Medical Topography of Exeter, Thomas Shapter (1835)

The only amusement generally indulged in, the mode of which is almost peculiar to the county, is that of wrestling. It differs much from the sport so called and practiced in Cornwall and the North of England, inasmuch as the cruelty of kicking the shin is permitted; a custom which is very prolific of obstinate ulcerated legs in after years.

Shapter, Thomas (1835). The Medical Topography of Exeter, Worcester, pp. 84-85.

AMUSEMENTS On this point little need be said the only amusement generally indulged in which is peculiar to this county is wrestling it differs much from the sport so called and practised in Cornwall and the north of England inasmuch as the barbarism of “kicking shins” is permitted a custom which is very prolific of obstinate ulcers of the legs in after years. During the last twenty years this sport has much declined and promises soon to become extinct A description of the mode of play will be found in Vancouver’s Survey of Devon p 470.

Shapter, Thomas (1862). The Climate of the South of Devon; and Its Influence Upon Health: with Short Accounts of Exeter, Torquay, Babbicombe, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Etc. pp. 155-156. Available on Google Books.