first and second prizes-Abraham Cann and James Stone-and such were the exertions of both, that a vast number of bets were laid on the result, the odds being in favor of Cann. Every eye was fixed upon their movements, and Stone’s strength and dexterity drew forth thunders of applause. He was, however, finally thrown, after upwards of an hour’s struggle. This concluded the play and the daylight, and the prizes were awarded as follows;-A. Cann the first, of £30; James Stone the second, of £20; Bolt the third, of £15; Jordan the fourth, of £10; Robert Stone the fifth, of £7; and Roach the sixth, of £5.

The sports were terminated with the greatest good humour among all parties. Not a blow took place, nor even an angry or improper word was uttered during the whole of the time.

In Devonshire, early in June, 1828, the Wrestling Match in St. Thomas’s, adjoining Exeter, commenced; at which, Woolaway, Wreford, Simon, Webber, Huxtable, Jackman, and Flower, from the North; the Underdowns, Freys, &c. from the east, were particularly noticed. The champion, attended by his brother James, Roach, &c., was on the ground, but not playable he was hobbling under all the acute sensations of gout. Persons entertaining suspicion that this was assumed, Abraham, with great naivete, produced his swollen and burning foot, convincing the most sceptical of the painful reality. His success as a wrestler is without parallel-all, however, must regret that a brave and modest man, who has so long upheld the character of his native county in this way, has not reaped that solid reward to which his prowess entitled him, and that the future has cold, cheerless scant in the prospect James Cann kept himself in reserve for his match in the metropolis, with Gaffney. During the second day-John Webber, of Exeter, and Holmes, literally a couple of chickens, presented themselves. The former, an apprentice to a baker, and scarcely eighteen years of age, has figured at our juvenile matches for some time, and acquired such celebrity as to be dubbed “The Champion,” a title he appears well to merit. He is of short stature, but strongly limbed, and wellmade, and came every thing so completely a la Cann, that a delightful ring testified their approbation by loud and continued plaudits; indeed, if he but uses time to come, as he appears to have done that which is past, the day is not distant when he will compete with the first wrestlers in Devon; he is at present the best copy of a master in the art, of whom it seems we must take leave, that has appeared. At the end of four minutes, Webber gathered his man up in Abraham’s best style, and laid him flat as a pancake on mother earth. He was called for at the booths, and received an instant and well-merited reward for his exertions. On the third day Webber again entered the ring with George Clarke, of St. Thomas, amidst loud cheers. Clarke is also a stripling, but with advantage in point of age. It was an excellent match, and the baker, to the fullest extent, supported his previous character-he came it again after Abraham’s fashion, and the lock with the left seemed his favorite-this he essayed again and again, but wanted a little more weight to bring him over; nothing daunted by failure, he persevered, and at the end of thirty minutes, locking himself firmly with the left inner, his opponent gave way before the extraordinary force applied, and was brought over in the finest style, loud shouts testifying the approbation of the spectators.

The final round brought Woolaway and Wreford together; this was a treat worth riding 100 miles to witness; they are both well known, and the odds were in favor of Woolaway at setting to; the foils, however, changed the aspect of affairs; and in eighteen minutes Wreford laid his powerful opponent on his back in the very first style.

The prizes were awarded as follows: Wreford first prize, £12; Woolaway second, £8; Robert Underdown third, £5; Archer fourth, £3; Bradford fifth, £2; and Westlake sixth, £1 10s. – The match closed at a quarter to eight o’clock.

There was some excellent play at Paignton, from the 29th to the 31st ult. The crack turn of the match was between Archer and Hyne. Archer is a youth of extraordinary promise, and possessing great good nature; Hyne’s qualities every frequenter of the ring is acquainted with. They are both severe punishers, and played in the most masterly manner; it was a succession of foils for one hour and forty minutes, when a wish being expressed that they should decide the matter by a toss, it was complied with, and Archer won. Ghaff had the first prize, of £8; Archer the second, of £4; Pook the third, of £2; besides which, each standard had 5s, and the first 10s. in addition.

In June, 1828, a match took place at the Eagle Tavern, in the City-road, for £20, between the celebrated JAMES CANN, of Devonshire, and a young Cornishman of good repute, of the name of OLVER. After a match for a sovereign had been played between Copp and Finney, which the former won, the two men first named entered the ring, and, after shaking hands, grappled each other. In a few minutes it was evident that Olver was not only the younger and stronger man, but that he possessed equal, if not more, science and quickness than his opponent. In a few minutes he caught Cann up in his arms for the heave, but the latter, though he could not prevent the fall, contrived to save his back; at least the Umpires decided that it was not a fair back fall, although many of the spectators thought otherwise. A number of foils followed, mostly in favour of the Cornishman; but such was the dependance on Cann, that 2 to 1 on him could find no takers. After an hour’s excellent play, in which Cann was foiled in all his efforts, Olver succeeded in giving him a burster, in the shape of a somerset, his heels being tossed up in the air, by which he was so much stunned that he leaned against one of the posts of the ring, and finally relinquished the contest, which was to have been the first two falls out of three. This unexpected event gained Olver much applause, as the Canns have heretofore carried every thing before them. A medical gentle. man bled Cann, who was conveyed home in a coach, and it was some time before he recovered from the stunning effects of the fall. Olver stated that his brother and himself would wrestle with Abraham Cann and his brother, for £50 a-side.

In the above month, also, a Wrestling Match which excited the Irish part of the Fancy to attend at the Wellington Ground, Chelsea, to witness a trial of skill and strength between PHILIP GAFFNEY and GEORGE SAUNDERS (a Cornish man) for forty sovereigns. On entering the ring, at half past five, it was at once seen that Gaffney was not only taller, but also considerably heavier than his antagonist. Betting, 2 to 1 on Gaffney.

The articles being read, two of three fair back falls, the men set to without shoes, and after some very cautious play, a close took place, and both fell-Saunders under. On again meeting, the men gripped each other, Saunders endeavouring to obtain a favourite hold; but Gaffney foiled his attempts, and seizing him round the body threw him heavily, but only a side fall. (The Patlanders in ecstasies: “Isn’t he a broth of a boy? Sure that was a fair side fall!”) After a short pause, the men again grappled, and some exceeding good play followed, in which the strength of Gaffney gave him every advantage, and Saunders was again thrown heavily, but not fairly on his back. (Shouts from the Irish gentlemen, and 10 to 1 on Gaffney.)

