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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Wrestling and Wrestlers:, by 
+Jacob Robinson and Sidney Gilpin
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Wrestling and Wrestlers:
+       Biographical Sketches of Celebrated Athletes of the Northern
+       Ring; to Which is Added Notes on Bull and Badger Baiting
+
+Author: Jacob Robinson
+        Sidney Gilpin
+
+Release Date: September 29, 2011 [EBook #37562]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WRESTLING AND WRESTLERS: ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Roberta Staehlin, David Garcia, Josephine
+Paolucci and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+https://www.pgdp.net. (This file was produced from images
+generously made available by The Internet Archive/American
+Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+_NORTH COUNTRY SPORTS AND PASTIMES._
+
+Wrestling and Wrestlers:
+
+BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF CELEBRATED ATHLETES OF THE NORTHERN RING;
+
+TO WHICH IS ADDED
+
+_Notes on Bull and Badger Baiting_.
+
+BY
+
+JACOB ROBINSON
+
+AND
+
+SIDNEY GILPIN.
+
+Of all the athletic amusements of the people, Wrestling is beyond doubt the
+best.--CHRISTOPHER NORTH.
+
+LONDON: BEMROSE & SONS.
+CARLISLE: THE WORDSWORTH PRESS,
+75 SCOTCH STREET.
+
+MDCCCXCIII.
+
+
+TO THE MEMORY
+OF
+JACOB ROBINSON,
+
+THESE PAGES ARE
+_GRATEFULLY DEDICATED_,
+BY
+HIS FELLOW-WORKER,
+
+SIDNEY GILPIN.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+Every dale and valley, every nook and corner, throughout Cumberland,
+Westmorland, and North Lancashire, at all likely to yield materials, has
+been ransacked and laid under subservience in the compilation of this
+volume; and it now becomes the pleasant duty to record the fact, that not a
+single instance of unwillingness was met with, on the part of the multitude
+of narrators, who supplied the items of the various events chronicled.
+
+The local newspaper files have materially aided our labours, in a variety
+of ways. Besides supplying many passing incidents, we have found them, in
+some instances, exceedingly useful in the way of verifying and correcting
+dates.
+
+A brief description of Swiss Wrestling was promised, for the introductory
+chapter, by a native of that country resident in London. This promise
+yielded no fruit at the time, and it is a matter of regret that it still
+remains unfulfilled.
+
+Of Wrestling in France, we have not been able to glean much information,
+although enquiries were set on foot through the columns of _Notes and
+Queries_ and _Bell's Life in London_.
+
+For much information contained in the article on Wrestling in Scotland, we
+are indebted to Mr. Walter Scott of Innerleithen; and for a few other items
+we have to thank Mr. Robert Murray of Hawick.
+
+While the feats of many well known wrestlers are to be found in these
+pages, the names of others equally well known are necessarily omitted; but
+we may be able to publish a record of their achievements at some future
+time.
+
+With a full consciousness of many imperfections, we now leave our work to
+the judgment of those impartial readers, who may honour it with a perusal.
+
+
+LOCAL WORKS ON THE SUBJECT.
+
+     _Wrestliana: an Historical Account of Ancient and
+     Modern Wrestling._ By William Litt. Whitehaven: R.
+     Gibson, 1823.
+
+     Second Edition of the above, (reprinted from the
+     "Whitehaven News,") by Michael and William Alsop, 1860.
+
+     _Wrestliana: a Chronicle of the Cumberland and
+     Westmorland Wrestlings in London, since the year 1824._
+     By Walter Armstrong. London: Simpkin, Marshall & Co.,
+     1870.
+
+     _Famous Athletic Contests, Ancient and Modern_,
+     compiled by Members of the Cumberland and Westmorland
+     Wrestling Society. (Reprinted from the Best
+     Authorities.) London: F. A. Hancock, 1871.
+
+     _Great Book of Wrestling References, giving about 2000
+     different Prizes, from 1838 to the present day._ By
+     Isaac Gate, Twenty-five Years Public Wrestling Judge.
+     Carlisle: Steel Brothers, 1874.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+INTRODUCTION:                         Page
+
+Ancient Grecian Wrestling               ix.
+
+Wrestling in Japan                     xii.
+
+Indian Wrestling                     xviii.
+
+Wrestling Match in Turkey              xxi.
+
+Old English Wrestling                 xxiv.
+
+Wrestling in Scotland              xxxviii.
+
+Irish Wrestling                       xlvi.
+
+CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORLAND WRESTLING      1
+
+MELMERBY ROUNDS                          20
+
+LANGWATHBY ROUNDS                        27
+
+JAMES FAWCETT, Nenthead                  36
+
+WILLIAM RICHARDSON, Caldbeck             43
+
+WILLIAM LITT, Bowthorn                   61
+
+MILES AND JAMES DIXON, Grasmere          74
+
+ROWLAND AND JOHN LONG, Ambleside         90
+
+TOM NICHOLSON, Threlkeld                 99
+
+WILLIAM MACKERETH, Cockermouth          115
+
+HARRY GRAHAM, Brigham                   116
+
+JAMES SCOTT, Canonbie                   119
+
+ROBERT ROWANTREE, Kingwater             126
+
+WILLIAM DICKINSON, Alston               135
+
+GEORGE DENNISON, Penrith                141
+
+JAMES ROBINSON, Hackthorpe              149
+
+THOMAS RICHARDSON, Hesket-New-Market    156
+
+TOM TODD, Knarsdale                     167
+
+WILLIAM WILSON, Ambleside               175
+
+JOHN WEIGHTMAN, Hayton                  186
+
+JOHN MC.LAUGHLAN, Dovenby               208
+
+BULL BAITING                            219
+
+BADGERS AND BADGER BAITING              235
+
+ADDENDA                                 244
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+ANCIENT GRECIAN WRESTLING.
+
+The ancient Grecians were passionately fond of festivals and games. In
+every particular State such institutions were occasionally celebrated for
+the amusement of the people; but these were far less interesting than the
+four public games frequented by multitudes from all the districts of
+Greece. The Pythian Games were celebrated at Delphi; the Isthmian at
+Corinth; the Nemæan at Nemæa in Argolis; and the Olympic at Olympia, near
+Elis. We propose to give a brief account of the Olympic games only, as
+being by far the most splendid, and in which victory was reputed to be the
+most honourable. The celebrity of these games was extended for many
+centuries after the extinction of Greek freedom, and their final abolition
+did not occur until after they had flourished for more than eleven hundred
+years.
+
+The games were held in summer when the heat was excessive; and to add to
+the difficulty and fatigue experienced, the more violent exercises were
+performed in the afternoon, when even the spectators were scarcely able to
+remain exposed to the sun. To prevent the competition of such as were
+unskilful, the candidates were required to swear that for ten months before
+the commencement of the games they had made it their constant study to
+prepare for the contest; and during the last thirty days they were obliged
+to reside at Elis, and had to practise daily under the inspection of the
+judges. Hence, the permission to contend at Olympia was regarded as no
+inconsiderable honour, and served in some degree as a consolation to the
+vanquished.
+
+Immediately before the commencement of the different exercises, a herald
+led every candidate separately through the assembly, and demanded if any
+one knew him to be a man of profligate character, or to have been guilty of
+any notorious crime. As numbers were present from every state in Greece--to
+some of whom each of the combatants was known--it rarely happened that any
+suspicious character chose to expose himself to such a scrutiny. The
+candidates were required to make a solemn declaration that they would not
+endeavour to gain the victory by bribing their adversaries, or by a
+violation of the laws regulating the different contests; and any person
+guilty of a breach of this promise was not merely deprived of the olive
+crown,[1] but was fined by the judges, and could never after contend at
+the games. These regulations seem to have accomplished the purpose for
+which they were intended, since, during several hundred years, only five
+instances occurred in which any improper artifice was known to be employed
+by the competitors in the games.
+
+The Greeks held the exercise of WRESTLING in high estimation, which, in
+point of antiquity, stood next to the foot race. The object of the wrestler
+was to throw his adversary to the ground: but it was not till this had been
+thrice repeated, that he obtained the victory. Like all who contended in
+the games, the Wrestlers were accustomed to rub their bodies with oil,
+partly to check the excessive perspiration occasioned by the heat and the
+violence of the exercises, and partly from an opinion that the oil gave the
+limbs a greater degree of pliancy and agility. As the smoothness occasioned
+by the oil would have prevented the combatants from grasping each other
+with firmness, it was customary for them, after being anointed, to roll
+themselves in the dust of the Stadium, or to be sprinkled with a fine sand
+kept for that purpose at Olympia. If in falling, one of the Wrestlers
+dragged his adversary along with him, the combat was continued on the
+ground, till one of the parties had forced the other to yield the victory.
+
+The inhabitants of Hindostan, and of the countries constituting the ancient
+kingdom of Assyria, have undergone a variety of revolutions; but
+inactivity has always formed the leading feature in their character. In
+every age they have fallen an easy prey to invaders; nor have the repeated
+instances of oppression to which they have been exposed, ever roused them
+to limit the exorbitant power of their sovereigns. The Greeks, living in a
+climate nearly as sultry as that of Asia, would probably have fallen
+victims to the same indolence, had not their early legislators perceived
+this danger, and employed the most judicious efforts to avert it. Among the
+means devised to accomplish this end, none seem to have been so effectual
+as the public games. It was not by any occasional effort that a victory
+could be gained at Olympia. Success could be obtained only by those who
+were inured to hardship; who had been accustomed to practise the athletic
+exercises while exposed to the scorching heat of the sun, and who had
+abstained from every pleasure which had a tendency to debilitate the
+constitution and lessen the power of exertion.[2]
+
+
+WRESTLING IN JAPAN.
+
+In Japan wrestling appears to be an institution of greater importance than
+even in our own country. The meetings for its exhibition before the public
+are made quite important affairs. They are mapped out and arranged annually
+by the ruling authorities. A distinct race selected from the native
+population are brought up and trained in the practice from their youth.
+This tribe profess to trace back their wrestlings long before the Greeks
+held their Olympic games on the banks of the Alpheus. At the present day it
+is asserted that their Mikado or Emperor, near seven hundred years before
+Christ, encouraged wrestling; and during this long period--century after
+century--it has been one of the most popular amusements of this strange
+people. It might not have continued to flourish so long had not the
+government assisted in keeping the game alive by introducing it into and
+regulating the proceedings in all towns of any size. A large staff of
+professionals is kept solely for this purpose, and outsiders cannot enter
+and compete as is done in this country.
+
+The Japanese, from all we can glean, do not appear a race likely to be
+devoted to athletics. Lighter amusements--more suitable to their climate,
+requiring less violent bodily exertion--it may be inferred, would be more
+to their taste or inclination. Their mode of wrestling, however, has this
+advantage, that it does not necessitate active preparation. Weight and bulk
+appear great, if not absolute, requisites in the wrestling ring. To
+accomplish these requirements, a fattening process is resorted to in lieu
+of hard work training. Ordinarily the male Japanese are not more than five
+feet five or six inches in height. It is a remarkable fact, however, that
+in the wrestling class there are many six feet men weighing fourteen
+stones and upwards, some few eighteen or twenty stones. "I have never
+anywhere," says Lindau, "seen men so large and stout as these Japanese
+wrestlers. They are veritable giants."
+
+A concise description of one of their wrestling meetings may not be
+altogether without interest. A special department of the government is
+entrusted with the duty of carrying out arrangements for holding a series
+of meetings in all the principal towns. A programme is annually issued, so
+that any town set down for visitation has sufficient time to make all
+needful preparations. A large plot of ground for forming the ring is
+selected, and enclosed with bamboos. Stages with seats are fitted up for
+the aristocracy and richer classes, and a small charge is made for
+admission. The ring is sure to be well filled, one half frequently being
+females gaily dressed for the occasion. The loud beating of a drum gives
+notice that proceedings are about to commence, and a dead silence reigns
+throughout the great crowd. An official comes forward and gives out, with a
+loud voice, the names of those about to contend; and announces, too, a list
+of places at which the fortunate ones have been successful. The drum again
+sounds, and all those appointed to wrestle enter and march round the ring,
+appearing as if duly impressed with the importance of the pending struggle.
+All are naked, with the exception of a gaudy silk girdle round the loins.
+After parading round the enclosure, the combatants divide themselves into
+two equal sides, and squat down upon their heels. A stage is erected on
+four pillars in the middle of the ring, and raised about half a yard. The
+manager calls out the names of the first pair to contend, one from each
+side, and at the same time announces his opinion how the betting should
+run. These preliminary proceedings concluded, the two called on step out
+and are greeted with cheers from all sides. They sprinkle the ring with
+rice and water before the more serious work begins; rub rice between their
+hands, and drink salt and water. These curious proceedings take place in
+order, according to a prevalent superstitious notion, to bespeak the favour
+of the god who rules gladiatorial contests.
+
+Four umpires, grave looking personages, are appointed, and stationed, pipe
+in mouth, at each pillar of the raised stage. A signal is given, and the
+two wrestlers uttering loud defiant shouts, and crowing like cocks, make a
+rush at each other, with all the fury and violence of two rival tups in the
+breeding season. The shock and noise of two such weighty bodies meeting
+resound all over the ring, and the spectators after a momentary holding of
+their breath, give expression to their pent-up feelings by ringing shouts
+of admiration. Blood, in almost all cases, is seen to flow from both
+competitors as they separate with the rebound, and slowly fall back. Again
+and again they meet, each endeavouring with his utmost power, to drive his
+antagonist off the stage. After several rounds contested with the like
+violence and determination, they for a moment pause, and resort to a trial
+of a different sort.
+
+They rush together and seize each other anywhere about the body or arms,
+incited and cheered on by the vociferous applause of the spectators. The
+fiercely contested struggle becomes intensely exciting, as the athletes
+close, and, locked together breast to breast and shoulder to shoulder,
+continue the conflict, each endeavouring to grasp the other round the
+waist. This is effected, after pushing and wriggling about for some time,
+by one or other of the wrestlers. After securing a firm grip, shaking his
+opponent, fixing his legs in position, and gathering himself up for a final
+superhuman effort, he lifts his now doomed foe high up in the air, and with
+what Cornishmen would call a "forward heave," hurls him clean off the
+stage, where he lies for some time enduring a fire of bantering, and then
+walks quietly off. Breathless, blood-stained, and perspiring from every
+pore, the victor looks proudly about and is greeted with cheers renewed
+over and over again. After parading round the ring, with uplifted
+outstretched arms, he makes a respectful acknowledgment, and walks off to
+his comrades.
+
+The manager again comes pompously forward and summons another pair. Fresh
+animated betting goes on while they prepare for the onset; and it may be
+this fondness for gambling--common to most eastern countries--which helps
+to keep up the popularity of wrestling. The second couple go to work
+precisely as the first; then another and another, till finally the champion
+of the day is proclaimed, and greeted with cheers that continue for some
+time. Generally he is presented with a decorated belt, and, with it
+fastened round the waist, goes about the observed of all observers.
+
+And this, as detailed, is Japanese wrestling. We can hardly accord it the
+term as understood amongst us, and cannot deem it entitled to be classed
+with the honoured back-hold pastime of northern England, worthy of eulogy
+from the most fastidious-minded. Christopher North would not applaud a Yedo
+meeting with the hearty praise he gives to Cumberland and Westmorland
+wrestling on the banks of Windermere; neither would Charles Dickens have
+gone away from the Ferry so delighted, if the contests he witnessed had
+been such as the Japanese delight in. Indeed, our readers generally will,
+we imagine, be apt to consider the Eastern wrestling amusement no better
+than something akin to our mediæval barbarism. Certainly, nothing in
+athletics can be considered more strikingly different, than one of our
+quick scientific harmless bouts, as distinguished from the butting or
+tupping, the pushing and hauling, the rough tumbling about, and clumsy
+finale, in which victory is mainly due to overpowering strength and
+weight.
+
+
+INDIAN WRESTLING.
+
+There is a great similarity in the wrestling in India, and the same pastime
+in Japan. This similitude is so close, that after a description of the
+latter, there need not be much space devoted to a narrative of the sport in
+our great Eastern Empire. The public exhibition of the sport is, in a great
+measure, confined to the soldiers of the native regiments of infantry.
+Sometimes matches are made and come off which create wide-spread interest,
+by men who do not belong the service. So great is the interest taken in the
+contests, that they often continue for the best part of a day; and during
+the whole time couple after couple enter the ring, and continue to exhibit
+their skill. There can be no doubt, the encouragement of such pastimes will
+exercise a powerful influence in making them better soldiers, and more
+attached to the service.
+
+The wrestlers are lithe active young fellows, and enter the ring in
+exuberant spirits. Before the actual commencement of the struggle at close
+quarters, each resorts to a ridiculous ceremony, in order to propitiate
+some powerful deity to whom they look for assistance to achieve success.
+The act consists in simply touching the forehead with a small portion of
+earth picked from the ground. On the conclusion of this preparatory
+proceeding, they return to the edge of the ring, and go through a series of
+manœuvres, which a stranger would look at with astonishment, and which
+in reality can exercise no influence on the struggle. They jump about,
+first on one leg, then the other, bounding backwards and forwards
+repeatedly, with great agility. Loud bangs on the body follow, inflicted by
+the hands with such violence as to make a noise that resounds all over the
+ring. This is the opening play, followed by sham attacks, till an
+opportunity presents for close work. With surprising quickness, the arms
+are grasped high up towards the shoulders, and followed by violent butting
+of head against head, accompanied by twisting and wrenching. Meanwhile one
+of the two is thrown to the ground, where the struggle is continued amid
+excited cheering, till one of the tawny coloured competitors is forced on
+his back and securely held. This is seldom successful, until three or four
+bouts have been fought out, and a clear back fall gained.
+
+The following account of a great wrestling match between the Mysore hero
+and the Punjaubee champion, was written by an Englishman in Madras:--
+
+     The Punjaubee champion is from North India. The Mysore
+     man has lately won a great match, and was highly elated
+     in consequence; while the Punjaubee had such confidence
+     in his powers, that he pledged himself to give up the
+     Sikh religion and turn Mahomedan if he lost the
+     match.... After waiting a few minutes the Punjaubee was
+     the first to put in an appearance; he walked up amidst
+     scrutinising glances and stood "within the ring." He
+     was a great big fellow, beautifully built, and
+     splendidly developed, with muscles standing out in
+     knots on the arms and legs. He was the same colour as
+     most Punjaubees--light brown; taken on the whole, he
+     was rather a handsome man.... His opponent was not long
+     in following him; he stood up, stripped, and stepped
+     into the sand. He, too, was remarkably well built, but
+     nearly black, and villainously ugly. He was not quite
+     up to the Punjaubee. His muscles were large, and he
+     looked the more wiry and active of the two; but the
+     Punjaubee was the bigger and looked the stronger.
+
+     They began by standing two or three yards apart, in an
+     inclined position, stooping towards each other, and
+     advancing as stealthily as cats, suddenly making a
+     snatch at each other's wrists and hands, and then
+     drawing back with inconceivable rapidity.
+
+     The neck was the great object of attack, and many
+     attempts were made by the native of Mysore to get hold
+     of his antagonist's neck, while the Punjaubee made
+     desperate efforts to clutch his adversary by the neck,
+     and force his head down into chancery. After a good
+     deal of dodging, and advances and retreats, clutches at
+     neck, head, and wrists, the Punjaubee, who seemed the
+     most eager of the two to finish the job at once, and
+     had been acting more on the offensive than the
+     defensive, suddenly made a rush in, tried to close and
+     trip. Quick as he was, his antagonist was quicker, and
+     the Punjaubee hero was foiled. Then time was called,
+     and a short interval allowed for breathing.
+
+     Round, number two, began in right good earnest; each
+     man seemed thoroughly buckled to his work, and in a few
+     seconds the Punjaubee, who was in rare fettle, threw
+     the Mysore man on to his knees; but the latter giving
+     him a sudden and well directed push, nearly caused him
+     to change his religion. Both men recovered themselves
+     with marvellous dexterity, and grasping each other,
+     they struggled up together, the Mysore champion getting
+     upright a little the first; but almost immediately the
+     Punjaubee gave his man a clean throw forwards, and the
+     native of Mysore was discovered lying full length on
+     his chest, with the Punjaubee kneeling on his back.
+
+     From this time the contest resembled nothing so much as
+     a "grovel" behind goals for a touch down. For a time
+     the struggles of both men were intense, the Punjaubee
+     having to do all he knew to keep his man down at all;
+     and it seemed quite possible that, if the Mysore native
+     could not get up himself, he would pull his opponent
+     down, when the latter tried to roll him over. Presently
+     came a pause, which the Punjaubee used to advantage, by
+     covering his fallen foe with sand, so as to get the
+     better grip. Skilful as the Mysore champion was, he
+     could in no way retaliate when in this distressing
+     position. However, he continually made clever attempts
+     to regain his feet, and still cleverer ones to pull
+     down the Punjaubee when he was endeavouring to turn him
+     over. But finally the contest ended by the Mysore
+     champion mistaking his chance to get to his feet, and
+     after a grand struggle up to the very last moment, the
+     muscular Punjaubee turned him flat over, so that there
+     remained not the slightest doubt in the minds of all
+     the spectators that both his shoulders were resting on
+     the ground, the one throw was given, and the battle was
+     won.
+
+
+WRESTLING MATCH IN TURKEY.
+
+The following account of a modern Wrestling Match in Turkey, is so
+graphically related that we feel confident it will be perused with interest
+by most readers. We may remark by the way, that the gipsies who figure in
+the match are of the same race as their namesakes in England and other
+parts of Europe; but they preserve in Turkey more of their Oriental
+appearance and character. The writer is Lieut.-Colonel James Baker of the
+Auxiliary Forces, who published a book on _Turkey-in-Europe_, in 1877.
+
+     I passed through a fine town called Barakli-Djumaa, in
+     the middle of the plain [of Seres], and inhabited
+     principally by Christian Bulgarians. A great wrestling
+     match was going on just outside the town, and I stopped
+     to witness the sport. A circle about thirty yards in
+     diameter was formed by the men, women, and
+     children,--Turks, Bulgarians, and a plentiful supply of
+     gipsies--all sitting closely packed together round the
+     circumference. There was the usual accompaniment of a
+     gipsy band, composed of a drum and a clarionet, which
+     was kept going continuously.
+
+     A competitor, stripped to the waist, steps into the
+     ring and walks round with a grand air as he displays
+     his muscular frame to the admiring gaze of the
+     bystanders. Presently his antagonist enters the ring,
+     and both competitors shake hands in a good natured way,
+     and a little laughing and chaffing goes on. They then
+     commence walking round, every now and then turning in
+     to shake hands again, until suddenly one pounces upon
+     the other to get the "catch," and the struggle
+     commences. No kicking is allowed, and the throw must
+     lay the vanquished man upon his back, so that both
+     shoulder-blades touch the ground at the same time. The
+     champion was a burly Bulgarian of herculean strength,
+     when at the invitation of some black-eyed gipsy girls,
+     a fine but slim young fellow of their tribe entered the
+     lists against him; but, although considering his youth
+     he made a gallant struggle, a quick throw laid him
+     sprawling on his back, to the evident chagrin and
+     disappointment of the gipsy women. Their eyes flashed
+     with anger as they now held a hurried consultation,
+     when off started a very pretty girl evidently bound
+     upon some errand. She soon returned with one of the
+     most splendid specimens of humanity I ever saw. If, as
+     is asserted, there were princes and dukes amongst the
+     ancient tribe of gipsies who emigrated to Europe, this
+     must certainly have been a descendant of one of them.
+
+     His fair escort pushed him into the ring with an air of
+     pride and confidence, as much as to say, "Now, you
+     shall see what a gipsy can do." The young man was about
+     twenty-five years of age, and nearly six feet high,
+     with a handsome, aristocratic, and cheery countenance;
+     and as he took off his jacket and handed it to his fair
+     one, and thus stood stripped to the waist, there was a
+     buzz of admiration from the whole crowd. He was
+     slightly made, but all was sinew. Laughingly, and half
+     modestly, he shook his powerful antagonist by the hand,
+     and then the walk round commenced, the young gipsy
+     talking and laughing all the time. It seemed as though
+     neither liked to be the first to begin; when suddenly
+     the Bulgarian turned sharp upon his antagonist, and
+     tried a favourite catch, but quick as lightning the
+     lithe figure of the gipsy eluded the grasp, and a sigh
+     of relief went up from his clan. The excitement was now
+     intense, and the young girl perfectly quivered with
+     nervous anxiety as she watched every movement of her
+     swain. She would have made a splendid picture! They
+     were still walking round, and it seemed as though the
+     struggle would never begin, when, lo! a simultaneous
+     cry went forth from the whole crowd, as the great
+     Bulgarian lay sprawling, and half stunned, upon the
+     ground.
+
+     The movements of the gipsy had been so quick, that it
+     was impossible to say how the throw was done, but the
+     Bulgarian was turned almost a somersault in the air,
+     and came down with a heavy thud. The young champion
+     shook him by the hand, lifted the heavy man high into
+     the air, and then set him on his feet. The face of the
+     young girl, as she handed back her hero his jacket, was
+     pleasant to look upon. Lucky man! As she took him by
+     the hand, and led him away to wherever he came from, I
+     began to think there might be a worse fate than being a
+     gipsy....
+
+     I was so attracted by the wrestling scene at
+     Barakli-Djumaa, that I lost much time, and had to push
+     on quickly, in order that we might reach a khan,
+     perched up in a small village amongst the mountains
+     which lay between us and Salonica.
+
+
+OLD ENGLISH WRESTLING.
+
+Our acquaintance or familiarity with Old English wrestling is, as may be
+surmised, circumscribed. We have therefore endeavoured, in part, to
+introduce the southern ring in the introductory chapter. In carrying out
+the attempt, considerable and important assistance has been derived from
+having the benefit of referring to a rare and curious work by Sir Thomas
+Parkyns, a distinguished wrestler and writer in the early part of the
+eighteenth century. According to Dr. Deering, in his _History of
+Nottingham_, a copy of Sir Thomas's work was forwarded to His Majesty
+George I., with a manuscript dedication. Sir Thomas further intimates: "I
+invite _all_ Persons, however Dignifi'd or Distinguish'd, to read my Book."
+So say we,--for a more thorough-going and candid book we do not know; a
+book containing many curious home-thrusts and quaint sayings, bearing upon
+the art and mystery of wrestling. We can fully endorse the words of the
+Nottinghamshire baronet, when he says: "For my own part, I transcribe after
+no Man, having practical Experience for my Guide in this whole Art, and
+intirely rely on Observations made with the utmost Accuracy."
+
+The art of wrestling in the present day is chiefly confined to the lower
+classes of the people. This is more especially the case in the south of
+Lancashire. In the north, yeomen's sons and farmers' sons are often
+exceedingly clever in the wrestling ring. The sport was, however, more
+highly esteemed by all classes of the ancients, and made considerable
+figure among the Olympic games. In the ages of chivalry, too, to wrestle
+well was accounted one of the accomplishments which a hero ought to
+possess.
+
+The inhabitants of Cornwall and Devonshire, we are well assured, from time
+immemorial have been celebrated for their expertness in this pastime, and
+are universally said to be, in their style, the best wrestlers in the
+kingdom. To give a Cornish hug, used to be a proverbial expression. "The
+Cornish," says Fuller, "are masters of the art of wrestling, so that, if
+the Olympic games were now in fashion, they would come away with the
+victory. Their hug is a cunning close with their combatants, the fruit
+whereof is his fair fall or foil at the least." They learned the art at an
+early period of life, "for you shall hardly find," says Carew, in his
+Survey of Cornwall, 1602, "an assembly of boys in Devon and Cornwall, where
+the most untowardly amongst them, will not as readily give you a muster (or
+trial) of this exercise as you are prone to require it."
+
+     "In old times," says Stow (in his Survey of London),
+     "wrestling was more used than has been of later years.
+     In the month of August about the feast of St.
+     Bartholomew," adds this very accurate historian,
+     "there were divers days spent in wrestling. The Lord
+     Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriffs being present in a large
+     tent pitched for that purpose near Clerkenwell.... But
+     of late years the wrestling is only practised in the
+     afternoon of St. Bartholomew's day." The ceremony is
+     thus described by a foreign writer, who was an
+     eye-witness of the performance. "When," says he, "the
+     Mayor goes out of the precincts of the city, a sceptre,
+     a sword, and a cap, are borne before him, and he is
+     followed by the principal Aldermen in scarlet gowns
+     with golden chains; and himself and they on horseback.
+     Upon their arrival at the place appointed for that
+     purpose, where a tent is pitched for their reception,
+     the mob begins to wrestle before them two at a
+     time."[3]
+
+The following quaint and curious description of the row, and destruction of
+property after the wrestling, at the "Hospitall of Matilde"--so different
+from our peacably conducted northern rings--copied literally from _Stow's
+Annals of England_, will, we opine, be interesting to our readers.
+
+     In the year 1222--Henry the III. reign, on St. James
+     daie,--the citizens of London kept games of defence and
+     wrestling, neare unto the Hospitall of Matilde, where
+     they gotte the masterie of the men of the Suburbes. The
+     Bailiffe of Westminster devising to be revenged,
+     proclaims a game to be at Westminster, upon Lammas day;
+     whereunto the citizens of London repaired; when they
+     had plaid a while the Bailie with the men of the
+     Suberbesses, harnessed themselves and fell to fighting,
+     that the citizens being foullie wounded, were forced to
+     runne into the Citie, where they rang the common Bell,
+     and assembled the Citizens in great numbers; and when
+     the matter was declared everie man wished to revenge
+     the fact. The maior of the citie, being a wise man and
+     a quiet, willed them first to move the _Abbot of
+     Westminster_ of the matter, and if he woulde promise to
+     see amends made, it was sufficient. But a certaine
+     Citizen named Constantine Fitz Arnulph, willed that all
+     Houses of the Abbot and Bayliffe should be pulled
+     doune, which wordes being once spoken, the common
+     people issued out of the Citie, without anie order, and
+     fought a civill battaile, and pulled doune manie
+     houses.
+
+On March 31st, 1654, the Puritan parliament passed "An Ordinance
+Prohibiting Cock Matches"--(i.e., cock-fightings)--and likewise issued
+excommunications against well-nigh all classes of sports and pastimes;
+nevertheless, we find that Cromwell relaxed the strung bow by times, and
+indulged himself in witnessing some Hurling and Wrestling matches in Hyde
+Park, as the following quotation from the Commonwealth newspaper, _The
+Moderate Intelligencer_, amply testifies:--
+
+     Hyde-Park, May 1, [1654.] This day there was a hurling
+     of a great ball, by fifty Cornish gentlemen on the one
+     side, and fifty on the other: one party played in red
+     caps and the other in white. There was present HIS
+     HIGHNESS THE LORD PROTECTOR, many of his privy council,
+     and divers eminent gentlemen, to whose view was
+     presented great agility of body and most neat and
+     exquisite _wrestling_ at every meeting of one with the
+     other, which was ordered with such dexterity, that it
+     was to show more the strength, vigour, and nimbleness
+     of their bodies, than to endanger their persons. The
+     ball they played with was silver, and designed for the
+     party that won the goal.
+
+     The same newspaper continues: This day was more
+     observed by people's going a _maying_ than for divers
+     years past, and indeed much sin committed by wicked
+     meetings with fiddlers, drunkenness, ribaldry, and the
+     like: great resort came to Hyde-Park, many hundred of
+     rich coaches, and gallants in rich attire, but most
+     shameful powdered-hair men, and painted and spotted
+     women; some men played with a silver ball, and some
+     took other recreation.
+
+Later on John Evelyn's _Diary_ furnishes us with a view of wrestling for
+fabulous sums. We think a hundred pounds, given at a meeting in the present
+day, a large and tempting amount. The following, however, taking into
+consideration the value of money upwards of two hundred years ago, does
+seem astounding: "1669--19 Feb.--I saw a comedy acted at Court. In the
+afternoon, I saw a wrestling match for £1000, in St. James Park, before His
+Majesty, a world of lords and other spectators; 'twixt the Western and
+Northern men; Mr. Secretary Morice and Lo. Gerard being the Judges. The
+Western Men won. Many great sums were betted."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+After the foregoing brief notice of ancient wrestling, we shall proceed to
+crave the reader's attention to a similar pastime after the style practised
+in the counties of Devon and Cornwall. In doing so, we are fortunately
+enabled to gather important information from a rare and interesting old
+book, by Sir Thomas Parkyns, previously referred to, and first published in
+the year 1713. This work was held in such high estimation, that in 1727, a
+third edition had to be printed; and as the circulation would, in a great
+measure, be confined to the southern parts of the kingdom, such a rapid
+and numerous sale must be taken to indicate extraordinary popularity. It
+will be gathered, the manner of wrestling differs materially from the
+scientific, manly, back-hold Cumbrian method. The space, however, devoted
+to the "Cornish Hugg," even in a work professedly devoted to northern
+sports, will it is confidently presumed prove acceptable, particularly to
+readers who admire the "Art of Wrestling," which the Nottinghamshire
+baronet designates as "most Useful and Diverting to Mankind," and
+"Diverting, Healthful Studies and Exercises." Such are the means by which
+he avers "You will restore Posterity, to the Vigour, Activity, and Health
+of their Ancestors; and the setting up of one Palæstra in every Town, will
+be the pulling down of treble its Number of _Apothecaries' Shops_."
+
+    "Thus were our _Britons_, in the Days of Old,
+    By Sports made hardy, and by Action bold,
+    And were they, now, inur'd to exercise,
+    And all their Strugglings were for Virtue's Prize.
+    _Man_ against _Man_, would not for Power contend,
+    No Lust of Wealth would _Hugg_ a private End,
+    Nor _Each_ would _Wrestle_ to supplant his Friend."
+
+    W. T., on _Inn-Play, or the Cornish-Hugg_.
+
+Not content with this glowing eulogium on a sport long dear to Cumberland
+and Westmorland, and as emphatic as any ever uttered on the Swifts at
+Carlisle, the enthusiastic baronet goes on to say:--
+
+     "No doubt but Wrestling, which does not only employ and
+     exercise the Hands, Feet, and all other Parts of human
+     Frame, may well be stiled both an _Art_ and _Science_;
+     however, I will do my endeavour, both _Hip_ and
+     _Thigh_, that Wrestling shall be no more look'd upon by
+     the Diligent as a Mystery."
+
+     Sir Thomas finds "Wrestling was one of the five
+     Olympick Games, and that they oil'd their Bodies, not
+     only to make their Joints more Supple and Plyable; but
+     that their Antagonist might be less capable to take
+     fast hold of them....
+
+     "I advise all my Scholars ne'er to Exercise upon a full
+     Stomach, but to take light Liquids of easy Digestion,
+     to support Nature, and maintain Strength only. Whilst
+     at Westminster, I could not learn any Thing, from their
+     Irregular and Rude Certamina, or Struggles; and when I
+     went to Cambridge, I then, as a Spectator, only
+     observ'd the vast Difference betwixt the Norfolk
+     Out-Players and the Cornish-Huggers, and that the
+     latter could throw the other when they pleas'd.... The
+     Use and Application of the Mathematicks here in
+     Wrestling, I owe to Dr. Bathurst, my Tutor, and Sir
+     Isaac Newton, Mathematick Professor, both of Trinity
+     College in Cambridge."
+
+     He goes on to say: "I advise you to be no Smatterer,
+     but a thorough-pac'd Wrestler, Perfect and Quick, in
+     breaking and taking all Holds; otherwise whene'er you
+     break a Hold, if you don't proceed sharply to give your
+     Adversary a Fall, according to the several following
+     Paragraphs, you're not better than one engag'd at
+     Sharps, who only parries his Adversary, but does not
+     pursue him with a binding and home Thrust."
+
+     The following warnings are especially worthy a
+     wrestler's attention: "Whoever would be a compleat
+     Wrestler, must avoid being overtaken in Drink, which
+     very much enervates, or being in a Passion at the sight
+     of his Adversary, or having receiv'd a Fall, in such
+     Cases he's bereav'd of his Senses, not being Master of
+     himself, is less of his Art, but sheweth too much Play,
+     or none at all, or rather pulleth, kicketh, and
+     ventureth beyond all Reason and his Judgment, when
+     himself.
+
+    _Fœcundi calices quam non fecere Misellum._
+    That Man's a Fool that hopes for Good,
+    From flowing Bowls and fev'rish Blood."
+
+He goes on to remark that sticking to these observations will enable a good
+wrestler to "stand Champion longer for the Country, as appears by my Friend
+Richard Allen of Hucknall, alias Green, (from his Grandfather, who educated
+him) who has wore the Bays, and frequently won most Prizes, besides other
+By-Matches, reign'd Champion of Nottinghamshire, and the Neighbouring
+Counties for twenty Years at least, and about 8 Months before this was
+Printed, he Wrestled for a small Prize, where at least twelve Couples were
+Competitors, and without much Fatigue won it. Whoever understands
+Wrestling, will ne'er call the Out-Play a safe and secure Play; besides the
+Inn-Play will sooner secure a Man's Person, when Playing at Sharps, than
+the Out, which ought to encourage Gentlemen to learn to wrestle."
+
+In this learning to Wrestle our ingenious author--turned trainer--will
+"admit no Hereditary Gouts, or Scrofulous Tumours; yet I'll readily accept
+of Scorbutick Rheumatisms, because the Persons labouring under those
+Maladies are generally strong and able to undergo the Exercise of
+Wrestling. I am so curious in my Admission, I'll not hear of one Hipp'd and
+out of Joint, a Valetudinarian is my Aversion, for I affirm, Martial (Lib.
+vi. Ep. 54) is in the Right on't, _Non est vivere sed valere vita_: I
+receive no Limberhams, no Darling Sucking-Bottles, who must not rise at
+Midsummer, till eleven of the Clock, and that the Fire has air'd his Room
+and Cloaths of his Colliquative Sweats, rais'd by high Sauces, and Spicy
+forc'd Meats, where the Cook does the Office of the Stomach with the
+Emetick Tea-Table, set out with Bread and Butter for's Breakfast: I'll
+scarce admit a Sheep-Biter, none but Beef-Eaters will go down with me, who
+have Robust, Healthy and Sound Bodies. This may serve as a Sketch of that
+Person fit to make a Wrestler, by him who only desires a Place in your
+Friendship."
+
+The baronet's beau ideal of a Wrestler's bodily formation is just such as
+we like to see in a northern ring. He "must be of a middle Size, Athletic,
+full-breasted and broad shoulder'd, for Wind and Strength; Brawny-Leg'd and
+Arm'd, yet clear-limb'd."
