Rise, Fall, and Rise of Devon Wrestling

Featured image: A painting of the Polkinghorne-Cann match on 26th October 1826.

In the early to mid-19th century, Devonshire wrestling emerged as one of England’s most prestigious combat sports, characterised by its unique style, substantial prize purses, and legendary champions. The sport’s golden age, roughly spanning from 1800 to 1830, saw wrestling matches drawing tens of thousands of spectators and offering prizes that could exceed a year’s wages for skilled workers. 

In the towns and villages of early Victorian Devon, no fair or revel “was worthy of the name if it did not include in its programme a wrestling contest” (Western Times, 1926). The sport drew thousands of spectators from all classes of society, from rural laborers to the nobility, all eager to witness what one newspaper called “the most ancient of all pastimes.”

Style and rules

Devonshire wrestling distinguished itself from other regional styles through several key features. Wrestlers wore jackets, which could be gripped anywhere above the waist, and distinctive “wrestling shoes” that could be used for kicking – a controversial aspect that set it apart from Cornish wrestling. A successful throw required the opponent to land flat on their back, with both shoulders and hips touching the ground simultaneously, known as a “fair back fall.”

The Devonshire style was distinctive for its allowed use of “the terrible kicking,” which set it apart from Cornish wrestling. However, this aspect was controversial. In 1828, a Yorkshire correspondent tried to assuage fears about “Cann’s dreadful shoes,” assuring potential competitors that the Devon champions would “play in such light shoes, that the legs of a dancing master would be in no danger” (Leeds Intelligencer, 1828). During a match between Cann and Polkinghorne, one paper remarked how Cann “…planted some of the most terrible kicks which made his opponent wince” kicking with “the force of a sledge”. Whilst Polkinghorne responded with the Cornish Hug, attempting to squeeze the air out of Cann, Cann responded with an even more brutal assault of kicks as he “worked with the regularity of a pendulum, telling with the most terrible effect upon the legs of his adversary” (Exeter Flying Post, 26 October 1826). 

Major matches could last hours. In one notable contest between Finney, an Irishman standing “six feet two inches in height, and weighing fourteen stone,” and King, a Devonian “weighing but twelve stone, and standing five feet nine,” the men wrestled for “two hours and a half,” with the smaller man nearly prevailing through superior skill. 

Giants of the sport

The sport produced larger-than-life characters. The sport’s most celebrated champion was Abraham Cann (1794-1864), who dominated the scene in the 1820s and 1830s. Standing 5’8″ and weighing just over 12 stone (170 lbs), Cann became renowned for his technical skill rather than size. 

Cann made a name for himself early in his career by beating all the well-known and recognised names in Devon. An early Devon rival was James Stone, nicknamed “The Little Elephant,” who, despite his diminutive moniker, was renowned for his “prodigious strength and activity” (Western Times, 1866). A match between these two titans in 1825 captured the drama of the sport. As reported at the time: “they grappled with each other in such a way as almost to realize Homer’s description of the struggle between Ajax and Hector. In truth the first shock resembled the clash of two fierce bulls.” The bout lasted seventy minutes, with Stone eventually prevailing through what was described as “the most enduring” strength. Cann’s win over Stone established him as a national name. Fresh from this success, Cann was matched against Gaffney (the Irish champion), Polkinghorn (the Cornish champion), and became the ‘Champion of All-England’. After a rare loss, when Cann lost after only 33 minutes of play in 1825, his shoe was thrown out of the ring and blamed for being enchanted (Morebard Grand Match, reported in Exeter Flying Post – Thursday 16 June 1825).

It was in the latter match-up that became his most famous match against James Polkinghorne of Cornwall in 1826, a contest that would be talked about for over a 100 years, and commemorated a century, and even 150 years, later.

Other notable figures included: James Stone (mentioned); William Wreford, who continued competing into his later years; Thomas Cooper, who helped evolve the sport’s technical aspects. 