After a lapse of a few minutes, the men met again, shook hands, and prepared for the tug of war anew; and Saunders was again undermost, but on his side. Gaffney now appeared determined to end the business at once, and commenced a furious attack, which was met with uncommon skill and coolness by Saunders, whose exertions were loudly and deservedly applauded. After a struggle of very long continuance, the strength of Gaffney again befriended him, and he had the best of a foil; but when on the ground, he forced his antagonist’s head to the earth in rather an unfriendly way, which was observed and followed by a shower of hisses. Gaffney now began to be more cautious, and puffed a little, seeming anxious to recover his wind. Several others followed, in which “ Fair! foul! fair!” was bandied about on both sides, but only one of which was at all in favour of Saunders, who, at the expiration of an hour and a half, 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.

Saunders was completely overmatched, and had not half a chance from first to last. Had the match been with a fair shoe and stocking, the match would have been more equal-the heavy kicking of Saunders acting as a counterpoise to the Herculean strength of Gaffney. A bye-match between little Avery, the merry little baker (always first on the ground, and the last to leave it), and young Pardue, was worth a score such matches. Avery was victor.

The parties met at Tom Cribb’s on Friday evening, when Gaffney demanded the stakes. Cribb produced a letter from the backer of Saunders, interdicting his giving up the stakes, on the ground that offers of money had been made to Saunders to lose the match; but of this there was no attempt at proof whatever, and Gaffney received the stakes, while all bets were paid. James Cann was present, and offered to wrestle Gaffney the best two in three fair back falls, with fair shoe and stocking, for £50. Gaffney objected to his wrestling with anything but a light shoe; Cann would not accede, and the business went off. Indeed the Wellington Ground throughout the whole of the last week in June, presented a lively scene for the admirers of athletic sports, The two first days of which were devoted to making standards; and on Wednesday the double play commenced, in the presence of upwards of one thousand spectators, one hundred of whom were noblemen and gentlemen of the first distinction, among whom were Earls Grey and Talbot; Lords Falmouth, Clanwilliam, Elliott, H. Kerr, Valletort, Wallscourt; Honourable John Fortescue, Forte Hon. – Grey, Sir John Shelley, Bart., Sir Charles Lemon, Bart., Sir George Bampfylde, – Benett, Esq. M. P. for Wilts, Rice Trevor, Esq. M.P., General Sir H. Vivian, M.P., E. Pendarves, Esq., – Praed, Esq., Captain Handley, &c.

Shortly after two o’clock the ground was opened, and lots were drawn to determine which men should oppose each other, there being exactly 13 Cornishmen, 13 Devonshiremen, 1 Irishman, and 1 Cumberland man, double players, making 14 couple, the Irishman being taken on the side of Cornwall, and the Cumberland man on the side of Devon; after which the men entered the ring in the following order :-Randall and Batstone, the former was quickly thrown Trenery and Kerslake, a tedious bout, which, after fifty minutes’ duration, was decided by a toss which Trenery lost-Trewicke and Andrews, the latter was thrown after a short but good turn-Warren and Pyle, the former was thrown-Finney and Steers, the latter was the victor-Austin and Perry, the former of whom is a tall strong man, and the latter a diminutive man, but remarkably strong built, pulled each other about for a considerable time and then tossed for it, which was won by Perry, Avery and French, the latter was thrown Johnson and Knight, the latter was thrown -Olver and Tucker, the former threw his man in such quick time as gained the applause of all present-Thorn and Bennett, the latter was thrown-James Cann and Bowden, the former of course was victorious-Copp and Julyan, the latter was thrown, but received great applause for the manner in which he played Copp, as he was considerably advanced beyond the grand climacteric – Cocks and Middleton, the latter was thrown.

Thus ended the double play, considerably in favour of Devonshire, the winners being as follows:

DEVON.-J. Cann, Thorn, Batstone, Kerslake, Steers, Pyle, Copp, Mossop (Cumberland), Perry, Avery.

CORNWALL. – Olver, Trewicke, Johnson, and Cocks.

Lots were again drawn, and the men entered for the triple play in the following order: – James Cann and Olver. It was generally supposed that these were the best men of each county, and much interest was excited by the match. Great strength, agility, and science were displayed by both the men. Cann played much better than when he last played with Olver, and succeeded in one instance in throwing him, according to the opinion of many round the ring, but the umpires decided against its being a fair fall; but Cann had quitted the ring, and refused to enter again, considering he had fairly won it. At the request of several of the noblemen present, however, he again entered the ring, and was thrown. Johnson was then thrown, by Thorn, Batston by Cocks, Kerslake by Trewicke, a rattler in quick time; Perry by Steers, Avery by Pyle, and Mossop by Copp. The latter was an excellent turn; Mossop is a remarkably strong young man, and gave Copp, who is one of the best Wrestlers in London, much trouble; but Copp finally succeeded in throwing him, when the approach of night put an end to the sports.

On Thursday the play was concluded. The seven following men were the only ones that had to play for the five prizes, viz.

For CORNWALL-Olver, Trewicke and Cocks. For Devon-Steers, Copp, Pyle, and Thorn. Lots were drawn for the odd man, and also for the manner in which the remaining three couple were to enter the ring. It fell to Pyle’s lot to be the odd man, and the remaining six men entered the ring in pairs, as follows:-Olver and Thorn-“a horse to a hen”-the latter thrown in five minutes. Trewicke and Copp; several foils took place between these men, but the strength of Trewicke proved irresistible, and every time he threw Copp he injured him, till he at length fell an easy victim. Cocks and Steers; the latter was now the only hope of Devon, and though a very clever wrestler, and a fine young man, he found a troublesome customer in Cocks, and for a long time the point was doubtful between them; at length Steers succeeded in throwing him, for which he was loudly applauded.

The winning men of both counties were now brought to a level, there being two for each county, viz. :-Olver and Trewicke for Cornwall; and Steers and Pyle for Devon.

Trewicke and Pyle first entered for the quintruple play. Pyle, as usual, played cautiously, but had not sufficient strength to resist his powerful opponent, whose wonderful strength was the admiration of the ring, and finally gained him a fall; it was, however, so much disputed, that the men again hitched, when Pyle was decisively thrown.

OLVER AND STEERS. -These men excited considerable interest; they were both fine young men, but Olver appeared to have considerably the advantage in point of strength and bulk; he had also dispatched the last man he had wrestled with in quick time, and with little or no exertion; while Steers, on the contrary, had had much trouble in bringing his opponent (Cocks) to his back, and when called upon, had not recovered from the fatigue of his first encounter. He played Olver, however, with great animation and spirit, and received much applause; but he was ultimately thrown, and thus all opposition on the part of Devon was at an end.