+
+The following rules and regulations are--some of them especially--worthy
+the consideration of those who are managers in our northern rings, at the
+present time.
+
+     _Rules and Conditions, which were to be observ'd and
+     perform'd by all and every Gamester, who Wrestled for a
+     Hat of twenty-two Shillings Price; a free Prize, which
+     was given by Sir Thomas Parkyns of Bunny, Bart., for
+     fifteen Years successively. The Gamesters which were
+     allow'd to Wrestle for the aforesaid Prize, were to
+     have it, if fairly won, according to the following
+     Rules._
+
+     1. The two Gamesters that Wrestle together, shall be
+     fairly chosen by Lot, or Scrutiny, according to the
+     usual Practice.
+
+     2. The said two Gamesters shall Wrestle till one of
+     them be thrown three Falls, and he that is first thrown
+     three Falls shall go out, and not be allow'd to Wrestle
+     again for this Prize: And it is hereby ordered and
+     agreed, that he who first comes with two Joynts at once
+     to the Ground, (as Joynts are commonly reckon'd in
+     Wrestling) shall be reputed to be thrown a Fall.
+
+     3. No Gamester shall hire another to yield to him upon
+     any condition whatsoever; and if any such Practice be
+     discovered, neither of them shall be capable of the
+     Prize.
+
+     4. But he that stands the longest and is not thrown out
+     by any one, shall have the Prize, provided he does not
+     forfeit his right, by breach of these Rules; if he do,
+     the Gamester that stands the longest, and observes
+     these Rules, shall have it.
+
+     5. If any Differences shall happen concerning the
+     Wrestling, they shall be determined by two Men, which
+     shall be chosen by the most Voices of the Gamesters,
+     before they begin to Wrestle; and in case they can't
+     decide such Differences, then they shall be referr'd
+     solely to the Decision of the said Sir Thomas Parkyns
+     as UMPIRE.
+
+     6. He that Wins the Prize and Sells it, shall be
+     uncapable of Wrestling here any more.
+
+     7. That none shall have the Prize, that Wrestle with
+     Shoes that have any sort of Nails of Iron or Brass in
+     them.
+
+     8. He also that Winneth the Prize one Year, shall be
+     Excluded from Wrestling for it the Year following, but
+     the next year after that, viz. the third inclusive the
+     first, he may put in and Wrestle for the Prize again;
+     and ever after that, unless he shall Win a second
+     Prize, and from that time ever after Excluded.
+
+Sir Thomas Parkyns, Bart, of Bunny Park, Nottinghamshire, the author of the
+ingenious and singular work before us--from which we have quoted
+largely--upon the Cornish Hugg, or Inn-Play Wrestling, was a man who did
+not content himself with a mere theoretical knowledge of the art which he
+professed mathematically to teach. There was scarcely a sinewy and
+dangerous problem in his treatise, which he had not worked with his own
+limbs upon the Nottinghamshire peasantry of 1705--when he was young, lusty,
+and learned, and could throw a tenant, combat a paradox, quote Martial, or
+sign a mittimus, with any man of his own age or country. He was, it will be
+allowed, a skilful wrestler, a subtle disputant, and a fair scholar, with
+certain eccentricities which he could afford to indulge in. He passed a
+very reputable life; doing all the good he could to the peasantry of his
+neighbourhood, both in body and mind; at once showing how to be strong and
+enabling them to be happy.
+
+Sir Thomas Parkyns was born about the year 1678--whether at his paternal
+seat, Bunny Park, Nottinghamshire, or in London, we are unable to
+collect--probably in London, as we find him early at Westminster school,
+wrestling his way through the classics, under the celebrated Dr. Bushby.
+The epigrams of Martial appear, first, to have led him to turn serious
+thoughts towards wrestling--and he does not relish the poet the less for
+finding that he himself practised this healthy art after his daily prayer
+and family business.
+
+From Westminster, Sir Thomas after a due course of little-to-do and Bushby,
+went to Trinity College, Cambridge, and studied mathematics as we gather
+afterwards for the chief purpose of making himself an accomplished
+scientific wrestler. At the then celebrated place of learning, "Students,"
+he says, "even at the Universities, give the Exercise of Wrestling, and lie
+under a pecuniary Mulct for not appearing in the Summer evenings appointed
+for that Exercise."
+
+Happy and long was the life which Sir Thomas led at Bunny Park. A "bold
+peasantry, its country's pride," by his advice and example grew up
+gallantly around him. He gave prizes of small value, but large honour, to
+be wrestled for on sweet midsummer eves upon the green levels of
+Nottinghamshire, and he never felt so gratified with the scene as when he
+saw one of his manly tenantry and the evening sun go down together. He
+himself was no idle patron of these amusements--no delicate and timid
+superintendent of popular sports, as our modern wealthy men for the most
+part are; for he never objected to take the most sinewy man by the loins,
+and try a fall for the gold-laced hat he himself contributed. His servants
+were all upright, muscular, fine young fellows--civil but sinewy;
+respectful at the proper hours, but yet capable also at the proper hour of
+wrestling with Sir Thomas for the mastery; and never so happy or so well
+approved as when one of them saw his master's two brawny legs going
+handsomely over his head. Sir Thomas prided himself, indeed, in having his
+coachman and footman lusty young fellows, that had brought good characters
+for sobriety from their last places, and had laid him on his spine.[4]
+
+Lord Thomas Manners, who learned the art of Broad-Sword exercise from Sir
+Thomas Parkyns, thus addresses his master, on May 21st, 1720, from
+Belvoir:--
+
+     "Happy is it for us that we have in this effeminate,
+     weak Age of powder'd Essence-Bottles, and Curled
+     Coxcombs, a Person of rough Manners, and a robust
+     Constitution; one that can stand upon his own Legs,
+     after Droves of those modern waxen Things have fallen
+     before him; one that instructs Englishmen to deserve
+     the Title, and teaches 'em to make their Broad-Swords
+     the Terror of all Europe. Men like you liv'd, when
+     Greece knew her happiest Days. It was a Spirit like
+     your's that instituted and supported the Olympic Games.
+     But when their luxurious Neighbours once taught 'em to
+     sleep till Twelve o' the Day, to pin up their Locks in
+     Papers, to come from the Boxes of their Chariots into
+     the Insides of 'em; to use Almond-Paste, and
+     Rose-Water; in short, to quit Roast-Beef, and Hasty
+     Pudding, for Soups and Ragouts; the Empire of the World
+     was taken from them, and translated to the tough,
+     sinewy Romans; and when they ceas'd to merit these
+     Epithets, their Eagle drooped her Wings, and the Brawny
+     Britons were the Favourites of Mars."
+
+A fitting conclusion to the preceding notice of the much esteemed Bunny
+Park baronet, will be come to by bestowing a passing notice on the
+monumental memorial erected to his memory, in Broadmore church,
+Nottinghamshire. The "ruling passion" is made apparent, even after death
+had given Sir Thomas the last "Hugg." On one side of the monument he is
+represented in wrestling attitude; on another he appears thrown a back fall
+by Time. The following is a free translation of the Latin inscription:--
+
+    "Here lies, O Time! the victim of thy hand,
+    The noblest Wrestler on the British strand;
+    His nervous arm each bold opposer quell'd,
+    In feats of strength by none but thee excell'd;
+    Till springing up at the last trumpet's call,
+    He conquers thee, who, will have conquer'd all."
+
+The inscription further depicts him as an estimable landlord; for it is
+recorded on the tablet, that with his wife's fortune he purchased estates,
+and erected for the tenants new farm houses.
+
+Sir Thomas Parkyns died in 1751.
+
+In his will there is bequeathed a guinea a year to be wrestled for every
+midsummer day at Broadmore.
+
+We venture to surmise that our north country readers--more especially those
+interested in the sport half a century ago--will be struck with a
+similarity in the wrestling career and character of Sir Thomas Parkyns, and
+one of the great ornaments and enthusiastic advocates of the northern ring,
+namely, Professor Wilson. To us it appears there is a striking similitude.
+One, like the other, ranks amongst the cleverest and most scientific in
+their different modes of wrestling; one, like the other, had about the same
+social standing; one, like the other, somewhat eccentric in early life. One
+delighted with encouraging and upholding his favourite amusement in Bunny
+Park; the other happy when he could get together a goodly muster of
+athletes from the villages, the valleys, and mountain sides of the Lake
+district, at Bowness, Low Wood, or Ambleside--all within easy walking
+distance of Elleray, his beautifully situate Windermere mansion.
+
+
+WRESTLING IN SCOTLAND.
+
+In the year 1827, a society styled the "Saint Ronan's Border Club," was
+established at Innerleithen, near Peebles, the object of which was to
+revive the old martial spirit of the Borders, to encourage the practice of
+out-door sports and pastimes, and to yield amusement to the visitors of
+this sequestered watering place. Lockhart, in his life of Sir Walter Scott,
+(after giving an account of the publication of the novel of _St. Ronan's
+Well_, in 1823,) thus proceeds to describe the establishment of the annual
+gathering at Innerleithen:--
+
+     Among other consequences of the revived fame of the
+     place, a yearly festival was instituted for the
+     celebration of _The St. Ronan's Border Games_. A club
+     of _Bowmen of the Border_, arrayed in doublets of
+     Lincoln green, with broad blue bonnets, and having the
+     Ettrick Shepherd for Captain, assumed the principal
+     management of this exhibition; and Sir Walter was well
+     pleased to be enrolled among them, and during several
+     years was a regular attendant, both on the Meadow,
+     where (besides archery) leaping, racing, wrestling,
+     stone-heaving, and hammer-throwing, went on opposite to
+     the noble old Castle of Traquair, and at the subsequent
+     banquet, where Hogg, in full costume, always presided
+     as master of the ceremonies. In fact, a gayer spectacle
+     than that of the _St. Ronan's Games_, in those days,
+     could not well have been desired. The Shepherd, even
+     when on the verge of threescore, exerted himself
+     lustily in the field, and seldom failed to carry off
+     some of the prizes, to the astonishment of his
+     vanquished juniors; and the _bon-vivants_ of Edinburgh
+     mustered strong among the gentry and yeomanry of
+     Tweeddale to see him afterwards in his glory filling
+     the president's chair with eminent success, and
+     commonly supported on this--which was in fact the
+     grandest evening of his year--by Sir Walter Scott,
+     Professor Wilson, Sir Adam Ferguson, and _Peter_
+     Robertson.
+
+The Earl of Traquair was patron of the club, and among the members not
+mentioned by Lockhart, occur the names of the Duke of Buccleuch, Lord
+Napier, Robert Gladstone of Liverpool, William Blackwood, James Ballantyne,
+and Adam Wilson, captain of the Six-Feet Club.[5] At a later date,
+Glassford Bell, sheriff of Lanarkshire, took great interest in these
+sports.
+
+The games continued to be celebrated yearly in the early autumn, and lasted
+two days, the second day being mostly devoted to archery. Among the various
+athletes who entered the lists, the following are probably the most
+noteworthy. Professor Wilson (Christopher North,) threw the hammer; James
+Hogg tried his hand at the bow and the rifle, but yet--in despite of
+Lockhart's praise--the Shepherd did more doughty deeds with the grey-goose
+quill than with either of those weapons. Robert Bell, from Jed Water, was
+the champion "putter" of the stone, and could have been matched against
+any man in the three kingdoms, in throwing the sixteen or twenty-one pound
+ball--he upon his knees, and his opponent on his feet. An advertisement
+appeared in a leading newspaper, to back him for £100 against all comers,
+the challenge to hold good for twelve months, but there was no one to take
+it up. The Harper brothers, farmers near Innerleithen, held several prizes
+for throwing the hammer; and Leyden of Denholme, the champion leaper, could
+spring thirty-two feet, at three standing leaps, including the backward and
+forward leaps over the same ground.
+
+The first competition was held at Innerleithen on the 26th of September,
+1827; and among other prizes competed for, the Six-Feet Club of Edinburgh
+gave a silver medal to the best wrestler in the back-hold style, as
+practised in Cumberland and Westmorland. The introduction of this mode of
+wrestling into Scotland, may probably be attributed to the great interest
+which Professor Wilson took in the formation of these games. The prize in
+1827, was gained by George Scougal, a native of Innerleithen. On one side
+of the medal was the following inscription:--
+
+     "Presented by the Six-Feet Club, to the St. Ronan's
+     Border Club, to be awarded to the best Wrestler, at
+     their first Gymnastic Competition, at Innerleithen,
+     26th September, 1827."
+
+And on the reverse side, the following quotation from Waller:--
+
+    "Great Julius, on the mountain bred,
+    A flock perchance or herd had led:
+    He who subdued the world had been
+    But the best Wrestler on the green."
+
+    Gained by GEORGE SCOUGAL, Innerleithen.
+
+    Thirty-two competitors.
+
+Scougal carried off, also, the head prize for Wrestling, at the St. Ronan's
+Games, for the years 1828 and 1829. After performing these feats, he was
+"outlawed"--that is, he was excluded from contending again in the same
+arena, for the three years which followed. When past the prime of life, he
+was induced to enter the wrestling ring again, which he very unwillingly
+did, after much persuasion, and once more succeeded in bearing off first
+honours.
+
+In his day, Scougal was looked upon as the champion wrestler on the
+Scottish side of the Borders. At the St. Ronan's Games, he gained six
+medals for wrestling and throwing the hammer; and, likewise, a considerable
+number of trophies at other local meetings. A stout massive built man, he
+stood five feet eleven inches high, and weighed from fifteen to sixteen
+stones. With little or no knowledge of scientific wrestling, he
+nevertheless proved more than a match for all comers, by the herculean
+amount of power he possessed in the shoulders and arms.
+
+His usual mode of attack was to gather an opponent well to his breast, and
+then by sheer strength keep him there until a favourable opportunity
+presented itself to rush him upon his back. When excited or ruffled in
+temper, he gripped his man quickly and firmly, and then, in spite of all
+struggles or clicks, threw him over his hip. These movements were the
+nearest approach to science known to Scougal.
+
+Scougal was a butcher by trade, and is thus referred to in the _Noctes
+Ambrosiana_, in the Shepherd's parlance: "Geordie Scougal slauchered a
+beast last market day at Innerleithen, and his meat's aye prime." On one
+occasion, he actually felled a bullock with a blow from his fist; and in
+the smithy, which adjoined his slaughter-house, he not unfrequently
+exhibited feats of surpassing strength, one of which was to lift a waggon
+axle and two wheels, with a heavy man seated at each end of the axle. His
+skill in throwing the hammer was well known, and during his early manhood
+he carried off most of the leading prizes. At several meetings, the Harpers
+came into competition with him, but never approached any nearer than second
+to the dual Border champion of wrestling and throwing the hammer. Old
+people, who remember Scougal's earliest efforts, describe him as a
+veritable Goliath of Gath in strength, but--unless unduly excited--as
+gentle as a woman in manner and bearing.
+
+After Scougal's three years had elapsed, Robert Michie of Hawick, came to
+the fore as amateur wrestler. Michie took the belt at St. Ronan's, and kept
+it about two years. He was present at most of the gymnastic gatherings on
+the Borders, and carried off many prizes for wrestling and hammer throwing.
+At the Hawick Border Games in 1831, he threw Thomas Emmerson, from the
+neighbourhood of Carlisle,[6] after an exciting contest of some duration.
+His hammer throwing at St. Ronan's was inimitable, and has been described
+by the Ettrick Shepherd in the "Bridal of Polmood."
+
+Michie is introduced anachronically into the "Royal Bridal," in Wilson's
+_Tales of the Borders_, after the following fashion:--
+
+     At a distance from the pavilion,... was a crowd
+     composed of some seven or eight hundred peasantry
+     engaged in and witnessing the athletic games of the
+     Borders. Among the competitors was one called Meikle
+     Robin, or Robin Meikle. He was strength personified.
+     His stature exceeded six feet; his shoulders were
+     broad, his chest round, his limbs well and strongly put
+     together. He was a man of prodigious bone and sinews.
+     At throwing the hammer, at putting the stone, no man
+     could stand before him. He distanced all who came
+     against him, and, while he did so, he seemed to put
+     forth not half his strength, while his skill appeared
+     equal to the power of his arm.
+
+The following notice of the wrestling at Saint Ronan's, for 1831, is copied
+from the _Edinburgh Literary Journal_:--
+
+     Wrestling is not a Scotch game, as will be conceded by
+     every one who has been present at the Carlisle and
+     Saint Ronan's games. There is strength enough among our
+     peasantry, but it is the ore--it has never been moulded
+     for a practical purpose. Men came forward on this
+     occasion, who never would have dreamed of thrusting
+     their noses into an English ring; and they set to work
+     in a slovenly unhandsome way--some of them armed
+     _cap-à-piè_--hat, coat, and shoes. Still, amid the
+     motley crew you might recognise men who knew both how
+     to seize and to wield their antagonists. The art only
+     needs encouragement; and we trust next meeting will
+     witness a better turn-out.
+
+There were other local athletes, who figured in the ring at Saint Ronan's,
+almost a match for Scougal. George Best of Yarrow, tailor, possessed far
+more science than the Innerleithen butcher, and was the holder of several
+prizes. Best, likewise, finds a niche in the _Noctes Ambrosiana_ of
+October, 1828, where the Shepherd is made to exclaim:--"Tibbie's married.
+The tailor carried her aff frae them a'--the flyin' tailor o' Ettrick,
+sir--him that can do fifteen yards, at hap-step-and-loup, back and forward
+on level grun'--stood second ae year in the ring at Carlisle--can put a
+stane within a foot o' Jedburgh Bell himsell, and fling the hammer neist
+best ower a' the border to Geordie Scougal o' Innerleithen."
+
+In which year of grace, we wonder, did Best stand second in the Carlisle
+ring? Wilson's memory must have proved treacherous when he penned this
+sentence. At all events, if Best _did_ wrestle second, "ae year in the
+ring at Carlisle," it must have been for some minor prize, long since
+forgotten.
+
+Abraham Clark of Calzie, farmer, a man of powerful frame, entered the ring
+after Scougal was "outlawed," and did some noteworthy feats.
+
+Another man, also remembered as a prize taker in the ring at Saint Ronan's,
+was Walter Scott of Selkirk, carrier.
+
+At Miles End, in Northumberland, athletic games were kept up until
+recently. Young men from both sides of the Borders entered keenly into
+these contests; and one noteworthy peculiarity of them was, that of keeping
+up the old national characteristic of Englishmen being pitted against
+Scotchmen, and Scotchmen against Englishmen. This mode of contesting was
+the means of producing many splendid feats of agility and prowess, but was
+apt to degenerate into mere exhibitions of warm blood, which too frequently
+ended in blows being exchanged by the rival combatants. Remnants of these
+contests may be witnessed to this day, at the annual fair at Stagshawbank,
+between the shepherds from the Reed, Liddle, Coquet, and Tyne, and those
+from the Slitrig, Jed, Oxmoor, Kail, and Teviot. Wrestling was always a
+leading sport at these gatherings; single-stick, tilting, leaping, and
+foot-racing, were also practised; and hence the devotion shown to these and
+similar athletic pastimes by the sturdy race of people living on both sides
+of the Cheviots.
+
+
+IRISH WRESTLING.
+
+The "collar and elbow" is the national style of wrestling in Ireland--that
+is, to take hold of an opponent's collar with one hand, and his elbow with
+the other. The fall is won if an opponent touches the ground with his hand,
+knee, back, or side, as in the Cumberland and Westmorland style.
+
+A wrestling match was witnessed in Phœnix Park, Dublin, in the autumn of
+1876, which may serve to illustrate to some extent the manner of
+proceeding. A ring was formed, around which seven or eight thousand people
+gathered, and two coats laid in the centre of the ring. Presently a
+wrestler enters, and dons one of the coats, which was a challenge for any
+man to take up the other coat. Another wrestler shortly after enters, and
+then, when due preliminaries are gone through, the tussle commenced in
+earnest. But how it proceeded, or how it ended--whether the struggle was an
+arduous one, or the victory an easy one--our informant could not tell.
+
+At the termination of the Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling held at the
+British Lion, Redcross Street, London, on August 21st, 1844, one Kelly, an
+Irishman, challenged any native of either of the above counties, to
+wrestle for a sovereign, in the collar and elbow style, the gainer of the
+first three falls, out of five, to be the winner. This offer was accepted
+by Edward Stainton, a native of Westmorland. And after three-quarters of an
+hour's good play, Stainton had floored his man three times in succession.
+Kelly was second in the leaping match at the same sports.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     [NOTE.--We regret exceedingly the great paucity of our
+     information on the subject of Irish Wrestling.
+     Enquiries were made in many and various ways, without
+     success. Any information respecting two or three of the
+     representative wrestlers of the Green Isle, addressed
+     to the _local_ publishers, will be very acceptable.]
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[1] Daiklès, the Messenian, was the first who had the honour of being
+crowned with the simple wreath woven from the sacred olive-tree near
+Olympia, for his victory in the Stadium.
+
+[2] Hill's Essays.
+
+[3] Strutt's Sports and Pastimes.
+
+[4] Retrospective Review.
+
+[5] Professor Wilson was anxious to get enrolled in the Six-Feet Club, but
+could not manage it. He was just half-an-inch too short.
+
+[6] Emmerson was a powerful built man, a mason by trade, who wrestled for
+several years in the Carlisle and other rings, with moderate success. He
+won the head prize at Hawick in 1835.
+
+
+
+
+CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORLAND WRESTLING.
+
+    Wrestlers of Cumberland,
+      Good fellows all;
+    Wrestlers of Westmorland,
+      Stout lads and tall:
+    Ye who are thrown to-day,
+    Rise more alert and gay,
+    Next year make the play,
+      Good fellows all.
+
+    _King Arthur's Round Table Ballad_, 1824.
+
+
+Wrestling, as a matter of course, occupies a prominent position in our
+review of Northern Pastimes, more especially from the commencement to the
+end of the time to which our notices extend. Some of the other sports are
+now remembered only as illustrating the habits of a byegone period. In this
+last are to be classed Bull-baiting and Cock-fighting: condemned now as
+cruel and torturing by all classes, but deserving of record from their
+encouragement and popularity in times past. Others of a less objectionable
+type are extinct as well. That almost all were looked upon with disfavour
+by a considerable portion of the community, in the old Puritan times of
+Cromwell, the following curious extract will abundantly testify. It is
+quoted from THE AGREEMENT OF THE ASSOCIATED MINISTERS AND CHURCHES OF THE
+COUNTIES OF CUMBERLAND AND WESTMERLAND. _London: Printed by T. L. for Simon
+Waterson, and are sold at the sign of the Globe in Paul's Churchyard, and
+by Richard Scot, Bookseller in Carlisle, 1656._
+
+"All scandalous persons hereafter mentioned are to be suspended from the
+Sacrament of the Lord's Supper: this is to say ... any person that shall
+upon the Lord's Day use any dancing, playing at dice, or cards, or any
+other game, masking, wakes, shooting, playing, playing at football, stool
+ball, _Wrestling_; or that shall make resort to any Playes, interludes,
+fencing, bull baiting, bear baiting; or that shall use hawking, hunting, or
+coursing, fishing or fowling; or that shall publikely expose any wares to
+sale otherwise than is provided by an Ordinance of Parliament of the sixth
+of April, 1649.... These Counties of Cumberland and Westmerland have been
+hitherto as a Proverb and a by-word in respect of ignorance and
+prophaneness; Men were ready to say of them as the Jews of Nazareth, Can
+any good thing come out of them?"
+
+This intolerant anathema did not put a stop to the practice of Wrestling,
+on fine summer evenings, at nearly all the villages of Cumberland and
+Westmorland--a practice, we opine, less detrimental to the formation of a
+good rural peasantry than loitering about or brawling in village
+ale-houses. It was, however, upwards of a century and a half after, before
+back-hold wrestling assumed the importance it has attained. A passing
+notice of doings in the ring, in a long ago period, may nevertheless be
+interesting.
+
+In King Edward the Sixth's time, somewhere between 1547 and 1553, a
+gigantic youth of great strength and in wrestling practice, resided at
+Troutbeck, near Windermere. His name was Gilpin, or Herd. His mother was
+driven away from Furness with child--generally asserted in the
+neighbourhood--to one of the monks of Furness Abbey. The mother afterwards
+led a tramping and begging sort of life, and drew to a house in Troutbeck
+belonging to the Crown. The house and some adjoining land were conferred by
+the king on a retainer, who on attempting to take possession, met with
+determined opposition from the desperate woman, and her wild son Gilpin,
+or, as he was familiarly called, the "Cork Lad of Kentmere." This led to
+the "Lad"--then about twenty years old--being summoned to London. He set
+off on foot, in a home-spun dress, and after many strange adventures and
+shifty expedients, reached the end of his long journey. Soon after
+arriving, the king held a meeting for athletic contests. The wild-looking
+northerner was present, and ascended the stage to contend with the
+champion wrestler. He easily won the first fall. In the second, he threw
+the champion clear off the stage. After astonishing the spectators by
+several other muscular performances, the king sent for him, and enquired
+who and what he was, and where he came from. He told the king he did not
+know his own name, but "folk commonly co' me the Cork Lad o' Kentmere!" The
+king desiring to know the sort of food he lived on at home, received this
+quaint reply, "Thick porridge an' milk that a mouse might walk on dry shod,
+to my breakfast; an' the sunny side of a wedder to my dinner, when I can
+get it." Being acknowledged champion, the king wished to confer some reward
+as a distinction, and asked him to state what he wished. He begged to have
+the house he lived in at Troutbeck, and land adjacent to get peat off, and
+wood from Troutbeck Park for fire. These were soon made over to him. He did
+not enjoy the generous gift for any lengthened period; for at the age of
+forty-two, he got so injured in attempting to pull up a tree by the roots,
+that he died from the effects. Leaving no children or will, the estate
+reverted to the Crown, and King Charles the First granted it to Huddleston
+Philipson of Calgarth.
+
+It appears that Kentmere Hall in Kentmere--a secluded pastoral dale, some
+dozen miles north of Kendal, and running in another dozen miles up to the
+steep sides of Hill Bell, Nan Beild, and High Street--was built at the
+time the "Cork Lad" was in the valley. During the building, he performed a
+surprising feat of strength, by placing, without any assistance, a huge
+beam on the walls. On a Mr. Birkett being applied to by James Clarke, the
+author of the "Survey of the Lakes," for particulars respecting the well
+nigh incredible feat, he replied in the following sensible letter:--
+
+"I have taken dimensions of the beam at Kentmere Hall, which is thirty feet
+in length and thirteen inches by twelve-and-a-half in thickness. There is
+no inscription on it, as you mentioned. I shall inform you what has been
+given by tradition, (and I had it from a man that was _one hundred and four
+years old_ when he died). When the Hall was building, and the workmen gone
+to dinner, this man, whose name was Herd, happened to be there, and while
+they were at dinner, laid it up himself. At that time the Scots made
+frequent incursions into England. He with his bow and arrows killed many of
+them in coming off the mountains, at a place which still retains the name
+of 'Scot's Rake,' which is about a mile from where he lived."
+
+In the days of brave Queen Bess, lived Richard Mulcaster, whose father
+represented the city of Carlisle in Parliament. "By ancient parentage and
+lininal discent," Mulcaster was "an esquier borne; by the most famous Queen
+Elizabeth's prerogative gift," parson of Stanford Rivers church, in Essex.
+Being an earnest student, he became not only proficient in the Greek and
+Oriental languages, but also an expert archer, and thought it not
+unbecoming to his cloth to shoot by times, at "the targets for glory at
+Mile End Green." This good old clergyman loved athletic exercises so well,
+that among other learned treatises, he issued one in 1581 entitled
+"Positions; wherein those Primitive Circumstances be examined, which are
+necessarie for the training up of Children, either for Skill in their
+Booke, or Healthe in their Bodie," which was dedicated to his patron, Queen
+Elizabeth. In this quaint old quarto volume, the author discourses on the
+ancient art of "wrastling" as becometh one reared on Cumbrian soil.
+"Clemens Alexandrinus," says he, "which lived at Rome in Galenus' time, in
+the third book of his 'Pedagogue or Training Maister,' in the title of
+exercise, rejecting most kinds of wrastling, yet reserveth one as well
+beseemeing a civill trained man, whom both seemeliness for grace and
+profitableness for goode healthe do seeme to recommende. Then an exercise
+it is, and healthfully it may be used; if discretion overlook it, our
+countrey will allow it. Let us, therefore, use it as Clemens of Alexandria
+commendes it for, and make choice in our market. Wherefore not to deale
+with the catching pancratical kind of wrastling which used all kindes of
+hould to cast and overcome his adversarie, nor any other of that sorte
+which continuance hath rejected and custome hath refused, I have picked out
+two which be both civill for use, and in the using upright, without any
+great stouping. It is a friend to the head, bettereth the bulke, and
+strengtheneth the sinews. Thus much for wrastling, wherein, as in all other
+exercises, the training maister must be both cunning to judge of the thing,
+and himself present to prevente harme when the exercise is in hand."
+
+Leaving this loyal old parson to demonstrate still further his "Positions"
+to the boys of the Merchant Tailors' and St. Paul's, of both of which
+schools he was head master, we come across another worthy, Robert Dodd,
+commonly called "Miller Robin," who lived some years at Brough in
+Westmorland. He was possessed of such bodily strength as to be able to take
+a bushel of wheat, (a Carlisle bushel of ninety-six quarts,) between his
+teeth, and toss it over his shoulder. He would also lie down, and with six
+bushels of wheat placed on his back, weighing something like nine hundred
+and fifty pounds, rise up with apparently little exertion. He was also an
+expert wrestler, and very few who knew the man would contend with him for
+the annual prize belts. The following Epitaph on a Wrestler, from
+Miscellaneous Poems, by Ewan Clark of Standing Stone, near Wigton, 1779, is
+applicable to "Miller Robin."
+
+    Here lies the man beneath this stone,
+    Who often threw, but ne'er was thrown:
+    Before him his antagonists fell,
+    As many a broken bone can tell;
+    Death cry'd, "I'll try this man of strength!"
+    And laid him here at his full length.
+
+Soon after Robin had succumbed, there came out a Herculean wrestler, named
+John Woodall, a small statesman, and a native of Gosforth in West
+Cumberland. At Egremont sports, he came against one Carr, a shoemaker. Carr
+gained the fall, and at the King's Arms in the evening, began chaffing
+Woodall, who in a fit of momentary excitement, caught hold of his
+antagonist, and held him up to the ceiling of the room; and, by the
+waistband of his breeches, hung him dangling and struggling to a strong
+crook. We have alluded elsewhere to a wonderful feat of bodily strength, by
+Robert Atkinson, the Sleagill giant, in carrying a conveyance called a
+"carr" out of a dyke-back, on to the turnpike road, near Kendal. This
+unlucky vehicle had defied the efforts of three or four persons to drag it
+out, by tugging at the shafts and wheels. Very big men, since Atkinson's
+time, have somehow ceased to be wrestlers.
+
+Two stalwart Cumbrians will, however, be brought under the notice of our
+readers in the following description of Ancient Sports upon Stone Carr,
+near Greystoke. This particular, and, at the time, highly popular meeting,
+is introduced to show the description of sports that prevailed in numerous
+villages throughout the two Northern Counties at the latter part of last
+and the beginning of the present century. No doubt, the reader will be
+struck with the wide difference in the value of the prizes, as compared
+with those given in the present day, when the two Pooleys would get over
+forty pounds in money and cups, at the Burgh Barony Races of 1877. Stone
+Carr Sports had been held for many years previous to 1787, and a similar
+list of prizes given annually to these enumerated; and they seemed to give
+entire satisfaction to the crowds who assembled from Penrith, Keswick, and
+all the neighbouring villages.
+
+For the Horses--1st, a Bridle, value      £1 6s.
+  Do.      do.--2nd, a pair of Spurs       0 6s.
+For the Wrestlers                A Leathern Belt
+For the Leapers                 A pair of Gloves
+For the Foot Racers               A Handkerchief
+For the Dog Coursers          A Pewter Quart Pot
+
+Many other small prizes were given, and they brought out a strong
+determined spirit of contention amongst the competitors. The one who had
+finally--after many sturdy contests--the belt placed over his shoulders,
+was regarded as quite a distinguished individual. If there were a dance in
+the evening, it of course made him a personage of no small account. Old and
+young regarded wrestling science, wrestling distinction and strength, with
+keen relish. The Sunday following victory, the champion might be seen
+marching to church, decorated with the belt, and on the Sunday following
+showing off at another neighbouring church. And this was not the only
+distinction: the lasses, one and all, looked on him favourably. He had no
+difficulty in getting a sweetheart, and matrimonial engagements frequently
+followed the prize winning; for amongst rustics, as well as in the higher
+classes, distinction is invariably looked on as a pretty good passport to a
+lady's favour.
+
+Sometimes disputes would arise--for northern blood at sports and fairs is
+soon up--and then probably a punishing fight ensues. This, however, rarely
+happens. When it does take place, it is a fair stand up fisty-cuff fight. A
+very severe contest occurred at the Stone Carr meeting, which from the
+amazing stature and strength of the combatants, is deserving of record. Mr.
+Andrew Huddleston--an enthusiastic admirer of rustic sports--threw up the
+belt as a competitor. The country people for miles round about his own
+neighbourhood gave him the _sobriquet_ of "Girt Andrew," from his
+giant-like stature and great strength. He came against one Thomas Harrison
+of Blencow, another Titanic specimen of humanity. Probably no two of like
+Herculean proportions ever stood together to take hold. "Girt Andrew" got
+grassed with a tremendous thud, and directly offered to fight his opponent.
+Harrison, no ways backward, accepted the challenge, and both prepared for a
+set-to. An unexpected interference occurred. A Presbyterian preacher, then
+stationed at Penruddock, persuaded them to desist, and apparently seemed to
+have got the burly combatants to depart home peaceably without a resort to
+blows. The feud, however, proved to be glossed over, and not healed, for
+even after jointly partaking of a friendly glass, Mr. Huddleston again
+threw down the gauntlet, and again it was taken up. The fight was obstinate
+and terrific, both receiving fearful punishment. In the end Harrison
+triumphed. In after years they continued good neighbours, without any
+manifestation of ill feeling.
+
+Thomas Harrison had a brother named Launcelot, residing at Penruddock, who
+followed the occupation of a blacksmith. This man also possessed amazing
+strength, and was of gigantic stature. When dead, his remains were taken to
+Greystoke, and buried there. Some years after, the grave digger, in making
+another grave, dug into Launcelot's. He took out the jaw bone, and it
+proved to be half as big again as the sexton's, who was a stout six feet
+man.[7]
+
+Another Penruddock champion died in 1791, at the age of four score and six
+years, who was styled at that date, "the last of the northern giants." This
+was Matthias Nicholson, who, through a lengthened period, stood unrivalled
+at all the wrestlings and other athletic exercises and manly sports, which
+took place in the neighbourhood. His height was six feet two inches, and
+his bulk in proportion.
+
+The top of High Street, a mountain near Haweswater, in Westmorland, seems a
+strange situation for holding Wrestlings, Jumpings, Horse Races, and other
+sports. This mountain is 2,700 feet above the level of the sea--a breezy
+elevation, forsooth, for such pastimes. Nevertheless, they were held
+annually on the 10th of July for many years, and long continued to be a
+flourishing institution. The primary object of the gathering was this:--On
+the heaves or pastures of mountain sheep farms, stray sheep are kept and
+cared for. The shepherds, on the day appointed, drive them to the place of
+meeting, and give them up to the rightful owners, who identify them by
+certain marks. After this important business has been gone through, a
+dinner is set out, and washed down with libations of ale or spirits, and,
+by the time keen appetites are satisfied, numerous additions have increased
+the assemblage, and then commence the wrestling, &c. It forcibly
+illustrates the deep hold these pastimes have in the minds of the rural
+population, when they are indulged in at such meetings and in such
+situations. From information which has been gathered from an aged native of
+Kentmere, it appears that the High Street gatherings fell into neglect, and
+were discontinued about sixty years since. They have been supplemented by
+similar ones--minus the races and wrestlings--held annually in November at
+the little road side hostelry on Kirkstone, and at the "Dun Bull" in
+Mardale, where sports and wrestlings are held annually on Whit-Monday.
+Mardale is at other times a lonely, little frequented dale, at the head of
+Haweswater. On one occasion the landlady of the "Dun Bull," on being
+remonstrated with for supplying sour porter in June, excused herself by
+saying: "Why, that's varra queer! It _was_ freysh enuff last grouse time!"
+
+Other places--situate advantageously for holding them--have now their
+shepherd's gatherings. At the High Street meetings a fox hunt was mostly an
+important part of the day's proceedings. The following fearful incident
+happened during a hot chase. Blea Water Cragg is doubtless well known to
+many summer tourists. It has a sheer fall of about three hundred yards, and
+the rock in many places appears to jut out even with the bottom. A man
+named Dixon, from Kentmere, was following a hard run fox, when he slipped
+and fell from the top of the rocks to the bottom. He was carried home, with
+no broken bones, but bruised and battered in a shocking manner; nearly all
+the skin and hair of his head cut off by the sharp-edged rocks--scalped, in
+fact. In falling, he struck against the rocks many times, and yet, strange
+to say, by his own account, he did not feel the shocks from first falling
+over to finally landing at the bottom of the perilous descent. Dizzy,
+stunned, and unable to stand, he had the chase uppermost in his mind,
+shouting as well as he was able to the first that got to him: "Lads! lads!
+t' fox is gane oot at t' hee end! Lig t' dogs on, an' I'll cum seun!"
+Insensibility soon followed this exhortation, and he was carried home, but
+recovered ultimately. The rocks have since been known by the name of
+"Dixon's three jumps."
+
+Wrestling on High Street seems strange, but stranger still is wrestling on
+the frozen surface of Windermere lake. The one we have to record happened
+in 1785, during an excessively severe frost. When the ice had attained
+great thickness, a project was started for roasting a large ox on it. All
+preparations being made, "Rawlinson's Nab" was fixed upon as the locality
+for carrying on operations. The eventful day arrived without any break in
+the frost, and a vast concourse from all parts of the surrounding country
+assembled to enjoy the unusual sight. Creature comforts, in the shape of
+eatables and lots of beer, were not wanting. The enlivening strains of a
+band of music from Kendal, too, gave animation to the scene. The wrestling
+was in clogs, such as country people at that time generally wore. These
+primitive coverings for the feet, though well adapted for sliding on the
+ice, were clumsy to wrestle in; nevertheless, the falls were eagerly
+contested, and delighted the throng of spectators. The final victor
+received a belt.