Venues and Events

Major tournaments were grand affairs. At the 1869 Agricultural Hall event in London, “the vast area of the hall was enclosed by a low partition or barrier, and made more conspicuous by a layer of clean sawdust.” The crowds could be immense – at one event “about two hundred, who could get no better accommodation, climbed the poplars to witness the contest” (Morning Post, 1827). One match in August 1826 at St Thomas in Exeter reported having 10,000 spectators. Wrestling matches took place across several circuits:

Devon Circuit:

• St. Thomas, St. Leonards, St. Sidwell, Heavitree, Exeter
• Crediton’s Plymouth Inn (famous for week-long tournaments)
• Salutation Inn, Topsham
• South Molton
• Torquay
• White Hart Inn, Okehampton

London Circuit:

• Agricultural Hall
• Eagle Tavern, City Road
• Copenhagen House
• Hackney Wick
• Brecknock Arms, Camden Town

Some of the most lucrative events between 1810-1910:

1. 1828 Haigh Park, near Leeds
   • Total Prize Money: £75
   • Breakdown: £30 (1st), £20 (2nd), £15 (3rd), £10 (4th)
   • Most structured prize distribution
2. 1827 London (Tavern, City)
   • Total Prize Money: £100
   • Single large prize
   • Won by Abraham Cann
3. 1869 London, Agricultural Hall
   • Total Prize: 300 guineas
   • Included silver cups, gold and silver watches, medals, and money
   • Winner: G. Steadman
4. 1830 Heavitree, Devon
   • Total Prize Fund: £40
   • Winner: Jordan
5. 1844 Events (two notable entries)
   • St. Mary Church, Devon
     • Total Prize Pool: £30
   • Specific event details limited, but substantial prize for the time

We can observe a few interesting things about these events. Firstly, many events have “various prizes” or unspecified prize amounts. This might be because they did not have a prize fund (which would be made up on the day), or because the event was already well-known and have an established prize. They would only announce when the prize was increased. Secondly, the prize money seems to have varied widely, with the largest events having the highest prizes. London events, as an example, typically offered larger prizes compared to local Devon competitions. Prize structures varied also from simple cash prizes to more complex awards including cups, watches, and medals. Some of the oldest prizes would be hats, waistcoats, etc, as recorded in events from the 18th century. 

Overall, the most consistently successful wrestler in terms of prize money appears to be Abraham Cann, who won significant prizes in multiple events during this period.

Prizes and economics

The scale of investment in the sport was significant. The 1828 Haigh Park tournament’s total expenses were “calculated to exceed £500” (approximately £33,900 today), showing the commercial scale of major events. 

The financial rewards could be substantial. Major tournaments in the 1820s-30s offered prizes of £100 – equivalent to roughly £12,000-£13,000 in modern currency. The financial rewards of wrestling in the golden age were substantial. Taking the 1828 Haigh Park tournament as an example, the prize structure in modern terms would be:

• First Prize: £50 (approximately £6,500 in 2024)
• Second Prize: £40 (approximately £5,200 in 2024)
• Third Prize: £20 (approximately £2,600 in 2024)
• Fourth Prize: £15 (approximately £1,950 in 2024)
• Fifth Prize: £10 (approximately £1,300 in 2024)
• Sixth Prize: £5 (approximately £650 in 2024)

Even more impressive were the stakes for individual challenge matches. The 1826 Polkinghorne-Cann match was fought for “100 sovereigns” – equivalent to around £13,000 in modern money. In 1827, Jordan offered to wrestle Polkinghorne “for 100l. aside without shoes, or, if he will consent to play with shoes, he will wrestle him 100l. to 60l.” – stakes worth approximately £13,000 to £7,800 today.

Additionally, “double players” (wrestlers who won multiple matches) received a sovereign each plus traveling expenses – a significant sum for working men of the period. To understand the true value of these prizes, consider the contemporary wages reported in our sources:

• A skilled worker in the 1820s might earn £30-40 (equivalent) per year,
• A labourer might earn £15-20 per year,
• A standard day’s admission to watch wrestling was one shilling (about £3.39 in today’s money).

This means that the top prize at Haigh Park (£50) represented well over a year’s wages for a skilled worker. Even the sixth prize (£5) equated to around 2-3 months’ wages for a laborer. Moreover, the side-stakes in major matches could exceed three years’ income for a working man. 