Olver and Trewicke being now the only remaining men unthrown, were called upon to contend for the first and second prizes; but Trewicke resigned the point in favor of Olver, declaring his inability to contest it with him, but expressed his willingness to play if the gentlemen required it. After this explanation it was considered unfair to require it, as they were both from one county; and the prizes were adjudged as follows:-Olver, the first, £12; Trewicke, the second, £6; (Steers and Pyle tossed) Steers, the third, £3; Pyle, the fourth, £2; and Copp, the fifth, £1. The double players received 5s. each.

Early in the month of October, 1828, a wrestling-match took place at the grounds of the Eagle Tavern in the City Road, between Olver and Finney, the former a noted wrestler from Cornwall, who has floored all who opposed him since his arrival in London, and the latter an Irishman, who, though he could neither fight, wrestle, or play at single-stick in first-rate style, yet, nevertheless, he has often proved a troublesome customer to scientific professors in all the above games. With but little knowledge of the art of wrest ling, Finney accidentally, but fairly, threw Abraham Cann, at Leeds, and having lately supposed himself to have had the best of Olver in a trial of skill at the wrestling-rooms, he challenged him for twenty sovereigns a-side, which Olver accepted, and on Tuesday the men met to decide the point. About four o’clock, after some minor matches, the two principals entered the ring, and began to peel. Olver did not appear to be in good condition, and seemed to lack that confident superiority with which he used formerly to enter the ring. He attempted, as usual, to smile, but it was the smile of disdain at being called upon by one who, without much chance of throwing him, might foil his best endeavours. Finney, while “stacking his duds,” conveyed no very cheering hope to his backers – he was remarkably pale, and altogether out of condition. They advanced to the centre of the ring, shook hands, and commenced by violently kicking each other. During the first half hour Olver was said by good judges to have missed two or three opportunities of throwing Finney, and was once near being thrown by him. For forty minutes the play was of the most uninteresting and tedious description, during which Finney appeared to have imparted to the scientific movements of Olver that awkwardness which accompanied his own. At length Finney, who appeared nearly winded, and found no good result from the unmerciful kicking which took place between them, accused Ölver of having extra padding under his stockings; this the latter did not deny, but insisted on his right to have it, which was denied by the partisans of Finney, and a warm altercation took place, during which “foul, foul!”— “fair, fair!” was bandied about by their respective partisans, and all was getting “con fusion worse confounded,” when the articles were called for, and read by a person in the ring. By them it appeared that the match was to be decided by the first two fair back falls out of three, with fair shoe and padding, and Olver was adjudged to slip down his stockings, from out of which two pieces of padding were withdrawn. Before this point was decided a heavy shower of rain delayed the proceedings for another half hour, and threw an additional damp on the previously dissatisfied spectators. At length, the rain having abated, the men again set-to upon equal terms with regard to padding; but betting, as at starting, was 2 to 1 on Olver, who finally succeeded in giving Finney the first fall; but it was one of a most unsatisfactory nature, as the receiver did not emit one of those hearty ejaculations which proceed from paviors when handling a rammer, and which convey so much gratification to the amateurs of wrestling: it was given, however, against Finney, who shortly after received another of a similar description, which ended the match in favour of Olver, but redounded little to his previous credit; indeed, he has fallen in the estimation of many for not having defeated Finney in a more masterly manner, and several challenges to both will be the result of their exhibition. Many, however, commented on Olver’s play, who would stand little chance in his hands; for, however it may be attempted to deride Finney for his want of skill, it must be allowed that he is a difficult man to throw, and many who will not allow it would find it to be so upon trial. A match between Avery, the journeyman baker, and a young Cornishman, wound up the sports of the afternoon, and afforded more gratification to the spectators than the principal one. The Cornishman appeared to have too much beer on board for an active display of his powers, and lost the match, when Avery threw a mock somerset, which was followed by a challenge from Finney to Olver, to fight him for the same sum (£40), to which no reply was given, and the company separated.

In February, 1829, a Wrestling Match between OLVER and SAUNDERS, both Cornishmen, at the Eagle Tavern, in the City Road, which excited considerable interest amongst the supporters of the above Old English Sport.

About three o’clock in the afternoon the grounds were well filled with spectators; and after two or three minor matches had been played, Olver and Saunders entered the ring, to contend for the first two fair back falls out of three, for thirty sovereigns. It was agreed that they should play with their shoes on, and without padding, and a violent kicking bout was expected; the friends of Saunders relying principally upon his punishing abilities with the shoe, which, they conceived, Olver would not be able to withstand. On coming to the scratch Saunders appeared in fine condition, and in high spirits; but Olver seemed much out of condition, and advanced to shake hands with his opponent with a very desponding aspect. After five foils, and a fine display of science, which occupied nearly half an hour, Saunders succeeded in throwing Olver a fine fall. On setting-to again, Olver showed symptoms of great weakness-he tottered like a child; but his mode of playing was greatly admired. He several times attempted to put in practice those masterly heaves by which he gained so many prizes and so much applause last summer; but, though Saunders is a comparatively light man to some of those whom he had so served, he was unable to lift him from the ground. After fifteen minutes’ play, however, he succeeded in throwing Saunders; but the fall was much disputed by the partisans of Saunders, and a violent altercation took place round the ring. The Umpires, however, decided the point in favour of Olver. During the resting-time between the falls, Olver’s backer took him into the house, and procured him some refreshment; Saunders remained in the ring. On the return of Olver, the trial for the last fall was resumed with more confidence on the part of Olver, who tried to carry Saunders over with the inner crook, but failed; he then struck him with the fore hip, but in this he failed also; at length he seized Saunders by the middle, and, by a desperate effort, turned his heels up in the air, and threw him with great violence a fine fall, amidst the enthusiastic acclamations of the spectators, many of whom declared they had never seen a finer fall. The friends of Saunders blame him for not having kicked him enough; but in justice to Olver we must say that he never once flinched from the punishment inflicted on him, nor was the kicking on either side so violent as was expected.