+
+From the interesting autobiography of Thomas Bewick, the celebrated wood
+engraver, who visited an uncle at Ainstable about the year 1776, we learn
+the following particulars respecting the feats of one of his cousins in the
+wrestling ring:--"I remained at Ainstable about a week, during which time I
+rambled about the neighbourhood, visited my friends at Kirkoswald and
+elsewhere, and spent what time I could spare in fishing for trout in the
+Croglin.... I began to think of moving abroad; and my cousin having
+occasion to go to Carlisle, I went with him there, where we parted.... At
+Langholm, my landlord who was a Cumberland man and knew my relatives there,
+was very kind to me; and among other matters concerning them, told me that
+my cousin who had accompanied me to Carlisle had won nine belts in his
+wrestling matches in that county."
+
+We next come to a curious, remarkable, and noteworthy old custom at which,
+towards the latter end of the eighteenth century, and the early part of the
+nineteenth, wrestlings, and a variety of other sports, were much
+patronised. The celebration of BRIDEWAINS or BIDDEN WEDDINGS were extremely
+popular in Cumberland. All the people of the country side were invited. For
+the amusement of the spectators assembled, prizes were given for sports of
+various kinds, as will be found described in the graphic dialect poem of
+John Stagg, the blind bard.
+
+    Some for a par o' mittens loup't,
+      Some wrustl'd for a belt;
+    Some play'd at pennice-steans for brass;
+      And some amaist gat fell't.
+    Hitch-step-an'-loup some tried for spwort,
+      Wi' mony a sair exertion;
+    Others for bits o' 'bacca gurn'd,
+      An' sec like daft devarshon
+                            Put owre that day.
+
+If any reader wishes for a full description of the various incidents and
+details connected with this old wedding custom, he is recommended to
+consult Stagg's poem of _The Bridewain_, from which the preceding lines are
+quoted.
+
+The people of the district were generally invited to these weddings by
+public advertisement, specimens of which still exist in the files of one or
+two of the earliest local newspapers. The following is given as a curiosity
+in its way from the _Cumberland Pacquet_.
+
+
+BIDDEN WEDDINGS.
+
+
+    Suspend for one Day all your cares and your labours,
+    And come to this Wedding, kind friends and good Neighbours.
+
+     NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Marriage of Isaac
+     Pearson with Frances Atkinson, will be solemnized in
+     due form in the Parish Church of Lamplugh, on Monday
+     next, the 30th of May, instant--immediately after which
+     the Bride and Bridegroom, with their attendants, will
+     proceed to Lonefoot, in the said Parish, where the
+     Nuptials will be celebrated by a variety of Rural
+     entertainments.
+
+                  Then come one and all,
+                  At Hymen's soft call,
+    From Whitehaven, Workington, Harrington, Dean,
+    Haile, Ponsonby, Blaing, and all places between;
+    From Egremont, Cockermouth, Parton, Saint Bees,
+    Dint, Kinneyside, Calder, and parts joining these;
+    And the country at large may flock if they please.
+    Such sports there will be as have seldom been seen--
+    Such Wrestling, and Fencing, and Dancing between;
+    And Races for Prizes, and Frolic and Fun,
+    By Horses, by Asses, and Dogs will be run:--
+    And you'll all go home happy--as sure as a gun.
+    In a word--such a Wedding can ne'er fail to please,
+    For the Sports of Olympus were trifles to these.
+      _Nota Bene_--You'll please to observe that the Day
+      Of this grand Bridal Pomp is the thirtieth of May;
+      When 'tis hop'd that the sun to enliven the sight,
+      Like the Flambeau of Hymen, will deign to burn bright.
+
+     Lamplugh, May 20th, 1786.
+
+The next one which we shall quote, contents itself with a plain prose
+description of the various attractions.
+
+     Richard and Ann Allason present their compliments to
+     their Friends and the Public in general, and beg leave
+     to inform them that they intend to have a BRIDEWAIN at
+     Southwaite, in the Parish of Brigham, on Thursday, the
+     25th day of May, instant. There will be the following
+     Sports--such as Horse Races, Dog Races, Wrestling,
+     Jumping, and Foot Races, &c., &c., &c., and various
+     other amusements too tedious to mention, to entertain
+     them; and they will think themselves happy with their
+     attendance.
+
+     Southwaite, 1st May, 1809.
+
+The last Bridewain notice we shall give celebrates the marriage of Henry
+and Sarah Robinson of High Lorton, near Cockermouth, on June 6th, 1811.
+This advertisement flows into sprightly verse as follows:--
+
+    'Tis Love, immortal Power! gives birth
+    To healthful Sports and Sprightliest Mirth.
+    Awhile your Drudgery and Pains
+    Forego, ye jocund Nymphs and Swains.
+    We think it only Right to acquaint ye,
+    That each sort may get Sweethearts plenty!
+    For those who Pastime love and Fun,
+    We've Horses, Dogs, and Men to Run;
+    Athletic Sports we'll set before ye,
+    And Heats renown'd in Ancient Story;--
+    Leaping and Wrestling for the Strong,
+    Enough to please you--_Come Along!_
+
+Professor Wilson--himself a proficient in the noble pastime, and whose
+great literary attainments assisted materially to elevate _Blackwood's
+Magazine_ to the proud eminence it attained in his time,--pays in its pages
+the following eloquent tribute to Wrestling, which was, in his younger
+days, the principal athletic exercise in the North of England.
+
+     It is impossible to conceive the intense and passionate
+     interest taken by the whole northern population in this
+     most rural and muscular amusement. For weeks before the
+     great Carlisle annual contest, nothing else is talked
+     of on road, field, flood, foot or horseback; we fear it
+     is thought of even in church, which we regret and
+     condemn; and in every little comfortable public within
+     a circle of thirty miles diameter, the home-brewed
+     quivers in the glasses on the oaken tables to knuckles
+     smiting the boards in corroboration of the claims to
+     the championship of Grahame, a Cass, a Laughlin, Solid
+     Yak, a Wilson, or a Weightman. A political friend of
+     ours--a staunch fellow--in passing through the lakes
+     last autumn, heard of nothing but the contest for the
+     county, which he had understood would be between Lord
+     Lowther (the sitting member) and Mr. Brougham. But to
+     his sore perplexity, he heard the claims of new
+     candidates, to him hitherto unknown; and on meeting us
+     at that best of inns, the White Lion, Bowness, he told
+     us with a downcast and serious countenance that Lord
+     Lowther would be ousted, for that the struggle, as far
+     as he could learn, would ultimately be between Thomas
+     Ford of Egremont, and William Richardson of Caldbeck,
+     men of no landed property, and probably Radicals.... It
+     is, in our opinion, and according to our taste, not
+     easy, to the most poetical and picturesque imagination,
+     to create for itself a more beautiful sight than the
+     ring at Carlisle.... Fifteen thousand people, perhaps,
+     are there, all gazing anxiously on the candidates for
+     the county. Down goes Cass, Weightman is the standing
+     member; and the agitation of a thousand passions, a
+     suppressed shudder and an under-growl, moves the mighty
+     multitude like an earthquake. No savage anger, no
+     boiling rage of ruined blacklegs, no leering laughter
+     of mercenary swells--sights and sounds which we must
+     confess do sicken the sense at Newmarket and
+     Moulsey--but the visible and audible movements of calm,
+     strong, temperate English hearts, free from all fear of
+     ferocity, and swayed for a few moments of sublime
+     pathos by the power of nature working in victory or
+     defeat.
+
+We may be allowed to supplement the foregoing with a remark, that there are
+two things which natives of the Lake Country, and the rural parts of
+Cumberland and Westmorland, who have migrated southwards, often in their
+absence sigh for. The one is "a good stiff clim' amang t' fells;" and the
+other, "a snug seat aroond some russlin' ring."
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[7] Clarke's Survey.
+
+
+
+
+MELMERBY ROUNDS.
+
+
+Melmerby is one of the finest types of a fell-side rural village left in
+Cumberland, with its cheerful dwellings scattered here and there--single or
+in groups,--its old manor hall and miniature church, and its spacious green
+spreading over fully fourteen acres of land. The village nestles close
+under Hartside, one of the Crossfell range of mountains, on the direct road
+from Penrith to Alston, over which the pack-horse bell continued to tinkle,
+clear and loud, to a much more recent period than it did on the great
+highways of commerce. This interesting fact has not been overlooked by Miss
+Powley, in her _Echoes of Old Cumberland_.
+
+    When the staunch pack-horse gang of yore
+      The Fell's unbroken rigours faced,
+    With stores for miners 'mid the moor,
+      The Dane's stronghold at ten miles passed;
+    Then up the steeps their burden bore,
+      For trackless, treeless, ten miles more.
+
+    *....*....*....*
+
+    When the staunch troop, with travel sore,
+      Passed up within the Helm-cloud's veil,
+    And 'scaped the blast--yet heard it roar
+      Below in many a western dale;--
+    When they, to crown the march severe,
+      Defiled through summits bleak and brown;
+    With sudden speed, and louder cheer,
+      Came clattering down to Alston town,
+    Round which the wide fells darkly peer,
+    And grasping winter cheats the year.
+
+The Melmerby folk to this day are pastoral in occupation, intercourse, and
+habits. Their conversation, running for the most part on rural topics, is
+plentifully interlarded with such expressions as "Fetchin' t' kye heàm,"
+"Fodderin' t' sheep," and "Takin' t' nag to t' smiddy." Occasionally, the
+blood runs warmer with excitement and curiosity, when a shrill cry like the
+following rings through the village streets, "Run wid t' rèapes, lad! A
+coo's i' t' mire!"
+
+At the Gale, within a mile of the village, where the land rests principally
+on a limestone bottom, the produce of cream is not of that dubious quality
+known to pent-up city dames, but so rich and thick that a spoon will almost
+stand upright in it. The cream of this dairy has frequently been tested
+with one of the old copper pennies of George the Third coinage, which
+formidable weight it always bore triumphantly on the top.
+
+For fully a century, and probably a much longer period, Melmerby has been
+known as a noted place for upholding the manly back-hold wrestling of the
+North. On Old Midsummer Day--that is, on the 5th of July of each year--this
+village commenced its annual two-days' sports, which consisted of prizes
+for wrestling, leaping, foot-racing, dog-trailing, etc. The wrestling took
+place on that part of the green known as the cock-pit, where many a doughty
+champion has been sent sprawling at full length on his back. Although the
+amount given in prizes was small,[8] the entry of names was always large,
+from sixty to seventy being the average number; while more than four-score
+men have contended at various times. By being held at the season of the
+year when the days were longest, and when they wore their sunniest aspect,
+Melmerby Rounds were invariably attended by vast concourses of spectators.
+The Alstonians used to muster remarkably strong; the miners and others
+coming over Hartside in considerable droves from that town, and the
+neighbouring villages of Nenthead and Garrigill-gates. So great became the
+celebrity of the Melmerby ring, that first-rate wrestlers have frequently
+travelled as far as thirty and forty miles to throw and be thrown upon its
+village green. Buying and selling was a thing unknown. One friend might
+give way to another sometimes; but, as a rule, it was purely the honour of
+becoming victor, for the time being, that emulated most of the competitors.
+
+A veritable giant in height and strength, who was in his prime about 1805,
+being ambitious to excel as an athlete, attended these sports for several
+years, but never succeeded in carrying off a single prize. This was
+Teasdale Thompson of High Rotherup, near Alston, whose height exceeded six
+feet two inches, and whose weight was in proportion to his height. Among
+well-known men who attended these meetings, but failed to achieve success,
+may be mentioned Robinson of Renwick, and William Earl of Cumwhitton, the
+former of whom figured several times.
+
+About a quarter of a century ago, the squire of Melmerby Hall interested
+himself a good deal in establishing spring and "back-end" fairs in the
+village, for the sale of cattle, sheep, &c.; and on this account it was
+thought better to abolish the annual Rounds. Accordingly this ancient
+gathering came to a sudden and unexpected collapse, about the year 1850,
+after having existed in an unbroken link for fully a century.
+
+The following is as complete a list of the winners of the wrestling at
+Melmerby Rounds, as we have been able to collect. The local newspapers
+were carefully ransacked for intelligence, but being found singularly
+barren in this respect, our information had to be gathered in almost every
+instance from aged fell-side chroniclers, who had either been frequent or
+occasional attenders at these meetings, the principal of whom was Mr. John
+Dodd of Broadmeadows, Melmerby.
+
+About 1788 Adam Dodd of Langwathby Mill, won _several_ years.
+
+About 1798, James Fawcett, miner, Nenthead.
+
+  "   1799,      "           "       "
+
+  "   1800,      "           "       "
+
+  "   1801,      "           "       "
+
+  "   1802,      "           "       "
+
+  "   1803,      "           "       "
+
+  "   1804,      "           "       "
+
+  "   1809, Thomas Golightly, miner, Alston.
+
+This wrestler afterwards removed to the West Cumberland mining district;
+and in February, 1819, was killed by the fall of part of a roof in one of
+the Whitehaven coal pits.
+
+About 1810, Robert Rowantree, shepherd, Kingwater.
+
+About 1815, Andrew Armstrong, farmer, Sowerby Hall.
+
+About 1816, Thomas Peat, farmer's son, Blencow.
+
+  "   1817, John Dobson, Cliburn.
+
+  "   1818, John Robley, Scarrowmannock.
+
+  "   1819,      "              "
+
+Robley emigrated to America several years after this date.
+
+About 1820, Isaac Maughan, Alston.
+
+  "   1821,      "          "
+
+Maughan settled in Newcastle-on-Tyne, where he died during the cholera of
+1832.
+
+About 1823, J. Spottiswoode, miner, Alston.
+
+  "   1825, John Weightman, husbandman, Hayton.
+
+About 1826, John Weightman, husbandman, Hayton.
+
+Weightman won two years, and received a guinea and the belt each time,
+these being the usual awards to the victor at that date.
+
+1828, Thomas Armstrong, Carlisle; Elliot (perhaps of Cumrew) wrestled
+second. Bowman, of the Gale, won the second day's wrestling.
+
+About 1830, Joseph Graham, Dufton Wood, Appleby.
+
+About 1833, Jonathan Woodmas, Alston.
+
+1838, Thomas Morton, farmer, The Gale, 1st; Isaac Farlam,
+Bowness-on-Solway, 2nd.
+
+About 1839, Thomas Morton, farmer, The Gale.
+
+On one occasion Morton wrestled through the ring without taking his coat
+off.
+
+About 1841, John Salkeld, land-surveyor, Huddlesceugh.
+
+1844, _First day_: Joseph Elliot, Croglin, 1st; Thomas Teasdale, Ousby,
+2nd. (Sixty-five names entered, including John Buck, John Milburn, and
+Joseph Morton.) _Second day_: John Nixon, Langwathby, 1st; John Slee,
+Blencow, 2nd.
+
+About 1845, Joseph Shepherd, Crewgarth, Melmerby.
+
+1847, Joseph Morton, farmer, The Gale, 1st; John Milburn, Weardale, 2nd.
+
+Joseph Morton also won once or twice on the second day. John Milburn
+stopped at Melmerby on his way home from the Carlisle meeting, at which
+latter place he carried off the head prize the two following years.
+
+About 1850, Joseph Morton, farmer, The Gale.
+
+Morton threw Halliwell of Penrith, and, we believe, Anthony Mc.Donald of
+Appleby wrestled up with him. This was the last Round held at Melmerby.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[8] "Melmerby Annual Sports will take place on Monday, the 6th day of July,
+1846, when the following Prizes will be given to contend for:--£2 to
+Wrestle for; £2 for a Hound Race; and handsome prizes for Running, Leaping,
+and other amusements, as usual."--[_Advertisement._]
+
+
+
+
+LANGWATHBY ROUNDS.
+
+
+Langwathby, like its twin-sister Melmerby, is strictly a rural village,
+made up of snug homesteads, dropped here and there in picturesque
+confusion. Crossing the bridge from the Penrith side, and coming in sight
+of its modest church and spacious green, the most familiar sounds which
+formerly fell upon the ear were the lowing of cattle, the bleating of
+sheep, and the barking of dogs. The pastoral stillness which once
+prevailed, however, is now abruptly broken by the shrill whistle of the
+passing train, the snorting and screeching of engines, and the heavy thuds
+which resound from the "shunting" and reloading of railway waggons
+immediately above.
+
+This old-world village, with few chances and changes to record, has found a
+native bard to plead feelingly for the obscurity which the dim past has
+wrapped around its history.
+
+    O! spot of all the land alone
+    Unsung, unheard of, and unknown;
+    Dim background of life's busy stage,
+    Scarce named in local history's page.
+    Neglected spot! what hast thou done,
+    That, ever since the world begun,
+    Thy name proscribed hath seemed to be,
+    In legend, tale, or minstrelsy?
+    That e'en no rustic bard hath owned thee,
+    And thrown a wreath of song around thee?
+
+However much the paucity of general incidents may be felt in reviewing the
+past history of this Cumberland village, it is pleasing to note that
+Langwathby and Melmerby vie with each other in antiquity as promoters or
+"handers down" of local athletic pastimes.
+
+The famous Adam Dodd, "the Cock of the North," lived and died at Langwathby
+Mill, which place is still--or was recently--inhabited and owned by the
+same family. The last Adam Dodd of that ilk, was killed half a century
+after the death of the first Adam, on his homeward journey with horse and
+cart from Alston, while turning a sharp angle of the road a little above
+Melmerby.
+
+Langwathby Rounds, unlike those at Melmerby, were held annually in the
+midst of "winter and cold weather"--that is to say, on New Year's Day and
+the day following. Wrestling formed by far the greatest attraction of these
+primitive gatherings; the yeomen, farmers, and husbandmen from the
+neighbouring hamlets being the principal competitors. The sports took
+place, as a general rule, in a field close to the village which belongs to
+Mr. John Hodgson; but on some few occasions they were held on the opposite
+or western side of the river Eden. The prizes given were of small value,
+but great honour. During the latter part of the last century, a narrow
+leathern belt of meagre appearance, or a pair of buckskin breeches, was
+almost the only trophy given for wrestling. In the year 1816, when James
+Robinson won, a couple of guineas was the full amount offered; and this
+sum, we suppose, was never exceeded till many years after the King of
+Mardale and the Bishop of Lichfield's brother had carried off the principal
+prizes.
+
+About the year 1820, on New Year's Day, the ground was covered with a
+coating of snow three or four inches deep, when a curious scene took place
+during the wrestling. It so happened that Isaac Mason of Croglin, was drawn
+against Isaac Westmorland of Ousby. Mason--well known for his smuggling
+adventures and his numerous eccentricities--entered the ring wearing an old
+home-spun overcoat, so thick and patched that it set at nought all
+Westmorland's attempts to clasp his arms around it. No persuasion could
+induce Mason to try and accommodate matters by stripping. He would not move
+a jot; and in the meantime his opponent was becoming quite numb and frigid
+with cold. At length Mason showed signs of relenting, and ultimately took
+off the obnoxious overcoat. Still Westmorland's arms were found to be too
+short, and refused to meet. Continuing therefore to "doff" what was most
+cumbersome--off went the coat, then the waistcoat, and finally Mason stood
+stripped to his "sark" in the snow, with nothing on but his trousers,
+where his opponent managed to keep him standing until he, in his turn, was
+nearly starved to death!
+
+Among other minor prizes at Langwathby, a pair of garters was given to the
+boy who proved himself to be the fleetest runner. About forty years since
+this prize was carried off by a youth of the village, who afterwards became
+a successful rower, and, as one of the athletes of Queen's College, Oxford,
+won the silver oar twice in succession.
+
+A dance on the green among the village girls of four or five years old,
+formed a pretty rural sight, even when witnessed amid the cheerless snow.
+At the conclusion of these jocund rounds, each little maiden was presented
+with a bright ribbon--such mementoes being popularly spoken of as
+_fancies_. And while the procession of fiddlers and villagers were
+marshalling in order, it was no unusual thing to hear an aged dame calling
+from her cottage door: "Noo, honies, run an' git ye're _fancies_!"
+
+The boys' race and the leaping usually succeeded the dancing on the green;
+and by the time these pastimes were concluded, daylight had either gone or
+was fast fading away. Owing to darkness setting in thus early, lanterns
+were frequently in great request among the rough-spun frequenters of the
+wrestling ring.
+
+Following close in the rear of the New Year's pastimes, came the ancient
+custom of _stanging_ on the Twelfth Night. A procession of young
+fellows--dressed in fantastic garbs as clowns, accompanied by one in
+woman's attire, and preceded by a couple of fiddlers--paraded the village
+streets. Calling in rotation at the various houses on their way, the
+"woman" commenced operations by sweeping up the fireside with a besom,
+which she carried for that purpose, and then the leading clown delivered a
+ludicrous speech to the inmates of the house. One Brunskill, shoemaker and
+rustic humourist, is still remembered as being by far the cleverest clown
+who figured at these Stangings. To his credit let it be mentioned that his
+mirth was always kept well within the limits of decorum and decency.
+
+The Langwathby Rounds continued to flourish after the Melmerby ones had
+passed away, being kept up for full twenty years longer, and consequently
+extended over a still greater period of time. The more intelligent dwellers
+at this hamlet give it as their opinion, that so long as the Rounds
+continued to be of a secluded character, and were almost entirely taken
+part in by the villagers and the rural population, living under the shadow
+of Crossfell or Hartside, things generally went well and smoothly; and that
+it was reserved for these latter days to open up new roads, offer larger
+prizes, and introduce a greater influx of "riff-raff" and unruly characters
+from the towns, after which period the annual gatherings became more and
+more degraded by tolerating unseemly abuses. About the year 1870, having
+sunk in social status, these Rounds were finally given up, lest some riot
+or other unpleasant circumstance might crop up, as did at Armathwaite,
+between the English and Irish navvies, employed in cutting the extension of
+the Midland line of railway from Settle to Carlisle.
+
+The following is as full a list of the winners of the wrestling at the
+Langwathby Rounds as we have been able to collect together, from a variety
+of out-of-the-way and other sources.
+
+About 1788, Adam Dodd of Langwathby Mill, won _several_ years.
+
+About 1809, Paul Gedling, Culgaith, 1st; Isaac Dodd, Langwathby Mill, 2nd.
+
+Dodd broke a blood vessel in the wrestle up, owing to which both men left
+loose; the prize, of course, being awarded to Gedling. Isaac Dodd farmed
+Barrock Gill, near Carlisle, for many years after this event.
+
+1816, James Robinson, gamekeeper, Hackthorpe.
+
+1817, Thomas Peat, Blencow, 1st; George Robinson, Langwathby, 2nd.
+
+Robinson of Hackthorpe, and Joe Abbot of Thornthwaite, also wrestled.
+
+1818, Thomas Richardson, Hesket-New-Market, known as "The Dyer," 1st; John
+Dobson, Cliburn, 2nd.
+
+About 1820, Isaac Mason, Croglin.
+
+About 1824, John Holmes, King of Mardale.
+
+About 1826, John Bowstead, yeoman, Beckbank.
+
+Bowstead was one of the Bishop of Lichfield's younger brothers.
+
+1829, Joseph Thompson, Caldbeck, 1st;--Milburn, 2nd.
+
+Thompson was only an eleven stone man; while Milburn stood six feet two
+inches, and weighed nearly sixteen stones. Thompson also distinguished
+himself by throwing Ireland and Bird, both good wrestlers.
+
+About 1830, Matthew Dixon, Penrith.
+
+About 1831, George Bird, farmer, Langwathby.
+
+1832, _First day_: Thomas Dobson, Sleagill. _Second day_: William Warwick,
+Eamont Bridge.
+
+About 1833, Richard Chapman, Patterdale, 1st; Benson of Hunsanby, 2nd.
+
+About 1834, Richard Chapman, Patterdale.
+
+  "   1835, George Bird, farmer, Langwathby.
+
+  "   1836, Robt. Gordon, husbandman, Plumpton.
+
+  "   1837, George Bird, farmer, Langwathby.
+
+  "   1838,       "         "       "
+
+  "   1839, ---- Moore, shoemaker, Melmerby.
+
+  "   1840, Thomas Morton, The Gale, Melmerby.
+
+About 1841, John Spedding, husbandman, Skirwith.
+
+  "   1842, Thomas Morton, The Gale, Melmerby.
+
+About 1843, Anthony Mc.Donald, Appleby.
+
+  "   1844,    "        "       "
+
+1845, _First day_: J. Shadwick, Lazonby, 1st; John Robinson, Langwathby,
+2nd. _Second day_: William Buck, Temple Sowerby, 1st; John Buck Temple
+Sowerby, 2nd.
+
+About 1846, Anthony Mc.Donald, Appleby.
+
+1847, _First day_: Anthony Mc.Donald, Appleby, 1st; John Shadwick, 2nd.
+_Second day_: Joseph Halliwell, Penrith, 1st; John Shadwick, 2nd.
+
+About 1848, Joseph Halliwell, Penrith.
+
+1849, William Buck, Temple Sowerby, 1st; John Shadwick, 2nd.
+
+About 1850, Anthony Mc.Donald, Appleby.
+
+  " 1851,    "        "       "
+
+  " 1852,    "        "       "
+
+Anthony Mc.Donald won seven times in all, some of which were second day's
+prizes.
+
+About 1861, _First day_: John Wilkinson, Little Strickland, 1st; John
+Salkeld, Melmerby, 2nd. _Second day_: Thomas Threlkeld, Langwathby, 1st;
+Isaac Dodd, Langwathby Mill, 2nd.
+
+1862, _First day_: William Jameson, Penrith, 1st; T. Salkeld, Great
+Salkeld, 2nd. _Second day_: J. Brunskill, Penrith, 1st; W. Watson,
+Winskill, 2nd.
+
+About 1863, William Jameson, Penrith.
+
+" 1864, _First day_: John Wilkinson, Little Strickland, 1st; John Atkinson,
+Little Salkeld, 2nd. _Second day_: Isaac Lowthian, Plumpton, 1st; Philip
+Lowthian, Plumpton, 2nd.
+
+About 1865, _First day_: Isaac Lowthian, Plumpton, 1st; Thomas Sisson,
+Temple Sowerby, 2nd. _Second day_: John Howe, Ousby, 1st; William
+Cheesebrough, Langwathby Hall, 2nd.
+
+About 1866, _First day_: Andrew Armstrong, Plumpton, 1st; Isaac Lowthian,
+Plumpton, 2nd. _Second day_: Adam Slack, Skirwith Hall, 1st; James
+Errington, Aiketgate, 2nd.
+
+1867, _First day_: Adam Slack, Skirwith Hall, 1st; John Cheesebrough,
+Langwathby Hall, 2nd. _Second day_: George Steadman, Drybeck, 1st; Ralph
+Pooley, Longlands, 2nd.
+
+About 1868, _First day_: Ralph Pooley, Longlands, 1st; William
+Cheesebrough, Langwathby, 2nd. _Second day_: Ralph Pooley, 1st; John
+Cheesebrough, Langwathby, 2nd.
+
+_Nine-and-a-half stone prize_: Joseph Hodgson, Langwathby, 1st; John
+Errington, Aiketgate, 2nd.
+
+1869, _First day_: Joseph Hodgson, 1st; William Cheesebrough, 2nd. _Second
+day_: Saunders Gedling, 1st; William Cheesebrough, 2nd.
+
+_Ten stone prize_: Robert Mc.Crone, 1st; Thomas Holmes, 2nd.
+
+1870, George Steadman, Drybeck, 1st; William Pigg, Sceugh Dyke, 2nd.
+
+_Ten stone prize:_ Samuel Brownrigg, Clifton, 1st; Robert Gordon, Plumpton,
+2nd.
+
+This was the last Round held at Langwathby. There was only one day's
+sports.
+
+
+
+
+JAMES FAWCETT
+
+OF NENTHEAD.
+
+
+The following brief memoir of JAMES FAWCETT of Nenthead--one of the most
+accomplished wrestlers on record--will carry the reader back to a byegone
+period, when wrestling and various other amusements, which filled up the
+day's programme, were far more a _rural_ following than at present; when
+"Rounds" like Melmerby and Langwathby, when West Cumberland "Bridewains,"
+when country meetings like Stone Carr, near Greystoke, produced at stated
+periods an exciting animation in almost all northern villages, and afforded
+a brief holiday to a numerous body of small "statesmen" and farmers, their
+sons, and servants. Such gatherings are now, however, nearly all given
+up--are only "lang syne" remembrances, and wrestling meetings are held
+mostly in the large towns, and considerable sums offered to contend for. In
+many cases they are got up by innkeepers, who depend on "gate money" to
+recoup the outlay. Whether this change conduces to fair, manly, unbought
+wrestling, is a matter of grave doubt. Wrestlings, we are afraid, will
+never again be contests, like those of ancient Greece and Rome--_for honour
+and fame_. We cannot look on this change otherwise than as unfortunate for
+the rural population of the northern counties, who may justly asseverate--
+
+    There never was a game like the old English game,
+      That's played 'twixt the knee and the tee;
+    You may roam the world o'er, but the game at your door
+      Is the very best game you will see.
+
+We regret being unable to furnish anything like a detailed account of Jemmy
+Fawcett's feats in the ring, or more than a meagre outline of the general
+particulars of his life. But what we do know of his career is so important
+in wrestling annals, that we are inclined to believe it would be considered
+injudicious to omit all notice of such a high class athlete. Most of his
+achievements have become well nigh traditionary, and yet, in many respects,
+his memory is as green as ever it was in the northern counties, and
+particularly so in a wide circuit round Alston Moor.
+
+Fawcett lived at Greengill, Nenthead, a mining village in East Cumberland,
+four or five miles from Alston town, where he worked at his daily
+occupation, in what is called a "hush," connected with the mines. His
+height was five feet seven inches, and his general wrestling weight from
+ten to ten and a half stone. His modes of attack and defence, and manner of
+disposing of his opponents, seem to have been innumerable; in fact, he
+appears to have been an adept in turning the most unlikely emergencies to
+account. He was as active as an eel, could twist and wriggle like one, and
+was nearly as difficult to hold. When an opening presented itself, he was
+partial to getting his left side into play, and then immediately ensued a
+decisive onslaught. Robert Rowantree, a big six foot, fifteen-stone man,
+who practised a slaughtering cross-buttock, used to say that no man could
+so effectually stop it as Jemmy Fawcett. Litt designates him, as "the very
+best wrestler of his weight Cumberland, or indeed the United Kingdom, ever
+produced." And again, "Jemmy must have been the most wonderful wrestler of
+his own or any other time."
+
+It was about the beginning of the present century that Fawcett attained his
+prime. His wonderful success in carrying off the head prize at the Melmerby
+"Rounds" for seven consecutive years, added considerable celebrity to his
+other achievements. On one of these occasions, he went to Melmerby in
+company with his friend, John Woodmas of Alston, with a full determination
+of winning. A great stumbling block in the way to victory, presented itself
+in the person of one "Pakin" Whitfield, who weighed from sixteen to
+seventeen stones, and who had the reputation of being, at that time, the
+strongest man in Cumberland. All went well and smoothly through several
+rounds, until Fawcett and Woodmas were drawn together. What was to be done?
+Woodmas, who weighed at least three stone heavier, argued thus: "Noo,
+Jemmy, my man, what! thoo can deā nowte wid greit Pakin. Thoo's niver
+fit to mannish him. Thoo'll just hev to lig doon to me!" "Nay, nay," was
+the determined reply, "I'll lig nin doon to thee, ner neàbody else. I can
+throw him weel eneùf, I know I can." When "Pakin" and Fawcett came together
+in the next round, Woodmas used to say afterwards: "Sist'e! I fair trimmelt
+ageàn for t' lile fellow. I thowt nowt but t' varra life wad be crush't oot
+on him!" Standing side by side in the ring, the contrast appeared so great,
+that it looked as if the struggle was to take place between a giant and a
+pigmy. When the little man tried to span the back of the big man, and
+failed to do so, derisive peals of laughter broke out in various parts of
+the ring; and when the novel spectacle was presented of the little one
+lengthening his reach by the aid of a pocket handkerchief, the risible
+propensities of the spectators were tickled to a still greater extent.
+Getting fairly into holds, the tussle, however, was not one of long
+duration. "Pakin" commenced operations by making two or three futile
+attempts to draw Fawcett up, so that he could hold him more firmly; but the
+latter being fully prepared for any emergency, skipped about nimbly, and
+evaded all the attempts made to grip him; then he suddenly slipped under
+the big-one's chest with his left side, "gat in amang his legs, an' browte
+him neck ower heels." No sooner was the immense mass of humanity rolled out
+on the green sward, than the crowd went wild with excitement, and "varra
+nar split Crossfell wid shootin' an' hurrain'!"
+
+The annual Easter sports, held at Lowbyre, Alston, continued for many years
+to be a centre for wrestlers to congregate, from the districts round
+Weardale, Harewood, Knarsdale, Nenthead, and Garrigill. To one of these
+meetings, came Cuthbert Peart from Weardale, a powerful well built man,
+weighing sixteen stones nine pounds. Being drawn against Fawcett in one of
+the rounds, Peart lifted him like a child, and while holding him dangling
+in the air, asked, in a swaggering manner, where he would like to be laid.
+Jemmy, however, "mannish't to bit on his feet, like a cat;" and then, quick
+as lightning, down went the Weardale man, like a shot, from the effects of
+one of Jemmy's deadliest chips. "Noo," said Fawcett, with mock gravity,
+while stooping over the prostrate figure of Peart, "thoo can lig me
+whoariver thoo likes!"
+
+The brilliant manner displayed in carrying off Peart, filled the fallen man
+with so much wonder and amazement, that he declared Fawcett to be the
+cleverest wrestler in Britain, and forthwith took him over to Blanchland,
+on the borders of Northumberland and Durham. At that place he wrestled a
+match, with a sixteen-and-a-half-stone man, for a pair of leather breeches,
+and won easily. On this occasion he had again to resort to the use of a
+handkerchief.
+
+Another fall, similar in some respects to the one with Peart, occurred at
+Nentberry sports, about three miles from Alston, with one Thomas
+Stephenson, a man of considerable stature and bulk, who was accounted a
+good wrestler in his day and generation. On going into the ring for the
+final fall, Stephenson repeated again and again, with much confidence: "The
+little man _must_ go down--the little man _must_ go down, this time!" When
+hold had been obtained, the big one led off very briskly with the swing,
+but failing signally, Fawcett at once introduced the buttock, and brought
+him over so quickly and effectually, that as soon as Stephenson had
+recovered from his surprise, he burst out into passionate language,
+exclaiming: "Jemmy Fawcett's nūt a man, at aw! He's a _divel_--a fair
+DIVEL! an' neàbody 'ill convince me to th' contrary!"
+
+Jemmy continued to wrestle occasionally till he was nearly fifty years old.
+Litt speaks of him figuring at Smaledale in Yorkshire, where he resided
+about 1823.
+
+During a lengthened career, Fawcett continued a great enthusiast in
+wrestling matters. When lying on his death bed, while wrestling with a foe
+sure to triumph in the end, the "ruling passion" exercised a strange
+influence over him. He actually induced his son and daughter to take hold
+in the room, for a tussle, in order that the son might be benefitted by his
+instructions, relative to certain favourite chips. This anecdote is well
+authenticated.
+
+Fawcett died at Nenthall, near Alston, aged fifty-five or fifty-six years,
+about 1830.
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM RICHARDSON
+
+OF CALDBECK.
+
+"_BELTED WILL._"
+
+
+When Professor Wilson wrote a review of William Litt's popular
+"Wrestliana," for _Blackwood's Magazine_, he stated that WILLIAM RICHARDSON
+of Caldbeck, the winner of two hundred and forty wrestling trophies or
+"belts," was "better entitled than old Howard of Castle Dacre himself to
+the cognomen of 'Belted Will.'" From this sweeping dictum of the presiding
+spirit of old Maga, we are inclined to dissent. William Richardson
+doubtless gained his formidable list of prize "belts" mostly in well
+contested but harmless fields of strife, and is fully entitled to the proud
+distinction of having his familiar Caldbeck patronymic, "Will Ritson,"
+elevated into "Belted Will." How, however, he is "better entitled" than the
+grand border chieftain of the Howards--one of the most celebrated heroes
+that shone in the long and deadly feuds which prevailed for generations
+between the rival border houses of Scotland and England--we are at a loss
+to conceive. Besides, they earned a similar designation in such different
+fields. One is rendered for ever famous as one of the most renowned actors
+in the fierce border raids that were wont to arise between England and
+Scotland--a historic celebrity handed down to all time; and whose sword and
+belt--still preserved amongst the Howard relics--astonish everyone
+attempting to handle them. It is inconceivable that any one ever existed
+with sufficient strength to wield such formidable weapons, without we fall
+back to that giant of a "long time ago," yclept Samson, or to the other
+strong man of heathen mythology, Hercules. Richardson, holding a high place
+in the wrestling arenas of the north, and formidable from his overpowering
+strength, contended only in fields where, it is true, there was keen
+determined rivalry, but of an entirely harmless description to life or
+limb--plenty brought to grass in a rough, tumble-down, unwelcome manner,
+but not ending with the death-struggles of infuriate moss-troopers, hating
+each other with a savage bitterness almost inconceivable at the present
+day.
+
+William Richardson was born at Haltcliff, in Caldbeck parish, in March,
+1780. In the rural districts of Cumberland, families were frequently
+numerous. The Richardsons were of this description--the subject of our
+present memoir being the eldest but one of thirteen children. In his own
+neighbourhood, indeed almost throughout Cumberland, he became familiarly
+known as "Ritson," or "Rutson." In order to make his way in the world, he
+was brought up to the occupation of a joiner, and continued to follow the
+business for some years; but having a strong inclination for farming, and
+breeding Herdwick sheep, he gave it up, and settled on an estate called
+Netherrow, near Caldbeck. This farm was in the occupation of his father and
+himself for eighty years.
+
+Richardson measured in height, five feet nine-and-a-half inches, and
+weighed fully fourteen stones. He was a man well and strongly built from
+"top to toe;" slightly round shouldered and round backed; with a fine,
+broad, expansive chest; possessing tremendous strength of arm; and had a
+"neck like a bull." He lived till February, 1860, having attained his
+eightieth year; and it became a common remark that up to nearly the final
+shuffling off this mortal coil, he had the lightest foot, and was the
+"lishest" walker of any old man in the neighbourhood of Caldbeck. At Faulds
+Brow sports, when a hale hearty stager of more than three-score-and-ten
+years, he challenged to wrestle any man in England of his own age. We once
+witnessed, too, at Newcastle, in 1861, another septuagenarian, named Thomas
+Fawcett, from the neighbourhood of Kendal, challenge any man in England or
+Scotland of a like age. He stood six feet one inch, appeared uncommonly
+active, and straight as a maypole. Real "grit" these, our transatlantic
+cousins would say. Yes, it is such men that make Cumberland and
+Westmorland athletes superior to all the world.