The sport also provided additional income streams: “Double players” (those who won multiple matches) received one sovereign each (approximately £130 today), Travel expenses were often covered, and “Standards” payments of 2-5 shillings were made for preliminary victories. Some of the most significant individual prizes during this period were:

• £100 in 1827 (equivalent to about £6,780.13 today)
• 60 guineas in 1827 (equivalent to about £4,068.08 today)

Based on a rough inflation calculation, Abraham Cann’s known prize winnings would have been equivalent to approximately £225,200 in today’s money. This shows that Abraham Cann was quite successful financially in the wrestling competitions of his time, earning what would be a substantial sum by today’s standards. The high value of these prizes helps explain:

1. Why Cann and others would travel long distances to compete,
2. The development of a professional circuit,
3. The prevalence of side-betting,
4. Why the sport attracted significant public interest

By the 1870s, prize money had generally decreased. The Western Times noted in 1879 that matches which once offered “£100 prize money” were becoming rare, with typical first prizes reduced to £10-15 (equivalent to about £626 – £939 today). This economic decline paralleled the sport’s general decay in popularity and prestige.

The financial opportunity that wrestling presented in its heyday helps explain both its popularity as a career choice for working men and its ability to attract competitors from across the country to major tournaments. When a single victory could earn more than a year’s wages, the appeal of “the most ancient of all pastimes” becomes clear, and also answers why so many were so keen to be kicked in the shins. Would you consider being kicked in the shins for £10,000?

Decline

When William Wreford, one of the last great champions, died in 1866, his obituary captured both the glory and the passing of the sport: “for though by profession he was, like his ancestors, a farmer, yet he passionately loved the most ancient of all pastimes, and for a period of nearly thirty years generally contrived to be present at all the great wrestling matches in Devonshire.” By the 1870s, the sport was fading and it went into decline. Several factors contributed:

1. The increasing brutality of kicking: Early accounts mention “light shoes,” but by the 1860s, there are descriptions of boots “hardened by being steeped in bullock’s blood.” A telling incident occurred at Crediton when a farmer “had to crawl the last three miles to his home on his hands and knees” after a particularly violent match (Western Times, 1879). As one Cornish correspondent noted in the Leeds Intelligencer (1828), the “frightful club, the wrestling shoe” was a major deterrent to cross-county competition.
2. Growing concerns about match-fixing: Perhaps more damaging than the physical violence was the growing suspicion of match-fixing. By the 1870s, the phrase “‘Tis only sells now-a-day” had become common among spectators. The practice of “subbing” – where wrestlers would receive payment to lose – became widespread. As one correspondent noted, “the moment the first bribe is given, the player is only a tool—he must ‘go to orders’ with others similarly treated” (Western Times, 1878). Perhaps the most egregious example came at a major tournament where “a stalwart farmer was actually drugged by another individual because the farmer declared he would play upon his merits and not join the others who were mere actors” (Western Times, 1878).
3. The rise of other spectator sports: Cricket and football offered more standardized rules and national organization. Unlike Devon wrestling, which could see matches stretch over multiple days with long periods of inaction, these new sports provided more predictable entertainment. The “week-long tournaments” that had once been a feature of wrestling became increasingly seen as outdated in an era of more time-efficient sporting entertainment.
4. Association with public houses, and baiting sports: The sport’s association with public houses proved double-edged. While venues like Crediton’s Plymouth Inn had been crucial to wrestling’s development, hosting legendary tournaments, this connection increasingly tainted the sport’s reputation. As one observer noted in 1879, “scarcely any whose presence is worth anything, can be seen present” at matches, suggesting the sport had lost its more respectable following.
5. Failure to establish a governing body: Perhaps the most crucial factor in Devon wrestling’s decline was its failure to establish a governing body. While Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling established a standardized ruleset and organization, Devon wrestling remained fragmented. Different areas had varying interpretations of rules, and there was no standard method for determining championships or regulating conduct. The contrast with what happened in Cornwall is quite telling. When Cornwall established the Cornwall County Wrestling Association in the 1920s, it helped preserve their style of wrestling, which continues to the present day (under the name ‘Cornish Wrestling Association’ (CWA). 

