Description

Wrestling has been practised in various forms throughout British history, with distinct regional styles developing across the country. Among these regional variants, Cornish and Devonshire Wrestling (collectively known as Westcountry Wrestling) emerged as distinctive and culturally significant forms, particularly during the 19th century.

Although substantial studies have been dedicated to Cornish Wrestling (Tripp, 2009; Jaouen & Nicholls 2003), Devonshire Wrestling has only received limited direct and modern treatment. Only one modern study has been made (Porter, 1989), which highlighted the corruption by the players that ultimately led to the sport’s extinction. With this book, The Devonshire Wrestling Society presents essays and archive material to provide context on how the sport morphed from countryside tradition to brutal bloodsport.