+
+The hype became Richardson's main chip; and a favourite method of stopping
+an opponent--at which he was allowed to be a great adept--was to give him a
+sudden click--"kind o' bear him off his feet"--and then lift and hype. If
+an opponent should attempt buttocking, his unrivalled strength of arm
+enabled him to gather his adversary up with a vice-like grip, anything but
+pleasant. Indeed, he never was buttocked but once, in the whole of a long
+career, and that once by John Nicholson of Threlkeld, in private practice
+one summer night in the neighbourhood of Ouse-bridge.
+
+"Will" scored his first prize when only eighteen years old, at Soukerry, in
+his native parish. The sports held there annually ranked amongst the oldest
+and best local gatherings in Cumberland, and being in the midst of a good
+wrestling country, several noted men attended yearly. From the manner in
+which the youngster disposed of all comers, he was pronounced to be a
+promising "colt" for future work. After gaining this, his first victorious
+effort, in a strong entry, Richardson wrestled with marked success through
+many rings--of course, like others, getting a "topple over" now and then.
+When about twenty-one years old, he entered into the spirit of the sport
+with wonderful enthusiasm, and determination not to be beaten. Two
+remarkable circumstances, in a prolonged career, are worth relating. He
+was never "felled" a single fall, by any mortal man, between the age of
+twenty-one and twenty-eight; that is to say, from 1801 to 1808 or 1809,
+during which period he attended almost all the sports held between
+Calderbridge on the south-west, Pooley-bridge on the east, and all through
+the north to the Scottish borders. And he was never "felled" two falls
+together but once in his life, when a mere stripling, at Harrop sports,
+between Embleton and Lorton. Job Tinnian of Holme Cultram (one of a
+distinguished wrestling and fighting family, a good striker, and proficient
+with the buttock), and Richardson, were matched for a guinea, the best of
+three falls. Job got the two last, and his opponent the first. Tinnian--who
+measured six feet six inches in height--doffed his shirt, and had his back
+so thoroughly soaped, there was no holding him. Previous to the match,
+Richardson had thrown him for the head prize at the sports, and then again
+next day at a "Bridewain" at Southwaite, about two miles from Cockermouth,
+on the Lorton road. Job Tinnian had a daughter, who, we believe, grew to be
+such a giantess, that she was taken about as a show, and exhibited in the
+Blue Bell at Carlisle, and various other places.
+
+During the latter part of the last century, and in the early part of the
+present one, the head prizes at the various wrestling meetings were of a
+most primitive description, consisting either of a homely leather
+"belt"--with an inscription, giving name of place, date, and name of
+winner--or a "brutches piece," a suitable length of buckskin or broadcloth,
+for making a pair of breeches; and occasionally, but very rarely, a silver
+cup. Unlike the present day, liberal money prizes did not tempt competitors
+on the village greens.
+
+While the century was still young, some enterprising individual announced
+that a "golden guinea"--the first ever given in Cumberland for a like
+purpose--would be presented to the winner of the head prize at Highmoor
+sports, near Wigton. The offering of such a gilded bait--quite a
+novelty--naturally drew together a strong field of active young athletes.
+William Richardson of Caldbeck, among the rest, put in an appearance. Much
+resolute wrestling occurred, as round after round passed over. When the
+ranks became thinner and thinner, the two last standers proved to be one
+Todd, a spirit merchant from Wigton, and Richardson. The former was
+familiarly spoken of in the neighbourhood as "Brandy Todd." He was a
+powerful built man, nearly six feet high, and a great enthusiast in
+wrestling, pedestrianism, and dog-trailing. The two men should have been
+matched on several previous occasions, and this being the first, indeed,
+the only time they ever met in any ring, the excitement became intense. The
+Wigtonians being in great numbers, "crowed very crouse." Some of the more
+boisterous ones tried to banter and upset the self-possession of
+Richardson, by shouting in derision--"Browte up wid poddish an' kurn milk!
+what can _thoo_ deu, I wad like to know? Go bon! Brandy 'ill fling thee oot
+o' t' ring, like a bag o' caff!" The men stood up ready for action. Holds
+were obtained, after some delay in fencing; a brief struggle ensued, and
+the huge spirit-merchant measured his full length on the green-sward. His
+friends were dumb-foundered at the sudden fall of their hero. The opposite
+party, highly elated, cried out, much to the discomfiture of poor
+Todd--"Ha! ha! Codbeck kurn't milk's strănger ner Wigton brandy--efter
+aw t' rattle!"
+
+When Richardson was in his prime, sports or races were held at the Beehive
+Inn, Deanscale, near Lamplugh. One Shepherd Pearson, from about Wythop,
+made a curious and, to look at the terms, foolish wager. He bet a ten pound
+note that he would find a man to win the wrestling; another to win the
+foot-race; and a hound to win the dog-trail, at the Beehive sports. Now, it
+is well known how very much odds increase on a double event, but here are
+evens to win _three_ events. Exceedingly foolish! but nevertheless the bet
+was won. The chosen champion proved to be Richardson for the wrestling;
+John Todhunter of Mungrisdale, near Threlkeld, for the foot race; and
+"Towler," belonging to John Harrison of Caldbeck, for the dog-trail.
+Curiously enough, all three nominations succeeded in winning the head
+prize in their respective entries; and Pearson carried off his risky wager
+with a triumphant flourish.
+
+A feud of long standing, it appears, had existed between William Litt and
+Richardson. This feud no doubt gave a colour to various statements, and
+places us on rather delicate ground in endeavouring to do justice to both
+parties. Our object, however, is to speak of each man truthfully and
+impartially--to let neither colour "the even tenor of our way." The couple
+had met at several sports in West Cumberland; and on one occasion, when
+drawn together, Richardson had succeeded in disposing of Litt. The latter,
+however, was, as he termed it, in his "novitiate." No doubt the fall was
+highly unpalatable to the loser, and at length resulted in a challenge
+being given and accepted. The meeting ended unsatisfactorily. Both men drew
+up to their posts at the appointed time, Litt shewing unmistakeable signs
+of being "fresh i' drink." When requested to make ready for the contest, he
+gave a point blank refusal, saying he "wad nowder strip nor russell!" Here
+was an awkward fix! What was to be done? After a considerable amount of
+"higgling" had been gone through, another match was made, for ten pounds a
+side, to come off at the Green Dragon, Workington--Litt being backed by his
+brother, a medical man of good standing. On the appointed day, Richardson
+and his friends were on the ground to the minute. For some reason or
+other, Litt did not put in an appearance. His brother--the doctor--went
+into the ring, and held his watch till the full time specified in the
+agreement had expired, and then very honourably handed the money over to
+Richardson, saying: "I can give no reason why my brother has not fulfilled
+the conditions of his engagement." In after years, when the bitterness of
+old feuds was nearly, if not altogether worn out, Litt expressed regret
+that he had treated Richardson's merits as a wrestler somewhat scurvily in
+_Wrestliana_.
+
+Rowland Long of Ambleside, an immense big, burly man, the winner, it was
+asserted, of nearly one hundred belts, issued a challenge, that he was open
+to wrestle any man in England. An enthusiastic Cumbrian, named Thomas Bell,
+residing at Goose Well, near Threlkeld, took up the challenge, not for
+himself, but with the understanding that he should produce a man at the
+appointed time and place. He first tried his neighbour, Tom Nicholson, but
+Tom "thowt hissel rayder ower slender" to engage such a giant as Rowland,
+and recommended William Richardson of Caldbeck. Bell set off, and after
+some trouble and delay, fell in with Richardson at Rosley Hill fair, on
+Whit-Monday. Without much ado the two agreed; got a conveyance, and drove
+off for Ambleside without further preparation: a long course of training
+never being thought of in those good old days. After reaching Ambleside,
+they took a boat, and rowed down to Bowness, where sports were held on the
+Tuesday. Richardson's name was entered for the wrestling, but being stiff
+and tired with the long ride from Rosley, he didn't, according to his own
+version of the affair, "git weel away wid his men." He succeeded, however,
+in working upwards till the final fall, and then encountered John Long, a
+brother of Rowland's. The two had a hard struggle for the prize, but in the
+end the Caldbeck hero proved victorious. Whether John Long considered the
+fall doubtful or unsatisfactory, cannot now be ascertained; but he said,
+tauntingly, to Richardson, after the tussle was over, "If thoo can du nowte
+neā better ner that, my man, thoo'll hev d--d lile chance wi' oor
+Roan, I can tell thee!"
+
+On Wednesday--the day following--the match with Rowland was appointed to
+come off on the bowling green of the Salutation Hotel, Ambleside, for, we
+believe, ten guineas a side, the best of three falls. Richardson, looking
+from a window of the hotel, got a first sight of his huge opponent, coming
+up the street. After an attentive survey, and noticing the awkward, heavy
+sort of rolling walk that Long had, a smile stole over the features of the
+Caldbeck man, who thought then he could win easily; setting it down in his
+own mind, that one so slow and ungainly would not be quick enough in his
+movements in the wrestling ring. This mental calculation proved correct;
+the two first falls settling the match, and enabling the winner to walk
+away with the amount contended for.
+
+The two Cumbrians left Ambleside on Thursday, and drove back to Threlkeld.
+Wrestling and other sports were being held there the same day. The victor
+in the match of the previous day was greeted with hearty cheers, by a crowd
+collected on the village green. A score or more of clamorous voices were
+raised in pressing entreaties that he would enter his name for the
+wrestling. Tired with the three previous days' exertions, "an' nūt
+feelin' hofe reet, wi' gittin' sups o' drink of aw maks," he didn't want to
+take any part in the proceedings. He was, however, very reluctantly
+persuaded to enter the ring, but "niver stripp'd nor doff'd a thing off."
+Notwithstanding these drawbacks, he again proved victorious, throwing in
+the course of the day, both Tom Nicholson and his brother John. On
+Friday--the following day--he won at Soukerry, in Caldbeck parish; and on
+Saturday gained the head prize at Hutton Roof, near Penrith; thus finishing
+a heavy week's work, by winning at four different places, and gaining an
+important match besides.
+
+On Ascension Day, at Kingmoor Races, Carlisle, in 1809, the subscription
+belt was won by William Richardson of Caldbeck; and the Mayor's belt by
+Joseph Stalker of Welton. At the first annual meeting on the Swifts,
+Carlisle, where there was a purse of five guineas to contend for,
+Richardson was thrown, in the third round, by John Harrison of New Church,
+who wrestled second to Tom Nicholson. In the same year, at Penrith, in
+October, the three favourites were Tom Nicholson, William Richardson, and
+Harrison of New Church. All three champions went down; Richardson, after
+throwing John Oliphant, James Lancaster, and Joseph Brownrigg, was thrown
+in the fourth round by John Nicholson of Threlkeld.
+
+At Carlisle in 1810--Tom Nicholson's second year of winning--Richardson got
+capsized by a person of no note whatever; but succeeded in winning the
+second day's prize, Joseph Slack of Blencow being second. At Carlisle, in
+1812, the head prize was won by James Scott, Oarnlee, Canonbie, throwing in
+the final fall William Richardson. On the following day, the loser in the
+wrestle up proved victorious, throwing finally John Forster of Walton Rigg;
+William Mackereth of Cockermouth being third. The winner received four
+guineas, and the second two guineas. At Penrith, in October of the same
+year, ten guineas--a large sum to wrestle for in those days--was given to
+contend for, where Richardson was thrown by John Parker of Sparkgate, the
+winner.
+
+At Carlisle, in 1813, for the chief prize, the Caldbeck favourite threw
+William Waters, John Cowen, Walter Phillips, and Samuel Jameson of Penrith;
+and was thrown in the final fall by Robert Rowantree of Bewcastle, after
+one of the severest struggles on record. Richardson's own account of the
+fall was this: after having lifted Rowantree to hype him, his foot slipped,
+owing to the wetness of the day, and consequent slipperiness of the ground;
+losing his balance, he fell clean backwards, thus throwing away the fall.
+He had met Rowantree on two or three previous occasions, and always threw
+him. At Keswick, in 1820, the Caldbeck champion was thrown by William
+Wilson of Ambleside, said by a high authority to be the best man
+Westmorland ever produced.
+
+On the revival of the Carlisle wrestling in 1821, after three years'
+cessation, Richardson, then forty-one years old, drove to the meeting in a
+conveyance with Tom "Dyer" and others. On leaving home he had no thoughts
+whatever of wrestling--"ower oald"--and withstood all the persuasions of
+his friends, till reaching Durdar village, where he consented once more to
+try. He wore at the time, a pair of old-fashioned knee-breeches, which held
+him too tight to wrestle in, and had therefore to borrow an easier pair
+before entering the ring. The gathering was an immense one. The numbers
+assembled on the Swifts were estimated at twenty thousand. A long array of
+highly respectable ladies, including the Countess of Lonsdale, were
+interested spectators. Sixty-four men entered, and nearly all were
+calculated to weigh fourteen stones or upwards. In the morning, when the
+Caldbeck party were at Durdar, Tom "Dyer"--one of the very best hypers of
+his time, indeed, a first-class man altogether--was very full of winning.
+The first man called into the ring, and the first that went down, proved to
+be Tom, being thrown by one John Hetherington.
+
+It is very probable there never met on the Swifts as good a field of
+wrestlers. Richardson acknowledged afterwards that he stood most in awe of
+Joseph Robley of Scarrowmannick, from the exceeding clever manner in which
+he swung his opponents. Robley, by the way, has been credited with being
+the first introducer of the _swinging hype_. They met in the third round,
+and the Caldbeck veteran succeeded in disposing of the one he looked upon
+as his greatest bugbear. The third round also proved fatal to several other
+good wrestlers--Jonathan Watson, James Graham, and Joseph Abbot going down.
+Weightman--then twenty-two years old, all bone and muscle, standing six
+feet three inches high, and weighing fifteen-and-a-half stones--fell in the
+fourth round. Glendinning, (a rough tearing hand, from the neighbourhood of
+Penrith, compared to whom a bull in a china shop was as nothing,) fell in
+the fifth round; leaving Ford of Ravenglass--victor over Weightman at
+Egremont, weighing over fifteen stones, and measuring six feet two
+inches--for the final fall with Richardson. The latter succeeded in
+throwing the young, formidable West Cumbrian, and carried off the head
+prize amid much shouting and cheering.
+
+Richardson won the chief prize at Faulds Brow, near Caldbeck--where
+annually some of the best wrestling in Cumberland could be witnessed--for
+_nineteen_ years in succession, a continued series of successes unequalled
+in wrestling annals. Flushed with victory crowning victory, he went with
+the full determination of carrying off the prize for the twentieth time, if
+possible, but the spell was broken: fate had ordained otherwise. A
+raw-boned rustic, unknown to fame, named Young, (afterwards a publican at
+Dalston,) sealed his fate. The stewards were inclined to bring the fall in
+a "snap," but the vanquished man very honourably declared himself to be
+fairly thrown. Nevertheless, he was so chagrined at the untoward event, so
+grievously disappointed at not having achieved this highly prized
+distinction, that it was asserted he fairly cried for vexation over it.
+
+The wrestling at Faulds Brow always--very injudiciously, we think--took
+place late in the evening. On the occasion of "Belted Will's" final
+discomfiture, it was not concluded till two or three o'clock, in the cold
+grey atmosphere of a July morning, many rounds being finished up by the aid
+of lighted candles.
+
+The following reply to a novel wrestling challenge, which appeared in the
+columns of a Whitehaven newspaper, explains itself without note or comment.
+It is dated October 16th, 1843, and, we believe, it proved to be the end of
+the matter:--
+
+     SIR,--A paragraph lately appeared in the _Whitehaven
+     Herald_, stating that Charles Lowdon, of wrestling
+     notoriety, who resides near Keswick, and is sixty years
+     of age, would wrestle a match with any individual of
+     the same age. The veteran William Richardson of
+     Caldbeck, aged sixty-two years, will be happy to accept
+     the challenge, and wrestle Mr. Lowdon, the best of five
+     falls, for £5 or £10 a side. The friends of W. R. will
+     be happy to meet the friends of his rival, at the house
+     of Joseph Ray, of the Royal Oak inn, Cockermouth, on or
+     before the 30th instant, to make the match, and to
+     settle the other preliminaries usual on such
+     occasions.--I am, Sir, yours, &c.--J. M.
+
+During the last forty years of Richardson's life, he became noted as a good
+farmer on the Netherrow estate; and was remarkably successful in the
+breeding and rearing of Herdwick sheep, a class of animals peculiarly
+adapted to the mountainous districts of Cumberland and Westmorland, which
+are likewise held in high repute for the excellence of their mutton. He
+obtained many local prizes for different classes of fell sheep; and
+attended the tup fair at Keswick regularly; but though enthusiastic about
+his Herdwicks, his conversation, it is said, had at all times a tendency to
+"bristle o'er" with feats in the wrestling ring. A tale is told of him
+which illustrates this tendency. Arriving at Keswick, according to annual
+custom, to exhibit and sell tups, he happened to meet an old crony whom he
+had not seen for years. The two sat down, "cheek by jowl," and soon became
+absorbed in an animated conversation, in which "nowte but russlers an'
+russlin' was h'ard, amang aw t' chang; an' t' tips was niver yance thowt
+on, till t' fair was varra nar ower, an' theer was hardly sec a thing as a
+buyer to be fund."
+
+Richardson could be either a good friend or a good hater, as circumstances
+might call forth. One illustration of his kindly feeling and warmth of
+heart towards a struggling neighbour, may be mentioned. An industrious man,
+named Jeffreys--a blacksmith at the Caldbeck lead-mines--either occupied a
+field of lea grass, or had cut a few carts of peats, high up the fell-side.
+During a dreary wet season, when everything was spoiling, Richardson
+volunteered the use of a horse and cart to assist in clearing the field on
+the first fine day. From some unforeseen cause the horse took fright,
+galloped down the mountain brow, and either broke its leg by falling, or
+else was unfortunately killed. The accident placed the poor blacksmith in
+an awkward position, especially as the horse was a valuable one, estimated
+at that time to be worth thirty or forty guineas. He offered, however, to
+pay what money he had, and clear off the rest by instalments. "Nay, nay,"
+said Richardson, "it was as pure an accident as iver yan h'ard tell on, an'
+med ha' happen't to anybody. I'll tak nowte frae thee--nūt a fardin'!"
+
+A fell-side rhymer, named Richard Nicholson, of Caldbeck, has done his best
+to embalm Richardson's memory in verse, something after the following
+fashion:--
+
+    "When youth bloom't on him, few were as grand;
+    His fame was spread through aw the land,
+    Wid active russlin' an' strang reet hand.
+    At Faulds Brow reaces, 'twas his profession
+    To run when young withoot intermission,
+    And prizes nineteen he won in succession!
+
+    The shipperds aroond med weel dred his name;
+    For Herdwick tips oft the prize he'd claim,
+    Till far an' wide was spread his fame,
+                              As ye may read:
+    But noo i' the dust lies his noble frame:
+                              Will Ritson's deid!"
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM LITT
+
+OF BOWTHORN.
+
+
+The name prefixed to our present biographical notice, is that of a
+gentleman who, by his writings and conduct in the ring, has conferred
+greater lustre on, and added greater distinction to the "back-hold"
+wrestling of Cumberland and Westmorland, than any other individual. His
+historical account of ancient and modern wrestling--Litt's
+_Wrestliana_--was considered, in 1823, when _Blackwood's Magazine_ was at
+the summit of its fame, worthy of a highly eulogistic notice from the pen
+of Christopher North. Litt's wrestling notices and anecdotes have reference
+to the existence of the noble pastime, and a record of its most famed
+heroes and their contests, from 1770, and for the fifty years following.
+
+Before this period, the names and places of abode; the various and
+noteworthy achievements; the distinctive excellencies of celebrated
+wrestlers; and the places where their triumphant contests occurred, were
+little known beyond their immediate locality; and the meagre information to
+be gathered--not invariably to be relied on--had been handed down, and
+circulated mostly as village gossip, or been derived from the tales of some
+one whose knowledge rested on hearsay, and not from actual observation.
+This arose in a great measure in consequence of the slight intercourse that
+existed, eighty or a hundred years ago, between places only fifty or sixty
+miles apart. At present--thanks to William Litt's research and literary
+labours--all the great contests from 1780 to 1822, are familiar to us, and
+can be resorted to, for furnishing those who take a delight in the manly
+pastime of our forefathers, with a perfectly reliable description of its
+heroes, and their several peculiar excellencies.
+
+The individual actors, too, in those great contests, have become familiar
+to all who take an interest in the northern wrestling ring. We are
+introduced, not alone to the name and doings of Tom Nicholson, and a host
+of remarkable wrestlers, his contemporaries, and the surprising manner in
+which they could, with consummate dexterity, grass an opponent; but we have
+graphic descriptions of many who, at an earlier period, became entitled to
+the distinction of champions, in many a hard contested ring--in rings where
+pecuniary prizes were rarely given, and if given at all, trifling in
+amount. The great incentives to successful competition were honour and
+fame, typified by a gilded leather belt, of no greater intrinsic value than
+the laurel crown of the ancient Greeks. Sometimes--on very particular and
+rare occasions--there was offered for the final victor a silver cup.
+
+From Litt's description, we are familiar with the best and most renowned
+men, whose stars were in the ascendant, from 1780 to 1820. From Adam Dodd,
+"the cock of the north," a prime favourite, possessing all the requisites
+that go to the formation of a first class wrestler; from the Rev. Abraham
+Brown, a clergyman at Egremont, and previously a Bampton scholar, to Tom
+Nicholson of Threlkeld, another prime favourite, whose scientific wrestling
+acquirements, and wonderful success in the ring, were patent to Litt from
+frequent observation. The above Abraham Brown--better known in his day and
+neighbourhood as "Parson Brown"--is the self-same individual that a well
+known "Professor of Moral Philosophy" designated, "the most celebrated
+wrestler that the north, perhaps, ever produced." This gentlemen had no
+objection to show his friends, or even a stranger, how easy it was for a
+parson to upset a layman. The professor cannot find the least fault for
+thus indulging in a friendly fall, and stigmatizes his detractors for so
+doing, as "prim mouthed Puritans," who may "purfle up their potato traps,"
+and hold their tongues till the arms of the athlete are encased in lawn
+sleeves, and he becomes a--"Bishop."
+
+Our readers, or a majority of them at least, are doubtless aware, from
+witnessing the brilliant falls resulting from a vigorously put in
+"buttock," that it is one of the most showy and effective chips that
+wrestlers bring into play. Nothing finer than one of those dashing
+somersaults, that were wont to electrify the opponents of James Little or
+John Ivison. To the Bampton scholar--Abraham Brown--before settling for
+life at Egremont, a remote West Cumberland market town, is due the credit
+of inventing and bringing "buttocking" into use. The two men, Adam Dodd and
+Abraham Brown, were certainly worthy representatives of the very best class
+of wrestlers in the "olden times." They were close upon six feet high, and
+fifteen stones weight; were especial favourites of the public, as well as
+the historian of early wrestling. Both were straight standers, ready at
+taking hold, good with either leg, and at work as quickly as possible,
+following up the first attack with such rapidity, that their opponents had
+but small chance of avoiding a final and fatal stroke.
+
+After all this deserved praise, however, we cannot class them much, if any,
+superior to William Litt; and if Adam Dodd was justly styled "Cock of the
+North," the other is almost equally deserving of being hailed "Star of the
+North." In all their contests, there is nothing to shock the most
+fastidious moralist; nothing to outrage the feelings of the most humane;
+nothing that the most delicate-minded need blush at. Unlike the scenes of
+violence and fearful punishment depicted in the records of the pugilistic
+ring--now all but abolished--they can be dwelt upon without any degrading
+associations. Compare the description in _Wrestliana_, of the fight between
+Carter and Oliver at Gretna Green--the head of the latter, in the fourth
+round, "terrifically hideous"--and the author's eleven bouts with Harry
+Graham, on Arlecdon Moor, and the reader will not find anything approaching
+to cruelty in one, while the other is indeed "hideous."
+
+WILLIAM LITT, the author of _Wrestliana_, was born at Bowthorn, near
+Whitehaven, in November, 1785. His parents held a highly respectable
+position in society, and he received a liberal education, with the object
+of fitting him for a clergyman in the Church of England. This intention
+was, however, given up, in consequence of a manifest tendency to out-door
+sports, and a "loose" sort of life. The parents seeing that young Litt had
+rendered himself in some measure unfit for the Church, placed him with a
+neighbouring farmer to get an insight into practical, as well as
+theoretical, agricultural pursuits. On arriving at manhood, with a
+vacillation much regretted in after life, farming was neglected and
+abandoned.
+
+Christopher North, in old "Maga," says, "Mr. Litt is a person in a very
+respectable rank of life, and his character has, we know, been always
+consistent with his condition. He is in the best sense of the word a
+gentleman," was an "honest, upright, independent Englishman. We remember
+Mr. Litt most distinctly: a tall, straight, handsome, respectable,
+mild-looking, well dressed man. If we mistake not, he wrestled in
+top-boots, a fashion we cannot approve of." Top-boots to contend in on the
+Swifts, at Carlisle, at the present day, when wrestlers make it a study to
+don a costume that gives the greatest facility to freedom of motion, both
+in the limbs and body, would undoubtedly be considered by the whole ring, a
+strange spectacle, and subject the wearer to no end of chaff.
+
+We will now proceed to give a few incidents that will establish Litt's
+undeniable claims to superiority in the wrestling ring. We are not aware
+that he ever contended in the Carlisle ring but twice--in the year 1811,
+and again a few years after that date, on both of which occasions he was
+unsuccessful. His appearance in 1811, was a foolish act, for according to
+his own statement, he had been unwell for some time--in fact, out of form
+for wrestling. After a keenly contested bout, Joseph Bird, a well known
+wrestler from Holm Wrangle, succeeded in throwing him. The same year a
+match--the best of eleven falls--was entered into with Harry Graham of
+Brigham, and arranged to come off, on Arlecdon Moor, for sixty guineas--at
+that time a larger sum than had ever been contended for in any wrestling
+ring. From the celebrity of the parties, too, and the great amount of the
+stake, the match created a greater interest in the wrestling world than any
+hitherto contested. Harry was considered one of the most active men that
+ever entered a ring; indeed, a first rate man in every respect, the
+favourite and pet of a large district. He had contested many matches with
+the best men going; one of which was with the celebrated Tom Nicholson, in
+which he gained five falls for the Threlkeld champion three.
+
+When Litt and Harry appeared in the ring, the former was desirous to
+postpone the contest, on account of ill health; but the Brighamites, with
+an absence of that good feeling generally displayed by wrestlers one to
+another, refused, and insisted that the match should go on then and there.
+Harry gained the three first falls, which so elated himself and friends,
+that they looked on the final issue as a foregone conclusion, and indulged
+in some unseemly chaff. The defeat, however, served to rouse the
+energies--the courage and resolution of the loser, and he easily gained
+seven out of the next eight falls. John Fidler of Wythop Hall defeated
+Harry at Cockermouth, and afterwards at Arlecdon. Litt threw them both, and
+had the year before, when in good health, thrown Harry with the greatest
+ease. These repeated defeats of a man who could dispose of such as Tom
+Nicholson, William Richardson, and others, will go far to establish our
+favourable opinion of the wrestling historian. Other, and as strongly
+conclusive, testimony, is at hand to be produced. John Lowden, from the
+neighbourhood of Keswick, who had thrown several of the cleverest
+wrestlers of his day--winner of a silver cup at Carlisle--was obliged to
+succumb to Litt.
+
+Many of our wrestling readers will have heard of the "public bridals," at
+Lorton, where some of the best wrestling in the county might be seen. One
+hundred and twenty names were entered in 1807. For the final fall, William
+Armstrong of Tallentire, an excellent wrestler, and winner the year before,
+contended with Litt, and sustained defeat. At the revival of Blake Fell
+races in 1808, there were two good entries, and Litt carried off first
+prize on both the first and second day, notwithstanding being drawn against
+all the best men, including the two Tinians, and other well known names.
+
+We have now to notice a series of consecutive successes, to which we
+believe there are few parallels in wrestling annals. In the early part of
+this century, the best meetings in West Cumberland took place on Arlecdon
+Moor. The meetings were numerously attended, and held two or three times a
+year. For ten years, from 1805 to 1815, Litt contended for all the
+prizes--except in 1814, when he omitted to enter his name--and was never
+thrown. Conceive a man being able to wrestle successfully through a really
+strong ring upwards of a score of times. After such a noteworthy series of
+exploits, no further testimony need be adduced--no more satisfactory
+evidence wanted--to prove William Litt's claim to be ranked among the
+brightest wrestling stars of the north.
+
+In concluding this notice, we should have been glad to state that his
+career through the world, in more important respects, had been attended by
+gratifying results. The truth, however, is that from the time he left the
+paternal roof, his course through a checkered life to the bitter end, was
+marked by a series of disastrous failures. Attending wrestling and racing
+meetings unfits many persons for a steady and attentive devotion to
+business. This in a marked degree was the case with Litt. Farming duties
+became neglected, and then given up. Next he embarked in a large brewery at
+Whitehaven. A collapse, and loss of nearly all the capital employed,
+followed in little more than twelve months. He then went to reside at
+Hensingham, finding part employment in some triflingly remunerative
+parochial offices, expecting daily that he would get an appointment from
+the ruling powers at Whitehaven.
+
+Disappointed in this expectation, he resolved on emigrating to Canada, in
+1832, and retrieve his broken fortunes in taking the cutting of canals, and
+works of a like description. A break down again occurred, and he tried to
+gain a living by writing for the Canadian journals. This failing, he became
+a teacher. Suffering, however, from "home sickness"--a craving often fatal
+to natives of mountainous regions--his mental as well as bodily powers
+began failing before attaining his sixtieth year.
+
+    "I gaze on the snow clad plain, see the cataract's foam,
+    And sigh for the hills and dales of my far distant home."
+
+He died at Lachine, near Montreal, in 1847, when sixty-two years old;
+regret and sorrow at forced banishment from his native "hills and dales,"
+no doubt, hastening decay and the destroyer's final blow.
+
+    "Dearly lov'd scenes of my youth, for ever adieu,
+    Like mist on the mountain ye fade from my view,
+    Save at night in my dreams."
+
+    _The Emigrant._
+
+
+_ADDENDA._
+
+     The following extracts from letters, are quoted from a
+     controversy which sprung up between WILLIAM LITT and
+     some one who signed himself ATHLETICUS, in the columns
+     of the _Carlisle Patriot_, November,  1824:--
+
+     Mr. Litt deems me but a "_theorist_ in matters
+     appertaining to the ring." His own athletic feats, as
+     detailed in _Wrestliana_, are heroic and numerous, and
+     it would be presumptuous in me to attempt comparison;
+     therefore, compared with Mr. Litt, I must (borrowing a
+     phrase from the ring) consider myself as a _fallen
+     man_. But, notwithstanding the vaunted achievements of
+     the champion of Arlecdon Moor, there are those now
+     living old enough to remember his being thrown in the
+     Carlisle ring by very ordinary wrestlers, when in the
+     zenith of his fame. The village green on a summer's
+     evening or during a holiday, is frequently the scene of
+     many a rustic amusement. And on this arena, when
+     athletic exercises were going on, I have often borne a
+     part--where the old men inspired the young with
+     emulation, by reciting the achievements of their
+     youth--and the applause of the rustic spectators was
+     the only meed of victory. Here, sir, I have seen many
+     a manly struggle; and though I have never entered a
+     public prize ring, I flatter myself I have gained
+     something more than a theoretical knowledge of athletic
+     science. An ardent temper, and the buoyancy of youthful
+     spirits, no doubt gave considerable zest to the sports,
+     and my memory fondly recalls, and dwells with peculiar
+     delight, on the hours which I have spent amidst happy
+     villagers engaged in these rustic scenes of innocent
+     amusement. I will also venture to assert, that amongst
+     the peasantry assembled on the village green, not only
+     Weightman, Cass, Abbot, Wright, and the Dobsons of
+     Cliburn, but even Mr. Litt himself, imbibed his
+     earliest knowledge of the rudiments of wrestling.
+
+                            ATHLETICUS.
+
+
+     "Athleticus" says, and thinks he is cutting deep when
+     doing so, "there are those now living old enough to
+     remember my being thrown in the Carlisle ring, by very
+     ordinary wrestlers, when in the zenith of my fame."
+     Now, Mr. Editor, do you not think this is rather a
+     stinging remark, as it relates not to any point of
+     issue between us, and was therefore as uncalled for as
+     unnecessary?... I never wrestled but twice in the
+     Carlisle ring, and never saw it when "in the zenith of
+     my fame." The first time was in 1811, when, as I have
+     stated elsewhere, I was thrown by Joseph Bird, who was
+     surely no very _ordinary_ wrestler. When taking hold,
+     Bird got below my breast, and pinned my right arm close
+     to the elbow, down to my side; and a person, ignorant
+     enough, surely! insisted, that because he found by
+     pulling my left arm over his back, that he could make
+     my fingers meet, I should either take hold or be
+     crossed out. I foolishly chose the first, thinking that
+     I perhaps might better myself after. I was mistaken;
+     though those who are "old enough" to remember the
+     circumstance, may remember likewise that, considering
+     the situation in which I was placed, I was not disposed
+     off easily.... The other time I entered the Carlisle
+     ring, I met one of the Fosters--no ordinary men--and I
+     can only state that after our contest, I was ordered
+     by one of the umpires to wrestle the fall over again,
+     and I waited until the end of the round in expectation
+     of doing so, when I found that a bet of half-a-guinea
+     made by the other umpire, (and which I was aware of at
+     the time,) had turned the scale against me. I can, if
+     required, name the umpire, and the person he betted
+     with; which bet, however, he never recovered, and this
+     circumstance deterred me from wrestling the next day,
+     and determined me never to wrestle more at Carlisle.
+     This was in 1815. My best day was in 1806, 1807, and
+     1808; therefore the assertion of "Athleticus" is doubly
+     incorrect.
+
+                            WILLIAM LITT.
+
+
+     Mr. Litt admits being thrown in the Carlisle ring by
+     Joseph Bird of Holm Wrangle, in 1811, which he says in
+     _Wrestliana_, was a "smartish contest;" and he adds
+     that his "best day was in 1806, 1807, and 1808." But,
+     sir, this is only three short years past the time when
+     Mr. Litt was in the zenith of his fame; so that even
+     writing from recollection, my assertion is not
+     altogether incorrect, and certainly not intentionally
+     so. Mr. Litt and Joseph Bird had some dispute, it
+     appears, about taking hold: be this as it may, I was
+     justified in stating that Mr. L. had been thrown at
+     Carlisle by _ordinary_ wrestlers; for Bird was never
+     considered more than a third-rate player in the
+     Carlisle ring. He was a powerful man enough, though not
+     heavier than Mr. Litt at that day--possessed little or
+     no activity, and scarcely any science as a wrestler. I
+     have no account of the wrestling in 1811 in my
+     possession; but I have an account in 1815, and strange
+     as it may appear, Mr. Litt's name is never mentioned!
+     It would be well, sir, if my opponent would recollect
+     that his statements have to meet the public eye. In the
+     year 1815, Bird, in the first and second rounds, came
+     against Byers and Grisdale, both of whom he threw, and
+     was himself thrown in the third round by Thomas Peat.
+     Though I may admire Mr. Litt's general judgment on
+     athletic sports, I must again doubt it, if he deems any
+     of the Fosters first-rate wrestlers, or any more in
+     the ring than ordinary men; for in the scale of
+     athletic science, they were not even so exalted as
+     Bird. One of the Fosters fell in the first round, and
+     another in the second; but I shall enter no further
+     into this part of the controversy, as Mr. L's name
+     appears entirely unconnected with the wrestling of
+     1815. When I recall to my recollection the feats of
+     agility, science, and pith, displayed by Thomas
+     Nicholson in the Carlisle ring, in carrying off with
+     _eclat_, the first prize for three successive years;
+     and when I also recollect with what facility this
+     athletic hero discomfitted Bird, Mr. Litt's opponent, I
+     very much doubt the truth of the panegyric which Mr. L.
+     passes upon himself in _Wrestliana_ for his performance
+     on Arlecdon-moor, wherein he states (though in poor
+     health and condition at the time,) that he defeated
+     Harry Graham, the successful opponent of the once
+     celebrated Thomas Nicholson.
+
+                            ATHLETICUS.
+
+
+
+
+MILES AND JAMES DIXON
+
+OF GRASMERE.
+
+
+When Miles and James Dixon, whose doings in the ring we are about to
+chronicle in a brief memoir, were to the fore, wrestling was a great
+institution in the Lake District. Patronized and encouraged by Professor
+Wilson--himself a host in upholding the manly pastime; and afterwards by
+Captain Aufrere of Bowness, a distinguished and liberal patron; and
+assisted by many of the resident gentry, it attained deserved eminence in
+the northern parts of Windermere. In reaching this eminence, the sport was
+greatly indebted to the active exertions and judicious management of the
+late Thomas Cloudesdale of the Ferry hotel. Why the once popular pastime
+should be almost entirely snuffed out round Windermere, is a matter of
+surmise. The principal reason assigned weighs heavy on the wrestlers
+themselves: it is no less than glaring collusion, engendered by
+unprincipled betting men.
+
+For a long time, wrestling in the immediate vicinity of lake Windermere,
+and the adjacent parts of Westmorland, and North Lancashire, was kept up
+and followed more after the amateur fashion than the professional. It was
+looked on more as a thing to be enjoyed for the real love of the science,
+than as a means of filling the coffers of speculators. In what may be
+called its holiday aspect, the sport contrasted favourably with the art as
+practised in the sister county of Cumberland. The Windermere wrestlers, in
+thus shaping their courses, probably escaped many snares which those fell
+into who courted more publicity, and were envious of achieving greater
+fame. In fact, there were many good scientific men at the palmy period of
+the lake wrestling rings, who abstained from attending public gatherings
+almost entirely, and yet were quite as good as those who may be termed
+professionals.