Early in March, 1829, the second Wrestling Match for the season also took place at the above Tavern in the City Road, and the muster was very strong of Cornish and Devonshire patrons. The match was betwixt James Copp, a Devonian, and Francis Olver, of Cornwall. Fifteen sovereigns a-side was the sum to be contended for, the two first backfalls of three, and to be played in the Devonshire style, with fair shoe and padding. Copp was the favourite with nine-tenths of those present; but the well-known tactics of his adversary prevented much betting. Several minor bouts for small prizes were first played to amuse the spectators; and, at four o’clock, Copp, who showed prime condition, threw his hat into the ring, amidst loud cheers. Olver followed his example, but was not so well received. He, however, looked confident, and much better than when he played Saunders. After shaking hands, a sharp turn at off-kicking took place, each man waiting an opportunity to make a favourite hitch. After several feints Olver succeeded in getting a hold, and they both grappled, Olver playing for the fore-hip, and Copp using his best caution as a preventive. In this manner several foils took place, and at length Olver was on the point of trying the heave, when Copp, whose fingers had become twisted in his antagonist’s jacket, and one of his nails torn down to the quick, cried out, in some little agony, “stop, stop.” In an instant Olver resigned his advantage, and left his man at liberty. On again setting-to, Copp went to work, but Olver was immovable, and showed himself the stronger man: after a severe struggle Copp was thrown on his side, Olver falling at the same time. In another attempt to strike the fore-hip, Olver suffered Copp again to make his inner crook, the movement on which he depended for ultimate success; but it was all wrong, for Olver, being unable to extricate himself, by a masterly manœuvre hooked Copp’s other leg, and giving him at the same time a peculiar turn, threw him fiat on his back in his own play, and fell rather heavily on him. The Coppites cried “foul,” but both Umpires decided it a fair back fall. The second turn commenced after a lapse of ten minutes, and, for a short time, the offkicking was again resorted to. The bout lasted half-an-hour, and was equally well contested with the first, the foils being nearly equal, and the play very superior to what is generally seen; but the fall was ultimately won by Copp, who made his lock as usual, and Olver was brought down in attempting the successful manœuvre practised in the previous turn. The friends of Copp offered slight odds on his winning the third fall, which were taken. When the third bout began, both men went to work in a desperate manner, with mutual success, until “bellows to mend” caused them to pause a little for breath. Again they grappled, and, in a struggle, Olver seized Copp round the waist, and was gathering him in a fine position for the “home ting,” but, having inadvertently grasped the handkerchief bound round Copp’s body, he was compelled, by the rules of fair play, to relinquish his hold, and was consequently left open for an instant to his opponent, who threw him a heavy side-fall. After this turn, Olver seemed to show weakness, and although he foiled all Copp’s attempts, yet, when he had two fine opportunities to make the heave, he could not stir Copp from the ground, and barely saved himself. Copp saw his advantage, and tried to make the most of it; he went in sharply, got a good firm hold, obtained the usual crook, and was trying it on strong, when Olver’s jacket slipped over his head, and he was free. (Loud laughter.) Another severe struggle followed this, until both came down together, neither on their backs, but in such a position that the partisans of each insisted that their man had won the fall. A scene of shocking confusion followed, in the midst of which Copp left the ring; but Olver kept his ground, and, when silence could be obtained, the Umpires distinctly asserted that no fall had taken place. Copp was immediately informed of their decision, but he said he had thrown his man, and refused to return or wrestle any more. Olver remained several minutes in the ring, but, finding his opponent did not return, said he should of course claim the stakes; and having also stated that he was ready to make a match with Copp for £50 or £100, and play within a month, he also retired. Olver had the stakes given to him.

At the Eagle Tavern, City Road, in April, 1829, a match took place for £20, between PHILIP Pyle and William ARCHER. In appearance Archer exhibited no superiority over his veteran antagonist, except his youth; but when they grappled his strength was evidently superior. Pyle, who has always been considered a heavy kicker, commenced with some severe visitations to the padded shins of his antagonist, who, nothing loath, repaid him in his own coin, and apparently had the best of it, as Pyle appeared to be the first to fight shy. After playing twenty-five minutes, Archer took the inner crook with his left leg, and, although Pyle put every manœuvre in execution to slip it, he could not, nor could he prevent himself from receiving as fair a back fall as was ever, perhaps, witnessed in the London ring. When the second bout commenced, Archer made almost instant play, and again locked Pyle’s right leg, but the latter disengaged himself very adroitly, and threw Archer a foil, which was much applauded. Archer got a little more on his mettle after this, and went to work desperately; but Pyle’s coolness did not for a moment forsake him; and although it was now quite evident, even to himself, that he was overmatched, yet the manner in which he continued to save his back when repeatedly floored with the toe, was the admiration of the ring. –Once only did Pyle attempt to lead, but it was no go; and the only hope of his friends was that he might tire the young one; but this hope was futile; and at the expiration of three quarters of an hour, after doing all that man could to protract the struggle, and get half a chance, Pyle was again thrown, by the same lock, a second indisputable back fall, and lost the match.-Archer played without a shoe on the right foot, and the manner in which Pyle kept out, prevented any extraordinary display of tactics. He is, however, a first-rate player, and the amateurs present appeared highly satisfied with the match.

CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORELAND WREST LING FOR A SILVER CUP AND OTHER PRIZES. On Good Friday, in 1829, the annual Wrest ling and Leaping Matches for ten distinct prizes, raised by Subscription, and only allowed to be played for by natives of the above counties, took place at the Eyre Arms Tavern, St. John’s Wood, in the presence of an immense assemblage of spectators, whom the fineness of the morning and the usual superiority of the sports had attracted to the grounds. The prizes consisted of a silver cup (the grand prize) value £20, six silver snuff-boxes, two handsome gold seals, and a chased gold watch-key, of the value of thirty shillings, the latter to be awarded to one of ten candidates who should cover the greatest quantity of ground in two hops and a leap. The grand prize was a beautiful piece of workmanship, shaped as a vase, and made to contain a quart; the outside richly ornamented, and the inside gilt. On one side appeared the figures of two men wrestling, over which was the motto, “The labour itself is a pleasure;” and on the other side, “Grand Prize, played for by natives of Cumberland and Westmoreland only, April 17th, 1829.” Within the lid of each box was engraved its number as a prize, and the date. Soon after twelve o’clock the sports were commenced with the hopping; and, after a very excellent display, the gold key was awarded to a native of Cumberland. For the Wrestling prizes nearly two hundred candidates entered their names on the Committee’s list; and after some of the finest play ever witnessed (in the style peculiar to the counties of Westmoreland and Cumberland, which is widely different from the usual Cornish and Devonshire modes of wrestling, but of which our limits will not allow us to enter into a detail), four prizes were adjudged as follows. -The grand prize to Joseph Dobson, of Cubbom, Westmoreland.-A silver snuff-box, beautifully chased, value £12, to Joseph Stamper, of Keswick, Cumberland.-A plain silver snuff-box, value £8, to Joseph Wells, also of Keswick.A silver box, value £5, to William Robinson, of Highcomb, Westmoreland. The five remaining prizes were then played for in a second bout by the losing men in the first play; and, notwithstanding the unwelcome visitations of several April showers, every turn was admirably contested, and the final decision was protracted until near night-fall, when they were awarded by the Committee in the following manner :- A chased silver snuffbox to Timothy Dobson, a relative of the fortunate winner of the silver cup.-2nd. A plain silver snuff-box to John Elwood, of Appleby, Cumberland. – 3rd. A silver box, of less value, to John Hick, of Cumberland. 4th. A chased gold seal to Thomas Foy, of Westmoreland.-5th. A plain gold seal, to Miles Dodd, of Westmoreland. The company, which was highly respectable, departed highly gratified with the sports; and the Committee, with a very numerous party of friends, afterwards partook of an excellent dinner, served up in Messrs. Hinton and Bailey’s best style, and did not separate until a late hour.