Although these factors contributed to the end of the sport, these are also key areas where an attempt to reclaim the sport can learn the lessons from the past. 

Reclaiming the sport

The story of Devon wrestling’s decline offers valuable lessons for traditional sports in the modern era. It shows how a sport can fail not just through external pressures, but through internal failures to adapt and organize. The same factors that threatened Devon wrestling – commercialisation, standardisation, and the need for formal governance – continue to challenge traditional sports today.

Our project called “The Devonshire Wrestling Society” has a mission to reclaim the sport, and to preserve it for future generations. We’ve removed the brutality of the frightful shoe, and added safety measures inspired by the standards introduced by the Cornish Wrestling Association in the early 20th century. We’ve also expanded the system to include other martial arts of the Westcountry, such as cudgelling. Our ranking system defines an achievement of 10 years of work, to consolidate canonical (from historical records) and traditional (from living teachings) into an easy-to-learn curriculum.

While it’s unlikely that Devon Wrestling will reach the same levels of popularity today, it may have a chance at persisting for the future. Our project’s six aims are the share the martial arts of the Wescountry with the entire world.

Legacy

Devonshire wrestling largely died out by the early 20th century. The sport’s legacy is perhaps best remembered in the words of a correspondent to the Western Times in 1879: “Time was when the bare announcement of a big affair was sure to bring hundreds together to witness it, but who will go when nearly a week may be spent before a bit of genuine play can be seen?”.

This decline marked the end of what had been not just a sport, but a significant cultural institution in Devon and throughout England’s West Country. Perhaps the most fitting epitaph for the sport came from two old champions, as reported in the Morning News: “he and Mr. Robert Stone, brother of Mr. James Stone, and himself a renowned wrestler, quite laughed at the general idea of the ‘dangers of the wrestling ring,’ and well vindicated the practice of wrestling, which had been handed down in rural districts from father to son for many hundred years, and both, to the writer’s great amusement, declared their legs were without a blemish, though they must have received thousands of severe kicks.”

In this way, perhaps, the sport embodied something quintessentially English – a combination of brute force and gentlemanly conduct, of rural tradition and urban spectacle, of ancient practice and Victorian organisation. While the sport may have died, it left an indelible mark on the cultural history of the West Country. The sport’s decline represents a lost piece of Devon’s cultural heritage, as noted in an 1866 obituary of the wrestler William Wreford, the sport had been “handed down in rural districts from father to son for many hundred years.” Its loss was not just the end of a sport, but the severing of a link to centuries of rural tradition.

Bibliography

• Exeter Flying Post. Exeter, England. 
• Exeter and Plymouth Gazette. Exeter, England. 
• Western Times. Exeter, England. 
• Morning Post. London, England. 
• Sherborne Mercury. Sherborne, England. 
• Morning Chronicle. London, England. 
• London Standard. London, England. 
• The Era. London, England. 
• North Devon Journal. Barnstaple, England. 
• Royal Cornwall Gazette. Truro, England. 

Exeter Flying Post

• August 6, 1812

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette

• June 16, 1827
• June 23, 1827
• July 14, 1827
• July 28, 1827
• June 5, 1830
• July 6, 1844
• September 26, 1846
• April 10, 1847

Western Times

• March 8, 1828
• May 3, 1828
• June 5, 1830
• July 31, 1841
• August 14, 1841
• October 1, 1842
• June 4, 1869
• June 9, 1868
• August 3, 1869
• August 9, 1869
• August 17, 1869

Morning Post

• September 26, 1827

Sherborne Mercury

• April 13, 1829
• April 27, 1829
• September 18, 1860

Morning Chronicle

• May 20, 1828

London Standard

• March 27, 1869

The Era

• May 4, 1851
• April 11, 1852
• June 26, 1852
• September 1, 1844

North Devon Journal

• September 2, 1886

Royal Cornwall Gazette

• May 31, 1850