+
+One instance we can select from many, will suffice to prove this. Jonathan
+Rodgers won the championship of many local meetings in his own immediate
+neighbourhood. He was born and brought up at Brotherelkeld, the highest
+farm in the vale of Eskdale. In his infancy, it was a lonely farm, seldom
+visited by strangers, but now well known to tourists crossing Hardknot. His
+forefathers had held the fell farm--a very extensive one, carrying between
+two and three thousand sheep--for generations. He once got as far as the
+Flan, and won easily in a strong ring, finally disposing of Joseph Parker
+of Crooklands, a really good man, supposed to be the coming champion of
+Westmorland. At another time, climbing Hardknot and Wrynose, he put in an
+appearance at Skelwith-bridge, near Ambleside, where Mr. Branker of
+Clappersgate, and a few gentlemen, had got up a meeting. Singularly enough,
+he came against four of the best men in the north, and threw the lot,
+namely--William Bacon and Jemmy Little, both of Sebergham, Thomas Grisedale
+of Patterdale, and finally Richard Chapman of Patterdale. Having every
+requisite, he might have gone on winning--but gave up; and is now the
+respected and prosperous tenant farmer of Brotherelkeld.
+
+Towards the close of the eighteenth and the commencement of the nineteenth
+century, the most distinguished exponents of wrestling in the Windermere
+portion of the lake district, were John Barrow, the Dixons of Grasmere, the
+Longs of Ambleside, William Wilson of Ambleside, the Flemings of Grasmere,
+well to do farmers--and "Young Green." We should have felt an interest in
+giving more lengthy sketches of the more prominent men, but, unfortunately,
+there exists a great paucity of information. Every exertion has been made
+to gather together whatever was available; but the gleanings are
+exceedingly imperfect and fragmentary. Local newspapers did not then
+collect much local intelligence; and although they kept a keen eye to
+business as regards wrestling advertisements, they scarcely ever mentioned
+even the names of any prize winners.
+
+The celebrated Windermere champion, John Barrow, flourished in the
+wrestling ring in the early part of the present century. The author of
+_Wrestliana_--one whose judgment may be relied on--pays him a deserved
+compliment, when he rates him as "the most renowned wrestler of this
+period," and "a match for any man in the kingdom." He stood fully six feet,
+and weighed fourteen stones. His favourite chip was the inside
+stroke--indeed, it was generally considered he invented the inside chip,
+and that "Belted Will" got it from Barrow. Most assuredly, the pair have
+grassed scores with it, and were quite as clever as Adam Dodd of
+Langwathby, with the outside stroke. These two men, and Abraham Brown,
+(afterwards the jovial curate of Egremont,) were all about the same height
+and weight: equally scientific; and all veritable "cocks of the north."
+
+Litt is astray with some particulars of John Barrow's tragic fate. He makes
+it out he was drowned in shallow water, and that he was an "excellent
+swimmer." Now, the fact is, he was no swimmer, and where the boat upset and
+went down, the lake is of considerable depth. He was out trying the sailing
+qualities of a new boat of his own building. The mainsail being
+injudiciously fastened to the belaying pin, a violent gust of wind struck
+the boat; it upset, and the strong man went down, unable to wrestle with
+his remorseless foe. Two plucky girls at Belle Grange, saw the accident;
+got a row boat, and set off to the rescue. They were successful in saving
+all in the boat, except the unfortunate builder. One of the persons in the
+boat when it upset, was John Balmer, and he lived to the patriarchal age of
+one hundred and one years. After the boat went over, he managed to grasp
+and keep hold of a floating plank, and was safely landed near Gill-head, a
+little below Storrs Hall. The first words he spoke after the disaster were,
+"Them 'at's born to be hang't, is suèr nit to be droon't!" This proverbial
+saying came to be linked with his name, and is still quoted in the
+neighbourhood as, "āld Jack Balmer' sayin'." His portrait, painted by
+Sammy Crosthwaite, a short time before his death, is still preserved.
+
+The sunken boat still remains at the bottom, and is well known to the
+Windermere fishermen, who reckon to clear the wreck with about twenty-five
+fathoms of netting out, and generally catch when they let go an additional
+fathom or two. Professor Wilson saw the catastrophe and the rescue. This
+distinguished man had had, no doubt, many boating excursions with poor
+Barrow, and being himself a capital wrestler, and keen of the sport, it is
+likely he would have many a tussle with the Windermere champion. It is said
+that on one of his excursions out of Wasdale, to the top of Scawfell, with
+Will Ritson, the cheery, popular, yarn-spinning landlord of the well-known
+Wasdale-head hostelry, that on arriving near the summit of the hill--which
+is the highest ground in England--the two, surrounded on all sides by
+mighty mountains, had several keenly contested wrestling bouts. The writer
+remembers well the famed Professor, when time had wrought a change in the
+manly form, visiting the Flan in its palmy days, and receiving respectful
+attention from all parties on the crowded grandstand.
+
+After this short digression, recording the fate of "a great wrestler and a
+good man," we must return to Miles Dixon. He was born in the year 1781, at
+either "Far" or "Near Sawrey." They form two villages, but are so little
+apart that they may both be classed as "Sawrey;" and are situated half-way
+between Hawkshead and the Ferry on Windermere. No more beautifully located,
+clean, bright looking, secluded villages are to be found in all the Lake
+district. The most prominent and interesting view from "Near Sawrey," is
+Esthwaite lake; and all around to the south, south-west, and north-west,
+there appears a wide extent of richly wooded undulating country. From "Far
+Sawrey," there is a view of the lower reaches of Windermere, and a vast
+panorama of undulating hill and vale.
+
+Miles's father followed the primitive occupation of a wood-cutter, felling
+timber trees and young trees of fifteen or sixteen years growth, called
+_coppice wood_, used for making hoops and charcoal. While his sons were
+"lile lads," he removed across Windermere to the vale of Troutbeck, and
+then in a short time migrated to Grasmere, where he settled.
+
+Miles Dixon's full stature was six feet three inches; and his general
+wrestling weight, fifteen-and-a-half stones. His favourite move in the ring
+was to lift his opponent from the ground one way, then throw him quickly
+back the other--and dispose of him, so to speak, with a twist. His
+herculean powers enabled him to do this effectually. He had other tactics
+on which to fall back, but occasions very rarely occurred when these had to
+be called into action. His quiet habits, and mild enthusiasm for wrestling,
+often made him careless. Had he possessed a greater amount of ambition, and
+followed the wrestling ring more closely, we should undoubtedly have had to
+record a much more numerous list of achievements. Professor Wilson hits off
+some of his leading characteristics very happily when he says: "Honest and
+worthy Miles, if put into good heart and stomach, and upon his own
+dunghill, was, in our humble opinion, a match for any cock in Cumberland."
+
+Young Dixon won his first belt at Grasmere, when only about sixteen years
+old. John Fletcher, the village carrier, a powerful sixteen-stone man,
+wrestled second. It so happened the carrier was very ambitious of winning
+first honours, and feeling sorely disappointed at being thus checkmated by
+a beardless boy, tore the waistcoat off his opponent's back, in a passion,
+and for a long time bore the victor a grudge.
+
+During one of the militia meetings at Kendal, a good deal of "braggin'"
+took place respecting the wrestling abilities of one Harrison, a man who
+stood six feet high, and weighed fully fifteen stones. Miles Dixon was
+pressed to take Harrison's challenge up, but gave his friends no
+encouragement that he would do so, and seemed to be very careless and
+indifferent about the matter. Ned Wilson and William Mackereth at length
+backed Dixon, the best of three falls, for a guinea, being all the money
+they could muster between them. Harrison in the match lost the two first
+falls easily, and was so chagrined at the defeat, that he absented himself
+from drill for several days.
+
+At the Windermere gathering, held at Waterhead, near Ambleside, in 1810,
+there was a considerable amount of rivalry displayed as to whether the belt
+should stay in Westmorland, or go to Cumberland. John Wilson, the young
+squire of Elleray, then fresh from Oxford, was the principal getter up of
+the sports. He was all enthusiasm, and heartily backed Westmorland. In
+Miles Dixon's absence the previous year, Tom Nicholson had carried off the
+first prize. He now returned again, to do all that lay in his power to be
+the winner a second time, bringing with him his brother John, and Joseph
+Slack from Blencow. William Litt came over Hardknot and Wrynose, from West
+Cumberland, riding on a good horse, and wearing a pair of high top boots.
+He called at Skelwith-bridge for refreshment, and stayed there all night,
+previous to the meeting. Getting a little "fresh" at the snug hostelry, as
+the hours went on, he began to be communicative about the morrow's
+proceedings, and laid down the law with great precision. According to his
+theory, Tom Nicholson would be first, and "yan Litt" second: of this there
+could be no doubt whatever. "Nay, nay," said mine host, not then knowing
+who the traveller was, "Nay, nay, I think nit! Theear' some Dixons o'
+Gersmer'--meàst sowan good 'ans--'ill be to fell first!" An old miller
+"com' ower t' Raise,"[9] in the rear of the Cumberland men, on purpose to
+bet, and rifle the pockets of the Westmorland lads. Tom King, owner of The
+Hollins, in Grasmere, annoyed at the never ceasing din made by the miller,
+said to Dixon: "Miley, if thoo's gāen to du' thy best, noo, I'll away
+an' tak' yon āld fule up." He forthwith went and bet guinea after
+guinea, until the miller began to think it prudent to venture no further.
+
+Early on, Miles threw a Yorkshire waller, named Harrison, a heavy man, and
+a good wrestler. He was afterwards called out against William Litt, with
+whom he had a hard tug. The excitement was extreme. Curiously enough, the
+two men started with the same tactics. "Te'àn triet to lift, an' tudder
+triet to lift," and both being heavy men, the exertion became very irksome
+work. The result was that Litt was thrown "lang streàk't" on his back,
+amid deafening cheers. Like many men who are losers, Litt complained in
+_Wrestliana_ of "unfair play," and brings half-a-dozen excuses forward as
+the reasons why he lost the fall. In the case of Miles Dixon and Litt
+having had another fall, Professor Wilson says: "Whether Mr. Litt could or
+could not have thrown Miles, can never be positively known in this world."
+The final fall, between Dixon and Tom Nicholson, was not of long duration.
+No sooner were they in holds, than the former lifted his opponent clearly
+from the ground, and disposed of him easily with a twist. The belt was then
+handed to Miles Dixon, by Mr. Wilson, who complimented him warmly on the
+victory he had gained. The future Professor of Moral Philosophy took the
+belt to Edinburgh with him. After the lapse of a couple of years, it was
+returned to the winner, with the following inscription engraved on a silver
+plate: "Won by Miles Dixon, at a Grand Wrestling Match, between the
+Westmorland, Lancashire, and Cumberland Lads, 1810." The belt is still in
+the possession of the family at Grasmere. It is made of leather, about two
+inches broad, and mounted with silver buckle and inscription plate.
+
+In 1811, Dixon did not wrestle at Ambleside. In 1812, when thirty-one years
+old, he put in an appearance again, and virtually carried off the first
+prize. Litt says, "Miles Dixon and a butcher in Ambleside were the two last
+standers. They agreed to wrestle two or three falls for the gratification
+of the gentlemen who had subscribed towards the wrestling, and in this
+friendly trial Miles Dixon was victorious."
+
+Miles died in June, 1843, aged sixty-two years. A headstone in Grasmere
+churchyard bears the following testimony to his worth: "The uniform
+integrity of his conduct, has induced one who appreciated his worth, to
+erect this memorial."
+
+His widow--a thrifty, sensible, managing housewife--died in 1875, aged
+ninety-one years. Wrestling meetings, and similar gatherings, she treated
+with marked contempt. A frequent saying of hers, about her husband as a
+wrestler, was: "Ivery shillin' he wan, cost us two!" She used to compare
+those who took part in such exercises to "a lot of potters an' tinklers,
+'at dud nowte but nip an' squeeze yan anudder to deeàth!"
+
+
+JAMES DIXON, brother to Miles, was born at the before-mentioned village of
+Sawrey. He died at Beck Houses, Grasmere, in 1866, aged seventy-eight
+years. In height, he stood six feet three inches, and his general wrestling
+weight was fourteen stones. His favourite chip in the ring was an outside
+stroke.
+
+When young, he wrestled at a gathering of militia at Kendal, and won. In
+1809, at the Ambleside meeting, he came against Tom Nicholson of Threlkeld,
+in one of the latter rounds. According to the most reliable information we
+have been able to gather, the latter lost fairly enough, but owing to some
+oversight on the part of the umpires, they decided it must be a wrestle
+over, to which course of procedure Dixon naturally objected.
+
+In 1811, he won the head prize at the Ferry Inn wrestling, Windermere.
+Richard Luther Watson, of Calgarth, a son of the Bishop of Llandaff,
+officiated as steward. In addition to the wrestling, which commenced early
+in the afternoon, there was a regatta on the lake, and prizes were given
+also for leaping and running. The belt won at the Ferry is still kept, in a
+good state of preservation, at Grasmere. It is made of leather, about four
+feet six inches in length, by two inches in breadth, with a silver buckle,
+and inscription plate: "Presented by the Steward of the Windermere Regatta,
+to the conqueror at the Grand Wrestling Match, on the 17th July, 1811."
+
+At one of the Windermere gatherings, with Miles and James Dixon both
+thrown, a general buzz ran round the ring that Roan Long was sure to be the
+final victor. Just at the moment when this opinion was prevalent, George
+Dixon, an elder brother, very bow-legged, stepped into the ring,
+exclaiming, "Tak' time, lads; tak' time! Aw t' Dixons errant doon yet!"
+Coming as a counter-blast to the prevailing opinion, this saying created
+much merriment among the spectators. Surely enough, the current of the tide
+which had set so strongly against the Dixons, was turned, for Roan was
+cleverly thrown. George was a stiff stander, difficult to get at, and often
+very bad to move.
+
+Besides prizes incidentally mentioned in this narrative, the three brothers
+won many others, records of which, it is to be feared, have passed away
+with the contemporary generation who witnessed and took part in them.
+
+The Dixons were wallers by profession, and many of the bridges in the
+immediate vicinity of the lake country were built by them. One notable fact
+relating to their bridge-building is worth mentioning. About the year 1828,
+Muncaster bridge, over the river Esk, near Ravenglass, was built by some
+one whose name has not been recorded. The bridge had a considerable span,
+and a high tide, and a furious mountain torrent pouring down out of
+Eskdale, washed it away. Another man then undertook the rebuilding of it,
+but failed to carry out the details, and finally gave up in despair. Lord
+Muncaster being disgusted with the unsuccessful attempts, and hearing of
+the celebrity of the Dixons, sent to Grasmere for them. The three brothers
+set about the work in good earnest, and in the month of June, 1829, the
+keystone of the bridge was fixed, with considerable ceremony. A handsome
+sum of money was collected, for a day's festivity and sports, and the
+Dixons gave two barrels of ale. The prize for wrestling fell to one William
+Dickinson of Langley Park, a farm on the Bootle side of the bridge. The
+foot-race and leaping were both carried off by a young man from Eskdale,
+named William Vickers.
+
+Lord Muncaster was so well pleased with the skill and persevering industry
+displayed by the builders, that he caused the following inscription--which
+remains to this day--to be placed on the east side of the bridge:
+
+    MDCCCXXIX.
+    THIS BRIDGE BUILT BY MEN FROM GRASMERE.
+
+Commercially speaking, Muncaster bridge was an advantageous affair for the
+Dixons. The successful accomplishment of the work spread their fame as
+builders far and wide, and assisted materially towards establishing them
+nicely in the world. Miles and James became purchasers of estates, through
+industrious and economic habits.
+
+We have heard it stated that Lady Richardson of Lancrigg--the wife of the
+arctic explorer--once contemplated writing an account of Miles and James
+Dixon (who, by the way, are both mentioned in the interesting memoir of her
+mother, MRS. FLETCHER). How she intended treating the subject-matter of
+their lives, we cannot tell; probably more in their domestic relations to
+the people of Grasmere vale, than as athletes in the wrestling ring.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+After John Barrow and the Dixons, it is somewhat singular and remarkable to
+note the large number of first-rate lake-side wrestlers that came out; and
+it may not be amiss to bestow a passing notice on the foremost. Before the
+Dixons had retired, the two Longs--Rowland, commonly called Roan, and
+John--the one a giant in size and strength, and the other a big burly
+man--figured in the ring; then--most renowned in the galaxy--William Wilson
+of Ambleside. He appeared all over the beau ideal of a heavy weight
+wrestler; "lish as a cat," straight as a wand, good shoulders, and long
+arms. When about his best, there had never before been seen such a
+consummate master of the hype; and no one since can claim to be his equal.
+His action was so quick and irresistible, that his opponents went down as
+if completely helpless. In 1822, William Richardson of Caldbeck, a most
+successful hyper, had not "the shadow of a chance" with Wilson; he also
+struck down the gigantic Mc.Laughlan of Dovenby, in such a style as "no
+other man in the kingdom could have done." In appearance he resembled
+William Jackson of Kinneyside, with the same gentlemanly conduct in the
+ring, and the same good tempered bearing to his opponents. Unfortunately,
+this bright particular star became subject to a wasting disease when hardly
+at his best, and was soon lost to the wrestling world, and a large circle
+of admiring friends.
+
+Then followed Tom Robinson, the schoolmaster, Richard Chapman, George
+Donaldson, Joseph Ewbank, a Haweswater lake sider; William Jackson, an
+Ennerdale lake sider; and Thomas Longmire--men whose names and deeds will
+be cherished as long as "wruslin'" is a household word in the north. These
+have all gone hence, or are "in the downhill of life." At present there is
+not one man of note on the immediate borders of Windermere, Ullswater, or
+Derwentwater.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[9] Dunmail Raise, which divides Cumberland and Westmorland.
+
+
+
+
+ROWLAND AND JOHN LONG
+
+OF AMBLESIDE.
+
+
+Rowland Long, generally called "Roan," may be considered one of the biggest
+of our northern athletes, but by no means one of the most distinguished for
+science and activity--an immense, but somewhat inert, mass of humanity. He
+was born and brought up at Graythwaite, a beautiful country of woodland
+slopes and green dells, laying contiguous to the west side of lake
+Windermere, in North Lancashire. The father of John and Rowland, farmed a
+small estate of land under the ancient family of Sandys of Graythwaite
+Hall.
+
+Rowland was born about the year 1778. While even a lad, he developed into
+gigantic proportions of body, limbs, and bone. When only seventeen years
+old, he weighed seventeen stones, and was looked on at that time as a
+wonder by all the country side, for size and strength. On arriving at
+maturity, his full stature reached six feet two inches, and he weighed
+never less than eighteen stones. In truth, a man of colossal appearance,
+looking "as breeàd as a yak tree across t' shooders," as big limbed and
+heavy footed as Goliah of Gath, and with a grip like the hug of a polar
+bear. His principal move in the ring was to make a rush at his adversary,
+push him backward, and throw in the "ham"; then, if well got in, woe to the
+unlucky wight who felt the crushing weight of eighteen or nineteen stones.
+
+From a well known deficiency in points of science and activity, it may
+naturally be conjectured that most of his achievements were gained by main
+strength, on one hand, and stubborn standing on the other.
+
+In one sense, Roan Long's career is the most perplexing one with which we
+have to deal. The fact is pretty well established, that he won no less than
+ninety-nine belts; and at various places he tried hard to make the number
+up to an even hundred, but laboured in vain. The perplexing point
+is--where, and at what dates, did he win those belts? We may take it for
+granted that the field of his operations was confined principally to
+Windermere and its neighbourhood; and that his successful career as a
+wrestler commenced about the year 1796, and ended in 1812. Most of the
+details during those sixteen years are, unfortunately, not forthcoming.
+
+We learn incidentally that he "yance hed a ter'ble hard day's russlin' at
+Bouth fair, whār he fell't three or fower o' t' biggest chaps he iver
+fell't in his life." Probably this was the time he had the fearful tug with
+Arthur Burns, one of the Ullater family, near Rusland. Burns stripped off
+a tall, active, well built, six-foot man, who stuck to the giant most
+determinedly, and tried hard to get him to make play without effect, until
+the struggle became one of mere animal strength. The upshot was that Burns
+came to grief, and unluckily came out of the ring so much mauled about the
+ribs, that he never recovered fully from the punishment inflicted.
+
+At one of the village gatherings, held at Grasmere, Tom Ashburner, a
+"statesman" of the valley, entered his name among the wrestlers for the
+sole purpose of trying a round with Roan. Being fortunate enough to be
+called against him, and having succeeded in getting the fall, he retired
+from further contest, saying as he did so, to the younger hands: "Noo,
+lads, I've clear'd t' rooad for yee: work yer way!"
+
+In 1811, Roan, then about thirty-three years old, attended the third annual
+meeting held at Carlisle, but was singularly unfortunate. He was thrown in
+the first round, by John Watson, who the next time over laid down to Tom
+Nicholson.
+
+At the Windermere Regatta, held at the Ferry hotel, in July, 1812, he won
+his ninety-ninth and last belt. Previously he had won several belts at the
+same place. No part of this final trophy is left, but the inscription
+plate--in the possession of Mr. Backhouse, farmer, near Low Wood--which
+runs: "To the Hero of the Regatta, on Windermere, 1812."
+
+After this date, we obtain passing glimpses of Roan entering various
+rings, and trying in vain to make up the hundredth prize. In 1824, the old
+veteran--having then contended more or less for twenty-eight years--was
+thrown at Low Wood Regatta, by one Hodgson, who wrestled third; and even as
+late as 1828, he wrestled at Ambleside fair, where he was disposed of by
+John Holmes, a tall six-foot tailor. This proved the last time he ever
+contended for a prize--saying, as he bade farewell to the ring, "I think
+it's time to give ower, noo, when a bit iv a tailyer can thrā' me!"
+
+Roan's match with William Richardson of Caldbeck will be found described in
+the sketch of Richardson's career.
+
+Many years elapse, and Roan is sitting among the onlookers of the
+wrestling, at Ambleside sports. After Longmire had carried off several big
+men with the swinging hype--eliciting the admiration of all beholders--old
+Roan said to the young aspirant, in a drawling tone of voice: "Thoo cudn't
+ha' trailed me by t' neck i' that way, my lad!"
+
+If Roan Long was deficient in science and activity, and did not cut the
+brilliant figure in the wrestling ring that some of his contemporaries did,
+he, nevertheless, habitually maintained through a long span of existence,
+many points of much greater importance, in a social view--such, for
+example, as plodding perseverance, singleness of purpose, and sturdy
+independence of character--traits in themselves truly commendable, and far
+above any merely nominal honours which the wrestling arena could bestow.
+
+Roan's occupation was that of a wood-cutter and wood-monger. In company
+with the Robinsons of Cunsey--two brothers--he worked in the woods around
+Windermere, for many years. Robert Robinson, one of the brothers, was a
+very powerful man, nearly six feet high, with broad massive shoulders, and
+herculean thighs. During the height of the wood-cutting season, these men
+toiled and wrought from daybreak to dusk, more like galley slaves than
+free-born Englishmen; often continuing their laborious employment half
+through moonlight nights. On certain occasions, when arriving at the woods
+before daybreak, they have been known to sit down and eat their dinners
+"while they'd time," as they phrased it, in order to keep themselves "frae
+hankerin' efter 't throo t' day." With coat, waistcoat, and shirt off, Roan
+used frequently to yoke himself in a cart, heavily laden with wood, and had
+to "snig" like a horse, while the two Robinsons placed themselves behind
+the cart, and regulated their motions according to the necessity of the
+case.
+
+One time, in Finsthwaite woods, when going down a steep hill, so "brant"
+that horses were practically useless, the Robinsons let go the cart for
+nothing else but pure devilment, and off went Roan, taking giant-like
+strides, until he could hold on no longer; and was obliged to throw the
+cart over into the steep incline below, and extricate himself as best he
+could. After having been a considerable time in partnership, he began to
+think the Robinsons were not doing the clean thing by him, in some other
+matters, and in consequence dissolved all connexion with them.
+
+Later on, Roan--who through life was a pattern of industry and
+integrity--kept a nursery and vegetable garden at Ambleside. While so
+occupied, it was his wont to overlook operations from a small wooden house
+in the garden, where he sat as closely wedged up almost as a veritable Gog
+or Magog.
+
+A few days before his death, he sent for his neighbour, John Cowerd, a
+joiner by trade, to give him instructions about the making of his coffin.
+"Noo, John," said he, "I s' nit be lang here, I Knā' I shallant; an' I
+want to speeàk to yee about my coffin. Mak' me a good heart o' yak yan, an'
+_nowt but yak_. Noo, mind what I's sayin'; I want nin o' yer deeàl-bottom't
+sooart--_nin o' yer deeàl-bottom't sooart for me!_" repeated the dying man
+again and again. Many coffins had been made in the same shop, but never one
+anything like Roan's for size. It measured two feet three inches across the
+breast, inside measure. A custom prevailed in the workshop to try most of
+the coffins made, by the length of some workman. On this occasion, one
+Michael Rawlinson, the biggest man employed, was press-ganged into Roan's
+coffin, but scarcely half-filled it, and presented a very ludicrous picture
+for the time being.
+
+Roan's death took place at Ambleside, about the year 1852; aged
+seventy-four years.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+John Long, born also at Graythwaite in Furness Fells, about the year 1780,
+formed in many respects a marked contrast to his brother Roan, and was
+considered by good judges to be much the better wrestler of the two. In
+height, he stood five feet ten inches, and weighed about fourteen stones.
+In his prime, he was a remarkably fine built man: firm, compact, and well
+developed in every part, with clean action; in fact, from head to foot he
+might be said to be symmetry typified.
+
+John had the credit of winning many prizes on the banks of his native
+Windermere; but not having the ambition of his brother for wrestling
+distinction, he never rambled far from home in search of adventure; nor did
+he follow the sport for anything like the same lengthened period. We are
+sorry that no available and reliable means can be come at touching his
+feats in the ring. His well known accomplishments as a wrestler richly
+entitle him to a more extended notice than it is in our power to give.
+
+At the Ambleside wrestling, in 1811, John Long was second to William
+Mackereth, the winner, a young man from Cockermouth, a friend and companion
+of Tom Nicholson. Nicholson had grassed the well known John Lowden of
+Keswick, but suffered a grievous defeat in the fourth round when he met
+John Long. This of itself must be considered sufficient to stamp the victor
+a wrestler of considerable ability, as Tom was then at his best, and was
+looked upon by his admirers as a match for any man in the kingdom.
+
+In early life, John followed wood-cutting through the spring and winter
+months; and in autumn, he generally went off to the "shearings" in Low
+Furness and West Cumberland. For a lengthened period he was chief boatman
+at the Ferry inn, Windermere, in which capacity he is well remembered. When
+up in years, he displayed a good deal of ready wit and droll humour. He has
+been spoken of--by the most successful wrestler that Windermere has
+produced--as "a queer sly āld dog, 'at nin o' t' young 'ans cud reetly
+mak' oot, whedder he was in fun or earnest."
+
+In the _Folk-Speech_ volume of dialect stories and rhymes, Alexander Craig
+Gibson describes the sturdy figure of the old wrestler as follows, and then
+proceeds to make him relate the tale of the "Skulls of Calgarth," in his
+native _patois_.
+
+    And Benjamin's chief ferryman was stalwart old John Long,
+    A veteran of the wrestling ring, (its records hold his name,)
+    Who yet in life's late autumn was a wiry wight and strong,
+    Though grizzly were his elf-locks wild, and bow'd his giant frame.
+
+    Yes; though John Long was worn and wan, he still was stark and strong,
+    And he plied his bending "rooers" with a boatman's manly pride,
+    As crashing past the islands, through the reed stalks crisp and long,
+    He stretch'd away far northward, where the lake spread fair and wide.
+
+    "Now rest upon your oars, John Long," one evening still said I,
+    When shadows deepened o'er the mere from Latterbarrow Fell;
+    For far beyond broad Weatherlam the sun sank in the sky,
+    And bright his levell'd radiance lit the heights around Hillbell.
+
+    "And tell me an old story," thus I further spoke, "John Long,
+    Some mournful tale or legend, of the far departed time;
+    The scene is all too solemn here for lightsome lay or song,
+    So tell, and, in your plain strong words, I'll weave it into rhyme."
+
+    Then old John Long revolved his quid, and gaunt he look'd and grim--
+    For darker still athwart the lake spread Latterbarrow's shade--
+    And pointing o'er the waters broad to fields and woodlands dim,
+    He soberly and slowly spake, and this was what he said, &c.
+
+John Long died at the little hostelry on Kirkstone Pass, the highest
+inhabited house in England, about the year 1848.
+
+
+
+
+TOM NICHOLSON
+
+OF THRELKELD.
+
+
+Among the distinguished athletes of a byegone period, not one in the long
+list has conferred a more enduring celebrity on the wrestlings of the
+north, than the Threlkeld champion, Tom Nicholson. He owed this high
+position not to overpowering strength and weight, but to what lends its
+principal charm to back-hold wrestling--science and activity. These, added
+to entire confidence and fearlessness, rendered him a match for any of the
+big ones of his day.
+
+In youth he was a wild, harum-scarum sort of a fellow, hardly ever out of
+one scrape before he was floundering into another. A fight or a fray seemed
+always welcome. "He cared for nowte." A Jem Belcher of the wrestling ring
+and the pugilistic ring, too, of the north; one who never feared the face
+of man, and had so much confidence in his own powers, that whoever he
+chanced to meet in the ring, whether as "big as a hoose side," or "strang
+as a yak tree," he felt confident he could throw him.
+
+He stood close upon six feet; lean, muscular, with broad and powerful
+shoulders; had remarkably long arms, reaching--when at full length, and
+standing perfectly upright--down to his knees; his weight never exceeding
+thirteen stones; without an ounce of superflous flesh. He generally
+commenced the attack by striking the back of his opponent's heel with the
+right foot.
+
+Tom was born at Threlkeld, near Keswick, about the year 1785, and died at
+Keswick in February, 1851. His father, "oald Ben Nicholson," acted as
+parish clerk and sexton at Threlkeld for many years, following, too, the
+occupation of a builder. He brought up his two sons, Tom and John, as
+builders, or in the vernacular of the district, "wo'ers." Tom was the elder
+brother, and a much more powerful man than John. The latter, in the opinion
+of many good judges, was superior both in science and quickness. Being a
+light weight, his name does not appear with much prominence in the
+wrestling records of the time. Special prizes were not then given for light
+weights; and in consequence, John did not often become last stander. The
+two brothers were, however, sometimes first and second.
+
+It was not alone in wrestling that Tom became a noted character. He could
+probably display more feats of activity in his day, than any man in the
+north of England. He has been known to "hitch an' kick" ten feet high: that
+is to say, if a hat were placed on a pole, or hung on the ceiling of a
+house ten feet high, he could leap up, and hit the hat with one foot,
+without falling to the ground. Among other places, this was done at the
+Red Lion inn, Grasmere, in 1810, where Miles Dixon, Harry Chapman, and
+other athletes were onlookers. Another feat of his consisted in covering
+twelve yards in three leaps of three rises, measuring from heel to heel.
+This he often did, leaping the full distance forwards, and then turning
+round and leaping the same distance back again. A frequent saying of his
+was, that he could "stand a yard, stride a yard, an' tak' a yard under
+ayder arm."
+
+We have no reliable means of recording all the victories Tom achieved; and
+we suppose no chronicler is left who can tell where he gained his first
+belt. We know he became such an enthusiast as to rise often at three or
+four o'clock in a morning, in order to get his day's work finished by noon;
+and afterwards has travelled a dozen miles, to wrestle for "a lal bit iv a
+ledder strap, nūt worth mair ner fifteen-pence." Luckily, there is a
+record of the more important prizes gained at Carlisle, in 1809, 1810, and
+1811--a succession of unbroken victories seldom accomplished by a
+thirteen-stone man.
+
+In the year 1809, Nicholson, then twenty-three or twenty-four years old,
+attended some sports or merry-making at Penrith. While there, he chanced to
+see an advertisement setting forth the liberal prizes for wrestling,
+offered on the following day at the Waterhead, Ambleside. Having some
+little acquaintance with the Dixons of Grasmere, through working with them
+at the Bridge-end, Legberthwaite, Tom felt a strong desire to attend the
+meeting. After dancing all night at Penrith, he left by way of Patterdale
+and Kirkstone Pass. Having reached Ambleside, he found the head of the lake
+crowded with pleasure boats and yachts; flags flying, drums beating, and an
+immense gathering of people assembled in holiday attire, anxiously waiting
+to witness the sports.
+
+Being overcome by fatigue and want of rest, he went into one of the tents
+for some refreshment, and soon fell fast asleep in a chair. A waller, named
+James Benson, who belonged to Ambleside, chanced to hear one of the Dixons
+say incidentally to the Longs: "I suppooàs Tom Nicholson's here. If we
+don't mind what we're duin', he'll fell us aw!" Seeing a stranger asleep
+soon after, Benson went and gave him a tap with his foot, saying: "Do they
+co' yee Tom Nicholson?" Being thus aroused, Tom started hastily to his
+feet, and replied in the affirmative. "Well, then," said Benson, "if ye've
+come to russel, ye'll hev to be stirrin' yersel'! _They're thrāwin' t'
+belt up for t' last time!_"
+
+Hastening to the scene of action--a small field near the lake--Tom got his
+name entered in the list. No doubt, the previous fatigue and consequent
+exhaustion would, in some measure, detract from the dash and force of his
+wrestling. Notwithstanding this, he managed to pull off the chief prize,
+throwing both Rowland and John Long. Two of the Dixons--George and
+James--of Grasmere, also contended, and both came against the Threlkeld
+man. The former was unmistakeably thrown; but the latter, in the opinion of
+a great many spectators round the ring, ought to have had the fall. The
+umpires, however, came to the conclusion it was a dog-fall, and Dixon felt
+so chagrined at the decision, that he refused to re-enter the ring.
+
+In after life, Nicholson used to "brag" that at this Ambleside gathering,
+he threw four of the biggest men he ever grassed in one day in his life,
+namely, Roan and John Long, and George and James Dixon. In relating this
+exploit, however, the fall with the last mentioned had always to be passed
+over as quietly as possible, lest some "unbelieving dog" should think
+proper to retort, and mar the harmony of the relator's narrative.
+
+Next year, Tom again attended the Ambleside meeting, accompanied by his
+brother John, and Joseph Slack from Blencow. William Litt also figured, as
+one of the West Cumberland great guns, but had to succumb to Miles Dixon.
+Slack laid down to Tom, who threw Roan Long and his brother John. Coming
+against Miles Dixon, for the final fall, he was cleanly lifted from the
+ground without any difficulty, and thrown with a twist.
+
+In 1811, we find Tom at the Ambleside meeting for the third and last time.
+William Mackereth of Cockermouth accompanied him on this occasion. Tom had
+an arduous struggle with John Lowden of Hussecar in Newlands, "a stoot
+good russeler," who had then scarcely reached maturity. Lowden always
+claimed the first fall, but acknowledged that he lost the third one fair
+enough--the second one being a dog-fall. In the third round, Tom again
+disposed of Roan Long, but was cleverly thrown by John Long the next time
+over. It will thus be seen, the Threlkeld champion succeeded at Ambleside
+once only in the three years of his attendance; while at Carlisle, where he
+also contended three years, he came off victorious in each entry. This is
+strong testimony to the celebrity of the Windermere wrestlings.
+
+For two years previously, John Wilson of Elleray had encouraged the
+wrestlings at Ambleside, by subscribing liberally, and taking a personal
+interest in so conducting the sports as to render them worthy of the
+patronage of the neighbouring gentry. All who have attended wrestling
+meetings, cannot but be aware that occasions will often occur, when the
+presence of such gentlemen as the squire of Elleray is of great use. There
+is ample evidence to show that he was devotedly fond of the sport. When he
+left the lakes to make Edinburgh his permanent place of residence, the
+wrestlings at Ambleside, which had attained extraordinary celebrity,
+declined for a time, but again shone with renewed brilliancy at Low Wood,
+Bowness, and the Ferry.
+
+Before taking leave of Nicholson's Windermere exploits, we must record a
+_fracas_ he had once with John Wilson, at the "Nag's Head," Wythburn, a
+little wayside inn, eight miles from Ambleside, lying immediately under the
+shadow of the "mighty Helvellyn," and much frequented up to the present
+time by pedestrian tourists. Some sports--wrestling being the principal, of
+course--were held at the above out-of-the-way hostelry. At that time,
+considerable rivalry existed between the wrestlers of Cumberland and
+Westmorland. The Elleray squire freely backed the Westmorland men, and Tom
+Nicholson was not a whit behind-hand in as freely backing the Cumbrians.
+Now, it so happened, they both got excited over a doubtful fall. The future
+literary luminary insisted that his man had got the fall; while Tom
+vehemently maintained an opposite opinion, and bandied ugly words very
+freely.
+
+In a fit of momentary passion, Wilson struck Tom over the shoulders with
+his stick. This bellicose style of argument instantly led to a violent
+scene, and there appeared every likelihood of a most determined contest.
+Wilson was at that time a match for almost any man in the kingdom. A
+professed pugilist, after receiving a sound thrashing from him on the banks
+of the Isis, had been heard to say: "This must be either the devil or Jack
+Wilson!" And Nicholson had proved the victor in many a hard fought contest.
+A battle between the two disputants at the "Nag's Head," would have been a
+fearfully punishing affair to both of them. This was happily avoided, in
+consequence of their friends stepping in, and putting a stop to any
+further infringement of the peace.
+
+The ball thus set rolling at Ambleside for two years--of giving handsome
+money prizes--was followed up at the Carlisle Races, where the _first_
+annual wrestling on the Swifts took place in the month of September, 1809.
+The successful establishment of the great northern wrestling meeting, was
+due principally to the endeavours of Mr. Henry Pearson, solicitor,
+Carlisle.
+
+The following extract from the _Carlisle Chronicle_, will demonstrate the
+gratifying result of what may be called the first _metropolitan_ meeting:--
+
+     The athletic sports were superior to anything ever
+     exhibited in Carlisle. The wrestling commenced on
+     Wednesday morning, at ten o'clock, in a roped ring,
+     thirty-five yards in diameter. There were present on
+     the occasion not less than five thousand spectators,
+     who came from all parts within a circuit of thirty
+     miles, to see these gymnastic exercises. This was
+     probably the best wrestling ever seen in Cumberland, as
+     each competitor had been the winner of a great number
+     of belts in the respective parts they came from. Every
+     round was most severely contested, but the last one was
+     the finest struggle ever seen: each of the combatants
+     having given the other the cast three or four times;
+     and they respectively recovered in a most surprising
+     manner, to the astonishment and admiration of every one
+     present. At length Nicholson, who comes from Threlkeld,
+     gave Harrison the knee, and gained the prize.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following is a list of those men who wrestled for the Purse of Five
+Guineas, on the Swifts, on Wednesday, September 13th:--
+
+
+FIRST ROUND.
+
+_Stood._                     _Fell._
+
+Robert Rowntree.             Thomas Allison.
+Younghusband.                John Rowntree.