In the middle of July, 1829, the Eagle Tavern, in the City Road, was again the scene of Sporting events for five days in succession. These games would be much more numerously attended than they are, were it not for the uninteresting and unnecessary delay of making standards. In the present instance the making of the standards was not completed before nine o’clock on Wednesday evening, and much dissatisfaction was expressed by the spectators, to appease whom the conductors were under the necessity of beginning the double play at that late hour; and Benjamin Sambell, and Samuel Steers were called on to oppose each other the former a Cornishman, and the latter a Devonshire man, both of first-rate science; and from that moment the games became lively, and far more interesting than they had previously been. Two or three foils took place between them, one of which was so much in favour of Sambell, that he considered himself hardly dealt with in not having it adjudged to him as a fall. He was shortly afterwards thrown. Thorn and Howard, both of Devonshire, were then called on; and, after a pretty turn, Howard was thrown. This ended the sports of Wednesday. We cannot omit to notice, however, a most interesting turn that took place in the course of that day, between Olver and Trewicke, both Cornishmen, and extremely jealous of each other. Meeting on the ground, and eager to decide the point at issue, they entered the ring amid the plaudits of their friends. Three foils took place, the first in favour of Trewicke, but the two following, and finally the fall, were decidedly in favour of Olver, whose superiority was very apparent, and who has thus decided a point upon which the amateurs of wrestling were much divided.

On Thursday the double-play was renewed, and in the commencement it appeared to be all in favour of the men of Devon: but as the play advanced the best men on both sides were called into action, commencing with Saunders, of Cornwall, and Jones, of Devon, when the latter was thrown, after an excellent display of the science. James Cann, of Devon, and Olver, of Cornwall, were then called, and entered the ring amid loud cheers, as the hopes of their respective counties appeared to depend on the result of their contest; and Cann seemed to hold the opinion that he had not been fairly thrown by Olver at their last meeting. In about ten minutes, however, Olver threw him by one of those high forehips, which appear to be so dangerous to himself to try, but which, he assures us, are perfectly safe and effective, and of which, indeed, he gave ocular demonstration. Wrayford, Devon–who, with James Cann, had been brought up from Devon, with a strong hope of their getting the first and second prizes-was then called on to oppose James Rook, of Cornwall; but he fared no better than his friend Cann, which blighted all the hopes of the Devonians, as both their champions are thus altogether thrown out of any share of the prizes. Olver caught Rook up in his arms, as if he had been a child, and carried him out of the ring in triumph, while the exultation of the Cornishmen knew no bounds. The above noble game still maintains its ground with unabated patronage, and numbers of young WRESTLERS are continually arriving from the country, not only to obtain the standard of excellence (the London stamp), but also to have a shy for the prizes offered by Mr. Rouse, of the Eagle Tavern, City Road, and other persons.- More anon.

Printed for Thomas Tegg, Cheapside, by J. Haddon, Castle Street, Finsbury.

Egan, P (1836). ‘The Wrestlers’, in Pierce Eganʼs Book of Sports, and Mirror of Life Embracing the Turf, the Chase, the Ring and the Stage Interspersed with Original Memoirs of Sporting Men. Publisher: T. Tegg, London.  Chapter XXI, pp.321-336. Available online via HathiTrust.

[1] We speak from our own knowledge (observes Mr. LITT, in his WRESTLIANA), and from such corresponding information as insures the correctness of every thing we shall state as matter of fact. During the many years we were attached to this hardy and athletic exercise,

"The men who threw us, and the men we threw,”

could not fail to perfect us in the practice of the ring; and the number of veteran wrestlers, and veteran amateurs we conversed with, who

"Our memory stor'd with feats of valor done, And, youth recalling, told how belts were won,”

gave us an equal claim to understand the theory of the business; and consequently we scruple not to say, we believe ourselves as well acquainted with the various interesting particulars comprised in such a Review, as any one person whatever.

We shall, therefore, for the better information of those spectators not conversant either in the practice or theory of wrestling, as well as of those who wish to become so, devote a few pages to the explanation of those terms usually applied to the methods which are used in the art; or, to speak more intelligibly to our less knowing readers, the different methods of striking or assailing an opponent, so as to effect the desired object of bringing him down, generally termed throwing him by the spectators, but by some hardy and unrefined practisers of the exercise, broadły, and we must own, rather brutally, called felling him. These methods are much more various and complicated in close-hold wrestling than in any other mode; which diversity we conceive to be a strong proof of the superiority of this exercise to any other, which indeed is evinced by the great interest it never has failed to excite; -a diversity which must be regarded as characteristic of something noble and manly, as it can be occasioned only by a contest of men. The most general and usual methods are those which follow :-

Throwing men by lifting them from off the ground, and rapidly placing one of the knees between their thighs, is now become very common all over Cumberland and Westmoreland. It was, however, very little known between the rivers Derwent and Duddon till within these last thirty years. It is generally called hipeing, we conceive from the supposed great use of the hip in the execution of it. There is, however, too essential a difference in the modes of practising it for any general agreement in the propriety of the term. An explanation of one or two of these modes may serve to elucidate the point, give the reader some idea as to the propriety of the term, and enable him to ascertain the accuracy of our definition of it.

When, immediately on lifting, the knee and thigh are thrown in and forced upwards, so that, quickly wheeling the whole frame to the contrary side, the assailant is enabled, when turning his man with his arms and delivering him from his breast, to pitch him with his hip, (which will then be close against the lower part of his opponent's belly) in such a manner that, not being able to catch the ground with either foot, he is thrown upon his back-an operation which requires a close hold, and great rapidity in the execution of it-we conceive it may, with propriety. be provincially called hipeing. Thomas Richardson of Hesket, commonly called the dyer, is allowed to be one, if not the very best hiper among the present list of Cumbrian wrestlers.

But when, on lifting, the superior length of the assailant enables him to throw his leg so high that his opponent is turned by the action of the knee against the inside of his thigh, and the simultaneous effort of the arms and breast, as was generally practised by the celebrated William Wilson, of Ambleside, we conceive the proper appellation to be, inside striking. That this is quite a different mode from what we have termed hipeing, is still more evident by some wrestlers lifting their man, and waiting some time for an opportunity; when this is the case, the fall is usually occasioned by the knee, aided by the dexterous management of the arms only, and does not require the men being so close to each other as hipeing. This method is now become very common, and if the term striking can be as properly, as it is commonly applied to wrestling, we think it can admit of no definition but an inside stroke.

It is an invariable maxim, that when a man is determined to make play, the sooner he does it, and the quicker he is in doing it, the greater will be his chance of succeeding. To guard against an inside stroke, or hipe, the defendant should if possible keep himself on the ground. To do this, he must either lift against his opponent, or, slackening his own hold, endeavour by wrenching his body from his opponent's grasp to plant himself, as it were, to the ground, striving at the same time to keep his opponent off with his breast, and if possible to shrink it underneath his assailant's. If he succeed in this latter mode, he should be on the alert to secure such a hold, when his opponent attacks him, (which he cannot do without in some measure giving his body within the compass of his grasp) as will ensure him of victory. It is true a skilful wrestler will be very careful when he hazards an attack to keep his right arm well up, to prevent his opponent getting a low hold of him; but still, if he does not succeed, one equally skilful will inevitably gain some advantage by it, such as catching his heel, mending his hold, or attacking him in turn before he can recover his balance. If the defendant cannot prevent his opponent from lifting him, he must endeavour, by shrinking his body, to give him the greatest weight upon his breast he possibly can, and instantaneously try to fix his knees and feet so as to prevent the assailant from getting his knee between his thighs, and, at the same time, so as fully to inform himself of every meditated movement the moment it is attempted. If he thus succeeds in checking the first assault, and be equal, or nearly so, to the assailant, he ought to win the fall. As these observations will, with some trifling deviations, apply to lifting in general, we shall not have occasion to dwell much in future upon that particular subject.

The methods of assailing a man on either side are various. They may, however, be reduced to the four principal ones, namely: striking with the knee, the leg, the foot, and the leg and foot alternately. The first is done by striking with great pith and force with either of the knees, though generally the left, against the outside of an opponent's knee or thigh; and by the force of the stroke, and the correspondent movement of the arms, first force him from, and then turn him upon the ground. Slee, of Dacre, who won the prize at Penrith races in the year 1813, was, in our judgment, the best at this stroke of any man we ever saw practise it. Sometimes it is made use of after lifting, by throwing the knee outside an opponent's thigh; a method we have in propria personæ often practised with great success. The second is generally termed in and out, owing to striking out with the leg, so that the knee of the assailant is outside his opponent's, and the foot inside his ancle, or small of the leg,- thus placing a kind of lock upon the knee and leg. This is a very common mode with many first-rate, as well as inferior, wrestlers. The third mode is usually called a chip, and is effected by trying to swing an opponent round, and strike the wrist of the foot against the outside of his leg or ancle, or, as in the preceding mode, by doing so, and turning him with the assistance of the arms; a method which Thomas Golightly (now no more) excelled in, and in which we have seen Nicholson himself evince much dexterity. It in general requires more dexterity than any of the preceding modes. The fourth is effected by striking an antagonist from the ground with the leg, either outside, or in and out, with the assistance of the arms; and instantly planting that foot upon the ground, strike with the other across his farther shin before he reaches the ground. This stroke requires great quickness and activity, and is, when well executed, one of the surest and neatest methods of wrestling practised. The best and cleanest practiser of this mode we ever knew, or heard of, was William Ponsonby, of Endside, near Egremont, who retired from the ring nearly twenty years ago. He displayed such uncommon dexterity in this stroke, that his feet might frequently have been heard at a considerable distance, succeeding each other against his opponent's legs like two distinct claps of the hand:-it is at the present time by no means unusual.

Although we have classed outside striking under four principal heads, yet it is to be observed that the occasions on which they are resorted to are extremely various; being often used as sufficient of themselves, sometimes as precursors to other meditated attacks, and, not unfrequently, subsequent to other movements. As a clear explanation of their nature, and the different modes of using them, are a sufficient means of in. formation to enable any practiser of wrestling to judge what are the surest methods of guarding against them, it is unnecessary to detain our readers any longer on this particular subject.

When one party gets a leg behind an opponent's, it is called haming, or catching his heel, according to the manner in which it is done. If the legs are intertwined with each other, or if the heel of the assailant is above the small of the defendant's leg, it is usually termed haming: for no other reason that we can divine, except from the strength required in the ham, either for accelerating, or defending the attack. Sometimes a ham is practised at the moment of taking hold, or when taken off the ground, by rapidly striking the heel behind the knee; as the sinews of the person lifting are then at full stretch; if the party lifted do it forcibly, and can throw the full weight of his body along with it, it is often effective. Haming, as well as catching the heel, is indiscriminately practised, either as attacks of themselves, or as auxiliaries to other attacks. To guard against a ham, the defendant should feel his feet firm upon the ground, slack his hold, and bear forward with his breast against the assailant's. If he succeed in this, he should endeavour, if the ham be persevered in, to turn or twist his opponent over by wheeling him off his breast to the opposite side, as he will have only one leg on the ground; but, should he quit the ham, no time should be lost in closing the hands lower down upon his back, and becoming the assailant in turn.

Catching the heel is often quite a different operation;-its object generally is to force the foot forward by rapidly striking the heel against the heel or ancle of the defendant. Should it not prove immediately effective, yet if the defendant staggers, and ultimately falls by not being able to extricate himself from it, it is usually called hankering the heel. Catching the heel may be practised either on the outside, or inside; and, if done with force and quickness, it is a very difficult manœuvre to guard against, and a wrestler known to be expert in catching, or hankering, is generally as little fancied for an opponent, as one skilled in any other mode whatever. Thomas Nichol. son, of Threlkeld, who won at Carlisle for three successive years, was a forcible illustrator of this mode. He was certainly uncommonly good at it, and though by no means wanting in many other modes, yet he was more indebted to this method for victory than all the rest put together. There is another mode somewhat similar to these last mentioned, by which falls, particularly among new beginners, or novices, are often decided. This may be termed twining over the knee, as it is effected by getting the knee outside and twining an opponent over it.