+Joseph Dixon.                John Thompson.
+Thomas Nicholson.            Daniel Wilson.
+Goodfellow.                  John Waugh.
+John Watson.                 John Jorden.
+Matthew Armstrong.           Moses Hodgson.
+Frank Moor.                  John Relph.
+Thomas Dickinson.            Thomas Cowen.
+John Nicholson.              Joseph Bird.
+John Dawson.                 William Douglas.
+Joseph Slack.                Thomas Burrow.
+William Ritson.              Matthew Dickinson.
+William Hodgson.             James Phillip.
+John Harrison.               John Hudless.
+Michael Hope.                Romney.
+
+SECOND ROUND.
+
+Robert Rowntree.             Younghusband.
+Thomas Nicholson.            Joseph Dixon.
+John Watson.                 Goodfellow.
+Matthew Armstrong.           Frank Moor.
+John Nicholson.              Thomas Dickinson.
+Joseph Slack.                John Dawson.
+William Ritson.              William Hodgson.
+John Harrison.               Michael Hope.
+
+THIRD ROUND.
+
+Thomas Nicholson.            Robert Rowntree.
+John Watson.                 Matthew Armstrong.
+John Nicholson.              Joseph Slack.
+John Harrison.               William Ritson.
+
+FOURTH ROUND.
+
+_Stood._                     _Fell._
+
+Thomas Nicholson.            John Watson.
+John Harrison.               John Nicholson.
+
+FIFTH ROUND.
+
+Thomas Nicholson.            John Harrison.
+
+Mr. HENRY PEARSON, _Head Manager_.
+Mr. CHRISTOPHERSON,)
+Mr. J. ARMSTRONG,  ) _Clerks_.
+Mr. TOPPIN, _Umpire_.
+
+At the Penrith Race Meeting, in October, 1809, Tom Nicholson contested in
+the wrestling ring, but his career was soon cut short. In the first round,
+he threw Thomas Matthews; and in the second round, had to succumb to one
+Joseph Dixon, who was disposed of afterwards, in the fourth round, by John
+Gowling, the victor on that occasion.
+
+At the Carlisle Wrestling, in October, 1810, there was an immense gathering
+of people on the Wednesday morning, to witness the wrestlers compete for
+two purses of gold. Sixty-four--almost all picked men--entered the ring,
+the head prize awarded being six guineas. This sum--at the time considered
+an important prize--fell a second time to Tom Nicholson, who threw again
+the formidable Robert Rowantree of Bewcastle, and the no less celebrated
+John Earl of Cumwhitton; and, in the final fall, floored Joseph Slack of
+Blencow. In connexion with the races, a ball on a grand scale was held
+attended by more than three hundred ladies and gentlemen. The amusements of
+the week were concluded on Friday, by the Carlisle pack of harriers
+throwing off at Whiteclose-gate, when three hares were killed, and some
+excellent sport witnessed.
+
+Tom and his brother, John, again figured at Carlisle in 1811, when Tom
+succeeded in carrying off the first honours for the third time, in the most
+difficult of all rings. The money prizes amounted to twenty pounds in all,
+and the sport was enjoyed by a dense mass of nearly twelve thousand people.
+The Earl of Lonsdale, the Marquis of Queensberry, Sir James Graham of
+Netherby, and various other gentlemen, were spectators. In the first round,
+Tom Nicholson threw John Forster easily. In the second, John Watson laid
+down. In the third round, he threw John Jordan of Great Salkeld. In the
+fourth, William Earl of Cumwhitton. In the fifth, John Douglas of Caldbeck;
+and, finally, John Earl of Cumwhitton.
+
+John Nicholson threw John Taylor in the first round; and was thrown in the
+second by Joseph Richardson of Staffield Hall, a first-rate wrestler, and
+winner of the second day's prize.
+
+Immediately after the general wrestling, Tom Nicholson was defeated in a
+match with Harry Graham of Brigham, an event which broke in somewhat
+abruptly upon the three consecutive victories gained by him on the Swifts.
+A lengthy account of this match will be found in Litt's _Wrestliana_.
+
+The Carlisle ring of 1811 was the last in which Tom Nicholson contended for
+a prize. Whether he desired to retire, and rest upon the laurels he had
+gained, or not, we cannot say. He was rendered totally incapable of
+competing at Carlisle the following year, by having accidentally dislocated
+his shoulder at the Duke of Norfolk's jubilee, held at Greystoke Castle, in
+the middle of September, 1812. He married in 1815, and went to live at
+Keswick, where he settled down as a builder. Some years after he joined the
+firm of Gibson and Hodgson, builders, as a partner; and as a tradesman, was
+respected by all who knew him.
+
+Tom used to say he could wrestle best at twenty years old. When at this
+age, and for some time after, he used to practice with George Stamper of
+Under-Skiddaw, an excellent wrestler; but being of a retiring, quiet
+disposition, he very seldom entered a ring. "Gwordie" could, however, get
+quite as many falls as Tom, out of a dozen bouts.
+
+Some years after Tom had given up contending for prizes, he chanced to be
+at Cockermouth, with his friend and former pupil William Mackereth, and the
+conversation running a good deal on wrestling topics, they agreed to
+adjourn to a field in the vicinity, in order to try a few friendly bouts.
+After having had two or three falls, "Clattan"--a gigantic athlete--was
+noticed to be leaning listlessly, with both arms over the wall, looking at
+them. "Come, Clattan," shouted Mackereth, "an' thee try a fo'. I can mak'
+nowte on him!" Thus invited, "Clattan" gathered up his huge carcass--six
+feet six inches high, at that time bony and gaunt-looking--and went
+stalking into the field, saying: "I's willin' to try him yā fo'; but,
+mind's t'e, _nobbut_ yan." In taking hold, the giant tried to snap, but
+didn't succeed in bringing Tom down. After this they had two or three
+falls, in all of which Clattan was worsted. In referring to this incident,
+the victor always said he felt certain it was a made-up thing between
+Mackereth and the big one, that the latter should be "leukin' ower t' wo',"
+at a given time and place, as if by accident.
+
+There is still another science in which Tom Nicholson excelled, namely, the
+art of self-defence; but as we have no sympathy whatever with any form of
+pugilistic encounter, except that which resolves itself into the purely
+_defensive_ order, we shall only touch lightly on the subject. As a boy,
+Tom's undaunted courage, daring spirit, and surpassing activity, made him
+dreaded as a combatant; and from the time he thrashed "Keg," (Mc.Kay or
+Mc.Kie,) the Keswick bully, when trying to ride rough-shod over the
+Threlkeld youths, his fame as a boxer was fully established in his own
+neighbourhood.
+
+In the summer of 1812, two Irishmen who were paring turf in Skiddaw forest,
+came to Keswick, and asked Joseph Cherry, the landlord of the Shoulder of
+Mutton, for Tom Nicholson. Tom being sent for, was soon on the spot; when
+one of the Irishmen thus addressed him: "Shure, an' I suppose you're the
+champion of Cumberland?" "Well," replied Tom, "I don't know whedder I is or
+I issn't." "Faith! but I'm afther telling you, you are," said the Irishman,
+very crousely; "and by jabers! me and my mate are ready to fight anny two
+men in Cumberland!" "I know nowte aboot neà mates," replied Tom, whose
+spirit would never allow him to brook an unprovoked insult--"I know nowte
+aboot neà mates; but I's willin' to feight t' better man mysel', if that
+'ill satisfy yé!" Accordingly, a wager was made for five pounds, and the
+two combatants went into the market-place without further parley--no county
+police to interfere at that time--and set to work in good earnest. Pat was
+beaten in nine rounds; and Tom, who sustained little injury, finished up
+"as fresh as a lark."
+
+In the encounter on the Carlisle race ground, with Ridley, the _glutton_,
+in 1814, the issue was of a very different character, although the
+Threlkeld man was never in better "fettle" in his life. After
+half-an-hour's severe fighting, during which time the waves of victory
+flowed sometimes to one side, and sometimes to the other, the constables
+interfered, and very properly put a stop to the brutal sport.
+
+As some palliation for the part which our hero took in the combat, Litt
+says: "We have the best authority for saying, that when Tom left home for
+Carlisle, he knew nothing of the match in question; and that the behaviour
+of Ridley, who was on the look-out for him, and the wishes expressed by
+some amateurs to witness a trial of skill between them, made Tom
+erroneously think that his character was at stake, and that he could not
+decline the contest without incurring the charge of having 'a white feather
+in him.'"
+
+Tom's love for daring adventure, or sport, seems never to have forsaken
+him. Even in middle life, when between forty and fifty years old, this
+idiosyncrasy would manifest itself. Among other pursuits, he has been known
+to follow salmon poaching in the river Derwent and its tributaries. Once
+when working at Mirehouse, for Mr. Spedding, he was joined by Pearson of
+Browfoot, John Walker, weaver and boatman, and four or five other men from
+Keswick, as lawless as himself, and almost as daring. The meeting had been
+previously arranged at the Shoulder of Mutton, then kept by Betty Cherry.
+Having chosen Tom as their captain, the gang started for Euse bridge, at
+the foot of Bassenthwaite lake, which place they reached a couple of hours
+after nightfall. Operations were commenced by placing two sentinels in
+commanding positions, one on the bridge, and the other--John Walker--on the
+opposite side of the hedge, a little lower down the river.
+
+A "lowe" being "kinnel't," the stream was found to be literally swarming
+with fish. Little more than laying out their nets had been done, however,
+when Walker shouted out: "Leùk oot, lads! they're comin'!" And just at
+that moment, a strong body of river watchers, numbering something like a
+dozen--who had evidently been laying in ambush--rushed pell-mell upon them.
+Walker being the first within reach, was knocked down and kept down; and
+the fight soon swayed fiercely from side to side. Maddened at the treatment
+of their mate, the poachers broke through the hedge which intervened, and
+fought desperately. Tom Nicholson punished one of the watchers, named
+Cragg, so severely, that the man had good reason to remember it for many a
+long year after. Walker being rescued, and the keepers chased from the
+ground, the poachers again took to the river, and returned home heavily
+laden with spoil.
+
+During the latter part of his life, Nicholson officiated frequently as
+umpire or referee in the Carlisle and other rings. Having dislocated his
+ancle by accidentally falling on the ice, his appearance in the capacity of
+umpire, impressed spectators with the idea that they looked on the
+shattered and broken-down frame of a muscular built man, supporting himself
+while moving about with a stout walking-stick. The last trace we have of
+him as umpire, was at the match between Jackson and Longmire, which came
+off at Keswick, in 1845.
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM MACKERETH
+
+OF COCKERMOUTH.
+
+
+William Mackereth--"built like a castle," being broad and massive from head
+to foot--was born and bred at Cockermouth. He was a pupil of Tom
+Nicholson's; but Tom could never teach him his own favourite chip of
+"clickin' t' back o' t' heel," and used to resort to that move when he
+wanted to throw him.
+
+Mackereth was a good hyper; and threw Harry Graham of Brigham twice in
+succession, the first time that Litt and William Richardson met to wrestle
+the match at Workington, which never came off. He also threw John Long in
+Westmorland, and won. In speaking of Roan Long, Mackereth used to say his
+own hand was like a child's hand, compared to that of the giant's.
+
+A common saying of his was, that he "was nobbut a thūrteen steàn man."
+To this Tom Nicholson generally retorted by saying, "_I_ niver kent the',
+Will, when thoo was thūrteen steàn!" Tom called him fourteen stones,
+good weight.
+
+Mackereth was brought up to the building trade, and ultimately became
+keeper of the gaol at Cockermouth for many years. He had an only daughter,
+who married and settled in Ireland, in which country he died about the year
+1859.
+
+
+
+
+HARRY GRAHAM
+
+OF BRIGHAM.
+
+
+Harry Graham was a clogger by trade, at Brigham, a pleasant but irregularly
+built village, whose square church tower catches the eye of the passing
+tourist between Cockermouth and Workington. Born and bred in the heart of a
+district which has produced many noted wrestlers, and practising the art
+from boyhood, Graham possessed rare abilities as an athlete; but was either
+too indifferent, or else of too petulant a disposition, to take his chance
+in the ring, like his compeers.
+
+The most famous victory gained by Graham--and we know of no other of any
+moment--was the one over Tom Nicholson, in 1811, which goes far to prove
+him to have been, for his inches and weight, one of the best men West
+Cumberland has produced. Litt speaks of his having wrestled more matches
+than any man in the county, but fails to single out any others, wherein
+Graham was the conqueror, than the two mentioned in this brief notice.
+
+Harry attended the annual meeting at Carlisle, in 1811, for the first and
+last time, and competed for the head prize. In the first round, he threw
+one Thomas Hoodless, said by Litt to be "of some celebrity," but long since
+forgotten; and in the second round, he came against John Jordan of Great
+Salkeld, waller,[10] and fairly won the fall, without even going down. For
+some cause or other, the umpires decided it a dog-fall; and on taking hold
+a second time, Jordan won. This exasperated Harry's friends, who felt
+confident his rare science, quickness, and activity, rendered him a match
+for any man existing.
+
+Be this as it may, a match was struck up with Tom Nicholson--the taller man
+by three inches--who backed himself for three pounds to two, the best of
+five falls. Harry lost the first and second. This made Tom's supporters
+cock-sure of winning the match. The third was disputable, and decided a
+dog-fall, although a great majority of the spectators insisted Harry won.
+The fourth and fifth he gained cleverly. They were then equal, with the
+dog-fall in dispute. After some squabbling, they began again afresh; and
+Harry won the match by scoring first, third, and fourth falls.
+
+Graham's match with William Richardson--which he won, and which Litt sets
+forth as one of some importance--was merely the result of a drunken spree
+at Cockermouth. It took place in a garden belonging to the Old Buck inn.
+Among the handful of people who witnessed the scene, was John Murgatroyd,
+at that time a growing youth interested in the sport.
+
+Harry left the locality of his native hills in 1822, and settled in
+Liverpool, where he brought up a family in a manner which reflected much
+credit upon himself. When more than sixty years old, he took a voyage to
+Australia, to join his eldest son, a graduate of Dublin university, who was
+following the scholastic profession, with a considerable amount of success,
+at the antipodes.
+
+Graham died in November, 1878, at the venerable age of eighty-eight, and
+was buried in Shooter's-hill cemetery, near London.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[10] Litt speaks unguardedly when he calls Jordan "a noted wrestler from
+the Penrith side," as there was nothing worthy of note about any of his
+performances in the ring. Nature had endowed him with a considerable amount
+of strength, but being almost destitute of science, he had only one mode of
+dealing with opponents, and that was "just to tew them doon!" One who knew
+him well, described him as "a greit rammin' sixteen-steàn man, creùk't
+back't, an' varra fond o' fishin'!"
+
+
+
+
+JAMES SCOTT
+
+OF CANONBIE.
+
+    Noo, Jamie Scott o' Cannobie,
+      He hied to Carel toon;
+    And mony a borderer cam to see
+      The English lads thrawn doon.
+
+              _Border Ballad._
+
+
+James Scott was the lightest man who won the head prize in the Carlisle
+ring about his own time; and what is much more curious, the only Scotchman
+who ever accomplished the same feat. Indeed, it seems up to Scott's time,
+and since, too, that the borderers on the Scotch side did not take as much
+pleasure in the pastime as those dwelling on the English side.
+
+Scott was born and brought up at Oarnlee, in the picturesque parish of
+Canonbie, in Dumfriesshire, within a few miles distance from the roofless
+tower of Gilnockie, the ancient stronghold of the noted border free-booter,
+Johnny Armstrong, of whose tragic fate in the presence of the Scottish
+king, the old minstrel thus sings:--
+
+    But then rose up all Edenborough,
+      They rose up by thousands three;
+    A cowardly Scot came John behind,
+      And run him through the fair bodye.
+
+    Said John, "Fight on my merry men all,
+      I am a little wounded, but not slain;
+    I will lay me down to bleed a while,
+      Then I'll rise, and fight with you again."
+
+James Scott stood about five feet nine inches high, and weighed between
+eleven and twelve stones. Litt surmises that he was more than thirteen
+stones; but according to the most reliable authorities, this is much beyond
+the mark. He was a "tight built, streight, beàny mak' iv a fellow, withoot
+a particle o' lowse flesh aboot him." In the ring, he became noted as a
+quick striker, and bore the reputation of being a good scientific wrestler.
+
+He never went much from home to contend, and, excepting in the Carlisle
+ring, is only known to have wrestled at the village gatherings, along the
+borders. He does not figure among the thirty-two men, who wrestled at the
+first annual meeting at Carlisle, in 1809. In the following year, when
+double that number contended, we think it hardly likely that he put in an
+appearance; but on this point we cannot speak with any amount of
+confidence, as there is no list of names known to be in existence.
+
+In 1811, however, he did good service in the Carlisle ring, by throwing
+Joseph Wilson, John Hall, Joseph Coates, and William Richardson of
+Caldbeck; but sustained defeat at the hands of John Earl of Cumwhitton, in
+the fifth round. For the second prize of the same year, he was cleverly
+thrown by George Little of Sebergham, (and not again by John Earl, as
+stated by Litt.)
+
+At the Carlisle meeting held on Tuesday, the 20th day of September, 1812,
+the favourite north-country pastime attracted an immense gathering of
+spectators to the Swifts. Although the prizes offered amounted in all to
+the handsome sum of twenty guineas, there was a noticeable falling off in
+the attendance of wrestlers. Only forty-eight names were entered for the
+principal competition--the most noteworthy absentees being Tom Nicholson,
+(who was suffering from an accident at the Greystoke festival,) John Earl
+of Cumwhitton, Robert Rowantree of Bewcastle, and Harry Graham of Brigham.
+
+Scott, who was then in his twenty-fourth year, turned up on the Swifts "i'
+grand fettle," and wrestled through the ring with much spirit, tact, and
+determination. The unexpected fall of William Mackereth of Cockermouth, the
+first time over, removed at least one formidable rival. John Jordan of
+Great Salkeld, falling in one of the subsequent rounds, left the coast as
+good as clear to Scott and Richardson, who ultimately came together in the
+final fall. Although wanting in the height, weight, and experience
+possessed by his veteran opponent, the wiry borderer had the advantage of
+youthful suppleness and activity on his side.
+
+A good deal of time was wasted by the combatants; both tenaciously
+endeavouring to obtain the better hold. Meanwhile a tall, red-haired,
+gaunt-looking Scotchman, made himself somewhat officious and troublesome to
+the umpires, by running to and fro into the ring, "wi' a wee drap whuskey,
+an' a hantle o' advice," in order to cheer up the spirits of the Canonbie
+lad. When holds had been obtained, after acting on the defensive for some
+time with much wariness, Scott managed to catch Richardson's heel, and by
+this means succeeded in carrying him off precisely in the same manner as he
+had done the preceding year. No sooner had the burly figure of the Caldbeck
+man kissed the green-sward, than the air resounded again and again with
+lusty cheers for the Canonbie hero.
+
+Everybody seemed astonished when "lāl Jamie Scott" fought his way
+through the ring; and probably no one was more astonished than himself.
+With eight bright guineas in his pocket, he received a hearty welcome on
+going back again, from all the "weel kent" faces he passed on his
+"hameward" journey to "Canobie lea."
+
+Having gained first honours, Jamie inherited too much of the "canny" and
+prudent disposition of his countrymen, to risk tarnishing the victory which
+had thus fallen under somewhat favourable circumstances to his share. The
+Carlisle ring of 1812 was, we believe, the last one in which he contended
+for a prize.
+
+Scott was a joiner by trade, and worked for several years at "Kirkcammeck,"
+(Kirkambeck,) in Stapleton, on the English side of the border. At the
+local gatherings in after years, he made a point of backing David Potts of
+Haining--a rather tricky customer--against John Blair of Solport Mill.
+Scott recommended Potts to rosin the inside of his pockets well, and rub
+his hands in them before taking hold of an opponent. "And than," said he,
+bestowing a hearty thump on his pupil's back, "no a man i' Cummerland need
+thraw the', if thou nobbut fews onything like!"
+
+His cheerful and jocular disposition led him to be widely known on both
+sides of the border as "Canobie Jamie." He was specially fond of rural and
+field sports. In speed of foot he surpassed most of his companions. Many
+stories are told of the practical jokes and harmless tricks he used to play
+off on his neighbours and acquaintances; a few examples of which we may
+perhaps be allowed to relate as illustrative of his character.
+
+"Canobie Jock," a well known voluble neighbour of his, partial to keeping
+up a breed of terriers and foxhounds of the right sort, had one of the
+former which he boasted was the fleetest dog of its kind in the parish. For
+a trifling wager, Jamie offered to run a race with Jock's terrier. The
+distance chosen was from one end of a good sized field to the other,
+through part of which a broad deep ditch extended, and had to be crossed.
+After starting, our hero found there existed every likelihood of his canine
+competitor leaving him some distance behind. This induced him to hasten
+towards that part of the field where lay the deep ditch. With a single
+bound he cleared the distance in capital style. Meanwhile, before the poor
+terrier had time to swim the water, climb the banks, and shake itself,
+Jamie had got so far ahead as to be able to win easily--which he did, much
+to the discomfiture of the owner of the dog.
+
+As an additional illustration of his nimbleness of foot, it may be
+mentioned that on another occasion, in coming "owre the hills frae Hawick,"
+he ran down a cub fox, which he took home with him to Canonbie, and kept
+there in a tame state, until it became so troublesome and destructive among
+the hen-roosts of the neighbourhood, that he was obliged to put it down.
+
+Jamie, and a cousin of his, were once invited to a wedding in the
+neighbourhood of Liddesdale, and, as it chanced, they could only muster a
+single horse between them. Under these circumstances, Scott thought it
+might be as well to give the natives of "Copshaw-holme," (Newcastleton,)
+something to amuse themselves with. Accordingly, he placed his cousin on
+the front of the horse, in the usual way, while he mounted behind, facing
+the opposite direction, with a straw rope drawn round the animal's tail for
+a bridle. In this comical fashion, the two men rode through the large open
+square of the old border village, amid the laughter and jeers of young and
+old.
+
+One other story, and we must take leave of Jamie. When crossing a wild part
+of the country, it so happened that through being benighted, he was in
+danger of losing his way. Nearing a farm-stead, the pleasing sound of a
+fiddle fell on his ears, which ultimately turned out to proceed from an
+adjoining barn, where a dancing school was held. On entering, Jamie met
+with a warm reception from the people assembled, and enjoyed the scene
+before him with much glee. Getting communicative with those around, he
+threw out some broadish hints that he thought he could dance a hornpipe or
+jig better than the dancing-master himself. To such a belief as this the
+teacher entirely demurred; and the difference of opinion thus set forth
+paved the way for a friendly contest. Notwithstanding being a good deal
+fatigued with travelling, Jamie managed to trip about with so much
+gracefulness and agility, that he was acknowledged by all present to have
+quite outrivalled the professor of the calisthenic art.
+
+James Scott died at Oarnlee in the year 1854, aged sixty-six years.
+
+
+
+
+ROBERT ROWANTREE,
+
+OF KINGWATER.
+
+
+Robert Rowantree, the subject of this brief memoir, was one of the big
+stalwart athletes of the wrestling ring in the "olden time," when wrestlers
+six feet high, and fourteen stones weight, were plentiful amongst the
+competitors of the northern arena. Rowantree was not so much distinguished
+for science as William Jackson, Richard Chapman, or the Donaldsons of more
+recent times; but was formidable from possessing great strength, a long
+reaching muscular arm, much supple activity, and no end of endurance in a
+keen, protracted struggle with an adversary. Remarkable instances of this
+fierce endurance are to this day commented on, particularly in his
+memorable bouts with John Richardson of Staffield Hall, "Belted Will" of
+Caldbeck, and the celebrated bone-setter, George Dennison.
+
+Rowantree was born in the vale of Kingwater, in the year 1779. The place of
+his birth, and where he continued to reside for a long series of years, is
+a lonely and sterile region, inhabited chiefly by sheep-farmers, situate
+between the green woodland slopes of Gilsland, and the then wild unclaimed
+wastes of Bewcastle; and was doubtless in the long ago border marauding
+times the scene of many a bloody raid; and later, too, of many smuggling
+affrays in getting across the border untaxed whiskey. Maitland's
+_Complaint_ gives a vivid description of the lawlessness prevalent:--
+
+    That nane may keip
+    Horse, nolt, nor sheip,
+    Nor yet dar sleip,
+    For thair mischeifis.
+
+"The lordly halls of Triermaine," in the vale of Kingwater, supplied the
+title to one of Sir Walter Scott's poems; but the once "lordly halls" are
+now reduced to a mere fragment.
+
+Like William Jackson of Kinneyside, Rowantree was brought up a shepherd,
+and followed this pastoral occupation, with scarcely a break in the chain,
+throughout an extraordinarily prolonged life. He stood fully six feet one
+inch, his general wrestling weight being fourteen stones. "A lang-feàc't,
+strang, big-limb't man, carryin' varra lile flesh on his beàns," was the
+description given of Rowantree by a brother athlete, who, like himself, had
+carried off the head prize once from the Carlisle ring.
+
+Litt speaks of him as attached to loose holds, and as being an extremely
+awkward customer to get at. It cannot be said that he was a quick, good,
+scientific wrestler, being too strong limbed and heavily built throughout,
+for excelling in these requisites. Nevertheless, he had tremendous powers
+when he could get them set agoing in full swing. His famous cross-buttocks
+in the Carlisle and other rings, which made men fly upwards, like a bull
+tossing dogs, are spoken of to this day. When young, like many another,
+Rowantree was such an enthusiastic follower of the wrestling ring, that he
+frequently went on foot twenty miles to wrestle in the evening for a common
+leather belt, not worth eighteen pence.
+
+He won his first prize at "Mumps Ha'," Gilsland, at that time a noted hedge
+ale-house, whereat border farmers--most of them nothing loth to spend a
+jovial hour or two when happening to meet a neighbour--used to stop and
+refresh themselves with a "pint" or two, and enjoy a "good crack." The
+hostelry was at that time kept by a daughter of old Margaret Teasdale,
+immortalized as "Mumps Meg," in Sir Walter Scott's _Guy Mannering_.
+
+Rowantree afterwards attended some sports at Stanners Burn, in North Tyne;
+and in the final wrestle up, he came against an exceedingly powerful man,
+named William Ward, a rustic Titan, with a grip like a giant, resident in
+the neighbourhood. In the previous rounds the stranger from Kingwater had
+astonished the North Tyners, by disposing of his men without the least
+difficulty. In the last round, Ward lifted Rowantree clean off his feet,
+and caused much amusement among the spectators by crying out, whilst
+holding him in that position: "Hey, lads! See! I can haud him, noo!" No
+sooner, however, did Rowantree set foot on _terra firma_, than in an
+instant the position of the two men was reversed, a sweeping cross-buttock
+sending Ward's feet "fleein' i' the air," amid loud plaudits--the loser
+being sadly crestfallen by this unexpected turn of the wheel.
+
+As a general rule, Rowantree did not go far from home to attend wrestling
+meetings; his principal ground being along the wild tract of Cumberland
+lying to the north-east of Carlisle. Occasionally, however, he strolled
+away from Kingwater and the adjoining country. In the year 1810, he had a
+trip "wid Nanny, the priest' son, o' Haltwhistle, ower th' fells," to try
+his luck at the noted gathering, known far and wide as "Melmerby Round."
+Along with the priest's son--a promising youth in his way for "a bit of a
+spree"--he entered his name. The Haltwhistle youth came to grief in one of
+the early rounds, being thrown by John Morton of Gamblesby (father to Tom
+Morton of the Gale); but Rowantree succeeded in working his way through the
+ring, and carrying off the head prize.
+
+We next come to record worse luck, in a match with Thomas Golightly, a
+miner, who belonged to the Butts, in Alston town. Rowantree, though a much
+heavier and taller man, was overmatched by the 'cute Alstonian, and had to
+succumb to him. Golightly--one of a wrestling family--was a thoroughly
+all-round, scientific, first-rate wrestler; and though weighing only twelve
+stones, and standing five feet nine inches high, gained many head prizes
+in the neighbourhood of Alston, Workington, and Whitehaven. The match took
+place probably at Alston sports, then held annually on Easter Monday and
+Tuesday--on the same days that a two-days main of cocks was fought.
+
+Rowantree attended the first annual wrestling meeting held at Carlisle,
+September, 1809, and in the first round he threw Thomas Atkinson; in the
+second, one Younghusband, (who in the previous round had thrown John
+Rowantree, a brother of Robert.) In the third round, he had to face the
+celebrated Thomas Nicholson of Threlkeld. The first was a disputed fall;
+but in the second, Tom was easily victorious. At Carlisle, in 1810,
+Nicholson again threw him.
+
+Next year, John Richardson of Staffield Hall, near Kirkoswald, gained the
+second prize on the Swifts. For the first prize, he came against Rowantree,
+and after one of the most desperate and determined struggles ever seen in
+any ring, the latter won with a half-buttock, after giving his opponent a
+shake off the hip. In all the recorded meetings of athletes in the rings of
+the north, it has seldom happened that the spectators had the gratification
+of witnessing two men step into the arena, equal in stature and muscular
+power to Robert Rowantree and John Richardson. The latter stood six feet
+three inches high, and the former six feet one inch. Both weighed upwards
+of fourteen stones, and on stripping, presented remarkable specimens of
+athletic formation. Armstrong, familiarly known as the "Solid Yak," another
+gigantic Cumbrian, was also grassed in the same entry, by Rowantree.
+
+At Carlisle, in 1812, when James Scott, the Canonbie man, won, we do not
+find that Rowantree contended. No record is known to exist, giving the
+names of those who entered for the prizes, and, therefore, nothing definite
+can be stated.
+
+The following extract from the _Carlisle Journal_, will show that the
+prize--twenty guineas--given in 1813, was held to be something remarkable
+in wrestling annals, and created a wide-spread sensation throughout the
+north. At the present day, a considerably larger sum is given; but whether
+this profuse liberality has improved the _morale_ of the ring, is a very
+doubtful matter.
+
+     On Friday, the 8th of October, the great prize of
+     twenty guineas was wrestled for on the Swifts, in a
+     roped ring of seventy yards in diameter, in the
+     presence of the largest concourse of people we ever saw
+     on a similar occasion. Notwithstanding the day was
+     extremely wet during the whole of the contest, the
+     curiosity that had been excited through all ranks of
+     society, overcame every obstacle; and we were happy to
+     see on the ground the Duke of Norfolk, the Marquis of
+     Queensberry, the Earl of Lonsdale, H. Fawcett, Esq.,
+     M.P., together with a large number of gentlemen from
+     all parts of the county, and from Scotland, to witness
+     one of the finest exhibitions of activity, muscle,
+     science, and resolution, ever seen in the north of
+     England. The wrestling was of the most superior kind;
+     many of the combatants having been struck by their
+     antagonists from the ground upwards of five feet.
+     Robert Rowantree, the Cumberland shepherd, gained the
+     first prize, having thrown the noted William Richardson
+     and George Dennison, in two of the severest struggles
+     we ever saw. We are happy to add that their peaceable
+     and civil deportment to each other has been the subject
+     of much commendation.
+
+On the morning of the wrestling, Rowantree walked from Butterburn, a lone
+farm-stead, north-east of Gilsland, and fully twenty miles from Carlisle,
+as the crow flies; and then wrestled through an exceedingly strong ring--a
+proof of lasting endurance and pluck seldom parallelled. Seventy-two men
+entered the ring for the head prize; exactly twenty-four more than in the
+previous year. In the first round, Rowantree threw Joseph Richardson; in
+the second, James Gibson; in the third, Thomas Gillespie; in the fourth,
+William Earl of Cumwhitton; in the fifth, George Dennison of Stainton; and
+in the final fall, William Richardson of Caldbeck.
+
+It is somewhat singular that Rowantree, an enthusiastic follower of
+wrestling, should not again enter the ring of the Border City, or, indeed,
+any other ring, where winning might be considered to confer distinction.
+Soon after achieving at Carlisle, the highest distinction a wrestler can
+attain, he won his last belt in the same arena where he gained his first
+one--at "Mumps Ha'," Gilsland. He got the belt without contesting a single
+fall; no one thinking proper to try the chance of a single tussle with him.
+
+Shepherding was his daily pursuit during the greater part of a long life;
+and at times he performed some extraordinary feats of pedestrianism. We
+regret, however, being unable to give exact data of the time and distances.
+They would have been interesting additions to his wrestling career. For
+many years he lived on an extensive sheep farm at Wiley Syke, near
+Gilsland, with one of his brothers. During the great storm of November,
+1807, when the snow drifted in some places to the depth of nine and ten
+feet, Rowantree's brother John, lost four-score sheep, and at one time
+upwards of two hundred more were missing. A neighbouring shepherd, named
+James Coulthard, perished in attempting to fold his sheep in
+Scott-Coulthard's Waste.
+
+At one time, Rowantree was tempted to enter the service of the Earl of
+Carlisle, as a game-watcher, on the Naworth Castle estates, and continued
+to be so occupied "a canny bit."
+
+When more than four-score years old, Rowantree went to live with a
+relative--Mr. Wanless, of the Bay Horse inn, Haltwhistle--under whose roof
+he spent the last twelve years of his life; and died there in April, 1873,
+at the patriarchal age of ninety-four. Some nine or ten months before the
+latter end--the final closing scene of a long life--he "hed sair croppen
+in," and was in fact nearly bent double. But previous to that time, his
+appearance was so fresh and animated, his step so firm and active, his
+intellect and memory so clear and retentive, that no stranger would have
+taken him to be anything like his real age.
+
+While living at Haltwhistle, if the old Kingwater athlete could only manage
+to fall in with any wrestling, dog-trailing, or hunting, or could get off
+shooting with a dog and gun, either by himself or in company, he was in the
+height of his glory. When sitting by the side of a wrestling ring, during
+this latter period of his life, as an onlooker, it was only natural he
+should become garrulous, and almost, as a matter of course, cynical in his
+remarks. "Sec bits o' shafflin' things," he used to say, "git prizes
+noo-a-days! If they'd been leevin' lang syne, we wad ha' thrown them ower
+th' dyke!" At other times, when a wrestler had laid down in favour of an
+opponent, he would exclaim: "Ah! ah! that wullent deà at aw, lads! Theer
+was neà sec lyin' doon i' my time. It was aw main-strength an' hard wark,
+than!"
+
+John Stanyan Bigg's rhyme, in the Furness dialect, slightly altered,
+presents a very apt picture of Robert Rowantree, as a cheerful and hearty
+old man, verging on ninety years:--
+
+    Auld Robin Rowantree was stordy and strang;
+    Auld Robin Rowantree was six feet lang;
+    He was first at a weddin', an' last at a fair,
+    He was t' jolliest of aw, whoiver was there;
+    For he keep't a lad's heart in his wizzen'd auld skin,
+    And work'd out his woes as fast as they wer' in;
+    Ye'd niver believe he'd iver seen trouble,
+    Tho' at times t' auld fellow was amaist walkin' double.
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM DICKINSON
+
+OF ALSTON.
+
+
+Alston, the capital of a lead-mining district of East Cumberland, stands
+very conspicuously perched on the side of a hill, overlooking the river
+Tyne, which flows eastward through a narrow valley below, on its course to
+the populous towns of Hexham, Newcastle, and Shields, and is then lost in
+the German Ocean. The miniature town of Alston has a market cross of the
+quaintest order, and a main street so "brant" and twisting, that strangers
+watch with amazement the ascent and descent of any kind of conveyance or
+vehicle, which may chance to be stirring. As a people, the Alstonians are
+thoughtful, studious, and intelligent. There are few places in Britain
+where a healthful class of literature, and general knowledge, are sought
+after with greater avidity, than by the mining population of the town and
+neighbourhood.
+
+At one time the district was fruitful in producing good wrestlers. Thomas
+Lee, the publican, Jemmy Fawcett of Nenthead, powerful John Horsley, Tom
+and Frank Golightly, William Dickinson, Tom Todd of Knarsdale, and other
+stars of lesser magnitude, rose and set in succession. At a period after
+those enumerated, the neighbouring valley of Weardale was equally
+celebrated in the production of a whole host of good wrestlers. Among them
+may be noted, John Milburn, Tom Robson, James Pattinson, John Emmerson,
+Joseph Allison, and many others. And we can bear testimony to their general
+conduct in the ring as being eminently praiseworthy.
+
+William Dickinson was born at Spency-croft, near Alston, about the year
+1792, and brought up in Alston town. He followed the trade or occupation of
+a lead miner. In height, he stood five feet ten-and-a-half inches, and
+weighed fully thirteen stones. In appearance, there was every indication of
+a stout compact built man, well made from top to toe, with nothing
+cumbersome about him. He had fine expansive shoulders, good loins, and was
+rather light built about the limbs. He usually appeared in the ring,
+dressed in a pair of Cashmere trousers, light coloured stockings, and high
+tied shoes. Though a great enthusiast at wrestling, Dickinson was generally
+considered to be indifferent about other recreations, and was rather easy
+about following his daily occupation very closely. Some of the more
+pugnacious Alstonians tried various means to get him enlisted among them as
+a fighter, but in this they were disappointed. "D--n thy snoot!" shouted a
+jeering comrade to him one day, "thoo can grip a chap's back smart eneuf;
+but thoo dārn't hit a body for thy life! Thoo's far ower muckle
+shoo'der-bund for a trick like that!"
+
+Dickinson's career proved to be exceedingly brief, and few particulars are
+now remembered respecting him. While still in his teens, he excelled in his
+own neighbourhood as a strong athlete, and succeeded in carrying off
+several minor prizes. We cannot learn whether he attended the then noted
+gatherings at Melmerby or Langwathby. However, in October, 1812, when
+twenty years old, we find him figuring at a great meeting held at Penrith,
+where a sum of fifteen guineas, subscribed for by the Earl of Lonsdale,
+Squire Hasell of Dalemain, and others, was given to contend for. From the
+first to the third round, Dickinson threw--Thomas Parker of Pallethill,
+John Nicholson of Threlkeld, and John Harrison of Horrock-wood, and was
+himself toppled over in the fourth round by some one whose name is not now
+known. The head prize--ten guineas--was won by John Parker of Sparkgate,
+and the second by James Lancaster of Catterlan.
+
+In 1813--the following year--Dickinson attended the Carlisle wrestlings,
+where he attained considerable distinction. For the head prize, he threw
+Thomas Graham, Robert Forster, and Frank Watson. In the fourth round, he
+was thrown by Samuel Jameson of Penrith. On the second day, the young
+Alstonian beat down all opposition, and carried off the chief prize amid
+great applause. He threw in quick succession, and in a masterly manner the
+following men, namely--John Forster, John Hope, Robert Forster, Simon
+Armstrong, and, in the final fall, John Lowden of Keswick, a really
+formidable opponent.