It is not our intention to dwell much upon what is often indiscriminately termed hanching, henching, hipping, buttocking, or crossbuttocking, as they are all effected in nearly the same manner; and in fact, whatever they may be faucically called, the breast and side are oftentimes, though not always, as much used as the hip, or what is the most general appellation, the buttock. A man skilled in this method of wrestling generally strives for a loose hold, and it is the left side which is mostly used for effecting the desired object. By stepping partly in, and crossways with the left foot, twining the body in, and throwing the buttock underneath the belly; the defendant is, by the assailant's arms being kept tight round his neck or shoulders, hoisted on, and thrown off, or over the side, or buttock; as the latter is by the act of stepping thrown farthest in, it has acquired the name of buttocking; and, when the leg or foot gets quite across the defendant's body, of crossbuttocking; though even then, it is evident, unless the effort was seconded by the arms and higher part of the body, the act of throwing the leg across would be fatal to the aggressor. Sometimes when the assailant perceives, or feels his man staggered, or balanced upon his side, or buttock, he is circumstanced as to be able to strike with one of his feet across the shins; when this is done the fall is often clean and effective. At other times the situation admits of getting the leg, or foot, behind both of the defendant's; when this happens it is in some places called grandystepping. It sometimes happens that the assailant, by turning in quickly with very loose holds, gets into a position exactly before, or with his back to his opponent; in that case, if he do not, by keeping his hands fast, and stooping forward, throw him over his head and shoulders, his situation is a dangerous one for losing the fall. In short, the modes of assault and defence, in this most manly of all exercises, are so diversified, that a volume might be filled by illustrating that part of our subject only. The act of buttocking, slipping from the side or breast, and in fact, of every thing that constitutes the science of wrestling, depends much upon the different situations which may occur in a contest; and the judgment formed by feeling with the chest, and breast, what kind of assault is most likely to prove effective: and, generally speaking, quickness in assault, and promptitude in judiciously availing himself of any circumstance that may arise during the struggle, may be called the distinguishing characteristics of a good and scientific wrestler.

Opinions respecting the best mode of standing, when taking hold, are no doubt various, and the particular method of wrestling usually adopted by the antagonist to be encountered, in order to counteract his intention as well as keeping in view the method he himself excels in, will always have some influence on every judicious wrestler. In the rule solely devoted to the purpose of obliging those to take hold who cannot themselves agree about it, we found it absolutely necessary to fix some standard for regulating the hold. Any wrestler need not be told that the subject is the most difficult one that could arise; and that one certain standard only was indispensable. Making proper allowance for any man's mode of wrestling, except it be in an extreme of tight (the usual epithet for a close or fast hold) or slack, we are fully prepared to maintain that he standard we have fixed on is the best and most judicious that can be adopted. It is usual for men wishing to take more than a fair hold to shrink their own breast underneath their opponent's, and pin his arm to his side, close to the elbow; - the merest novice in the art will not permit this, and yet the shorter man will sometimes argue they ought to stand straight up! Knee to knee is sometimes with equal absurdity proposed; for unless the men are of exactly the same dimensions upwards, it does not in the least alter the subject of dispute. A hat, or a stick, is often laid down, and the men are required to bring their toes up to the mark. The monstrous absurdity of the ridiculous position this will place men of different sizes in, with their feet close together, and what is so times jocosely termed the seat of honour of the taller man hung back, needs no comment. No certain distance between the toes can be equally applicable to all; and, therefore, the distance which will admit of both feeling themselves at ease, and firmly on the ground, may soon be settled between them with the assistance of the umpire, as breast to breast is the only mode of placing them on an equal footing. Many wrestlers are fond of leaning to the left side, a habit acquired while in their novitiate by the desire of seeing their opponent's feet, or at least his right foot. This latter circumstance is of no material advantage of itself, as it is the feel and not the sight which generally regulates the movements of a good wrestler, especially at the commencement of a contest, as is sufficiently evident from the fact, that one man, decidedly the master of another, will throw him blindfolded. This lean to the left, as with many it is a supposed advantage, and therefore often a considerable obstacle to their getting hold, is worthy of some consideration in regard to its utility, both in assaulting and defending; and therefore, though a dry and complex subject to some of our readers, yet as many wrestlers will deem it both important and interesting, it is our duty to attempt some elucidation of the subject.

It must be sufficiently evident to all, that leaning to either side is a deviation from the natural and true centre of balance; and of course will lay some stress upon, or partly brace, the muscles of the opposite side. Thus if the lean be to the left side, the muscles of the right, from the neck to the foot downwards, will be proportionably braced, as those on the left are contracted in with the body; and part of the weight of the body by being thrown upon the right arm of the opponent, will detract in a corresponding degree from the weight upon, or firmness of, the feet upon the ground. Now it is certain, that the easier and firmer any wrestler feels himself upon the ground, the less stress there will be upon the arms and breast; and that when all the powers of the frame can at once be brought effectively into action, the more vigorous will be the attack. It is to be remarked, that these obstacles apply even to an attack with the left leg; while the lean, being from the right, must of course greatly detract from the force of any intended effort to throw an opponent to that side; and the position itself totally precludes the idea of an effective buttock; because, instead of facilitating the act of getting the foot partly across, or the breast underneath, it acts in the very reverse, by contributing to place the body on the outside, an unavoidable consequence of the lean. As for buttocking with the right side, there are very few who ever attempt it, except it is after an outside stroke with the left leg; because, in taking hold, the left arm is always above the right; and consequently, when the bold is loose, there is no material obstacle to prevent that side from being thrown in; whereas, the right arm being underneath the oxter, prevents that side from being brought into action with equal freedom and facility; notwithstanding this, there are some few who contrive to throw in the right side with considerable effect; yet, against a good wrestler, it must always be considered a losing chance.