+
+In 1814, he attained the highest wrestling distinction, by carrying off the
+head prize at Carlisle. It was calculated, from the amount of money taken
+at the gate, that not less than 15,000 people witnessed the wrestling on
+the Swifts. The meeting was disgraced by one pugilistic encounter, which
+_did_ take place, and by the foreshadowing of another which _did not_ take
+place. It appears a match had been arranged between Carter, a Lancashire
+man, and one Cooper, both professional boxers. The latter, for some cause
+or other, did not turn up, and Carter gave an exhibition of pugilistic
+science, in a large room at the Blue Bell inn, in the presence of the
+Marquis of Queensberry and a crowd of people, drawn by curiosity to witness
+the performance.
+
+The fight which _did_ take place, was for a purse of thirty-five guineas,
+between two local men--Tom Ridley, seaman, a native of Carlisle, commonly
+known as the "glutton," and Tom Nicholson of Threlkeld, wrestler. The
+battle was fought in a roped ring on the Swifts, used for wrestling. The
+severe blows dealt by the "glutton," told much in his favour, while
+Nicholson baffled and punished his opponent materially, by bringing him
+frequently to mother earth, with a heavy "soss." After the contest had
+lasted for half-an-hour--the Threlkeld man being much punished about the
+head, and Ridley about the body--the constables interfered and put an end
+to the combat.
+
+We gladly resume our account of the wrestling. Sixty-six men entered the
+ring, to compete for various prizes. Dickinson came upon the Swifts in
+excellent trim, looking every inch a man as he stripped for the contest.
+Although Tom Nicholson, William Richardson, Robert Rowantree, John Earl,
+and James Scott, failed to put in an appearance, still a good field of
+dangerous hands met to contend.
+
+In the first and second rounds, Dickinson threw John Baillie and John
+Routledge; and in the third had a keenly contested struggle with John
+Watson--a well known athlete in the early annals of the Carlisle ring--and
+succeeded in throwing him. Among others who came to grief in the third
+round were Tom Richardson, "the Dyer"--then a stripling in his teens, and
+Joseph Bird of Holm Wrangle. Turning out as fresh as a lark, in the fourth
+round, Dickinson grassed William Ward; and in the fifth, James Routledge;
+the latter of whom had previously done good service by disposing of John
+Nicholson of Threlkeld, William Earl of Cumwhitton, and Joseph Peart. In
+the sixth round, the hero of the day was fortunate enough to be odd man;
+and then at the last faced George Dennison, (who had previously carried off
+William Slee of Dacre, with a clean hype.) The final fall was a singular
+one. "Dennison," says Litt, "threw in his left side with much force,
+intending to buttock his opponent; Dickinson left go, and Dennison,
+disappointed of his object, staggered forward a considerable distance, but
+could not save himself from going down on his hands, otherwise he would
+have won the fall, as he had preserved his hold."
+
+The head prize--a belt, and eight bright guineas--was then handed to
+Dickinson, amid much cheering, especially from the Alstonians, and some
+commotion from the disappointed friends and admirers of Dennison.
+
+After tracing Dickinson's career, until his brow was decked with the green
+bay of victory, in the foremost wrestling ring of the kingdom, there ensues
+a sudden collapse. The Carlisle ring of 1814, was probably the last one in
+which he figured, for afterwards we lose sight of him altogether as a
+wrestler.
+
+About this date he married Sarah Eals, of Alston, innkeeper, who proved a
+shrew. Not living happily with her, and being himself a man who loved
+quietude and peace of mind, more than strife and contention, he left both
+the neighbourhood and his shrewish partner behind him, somewhat suddenly,
+and went into Scotland, where he lived for some time employed as a
+gamekeeper. He afterwards emigrated to America; and although doomed to be
+an exile from Alston and his native district, it is said he returned again
+to England, and died many years ago.
+
+
+
+
+GEORGE DENNISON
+
+OF PENRITH.
+
+
+For more than thirty years--from 1808 to 1840--George Dennison was a
+well-known character in the north; trusted and esteemed by all classes as a
+skilful bone-setter, all over Cumberland, Westmorland, and a great part of
+North Lancashire. Whenever a bad case of broken limbs or dislocated joint
+befel an unfortunate individual, throughout this wide district, the first
+move in most cases was either to, "Send for Dennison," or else, "We must go
+to Penrith."
+
+He succeeded Benjamin Taylor, another distinguished bone-setter, who sprang
+from New Church in Matterdale. Dennison, we believe, originally entered
+Taylor's service in the capacity of a servant, and was often called in to
+assist in holding patients. Being of a shrewd and observant disposition, he
+picked up many points connected with bone-setting, and soon became very
+useful to his master. At that time Taylor had a pupil under his charge, as
+stolid and slow at learning as any one well could be. It was hard work to
+get anything driven into his dull pate. Taylor often lost temper
+altogether, and used to exclaim: "Thoo blinnd divel! thoo can see
+nowte--nowte at aw; an' theer' tudder chap actually larnin' faster than I
+larn't mysel'! I can keep nowte frae _him_!"
+
+Dennison practised bone-setting for a life-time, throughout the north, with
+great success. And by concentrating his skill on one particular branch, he
+out-distanced the whole of the college-tutored doctors, far and near.
+
+"Cocking" was then a pastime much followed, and Benjamin Taylor's breed of
+game cocks were noted for their fighting properties. They were, however,
+(says Professor Wilson,) outmatched when sent over to Westmorland to fight
+in a main at Elleray. Several of the Dennison family, too, about that date,
+were likewise great "cockers." William Dennison, uncle to the bone-setter,
+by trade a nailer, figured conspicuously for several years at the Easter
+fights held at Alston.
+
+George Dennison was born and brought up at Penrith, one of the pleasantest
+small towns in the north country. In height, he stood five feet
+nine-and-a-half inches, and weighed fully thirteen stones; all over an
+athlete in appearance, a compact and well made man. He was an excellent
+striker with the right leg, effective with the "hench," and clever, also,
+at hyping. The most successful feat he achieved in the ring, was at
+Carlisle, in 1814, when he wrestled up with Dickinson of Alston; and at the
+same meeting, carried off chief prize on the second day. He did not
+continue to follow wrestling for any lengthened period, but wisely kept an
+eye steadily towards the vocation for which he was so eminently fitted.
+
+He figured more as an amateur in the ring than as a professional,
+especially after the excitable youthful stage was passed. At an early
+period in the outset of his career, he distinguished himself by throwing
+the noted John Harrison of New Church, Matterdale, twice in the wrestle up
+at some neighbouring country sports; and at Morland, in Westmorland, he
+threw Savage of Bolton, near Appleby, who was at one time looked upon as
+the don of a wide country-side.
+
+In July, 1812, there was a great gathering at the village of Newbiggin, a
+place which had become famous for the keen rivalry displayed at its annual
+wrestling contests. In this year, Armstrong, better known as "Solid Oak,"
+(provincially "Solid Yak,") put in an appearance, and came swaggering into
+the ring on the village green, boasting he would soon clear the deck for
+them. On stripping, he presented a gigantic mass of humanity, that
+certainly looked exceedingly formidable. He stood upwards of six feet,
+weighed fully eighteen stones, was solidly built from head to foot, and
+apparently carried no superfluous flesh. But as the Fates would have it,
+bounce and swagger, height and weight, and amazing strength, all proved of
+no avail in the scales, for in one of the early rounds, the "Yak tree" was
+dexterously carried off by the valiant bone-setter, and grassed amid the
+loud taunts and jeers of the assembled villagers. At the Penrith gathering,
+in October following, Dennison, then of Sockbridge, threw David Harrison of
+New Church, in the first round, and was thrown next time over by Joseph
+Bellas of Park-house.
+
+We have no list to show that Dennison attended the Carlisle meeting in
+1812, but the following year his achievements were very creditable. He
+wrestled successfully, for the head prize, as far as the fifth round,
+throwing in succession--Robert Cowan, George Young, John Glendinning, and
+Robert Langhorn, and--after one of the severest struggles on record--was
+brought to grass by one of Robert Rowantree's slaughtering cross-buttocks.
+In the second round, two young men, Tom Richardson, "the Dyer," and George
+Forster--one of three brothers, all wrestlers--were drawn together. The
+"Dyer" buttocked his opponent, and, in the fall, Forster unfortunately had
+his shoulder dislocated. Dennison being in attendance, there was no need to
+send for any bungling practitioner, or even to convey the sufferer off the
+Swifts. The work of setting the shoulder to rights, in the presence of
+12,000 wondering spectators, was not of long duration, and the operation so
+successfully performed, that Forster could hardly be restrained from trying
+his luck for the minor prize.
+
+On the second day, at Carlisle, Dennison, in the second round, threw George
+Little, a clever scientific wrestler, but immediately after, had to
+succumb to the superior strength and weight of John Lowden of Keswick.
+
+In 1814, Dennison made his last and most successful appearance in the
+Carlisle ring. He had worked himself through the three first rounds, for
+the head prize, without meeting with anything like a dangerous rival. In
+the fourth, he came against his fellow-townsman, Samuel Jameson, a
+cartwright, considered to be one of the best of his trade in the county. He
+was a strong, bony, five feet ten man, an extremely dangerous customer to
+deal with. His fame as a wrestler has, however, been totally eclipsed by
+that of his son, William Jameson, the champion of a later period. Having
+successfully disposed of Jameson, Dennison next came in contact with
+another equally good man, in the person of William Slee of Dacre, and
+proved again victorious. The next and final struggle occurred with William
+Dickinson of Alston. A reference to a description of the fall, a few pages
+back, in Dickinson's memoir, will show how the head prize was lost to
+Dennison, by the merest accidental slip on his part.
+
+Having missed first honours, he resolved to fight hard and perseveringly
+for the second prize. This was won bravely. Only eighteen wrestlers entered
+the ring, and the men who competed in the last two rounds, with the victor,
+were Joseph Peart and Francis Wilson, the latter named being second.
+
+After the year 1814, Dennison--then about thirty years old--determined to
+bid farewell to the wrestling ring, excepting sometimes trying an odd bout
+when officiating in the capacity of umpire. An increasing profession
+engrossed his attention, and he began to stick more assiduously to it. It
+is not often that talent is hereditary, but in the Dennison family it
+proved to be eminently so. His sons, George, John, and Joseph, have all
+distinguished themselves in the same honourable vocation.
+
+The cures that Dennison wrought in bone-setting were numerous and
+effective, and it is almost needless to remark, conferred more honour and
+distinction on him than any success gained in the wrestling arena. One
+remarkable cure may be mentioned; and as it was wrought on one of our most
+renowned wrestlers, it will fit in appropriately. Richard Chapman, when
+between ten and eleven years old, had a thigh bone badly broken. As a
+matter of course, Dennison was sent for, and the cure effected was simply
+perfection. Any one seeing the fine elastic form and marvellous activity of
+Chapman, would hardly imagine or give credence to the fact, that a few
+years before he had had a broken thigh bone. George Dennison, sitting or
+standing, as the case might be, among the multitude round a wrestling ring,
+and delightedly witnessing the Patterdale champion, tossing about his
+opponents like shuttlecocks, with a science and activity rarely
+paralleled, used to exclaim, in the well understood vernacular of the
+north: "Leùk, lads, leùk! Theer' yan o' my cures of a brokken thie'!"
+
+At the Keswick annual sports, held in Crow Park, in 1833, a somewhat
+singular coincidence occurred--the meeting of two athletes, and both of
+them indebted to Dennison for being able to appear. John Spedding of
+Egremont, a clever wrestler, and Richard Chapman, were called together.
+Now, it so happened, the former had had a dislocated hip-joint set to
+rights by Dennison, just about the same time the accident occurred to the
+latter. Some little excitement was caused by these two stripping into the
+ring in perfect form, when they doubtless presented a gratifying spectacle
+to the skilful bone-setter, who was among the throng of onlookers: "Noo,
+than!" he exclaimed, "leùk at my tweà men. I'll bet on brokken thie'-beàn,
+ageàn hip-joint!" His opinion was quickly corroborated. "Thie'-beàn" won
+cleverly, and afterwards disposed of John Nichol of Bothel, a formidable
+opponent, in the final fall, for the head prize. The winner then went to
+Greystoke, and won both the wrestling and high jumping; a neighbouring
+squire asserting: "Upon my word, Chapman can jump higher than any horse I
+have!"
+
+Twenty years or more had elapsed, since Dennison and William Richardson of
+Caldbeck, had been brought to grief, in the Carlisle ring, by the
+Kingwater champion, Rowantree,--when they met by chance at Springfield, on
+the road between Penrith and Keswick. The latter was returning homewards
+from Patterdale sheep fair. It so happened that both were rather "fresh i'
+drink." Nothing would do but they must have a fall or two. Each got one,
+when Dennison complained his arm was lamed. One of the byestanders,
+chaffing him, said: "It maks neà matter, Gwordie, aboot thy arm! If it is
+brokken, thoo can seùn set it ageàn, thoo knows!"
+
+The two veterans chatted over old times, and Dennison working himself up to
+boiling point, in reference to the Carlisle wrestling of 1813, exclaimed:
+"Wully! we sud beàth been weel bray't aw t' way heàm, for lettin' greit
+Robin Row'ntree fell us. Confoond the numskull! Efter he'd carriet me off,
+I dūd think 'at thoo wad ha' stopt his gallop for him!"
+
+George Dennison--justly regretted throughout the north--died May, 1840,
+aged fifty-five years.
+
+
+
+
+JAMES ROBINSON
+
+OF HACKTHORPE.
+
+
+Carlisle, the principal, the most influential and attractive wrestling ring
+in Cumberland and Westmorland, and the Lowther family--the leading one of
+the two counties--were for a considerable period closely allied. William,
+Earl of Lonsdale, was a most munificent patron of the ring, from its
+commencement in 1809, and for fully a quarter of a century afterwards. On
+several occasions, this nobleman subscribed the sum of twenty guineas, the
+full amount of prizes then given at the Border city; besides holding
+meetings at Clifton, near Lowther, and other places, for the entertainment
+of his guests. It is not to be wondered at, therefore, that his
+gamekeepers, wood-foresters, hinds, grooms, and other domestics, should be
+sometimes found practising the art and mystery of buttocking, hyping,
+swinging, and back-heeling, on sunny evenings in summer, under the shadow
+of some stately oak or sycamore, in the park surrounding Lowther Castle.
+
+Of James Robinson, one of the Earl of Lonsdale's gamekeepers, we have not
+been able to glean many particulars. He was a stout built, muscular man,
+rather low set, stood about five feet ten inches high, and weighed fully
+fourteen stones. He became a clever and effective buttocker; but excelled,
+we understand, more in defence, and as a stiff sturdy stander in the ring,
+than from any great amount of science he possessed.
+
+The earliest mention of Robinson, as a wrestler, which we can find, occurs
+at the great gathering at Penrith in 1812. In the first round there, he
+threw one J. Graham of Thomas Close, but owing to imperfect reporting, his
+name does not appear again in the list.
+
+In 1815, the Committee of the Carlisle wrestling ring circulated the
+following advertisement throughout Cumberland, Westmorland, and the
+northern counties:--
+
+     TWENTY GUINEAS.--To be Wrestled for at the Carlisle
+     Races, on Wednesday, the 4th of October, 1815, the sum
+     of Twenty Guineas, in the following Prizes:--First
+     Prize, £8. 8. 0. (He that wrestles the last fall with
+     the winner to receive £1. 1. 0.) Every wrestler, who
+     throws his man in the first wrestle, will be permitted
+     to contend for the second class of prizes, with the
+     exception of the winner of the first prize, in whose
+     place a wrestler will be chosen by the Clerk, to make
+     the dividing number even.
+
+     Second Prizes:--First, £4. 4. 0.; Second, £2. 2. 0.;
+     Third, £1. 11. 6.; Fourth, £1. 11. 6.; Fifth, 10s. 6d.;
+     Sixth, 10s. 6d.; Seventh, 10s. 6d.; Eighth, 10s. 6d.
+
+     No person to be permitted to contend for any of the
+     above prizes, unless he enrols his name with the Clerk,
+     on the Swifts, before ten o'clock in the morning of the
+     said 4th of October next, as the wrestling will
+     commence precisely at that hour. Any person making the
+     least disturbance, or attempting to force the ring,
+     will be taken into custody, as constables will be
+     specially appointed for that purpose. All disputes to
+     be determined by Joseph Richardson, Esq., umpire.
+
+The weather during the races proved exceedingly favourable, and the ground
+was in excellent condition. A greater concourse of people assembled than
+had been seen for years. The leading families of the two counties were
+represented. There were the Lowthers, the Vanes, the Grahams of Netherby
+and Edmund Castle, the Broughams, the Salkelds, the Crackenthorpes, the
+Senhouses, the Briscoes, the Hasells, the Wyberghs, and others.
+
+Sixty-eight men entered the wrestling ring to contend for the principal
+prize. Included in the list were a fair sprinkling of old veterans, and a
+whole bevy of young aspirants of considerable promise; namely, Robinson of
+Hackthorpe, (his first appearance, we believe,) William Slee of Dacre, Tom
+Todd of Knarsdale, Tom Richardson--"the Dyer," Joe Abbot of
+Thornthwaite-hall, Andrew Armstrong of Sowerby-hall, Thomas Peat of
+Blencow, Thomas Armstrong, the "yak tree," and the three Forsters of
+Penton, being among the number.
+
+Robinson entered the ring in excellent spirits, and threw his men generally
+very cleanly and cleverly. In the first round, he gained an easy victory
+over John Copley. The next time over, in coming against Armstrong, the "yak
+tree," all his activity and skill had to be brought into play, before the
+compressed mass of eighteen stones could be brought to grass. In the third
+round, he toppled over Edward Forster of Penton, in capital style; and, in
+the fourth round, James Richardson of Hesket-New-Market, brother to "the
+Dyer." The fifth time over, George Forster, another of the Penton brothers,
+(who had thrown Tom Todd in the previous round,) came quickly to grief,
+under the gamekeeper's brisk fire. Up to this point the Hackthorpe man had
+shown some really good play; but, says the _Carlisle Patriot_, before the
+final struggle commenced, Robinson and William Slee of Dacre had agreed to
+divide the first prize between them, so that they only played for honour.
+The "honour" of carrying off the head prize then fell to Robinson's share.
+
+On New Year's day, 1816, the annual meeting at Langwathby was numerously
+attended. A contributor to one of the local papers says:--"Most of the
+distinguished wrestlers of Cumberland and Westmorland were on the ground,
+and there never was displayed more skill in the art of wrestling than on
+this occasion. James Robinson, the noted champion, who won the first prize
+at Carlisle races, was also successful at Langwathby, and we think he bids
+fair to excel any man in the kingdom, in this species of amusement. He is a
+strong-boned, athletic man, but not tall. Before the wrestling commenced,
+considerable bets were made: the east against the west side of the Eden,
+which was won by the latter. The purse contended for, was two guineas. It
+is intended next year to give a much larger sum, as Langwathby is likely to
+become a distinguished place for wrestling, being situated in a
+neighbourhood abounding in first-rate players."
+
+In October, 1816, Robinson again attended the Carlisle meeting. Owing to
+being the victor of the previous year, a high chair was placed for him to
+sit upon, from which elevated position he commanded an uninterrupted view
+of the various falls. Entering his name among the contending parties, he
+threw Joseph Batey, in the first round; Joseph Brown, in the second; and
+William Rome in the third round. Coming against a miller, named William
+Clark--"a tight built lal fellow"--from Hesket-New-Market, in the fourth
+time over, Robinson was very adroitly brought to the ground, amid the
+deafening cheers of the assembled crowd. No sooner had Clark achieved this
+unexpected feat, than he created much laughter by marching up to the place
+of honour, with a dignified swagger, saying, as he sat down: "I think I's
+fairly entitled tiv a seat i' t' chair, noo, when I've thrown the greit
+champion!"
+
+The wrestling at Carlisle in 1817, was held in Shearer's Circus--and not on
+the Swifts as previously--when James Robinson, Tom Todd, John Mc.Laughlan,
+and John Liddle, were looked upon as the principal champions. As it turned
+out, however, Mc.Laughlan stalked through the ring an easy victor, none of
+the other three mentioned being able to make any headway against the
+enormous reach and height of the Dovenby giant. This is the last record
+known to us of the Hackthorpe gamekeeper as a wrestler.
+
+Robinson has been described by those who knew him, as a sturdy
+bullet-headed sort of fellow, whose ideas seldom soared above the velveteen
+coat and corduroy-trouser order of mortals; a rare hand at either creating
+a row or quelling one; probably more accustomed to the former than the
+latter. Nevertheless, he is still remembered in his capacity of gamekeeper,
+as being an active and trustworthy servant to the Earl of Lonsdale: a
+terror to all midnight prowlers and others addicted to trespassing among
+the game preserves at Lowther. He took a prominent part in suppressing a
+riot among the navvies employed in making the new road near Lowther, about
+1818 or 1819.
+
+As Robinson advanced in years, intemperate habits appear to have gained
+upon him; and for some time he led an irregular, harum-scarum sort of life.
+He either possessed an estate, or had some interest in one, at Hackthorpe,
+near Lowther, which he sold, and then foolishly set to work and squandered
+the money. Ultimately, he became reduced to considerable destitution, and
+at times fell into such sad states of despair, that one can easily conceive
+of similar thoughts passing through his mind, to those embodied in Miss
+Powley's pathetic ballad, "The Brokken Statesman":--
+
+    O, the fule rackle days! when in wild outwart ways,
+      I spent time but i' daftness, wi' raff an' expense.
+    Then the auld land's neglect, an' my friends' lost respect,
+      While I scworned to tek counsel--I ne'er rued but yence!
+
+    *....*....*....*
+
+    When drink hed browt sorrow--fresh money to borrow,
+      Wi' deep debt o' the riggin', puir crops o' the hill;
+    Wi' life at the barest, heart sorrow fell sairest;
+      Yet e'en then I thowt--Cummerland caps them aw still.
+
+In November, 1834, James Robinson was found drowned in Armathwaite bay,
+eight or nine miles from Penrith, and about the same distance from
+Carlisle. The waters being very full at the time, it was presumed he had
+missed his way in the dark, and fallen into the river Lowther, near
+Brougham--a tributary of the Eden. An inquest was held upon the body, but
+no evidence appeared to the jurors as to how or by what means he was
+drowned. At the time of this unfortunate event, Robinson was forty-five
+years old.
+
+
+
+
+THOMAS RICHARDSON
+
+OF HESKET-NEW-MARKET.
+
+
+Thomas Richardson, commonly known as "the Dyer," one of thirteen children,
+was born at Caldbeck, about the year 1796, and brought up in the
+neighbouring village of Hesket-New-Market, situate between Penrith and
+Wigton.
+
+Richardson's father held situations at Rose Castle, under Bishops Vernon
+and Goodenough. The latter prelate, taking an interest in the welfare of
+young Richardson, sent him to be educated, under the Rev. John Stubbs,
+formerly master of Sebergham grammar school; a man of considerable
+classical attainments, and of a very jovial disposition. The bishop
+intended his _protégé_ for the Church; and, to attain such distinction,
+most of our readers will be aware, was the anxious hope of many
+middle-class families in Cumberland and Westmorland. In this case, the wish
+and aspiration were destined not to bear fruit. The lad steadily rejected
+all offers of advancement in that direction, his own oft expressed wish
+being to be brought up to husbandry, and to excel as an athlete. While the
+father and mother were not averse to his following agricultural pursuits,
+they were strongly against his wrestling proclivities. Whenever such
+gatherings were attended, the youngster had to "slipe off" unknown to his
+parents.
+
+On arriving at maturity, Richardson developed into a fine manly-looking
+man, standing five feet eleven inches high, and weighing from thirteen to
+thirteen-and-a-half stones, with broad massive chest, good length of arm,
+and strongly built throughout. In the ring, he excelled greatly at hyping,
+and if this chanced to miss, generally followed up with the "ham."
+
+The question has often been asked, how Richardson came to be familiarly
+spoken of as "the Dyer." It occurred after this manner. In the parish of
+Caldbeck, there happened to be several families, at one time, of the same
+name. This rendered it necessary to distinguish them by such appellations
+as "Fiddler Richardson," "Dyer Richardson," and "oald Jwohn
+Richardson"--the last named being "Belted Will's" father. John Richardson,
+Tom's grandfather, was a dyer at Caldbeck, and became much famed for his
+_blue_ dyes. At that time, blue-and-white checked shirts were generally
+worn in country districts, by middle and lower class persons; and the women
+donned blue linen aprons, and blue linsey skirts. These now disused and
+durable fabrics, were manufactured extensively at Ulverston, Kendal, and,
+on a lesser scale, at many other places in the north. It was a _sine qua
+non_ that the blue colours should be "fast."
+
+John Richardson served his apprenticeship in Kendal, under the Wakefields,
+and was there during the rebellion of "'45." When the first section of the
+Pretender's army retreated northwards through Kendal, it was market-day,
+and as a matter of course, a multitude of people were collected together,
+who mobbed the rear-guard of the troops. During the excitement which
+prevailed, one of Wakefield's dyers seized a gun belonging to a Highlander,
+and boldly and determinedly wrenched it from his grasp. This only proved
+the forerunner of more direful onslaughts. As the rebels were turning down
+the Fish-market, a musket shot fired from a window above, brought one of
+them lifeless from his horse, and two others were taken prisoners. Being
+thus provoked, the Highlanders turned about and fired on the multitude. A
+farmer, named John Slack, of New Hutton, was killed in the open street; and
+a shoemaker, and an ostler, were seriously wounded. When the Duke of
+Cumberland's army had passed through Kendal, John Richardson--having proved
+himself a trustworthy servant--was decorated with a cockade, and employed
+to carry despatches between the Wakefields and Colonel Honeywood, who was
+wounded in the skirmish on Clifton Moor, near Penrith.
+
+In after life, Tom Richardson's father kept an inn, and the _blue_ flag
+which floated over his tent at wrestling and other meetings, was the means
+of indicating his whereabouts to friends and customers.
+
+In the year 1813, when Richardson was about seventeen years old, he felt a
+strong desire to attend the races and wrestling at Carlisle. His father
+being much against the outing, some bickering took place between them.
+However, after breakfast, on the morning of the races, watching his
+opportunity, the lad slipped out unseen, and had to run part of the way, in
+order to be in time--the full distance to the border city being something
+like thirteen miles. Reaching Carlisle, he succeeded in getting his name
+entered for the head prize. This effected, he was soon called out against
+Joseph Slack of Blencow, a skilful wrestler, but getting past the meridian.
+After an exciting tussle, the youngster proved victorious. Next time over,
+he met George Forster of Denton, and buttocked him cleverly. Forster's
+shoulder was unfortunately put out in the fall, but set again quickly, as
+described in the sketch of George Dennison's career. In the third round,
+Richardson's further progress was cut short by one Robert Langhorn. Our
+youthful aspirant for fame, then entered for the second day's prize, but
+was thrown in the second round, by Simon Armstrong.
+
+The following year--1814--he again attended the Carlisle wrestling, and met
+with about similar success as before. For the head prize, Samuel Jameson of
+Penrith disposed of him in the third round. In the second day's entry,
+William Slee of Dacre did the same in the first round.
+
+In 1815, the "Dyer" appeared in the Carlisle ring for the third time. He
+threw Andrew Armstrong of Sowerby-hall, in the second round; and was thrown
+next time over by Tom Todd of Knarsdale, near Alston. For the second day's
+prize, he disposed in succession of his neighbour, William Clark, the
+miller, Joe Abbot of Thornthwaite-hall, and Robert Forster of Denton; and
+was brought to grief by Edward Forster, a brother of the last mentioned.
+
+The weather at the Carlisle meeting held in September, 1816, turned out to
+be extremely wet and uncomfortable, on both first and second days. As a
+natural consequence, there was a much thinner attendance than ordinary. The
+Earl of Lonsdale, the Marquis of Queensberry, Sir Philip Musgrave, and
+others of the nobility and neighbouring gentry, were present; but after the
+first day, scarcely any equipages, and very few ladies, were to be seen on
+the course. There was a fair average of good men entered; but the account
+we have to give of the wrestling is conflicting and unsatisfactory,
+presenting a finish lame and impotent in the extreme.
+
+In the first and second rounds, Richardson was called out against John Earl
+of Cumwhitton, and John Weightman, respectively. He succeeded in throwing
+both of these formidable antagonists. The former was an old veteran in the
+Carlisle ring, and the latter a powerful young man of twenty-one, with an
+eventful career before him. In the fourth round, Richardson and Joseph
+Graham were drawn together, and had an unsatisfactory bout. Respecting this
+fall, Litt says: "Being a spectator that year, we do not hesitate to say
+that the conduct of the umpires was extremely blameable. In the course of
+the wrestling, a fall between Thomas Richardson of Hesket, and Joseph
+Graham from Ravenglass, was given to the former. We assert that Graham was
+not allowed a fair hold, that it was a manifest snap, and after all it was
+a complete dog-fall. On wrestling when there were but four standers,
+Richardson was indisputably thrown; but such was the gross partiality shown
+towards him, that he was allowed to compound with the person who threw
+him." Disposing of George Coulthard, in the fifth round, Richardson was
+then called against Tom Todd of Knarsdale, to wrestle the final fall.
+
+As a somewhat different statement has been sent abroad in _Wrestliana_, we
+think it only right that the "Dyer's" own plea should be set forth. Well,
+after Todd and he had stood fronting one another, in the ring, for some
+time, but had not been in holds, "'turney" Pearson called Richardson to one
+side, and offered him a considerable sum of money if he would only take his
+coat, go out of the ring, and say he "dārrent russel," or he "dudn't
+want to russel." To this proposal, Richardson indignantly replied: "No!
+I'll nowder deà sec a like thing for yee, nor nivver a man i' Carel toon!"
+It was currently reported, by the way, that Pearson had bet a good deal
+Todd would win the prize.[11] After some further squabbling, a row took
+place, and the ring was completely broken up.
+
+It was then given out that the two men were to wrestle next morning--the
+following day being Thursday. When Thursday morning, however, came, the
+meeting was put off till next morning. When Friday came, it was again put
+off, on account of the great fight between Carter and Oliver, at Gretna.
+Richardson stayed three whole days in Carlisle, over the affair, and never
+received a penny! Whatever "gross partiality" might be shown towards him in
+wrestling through the ring, he seems only to have fared badly in the end.
+Let those who can, answer for the treatment he received. The second prize
+advertised by the Carlisle wrestling committee, curiously enough, was not
+contended for at all; why so, was best known to the committee themselves.
+
+During the years 1817-18-19-20, there was no wrestling at Carlisle, in
+connection with the races. The proprietor of a circus certainly filled up
+the gap creditably, in 1817; but the three remaining years following were
+entire blanks.
+
+At the Langwathby annual Rounds, held on New Year's day, in 1818,
+Richardson carried off the head prize of two guineas, finally throwing John
+Dobson of Cliburn.
+
+While wrestling seemed altogether defunct at Carlisle, it was taken up with
+renewed vigour at Keswick. In August, 1818, the head prize offered was a
+purse of five guineas, which brought a great gathering of spectators, and
+all the best athletes of the day. The onlookers had the gratification of
+witnessing many keenly contested falls. The last two standers were
+Richardson, and William Wilson of Ambleside, then just coming out. Before
+going into the ring for the final struggle, some chaffing took place, the
+"Dyer" saying to Wilson in a swaggering sort of way, "I'll throw thee, noo,
+thoo'll see, like I threw t' last chap!" After a good deal of higgling, on
+Richardson's part, about wanting a "good hod," the two men finally closed,
+and Wilson being impatient to be at work at once, lifted his opponent to
+hype him, but missed his stroke. Some manœuvring then took place, and
+the "Dyer" having materially improved his hold, threw in the "ham" quickly,
+and curiously enough succeeded in bringing over his dangerous rival, in the
+very manner he had "bragged" of doing.
+
+In answer to a paragraph which appeared in the _Cumberland Pacquet_,
+Richardson issued the following notice:--
+
+     SPORTING ADVERTISEMENT.--Thomas Richardson, who won the
+     principal prize at the last Keswick Regatta and Races,
+     having observed it mentioned in the Whitehaven paper of
+     the first instant, that he refused to "play again with
+     the man he threw, for five guineas, though challenged,"
+     begs to contradict such statement, as being a gross
+     falsehood; and he is sorry such an offer was not made
+     to him.--He now challenges his opponent, alluded to in
+     the Whitehaven paper, to wrestle him for ten guineas,
+     at any time or place.--Hesket-New-Market, Sept. 2nd,
+     1818.
+
+As this match never came off, it is impossible to say what the result might
+have been; nevertheless, we have strong leanings to the belief that the
+"Dyer" would have gained nothing, at that date, by coming into personal
+contact with Wilson, the best of five falls. As a hyper, the "Dyer" was
+admirable, and dangerous, too, among even the best Cumbrian wrestlers; but,
+in this particular respect, he was far behind Wilson in quickness of stroke
+and brilliancy of execution.
+
+On one of the days after the races at Keswick, Richardson had a match with
+Tom Lock of Ravenglass, and threw him cleverly.
+
+Some years after, the "Dyer" rambled away from home as far as Low Wood, to
+attend the annual wrestlings at Windermere. For some reason or other, he
+entered his name "Thomas Porter," and passed quietly through two or three
+of the earlier rounds as an unknown hand. Being called against Joe Abbot
+of Bampton, the latter bounced into the ring very full of stopping the
+further progress of the stranger. No sooner had they approached one
+another, than Joe opened his eyes very wide, stood as one petrified for a
+moment, and then exclaimed, "D--n! it's _thee_, Dyer, is it!" The two then
+took hold, but Joe made no effort towards getting the fall, and "Thomas
+Porter" obtained fall after fall until he succeeded, we understand, in
+carrying off the belt.
+
+Liberal prizes for wrestling and other sports were given at Greystoke
+Castle, by the Howards, and the meetings were always well attended by the
+nobility and the neighbouring gentry. Richardson won there one year,
+William Earl of Cumwhitton wrestling second.
+
+A close acquaintance existed between Richardson and Weightman. The former
+was master at the beginning of their career, but afterwards the latter
+became too powerful for him. In all they met eleven times, and out of that
+number of falls, Weightman scored six, and Richardson five. Among other
+places, the latter threw the Hayton champion at one of the Kirkoswald
+"worchet" meetings, and got the compliment returned at Wreay soon after,
+where the fallen man lamed his side.
+
+Sitting among the crowd that lined the Carlisle ring one year, the "Dyer"
+was called out against a big, raw-boned fellow, an awkward-looking
+customer, but one, nevertheless, who appeared young and inexperienced.
+"What's t'e gāen to mak' o' yon 'an, Tom?" asked Weightman. "Oh,"
+replied the "Dyer," in a tone of mock humility, "I's just gāen to fell
+him reet off hand, an' than he can gā heàm till his mudder, pooar
+lad!"
+
+On another occasion, he was called out against Wilfrid Wright, at a meeting
+on Penrith fell. "Noo, Wiff," said he, "I's gāen to throw thee
+streight into yon furrow yonder!" and did so cleverly. When Wright had
+recovered from his astonishment, and was gathering himself up, he
+exclaimed: "Cush, man! I dudn't think thoo cud ha' deùn't hofe sa clean!"
+
+Richardson continued to wrestle for many years, in the Carlisle and other
+rings, with moderate success. Later on, he lived at Penrith with a sister,
+who kept an inn there. When approaching fifty years old, he became so
+overgrown, that his weight appeared to be seventeen or eighteen stones,
+forming a marked contrast to what he was a quarter of a century
+before--then a lish, active, thirteen-stone man.
+
+He died at Penrith, about the year 1853.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[11] Henry Pearson, solicitor, was a rare upholder of wrestling, but too
+much given to betting to do full justice to all parties. It was currently
+reported he ventured so large a sum on Carter at the Gretna fight, that
+when Oliver was likely to win during the earlier rounds, he evinced a state
+of the greatest nervousness imaginable. An old stager has a distinct
+recollection of him as he stood "fumlen wid his fingers iv his mooth,"
+betraying the nervous "twitch" peculiar to men undergoing great mental
+excitement, and looking as if he might have gone off at any moment like
+touchwood or tinder.
+
+
+
+
+TOM TODD
+
+OF KNARSDALE.
+
+
+Tom Todd, a Northumbrian by birth, was born and brought up at "The Bogg,"
+in Knarsdale, near Alston, where his father was well known as a sheep
+breeder. He stood fully five feet ten inches high; his general wrestling
+weight being about twelve stones and a half. Todd's contemporaries have
+spoken of him as a most accomplished and scientific wrestler. He could
+buttock cleanly, hype quickly, and excelled in most other chips. Weighing
+and watching his opponents' movements narrowly, he seemed to anticipate
+what was coming, and prepared accordingly, both for stopping and chipping.
+In taking hold, like most good wrestlers, he stood square and upright; but
+in consequence of having a very peculiarly shaped back, like half a barrel,
+it was next to impossible to hold him easily, or to grip him with any
+amount of firmness. Like Richard Chapman, he could always "get out," if so
+minded, at starting.
+
+About the summer of 1810 or 1811, Tom Todd, then just merging into manhood,
+attended the annual "boon" mowing-meeting of John Bell of Kirkhaugh, the
+noted bone-setter, where as many as twenty or thirty strong men often
+congregated together. When the grass had been cut down, it was usual to
+broach a barrel of ale, and drink the contents on the green sward. During
+the time the nut-brown home-brewed was being handed round, the Alston band
+enlivened the scene with music; and then followed the most attractive part
+of the day's programme, namely, dog-trailing, jumping, and wrestling. At
+this rural festival Tom Todd won his first belt; and a lad, named Robin
+Carruthers, a farm servant, from the Bewcastle district, wrestled second.
+
+In 1815, Todd figured in the Carlisle ring, probably for the first time;
+and came against Tom Richardson, the dyer, in the third round for the
+principal prize. Being both young men, and not unequally matched in size,
+strength, and science, they had three desperate tussles before the struggle
+could be decided. Finally, the fall ended in favour of Todd. In the fourth
+round, Todd's career was cut short by George Forster of Penton.
+
+In contending for the second prize, Todd threw a clever wrestler, named
+Thomas Peat, a farmer's son, from Blencow, in the third round; and
+Armstrong, the "yak tree," in the fourth. Not being able to come to terms
+about holds, in the final fall, with Edward Forster of Penton, the two
+never wrestled out, but, says Litt, in dividing the money for first and
+second, Todd received more money than his opponent, it being the opinion
+of the umpire that he was the fairer stander.