It is observable that these remarks apply to the act of taking hold before the contest is begun. The lean to the left acquired after, or during a struggle, is quite a different thing. It is then a certain sign, either that the opponent has lost all command of the hold, or that both parties have their arms round each other's neck. If the former be the case, it necessarily implies that the party who has the lean, has broke his opponent's hold, has himself got a commanding one, is standing perfectly at ease, and is nearly sure of the fall; while his adversary, scarcely able to preserve an upright position and without hold, is incapable of making any offensive effort which is likely to succeed. The only thing he can do, is to attempt to get his side in, and try to buttock; but the other, perfectly aware of his movements, will probably catch him under the ribs, and often dispose of him with ease and safety. If both parties have lost hold of the back, he who has the lean is much more advantageously situated than his opponent; he stands freer with his neck, and easier with his body; and is consequently more at liberty to assault or defend with a much greater prospect of success. As the two most important objects in wrestling -namely, hold, and feeling with the breast, are, in that situation, of comparatively little consequence, a view of the right leg becomes an object of some consideration, as it implies the fact of the right arm being more up, and the left more down, than his antagonist's (if the men have any hold) can possibly be; as the left buttock is then the only attack that his opponent can make, and which he cannot make without moving the right leg. On the other hand, the person possessing the lean is by no means in so confined a situation. By standing perfectly at ease, he can choose his time of assault, or is fully prepared to avail himself of any effort his antagonist can make; and if he be a good striker with the left leg across the shin, he has every chance of doing so with success; which he ought not to defer doing, lest his antagonist should wrench his head loose, and thus oblige him to forfeit his advantage by taking a fresh hold.

Having thus proved that leaning to one side when the men are supposed to be on equal terms, and acquiring a commanding lean after the contest is begun, are two very different things, it remains for us to consider the advantage, or disadvantage, of the lean to the left side, as it regards the efficacy of repelling or guarding an attack. As this lean, which implies laying an additional weight upon an opponent's right arm at the commencement of a contest, when the holds are, or ought to be, equally low round the arm and body, cannot be done without detracting from the firmness of the feet upon the ground, it must apparently impede the act of guarding, either a judicious stroke, or buttock: for although it may be a preventive to his being turned to the right side by an outside stroke with the left leg; yet it must proportionably facilitate his being turned to the left side, by the left leg inside, or by the right outside; and hanging his weight to the left side, so far from the centre of balance, is certainly the very thing a good buttocker, or slipper from the breast, would desire. It likewise is not, as some imagine, any obstacle to his being lifted from the ground; because, by hanging his weight downwards, he has not an immediate command of his strength to counteract the lift of his opponent; and instead of bearing him forward with his breast and arms, he has one hanging upon him, and the other closely locked round him. His antagonist, so far from having an additional weight to lift, has only the same weight in a more favourable position for lifting it; because, having the greater part already, he has only that part to raise higher, and the other comes by degrees upon him, and the weight he has to sustain is close to him ; whereas, were his antagonist lifting, or bearing against him, the weight would come upon him at once, and would be farther from him. Again, the weight of a man is so far from being equal to his strength, that if no impediment were thrown in the way by lifting against, or bearing forward with the arms and breast, a man ten stone weight would easily lift one of twenty. When lifted, the lean is an evident disadvantage; as it tends to throw him from the exact front of his opponent, it must of course be a considerable impediment to clamping the knees, or legs, close upon him to prevent his striking out, and feeling in what manner, and with what leg, he intends to do it.

Having discussed this point fully, and, we hope, satisfactorily, to the experienced wrestler, we will offer a few short remarks upon the hold recommended in the third Rule. It is surely a most important and desirable thing, that the same method of taking hold should prevail throughout this and the adjacent counties; because by practising in some places with loose, and in others with tight holds, when they meet for some considerable prize, no hold satisfactory to all

parties can be obtained. This evidently compelled the author of any treatise on the subject to lay down some one particular manner to be resorted to as a standard, when any dispute occurred. The one which seemed to us best adapted to this difficult point, is, as we have before remarked in our observations upon it, such a one as the tight-hold wrestler may gather with, or strike from; and at the same time, one which does not prevent the loose-hold wrestler from making use of his own peculiar mode. Such a medium between the two extremes is the thing evidently calculated to compromise the subject of dispute. As the parties are equally standing without inclining to either side, exactly fronting each other, at liberty to breathe freely, and feeling each other by the junction of their breasts-all characteristics of a fair, and which cannot exist in an unfair, hold-they are at full and equal liberty to attack with vigour, and every part of the frame may at once be promptly combined to repel, and on the alert to take any advantage which may present itself in consequence of the attack.

But still, after all that can be said respecting the superiority of any particular method of taking hold, considerable practice, and attachment to almost any, will render a man very dexterous in it. Accordingly we may see many acknowledged first-rate wrestlers differ as much in their notions of taking hold, as in their methods of assault and defence. Thus, Thomas Nicholson, and Thomas Todd, two of the best wrestlers of their weight in Cumberland, and saying this, we conceive we might safely add the United Kingdom or the world, are, or were, both upright standers: while William Richardson, of Caldbeck (commonly called Ritson), the winner of more prizes than any other man in the kingdom, was partial to the lean; and John Louden, from the vicinity of Keswick, a first-rate, and a most dangerous customer, was never satisfied without it.

Finally, the circumstance of taking HOLD, while it is the most frequent cause of dissension among wrestlers, it is at the same time the most difficult for an impartial spectator, or umpire, to form a correct and decisive judgment upon. The biassed and interested spectator, and the well-wishers of either party, are often determined not to be convinced that the fault originates with their favourite. This being the case, those who give the prize OUGHT ALWAYS PROMPTLY TO ENFORCE THE JUDGMENT OF THE UMPIRE WHOM THEY HAVE CHOSEN. The rule for deciding the hold, notwithstanding the difficulty of the subject, is, we hope, sufficiently intelligible to any man who is competent to fulfil the arduous situation of acting as umpire. Being fully conscious, that as harmony and unanimity ought to be the distinguished characteristics of an amusement, we could not be too explicit, or minute, on the point which tends most to interrupt them; such a consideration could alone have induced us to treat every thing relative to the subject of taking hold, in so lengthy a manner; but feeling, as we do, that the frequency and splendour of the prizes given to wrestle for, will be considerably influenced by the cordiality displayed by the wrestlers towards each other, it appeared to us an indispensable duty to give this particular subject a full consideration; as shrinking from it would have implied an inability to treat of it,-a stigma, we possess egotism enough to believe, we by no means merit.

[2] The surnames of most true Cornishmen begin with Tre, Pol, or Pen. For instance, the name of the champion, Polkinhorne. An ancient local rhyme alludes to this:

"By Tre, Pol, and Pen

You may know the Cornishmen."

[3] Information from several sources, that this was as fair a fall as was ever thrown, has reached us.