+
+Todd made his appearance again in the Carlisle wrestling ring of 1816,
+where he played a conspicuous part. Meeting with no one particularly worthy
+of being called a dangerous competitor in the first five rounds, he went
+through with considerable ease, throwing in rotation, James Johnson, R.
+Armstrong, J. Scott, T. Hodgson, and William Clark of Hesket-New-Market.
+After the fifth round, the only two men left standing were Todd and
+Richardson, the dyer; and the fall which ought to have been decided between
+them, resulted in nothing but discreditable quarrelling and ill feeling. A
+fuller account of this unpleasant affair will be found in the sketch of
+Thomas Richardson's career. Todd's friends, as a natural consequence,
+thought that he was the better man, and ought to have won. Todd himself,
+after the event, seemed to be under a bond of secrecy on the subject. We
+have no desire to sully his memory, with the charge of a settled
+determination not to go to work with equal holds. We do not wish to twit
+him with taking a mean advantage of his opponent, in order to deprive him
+of the chance of a fair contest. We believe he had a soul above such an
+unwarrantable proceeding. It will, probably, be nearer the mark to say, he
+acted unwisely and unbecomingly, by conniving with his principal backer, as
+the sequel will show.
+
+Todd's usual remark was--when the subject chanced to be broached and
+discussed--that Richardson's backers pressed him very much to "lay down,"
+which he declined most definitely to do. But a week or two before his
+death, a far more disagreeable fact oozed out. He then acknowledged, to an
+intimate friend, mentioned hereafter--whom he rescued at the Gretna
+fight--that he received _half the money_, offered for the head prize, in
+1816. This, of course, was paid through the agency of one of the principal
+promoters of the Carlisle ring, in a left-handed manner, with an
+understanding that it should never be made public!
+
+About two years after the dishonourable act narrated, had broken up the
+annual wrestling at Carlisle, Todd used to tell of meeting Richardson, in
+the third round at some village sports, where he threw him easily.
+
+After this--and during the discontinuance of the popular gathering on the
+Swifts, for three years--we know nothing of Todd's career as a wrestler,
+until the Carlisle Meeting of 1822, when he again made a gallant but
+unsuccessful struggle to carry off the head prize. Being engaged as a
+gamekeeper, in the service of the Earl of Carlisle, on the Naworth Castle
+estates, he entered himself under the assumed name of "John Moses of
+Alston." Todd displayed considerable science and activity in the course of
+the day, and distinguished himself much and deservedly, by throwing
+several dangerous hands, among whom may be especially mentioned, John
+Fearon of Gilcrux, seventeen stone weight, John Liddle of Bothel, a
+fourteen-and-a-half stone man, (winner of the head prize at Keswick, a few
+weeks previously, where he finally disposed of William Cass of
+Loweswater)--and Robert Watters of Carlisle, a light weight, but an
+accomplished scientific wrestler. In the final fall, however, with Cass,
+the cup of success was again dashed from his lips. This time the
+weight--sixteen stones--and strength of the Loweswater champion, proving
+too much for twelve-and-a-half stones.
+
+Scarcely had the cheers died away which greeted the West Cumberland man's
+victory, when Louis Nanny of Haltwhistle--an enthusiastic frequenter of
+wrestling rings--offered to back the Knarsdale man in a match against Cass
+for a hundred pounds. Todd thought this sum too much to risk even handed,
+against such a powerful antagonist; but was willing to be backed, and
+contend at all hazards, for half that amount. The two east countrymen,
+however, had it all their own way, so far as the challenge was concerned.
+At that time, Cass being new to the Carlisle ring, and almost unknown as a
+wrestler, no one seemed bold enough to stand forward on his behalf; and,
+moreover, like a quiet, inoffensive man, he was perfectly content to rest
+upon the laurels he had just gained.
+
+This year Weightman--"aw ower his oan daft nonsense"--was thrown by Fearon
+of Gilcrux, in the first round, for the principal prize at Carlisle. Not
+being eligible, on this account, for entry in the second day's competition,
+Tom Todd stood on one side for him; when Weightman, in order to retrieve
+lost ground, took pains, and threw his men as fast as he came to them.
+"Talk aboot russlin'!" exclaimed an eye witness, "Wey, man, he just went
+thro' them like th' wind!"
+
+As time passed on, and Weightman came more prominently to the fore, Tom
+Todd found himself absolutely nowhere in the giant's grasp; he therefore
+thought it wiser and more prudent to retire from the ring, without making
+any further efforts to carry off first honours.
+
+When Todd was a young man, he kept a tight well-made little trail-hound,
+trained to the name of "Stand back," but which was entered at the different
+trails as "Towler." Harry Kirkby of Kirkhaugh, the clergyman's lame son,
+used to tell a tale about Todd and himself taking the hound one year to
+Melmerby Rounds. When the dogs were coming in, they looked to the
+spectators, "aw iv a cluster," as they neared the winning post. At this
+crisis, Todd roared out in a loud voice: "Standback! Standback!" apparently
+appealing to the crowd, and ran fussing about immediately in front, with
+his arms flying in the air. "An' dar bon!" said the priest's son, "the dog
+com' in like stooar, an' wan easily!"
+
+This artful trick has been often practised since, if not earlier than that
+time, at dog-trails--successfully on more than one occasion by the late
+Richard Gelderd of Ulverston, a keen dog-trailer. He had a "Standback," and
+at the Flan and other neighbouring sports, was trained to rush forward to
+the winning post, when the crowd were ordered in a stentorian voice:
+"Standback! Standback! an' let t' dogs cum in--can't ye!"
+
+At the great northern fight, between Carter and Oliver, at Gretna, in 1816,
+John Slack of Carlisle, shoemaker, then a young man in his teens, was
+thrown to the ground by the surging of the immense crowd, and might easily
+have been trampled to death. Seeing the impending danger, Tom Todd, and
+John Barnes, the constable, both powerful men, elbowed their way through
+the crowd, and succeeded in rescuing the fallen man, before he was
+seriously injured. On lifting him from the ground, Todd exclaimed, "Marcy,
+Jwohn! is that thee? My faiks! but thoo'd a narrow squeak for thy life
+theear!"
+
+Some time after the year 1822, Todd left the north of England, and went
+into the Highlands of Scotland, where he became gamekeeper to Sir Charles
+Ross of Belnagowan Castle, Ross-shire, and continued in that capacity for
+something like twenty-four or twenty-five years.
+
+Returning again to his native district, he settled upon the farm rented by
+his brother John, at Moscow, near the fashionable watering-place of
+Gilsland. A few years before he died, he gradually lost his sight, and at
+times grew "varra canker't an' twisty." Once when one of these fits was
+upon him, his denunciation of wrestlers and wrestling rings was hurled
+about in such unqualified language, that one was apt to think the
+transgressions committed in the Carlisle ring of 1816, still haunted his
+waking dreams--not probably for anything done personally, but for being
+made a cat's-paw at that time, by his principal backer.
+
+In the month of September, 1875, Todd, then in his eighty-fourth year, went
+to the house door, beckoned to the farm-workers that dinner was ready, and
+immediately after passed quietly away. From the fact of the Knarsdale
+athlete having attained this great age--and he was only one of many who
+did--we may draw pretty conclusive evidence, that the northern pastime of
+wrestling does not, as a rule, shorten life.
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM WILSON
+
+OF AMBLESIDE.
+
+
+Size, position, and population considered, it must be allowed that the
+district of High Furness, in North Lancashire, has produced its fair quota
+of wrestling celebrities. Foremost comes William Wilson, then Miles
+Dixon--according to Professor Wilson, "a match for any cock in
+Cumberland"--his brother James, and Roan and John Long, all men of great
+stature and power, capable of hurling their opponents
+
+    "Off the ground with matchless strength."
+
+These were all natives of the soil. In the early part of the nineteenth
+century, the wrestlings at the Ferry-on-Windermere, at Backbarrow, Bouth
+Fair, Finsthwaite, Oxenpark, Arrad Foot Races, and on many other village
+greens in Furness Fells, were often very keenly contested. Arthur Burns of
+Ullater, (who suffered from the deadly grip of Roan Long,) James Burns, a
+younger brother of Arthur's, Roger Taylor of Scathwaite, and John Wren of
+Bouth, the peatman, were all good wrestlers in their day and generation.
+
+Then came John Harrison of Lowick, sometimes called "Checky," from the
+colour of his shirt, who carried off one or two prizes from the Keswick
+ring in its palmiest days; later in life a landlord at Ulverston; a man of
+enormous strength, standing fully six feet high, stout limbed, and weighing
+something like seventeen stones. One feat, forcibly illustrating his
+uncommon strength, deserves record. During one of the statute fairs, two
+sturdy country servant men got to fighting in his house at Ulverston. He
+made no fuss of any kind, but quietly took up one under each arm, and
+carried them both, vainly struggling to be free, into the middle of the
+market place; then set them down on their legs, and, giving each a good
+bang against the other, left them to fight it out. Joseph Jackson of
+Grizebeck, in Kirkby Ireleth, sickle maker, though barely a twelve-stone
+man, gained many first prizes, and came off triumphant in a severely
+contested match with William Bateman of Yottenfews, near Gosforth.
+
+Cannon of Subberthwaite, Robert Casson and Brian Christopherson of
+Oxenpark, and Marshall, the forgeman, also deserve a passing word of
+praise, although none of them ever went out of their own neighbourhood to
+wrestle. Christopherson put forth promising powers at the Ferry and other
+places, and was highly complimented by Richard Chapman. At the Ferry, he
+was backed by a local sporting man, in a match with George Donaldson--a
+single fall--for two pounds; and, to the surprise of a crowd of anxious
+onlookers, won gallantly. There was little difference in the weight or
+height of the winner and the loser. Casson threw Harrison, Cannon, and all
+comers at Bouth Fair; and Marshall did precisely the same thing at
+Sparkbridge. On the last occasion, the excitement amongst the spectators
+became so intense, that the forgeman's progress was urged on after the
+following primitive fashion: "If thou'll nobbut thrā' Cannon," shouted
+one, "I'll gi'e the' a pint!" "Thrā' Harrison," roared another, "an'
+I'll stand the' a quart!" "I think," responded Marshall, with a fine stroke
+of humour--"I think, I'd better hev summat to be gāen on wi'. It'll
+mebbe help me to thrā' them _beàth togidder_!"
+
+
+William Wilson was born and brought up at High Wray, a village pleasantly
+situated on the western banks of Windermere lake. Near to his birthplace
+there has been erected a lordly baronial residence--Wray Castle--on a
+beautiful commanding site, overlooking all the higher reaches of
+Windermere, and forming one of the many attractive objects for sight-seers
+on the lake. Wilson was a nephew of the Dixons of Grasmere, and was
+commonly spoken of as "girt Will Wilson," in order to distinguish him from
+"lile Will Wilson" of Grasmere, or "wicked Will," as the latter was
+sometimes called, from the bottom and endurance he displayed in frequent
+pugnacious encounters. It was "lile Will," we believe, who once wrestled up
+at Bowness, with William Thwaites of Staveley, an eleven-stone man. They
+each got a fall. The next one--called by the umpires a dog-fall--was
+claimed by Thwaites, who, in consequence, refused to wrestle over again.
+The ring was soon broken up in disorder, and in the _melée_ which ensued,
+Professor Wilson struck Thwaites over the head with his stick, and bulged
+his hat in. "Did I do that, my lad?" asked Wilson. "Yes," replied Thwaites,
+"yee did it: I's suèr an' sarten o' that." "Then," said Wilson, "here's a
+sovereign for wrestling so well. It'll mebbe help to get thee a new hat."
+
+William Wilson grew up a tall "lathy fellow," standing, when full grown,
+quite six feet four inches high, straight as a willow-wand and as lithe,
+and gradually grew until at twenty-two he weighed from fourteen to fifteen
+stones, with a good reach of arm, and a finely developed muscular frame. As
+a hyper, or "inside striker," as Litt calls him, he displayed superb form.
+For three or four years, he stood unmatched and irresistible in this
+particular stroke, and since his day no man has appeared worth calling a
+rival to him, except William Jackson of Kinniside. We are now alluding to
+the "standing hype," or as the author of _Wrestliana_ more properly defines
+it, "inside striking." It is a chip in which a tall wrestler, like Wilson
+or Jackson, has a great advantage, particularly over shorter opponents. The
+"swinging hype," in which Chapman, Donaldson, and Longmire were such deadly
+proficients, is more showy and artistic, consisting of a quick swing off
+the breast once round or nearly so, and then a turn over with the knee
+inside the thigh.
+
+Our information respecting Wilson's career as a wrestler is neither so full
+nor minute as we could have desired. The probability is that he won his
+first prize on the banks of his native Windermere, but at what age or under
+what circumstances is not now known. When a young man, Roan Long and he had
+a severe bout at Ambleside sports, which ended in Wilson throwing his burly
+opponent cleverly with the hype.
+
+The first definite notice, however, we have of him as an athlete was at the
+Keswick Regatta and Races in 1818, being at that time about twenty-two
+years old. While the Carlisle ring, on the Swifts, was closed for the space
+of four years, the wrestling in the Crow Park, Keswick, assumed an
+importance which it could scarcely otherwise have attained. In fact, for a
+time it was justly entitled to be considered the leading and most important
+wrestling gathering in the north. In aid of this distinction, there then
+existed on all sides of the metropolitan lake town, a numerous array of
+very distinguished athletes. Mr. Pocklington of Barrow House, was the chief
+supporter of the regatta and races at that date, and his personal exertions
+to promote the permanent establishment and success of these meetings were
+unceasing.
+
+In the year 1818, some remarkably good play took place in the wrestling
+ring. The two most successful competitors were in excellent "fettle,"
+namely, Tom Richardson and William Wilson. The latter gathered his men
+quickly and cleanly, and threw them as fast as he came to them. Coming
+against Richardson in the final fall, he lifted him from the ground with
+the intention of hyping, but failing to hold his man firmly, the Dyer
+turned in, and, after a considerable struggle, managed to bring him over
+with the buttock. After this tussle, Wilson always spoke of Richardson as
+being "swine back't," meaning thereby that his back was extremely slippery
+and difficult to hold, from the nature of its peculiar roundness.
+
+In the year 1819, Wilson carried off the head prize for wrestling, and a
+handsome belt, at the Ferry Regatta, Windermere. We have no account of the
+other competitors at this meeting.
+
+Wilson attended the Keswick gathering of the same year, for the second
+time, and it proved memorable above all others in his wrestling career,
+stamping him as "the best wrestler Westmorland ever produced." Many
+dispassionate judges at this time held the opinion, that this eulogium
+might be extended also to the neighbouring northern county. We have no
+doubt, if he had continued a healthy man, this verdict would have been
+confirmed over and over again. Although he did not succeed in winning the
+chief prize this year, he nevertheless distinguished himself ten times more
+than the victor who did, by throwing the man with whom no one else had the
+shadow of a chance. We refer to his struggle with John Mc.Laughlan of
+Dovenby, more than two inches taller than Wilson, and at that time five or
+six stones heavier.
+
+As a prelude to this fall, Clattan took hold of Wilson in the middle of the
+ring, in a good natured sort of way, and lifted him up in his arms to show
+how easily he could hold him. No sooner was he set down, than Wilson threw
+his arms around Clattan's waist, and lifted him in precisely the same way,
+a course of procedure which greatly amused the spectators. After these
+preliminaries had been gone through, the two men were not long in settling
+into holds, each having full confidence in his own powers and his own mode
+of attack. A few seconds, however, decided the struggle of these two modern
+Titans. No sooner had each one gripped his fellow, than quick as thought,
+Wilson lifted Clattan from the ground in grand style, and hyped him with
+the greatest apparent ease--a feat that no other man in Britain could have
+done.
+
+The cheering which followed the giant's downfall was tremendous, and might
+have been heard on the top of Skiddaw or Saddleback. "Hurrah! hurrah! Well
+done Wilson!" shouted a hundred voices, while round followed round of
+applause in rapid succession. It was one of these brilliant and exciting
+moments, when the miserable party feeling of envy and strife, which
+sometimes crops up between the two sister counties, was entirely swamped
+and forgotten. "Thoo wasn't far wrang," exclaimed a hard featured man, with
+an austere voice, to his next neighbour, sitting by the side of the
+ring--"Thoo wasn't far wrang, when thoo said Wilson wad throw him."
+"Wrang!" replied the other in ecstasies, "I wad think nūt! Wilson's
+like a cooper, thoo sees. He kens hoo to gang roond a cask!"
+
+An old "statesman," from about Mungrisedale or Penruddock--wearing a pair
+of buckskin breeches, whose pint of nut-brown had just been upset in the
+_furor_--is remembered as having been so worked upon by the excitement of
+the moment, that he threw his hat in the air, and, in derisive language,
+addressed himself to anybody and everybody, as follows:--"Ha! ha! my fine
+fellow! If thoo says Clattan _isn't_ a gud russler, an' wasn't _olas_ a gud
+russler, thoo tells a heàp o' lees, an' nowte but lees--thoo confoondit
+taistrel, thoo!"
+
+This fall is still talked of at the firesides of the dalesmen of the
+north--cottars, farmers, and "statesmen"--as one of the most wonderful and
+dazzling achievements ever witnessed in the wrestling ring.
+
+Returning again to the next Keswick meeting which followed, Wilson found no
+difficulty in walking through the ranks of 1820. When only four men were
+standing, Tom "Dyer" was drawn against Isaac Mason of Croglin, who at that
+time was looked upon as a dangerous customer in the ring. It was the
+opinion of some onlookers that the "Dyer" seemed to be afraid of Mason. Be
+that as it may, the two not being able to agree about holds--a procedure
+which has sometimes discredited parties in the ring, and is sorely trying
+to the patience of spectators--the stewards, after a considerable delay,
+very properly crossed them both out. Wilson and William Richardson were now
+the last standers, and the former carried off the Caldbeck hero with
+ridiculous ease. Litt says, "Richardson had not the shadow of a chance with
+him." This testimony is exceedingly significant, and says much for Wilson's
+powers as a wrestler.
+
+"Hoo 'at thoo let him hype the' i' that stupid fashion, thoo numb divel,
+thoo?" said Tom "Dyer," reproachfully, to the loser of the fall, while the
+latter was engaged in putting his coat on. "What! _he hes it off_--an' that
+thoo kens as weel as anybody," was the sturdy reply. "I cudn't stop him,
+ner _thee_ nowder, for that matter, if he nobbut gat a fair ho'd o' the'."
+
+The year 1822, found Wilson "rayder gāen back, an' thin o' flesh." He
+laboured under an asthmatic complaint, which increased upon him about this
+date, and began to tell much against his athletic attainments.
+Nevertheless, he attended the Keswick gathering once more. The wrestling
+was carried on in the bottom of a meadow, and not on the higher ground as
+previously. The ground being wet and slippery, was consequently disastrous
+to many of the wrestlers. Wilson threw Jonathan Watson, a dangerous hand
+to meet, in the first round, for the head prize; and in one of the
+subsequent rounds was drawn against Weightman of Hayton. Lifting the huge
+East Cumbrian "varra clean," but not being able to keep his feet, from the
+slippery and lumpy state of the ground, Wilson overbalanced himself and
+fell backwards, with his opponent on the top of him. This untoward
+accident, in all probability, lost him the chief prize. Cass of Loweswater
+brought Weightman to grief, in the last round but one, by striking at the
+outside, and throwing him off the breast.
+
+At the Windermere Regatta, held at Low Wood, during the same year--where
+the rain fell in torrents--it was generally expected that Wilson, who had
+conquered so many, would again be the conqueror. But the fates were against
+him. He came off the third stander, being thrown by Edward Howell, a clever
+wrestler from Greystoke, in the neighbourhood of Penrith, who won the belt
+and four sovereigns.
+
+So far as we have been able to ascertain, the year 1822 was the last one in
+which Wilson figured in the ring. If this be correct, his wrestling career
+will be limited to four or five years duration, at the utmost. No doubt,
+the complaint under which he laboured, was the principal cause of his early
+retirement. Although Wilson loved athletic exercises much, it must be
+understood, however, that he viewed them more as a means of recreation and
+pastime, than in any other sense; a thrifty ambition inducing him to look
+zealously to the main point of making both ends meet at home.
+
+We have heard it asserted that when he and his first wife were married in
+1820, they could only raise ten pounds of loose money between them. With
+this small sum to the fore, however, they ventured to take an inn at
+Ambleside, called the Golden Rule, which they rented for seven years,
+during which time they managed to save £700. They then took a larger inn,
+which was afterwards known as the Commercial. Some time elapsed, and they
+removed to the King's Arms, in Patterdale, at that period the only inn at
+the head of Ullswater.
+
+While he was an innkeeper at Patterdale, George Brunskill, the life
+guardsman, about the height of Wilson, and two stones heavier, was very
+anxious to try his skill with him. After much pressing, a friendly bout was
+consented to, on condition that Brunskill would be satisfied with one fall.
+The result was that Wilson "dud whack him;" the soldier being carried clean
+off "befooar he reetly kent whoar he was."
+
+William Wilson--whose brief, but distinguished career, has helped to confer
+an enduring lustre on the northern wrestling ring--died at Patterdale, in
+1836, about forty years old, and was buried in Ambleside churchyard.
+
+
+
+
+JOHN WEIGHTMAN
+
+OF HAYTON.
+
+
+For great size and well-proportioned figure, combined with amazing strength
+and activity, John Weightman was one of the most remarkable men ever bred
+in Cumberland. Born at Greenhead, near Gilsland, in 1795, he was brought up
+at the quiet pastoral village of Hayton, near Brampton, where he continued
+to live until the time of his death. In that neighbourhood, he was always
+spoken of as a remarkably simple minded man, being quiet and settled in
+appearance when about his daily work or any ordinary pursuit. Fierce
+passions, however, were then only asleep, shrouding a peculiar temperament,
+easily excited to mirth or to violent anger.
+
+In a physical point of view, he was a wonder, being endowed with tremendous
+bodily strength on one hand, and the agility of a cat on the other. He
+stood fully six feet three inches high, and weighed from fifteen to sixteen
+stones, presenting one of the finest gigantic models of the human frame
+ever seen, with a countenance free, open, and pleasant to look upon.
+Possessing a good reach of arm, and such formidable power in the
+shoulders, that in the act of wrestling he invariably beat his elbows into
+the ribs of an opponent--which vice-like pressure was so terrific in its
+results, and became so well known, that many strong men were glad to get to
+the ground, in order to escape his punishing hug. Had these natural
+advantages been supplemented with shrewdness and good generalship, capable
+of estimating the different points of an adversary--indispensable
+requisites to the finished wrestler--he would have been more than a match,
+the best of five or seven falls, for any man in the kingdom. One who knew
+him well, once laconically described him as: "A greit thumpin', giant like
+fellow; varra strang i' th' arm, but rayder wake i' th' brains!"
+
+In his prime, Weightman proved himself to be a clever leaper, either at
+long length or running high leap--"cat gallows." Many tales are current at
+Hayton and the neighbourhood of his clearing five-barred gates with the
+greatest ease. He once leapt over a restless black mare, sixteen hands
+high, which belonged to Sir James Graham of Edmond Castle; then turned
+round, and with another short run, went over again from the reverse side.
+Sir James was so delighted with this display of agility, that he presented
+the performer with half a guinea.
+
+When a young man, Weightman was as full of tricks of a "daft-like"
+character as ever mortal was, the recital of one or two of which may serve
+to illustrate his great strength and recklessness. Once upon a time, in
+passing through a toll-gate, he said to the keeper of it: "Ye divvent mak'
+ony charge, div ye, for what a man carries on his back?" "Oh dear, no, by
+no means!" was the ready reply. "Than here goes, my canny bairn!" cried
+Weightman, and presently the toll-collector was astonished to see him
+stalking through the gate, with a strong-built pony strung across his
+shoulders!
+
+A still "dafter" trick than the foregoing is told of him on another
+occasion, when he carried a donkey on his shoulders up stairs into a
+"loft," where a numerous body of lads and lasses were capering away at
+dancing; placed the "cuddy" in the midst of them; and nearly frightened the
+wits out of some of the "flayter sooart o' lasses!"
+
+Paradoxical as it may seem, Weightman was a remarkably light and graceful
+dancer; indeed so much so, that he could trip through the mazes of a dance
+with as much ease and nimbleness as any slim built youth in his teens. He
+had a very small and neat foot, which circumstance may in some measure
+account for his remarkable activity.
+
+As an athlete, Weightman won his first prize on the village green of
+Wetheral, about the year 1814, being then under twenty years old; and
+continued to carry off first honours from the same place for seven years in
+succession. In his twenty-third year, and while making himself a name as
+the champion of several minor rings, he was matched on Brampton Sands, to
+wrestle a man named Routledge, of "Clocky mill," the best of three falls,
+for two guineas a side. The miller was big, bony, and strong, and so far
+was formidable; but being both numb and faint-hearted, Weightman easily
+fettled him off in the two first falls.
+
+During Weightman's whole wrestling career, he never had a more steadfast
+friend or admirer than Dr. Tinling of Warwick-bridge. The doctor had no
+doubt formed a correct estimate of the young giant's powers, and saw
+clearly enough that if they were only exercised with ordinary care and
+skill, no man living had any chance of throwing him a series of falls. "Th'
+auld doctor could mak' him owther win or lose, varra nar as he hed a mind,"
+said a clever light weight wrestler, with a shrug of the shoulders.
+
+Notwithstanding the facility with which prizes _might_ have been gained, it
+was only on some occasions that Weightman attended the great annual
+gathering at Carlisle, and it was a much rarer event for him to go far from
+home to contend. However, in the early part of his career, he once wandered
+away to Egremont Crab Fair, and entered his name among the West Cumbrians.
+He was thrown there, by Ford of Ravenglass, a good hearted wrestler,
+standing six feet two inches, and weighing fifteen stones. On another
+occasion, in his young days, he went with Dr. Tinling to Newcastle, and won
+the wrestling there; his patron, the doctor, being overjoyed at his
+success. The prize was a handsome silver watch.
+
+Ford and Weightman were drawn together again, in the fourth round, for the
+head prize entry at Carlisle in 1821, when the same luck attended Ford as
+had done at the previous tussle. For the second prize at Carlisle, however,
+Weightman turned the tables upon the powerful West Cumbrian, by throwing
+him so ridiculously high in the air, that one of the spectators declared
+that "his legs seemed to touch the clouds!" Joseph Abbot, from the
+neighbourhood of Bampton, near Shap, a broad set, powerful man, contested
+the final fall with Weightman. At that time, "Joe was a greit hand for
+rivin' doon at th' gūrse, an' crazy mad he was when he lost."
+
+Weightman not being satisfied with his success in contending for the head
+prize on the Swifts in 1821, a match was arranged to come off between him
+and the winner of the same--William Richardson of Caldbeck--for five
+guineas, on the Eden-side cricket ground, Carlisle, in the month of October
+following. Between four and five thousand people gathered together to
+witness the contest. There existed a great difference in the age of the two
+men: the Caldbeck hero being on the shady side of forty, and Weightman only
+twenty-six. The one might be called a veteran, and the other said to be in
+the prime of life. The younger man had the advantage, likewise, in weight
+by a stone or more; in height, by fully four inches and a half; and was
+naturally endowed with far more suppleness and activity. A considerable
+time elapsed before they could agree about holds; and yet, no sooner was
+this preliminary effected, than the champion of two hundred rings went down
+like a shot, and without appearing to have the least shadow of a chance.
+After the fall, the winner was so elated with success that he cut all sorts
+of ridiculous capers, and kept leaping backwards and forwards, over two or
+three chairs or forms which chanced to be standing in the ring, after the
+manner of school boys at their sports. The second fall was nearly a
+fac-simile of the first; and if Weightman could only have taken things more
+coolly and waited his time, the chances were a hundred to one that he would
+have been hailed victor. Instead of this--through Richardson's dilatoriness
+in taking hold, and otherwise delaying over trifling things--Weightman
+fairly lost temper, threatened and coerced in various ways, and finally
+shook his fist in Richardson's face.
+
+Some of the onlookers, sympathizing with the elder man, commenced a
+vigorous attack of hooting, on which Weightman turned his backside to the
+spectators in a saucy and defiant manner. After this open display of
+insolence a tragic finale seemed imminent. The ring was broken up in an
+instant; and the roughs of the crowd, headed by the notorious Tom Ridley,
+soon worked themselves into a state of furious excitement. They made a
+rush at the delinquent, some dealing out blows with their fists, while
+others kept up a constant shower of sods and such like missiles; nearly
+tore the shirt from the back of their victim; and finally forced him
+savagely through a thorn hedge on the top of the bank. In describing the
+_melée_ which took place, Weightman himself said: "Yan shootit, 'Tek th'
+watter, Weetman!'--anudder shootit, 'Tek th' dyke, thoo greit gowk,
+thoo!'--bit I niver kent reetly whoar I was, till I fund mysel' on Eden
+brig, wid Gwordie Maut[12] leadin' me seàfly by the hand. I varily
+believe," added he, "'at Gwordie Maut seàv't mee life!"
+
+Preliminary to this affair, and quite in keeping with its general
+character, it may be stated that on the morning of the match, as Weightman
+was riding into Carlisle on a spirited "black-brown" mare, which belonged
+to his uncle, he threw the money down on the ground, due for passing
+through the toll-gate at the foot of Botchergate. This Mr. Rayson, the
+keeper, refused to pick up. Getting annoyed at the delay which ensued, and
+in order to clear the way, Weightman struck at Rayson across the shoulders
+with his whip, and then leapt clean over the gate. For this offence he was
+taken to the police office in Scotch Street, from which place his friends,
+after some difficulty, managed to get him liberated, by paying a fine of
+forty shillings.
+
+Immediately after the unsatisfactory termination of this match, Weightman
+issued a challenge to wrestle "any man in Cumberland the best of five
+falls, for fifteen or twenty guineas." No one came forward to take up the
+gauntlet thus thrown down; and although, up to this date, Weightman had not
+won any prize of importance, nevertheless an impression had gone abroad
+that he was a formidable customer to meet in a number of rounds.
+
+The year 1822 was a very chequered one in Weightman's career, suffering in
+it, as he did, so many minor defeats. An account of his adventures, so far
+as they are known to us, and are noted in the local papers, may help to
+illustrate in some measure both his weakness and his strength. In the month
+of May, Forster of Penton threw him at Kirkbampton, after a very fine and
+severe struggle. At Micklethwaite races, near Wigton, in June, he was
+defeated by Jonathan Watson of Torpenhow; and at Durdar, by James Graham of
+The Rigg, Kirklinton.
+
+On the Monday of one of the weeks in July, he won the belt at the New Inn,
+Armathwaite, finally throwing John Peel. On Wednesday afternoon, he went in
+company with his friend, Bill Gaddes, to Hesket-i'-the-Forest, and carried
+off a silver cup and half a guinea, for which there was no sport, "none of
+the faint-hearted youths daring to contend with him." At Plumpton races,
+the same evening, he was thrown with ease by a youth of eighteen, named
+Launcelot Graham of Hutton-end; but succeeded in getting the belt for the
+last eight standers--he and Thomas Peat tossing up for it, after
+endeavouring for nearly half an hour to get into holds. On the Thursday of
+the same week, he won the first prize of half a guinea at Stoneraise.
+
+At Keswick in August, he was fairly capsized by William Cass of Loweswater,
+in the last round but one of the first day's sport; and on the second day,
+through the wet and slippery state of the ground, he was again brought to
+grief, in the final fall, by Jonathan Watson. During the same month, at
+Wigton races, he carried off the first day's prize of two guineas, in grand
+style; Tom Richardson, the Dyer, being second. The prize at Great Barrock
+races also went to Hayton.
+
+At the Carlisle races, held in September, worse luck followed Weightman in
+contending for the head prize than had done on the previous year--being
+thrown in the first round by John Fearon of Gilcrux. This unfortunate
+defeat, however, was the means of arousing the lion in him; and for the
+second prize "he just bash't them doon as fast as he com at them." The last
+standers were Clayton of Dovenby, Robert Watters, and Joseph Graham of
+Dufton: Weightman receiving four guineas as his share, and Graham two
+guineas as second stander.
+
+In August, 1823, Weightman carried off the second day's prize of three
+pounds, at the Keswick regatta, disposing of William Sands of Whitehaven in
+the final fall.
+
+Following immediately after, came the great annual gathering at Carlisle,
+where it was publicly announced: "If wrestlers don't take hold within half
+a minute after peeling, the fall to be given to the one most willing to
+commence playing." William Litt, the author of _Wrestliana_, was chosen
+umpire. Weightman, the favourite at starting, was in grand "fettle;" looked
+fresh and ruddy, without carrying an ounce of superfluous flesh; and by the
+cool and determined way he began each round, evidently meant winning. In
+the third time over, he brought James Robinson quickly to his knees; in the
+fourth, John Hudless; in the fifth, John Allison; and in the sixth, was
+fortunate enough to be odd man. Then came the final struggle with John
+Robson of Irthington mill, who tried hard to "bear the prize away;" but his
+struggling was of no avail, for at each move Weightman kept gathering him
+up and improving his grip, and it soon became the miller's turn to drop
+powerless to mother earth, in like manner to those compeers who had fallen
+before.
+
+The following sketch of Weightman appeared in the columns of the
+_Cumberland Pacquet_, and is supposed to be from the pen of William Litt.
+"As for the victor, Weightman, he is to a stranger a complete puzzle. To
+judge from the almost universal disrepute with which he is regarded in
+Carlisle and its vicinity, you expect to behold in him every
+personification of a finished blackguard; but the very first glance is
+sufficient to stagger any ideal opinion respecting him. I never saw a man
+of equal birth and education, that had so much of the gentleman in his
+appearance, and there is, even in his conversation, an unassuming mildness
+equally striking. As a wrestler, if much cannot be said of his science, his
+_powers_ will not be limited by those who have either tried or seen him
+wrestle:--for, to cut the matter short, I do not think there is a man in
+the world possessing any chance with him, the best of five or seven falls.
+His behaviour in the ring was strictly correct; but such is the general
+opinion of his powers, that though the wrestling was never previously
+surpassed, yet the almost certainty of his winning greatly allayed that
+anxiety for the final result which is essential for creating and keeping
+awake the interest which the scene usually excites."
+
+A letter appeared in the columns of the _Carlisle Journal_, dated September
+16th, 1823, touching facetiously upon a point which, in later years, has
+been successfully carried out. The writer says:--
+
+     SIR,--As a great admirer of athletic sports, I always
+     make a point of being present at the wrestling at our
+     races, but being "small of stature," I frequently miss
+     a good deal of the sport. To gain a complete view I
+     should willingly pay a small sum, and I have no doubt
+     if those concerned in the management of the sports
+     would provide seats for those willing to pay, that they
+     would be soon filled, and the funds be materially
+     increased, as well as a great convenience granted to me
+     and those of my fellow creatures who have not the good
+     fortune to be above six feet. I am, Sir, &c.,
+
+                                            JOHN _LITTLE_.
+
+About this date, it was currently reported that Weightman had engaged to go
+to London to undertake the duties of porter at Carlton Palace. No finer
+looking man could have been selected for this post, but it was not his luck
+to exchange the bleak north for such desirable quarters. Had he been
+removed to so aristocratic an atmosphere, it is more than probable that his
+hot Border blood would have led him into no end of difficulties; as it did,
+for instance, at the magistrates' office in Carlisle, when he quarrelled
+over a disputed fall in the wrestling ring, with a big burly fellow, named
+Tom Hodgson from Wigton. During the trial, Weightman lost all control over
+his temper, and swore eighteen or nineteen times, although reprimanded for
+his profanity again and again. On being told that the magistrates intended
+to fine him a shilling for each and every oath he had sworn, in accordance
+with an old act recorded in the statute books, he exclaimed: "Fine me for
+ivery oath I've sworn? That's a bonny go! Wey, I med as weel mak' it _an
+even pund_, than!" And accordingly he did so.
+
+In the autumn of 1824, the two sons of Henry Howard of Corby Castle--Philip
+and Henry Francis--drove in a pony-phæton to Hayton, and asked for
+Weightman. When they arrived, he was "hard at wark plewin', in a field
+behint the hoose." Meanwhile, his mother--good soul--not knowing well how
+to show the greatest amount of civility to her visitors, invited them, in
+homely phraseology, to "a sup milk, an' a bite o' breid an' cheese." When
+Weightman made his appearance, he was pressed to attend the forthcoming
+wrestling meeting on Penrith fell, which he consented to do after some
+persuasion. Accordingly, he put in an appearance at the races held at
+Penrith early in October, where a large muster of first-rate men had
+assembled. Weightman, however, naturally anticipating onlookers with
+friendly feelings, from Corby and Greystoke castles, had come with a fixed
+determination to carry off the head prize against all comers. Putting his
+full powers into play, therefore, whenever he was called into the ring, man
+after man fell before his slaughtering attacks, in an astonishingly brief
+space of time; leaving Joseph Abbot of Bampton, second stander. And so
+delighted was the young heir of Corby with Weightman's achievements, that
+he brought the victor with him in his carriage from Penrith to Warwick
+Bridge.
+
+The annual wrestling meeting on the Swifts at Carlisle, in September, 1825,
+says a local report of that date, "was attended, as usual, by myriads of
+country people, for whom this manly amusement appears to have charms quite
+unknown to the degenerate race pent up within the walls of smoky and
+enervating towns. The ring was under the entire management of Mr. Henry
+Pearson, and the most complete order prevailed. It is calculated that from
+twelve to fifteen thousand persons were lookers-on at the first-day's
+sports." The first prize was eight guineas; and one guinea was given to the
+last thrown man, or second stander. Among other well known wrestlers who
+attended, and whose names are not mentioned hereafter, may be noted, John
+Robson, Jonathan Watson, Tom Richardson, George Irving, William Earl,
+Joseph Abbot, and Wilfrid Wright. Weightman, for the second time, carried
+off first honours, with great ease: all efforts put forth to stop his
+onward career being futile and unavailing in the extreme. In the third
+round, he met Dan Burgh of Crookdale-hall; and in the fourth, Thomas Miller
+of Crookdykes. In the fifth round, James Graham of Kirklinton laid down,
+because, (as the victor slyly remarked,) "he kent it was neà use
+russellin'!" In the sixth round, Weightman was lucky enough to be odd man;
+while, in the final fall, the perfidious tricks and sturdy attacks of Jacob
+Armstrong availed him nothing--for quick as thought his various moves were
+frustrated, and he was sent to grass, sprawling on his back, in a style
+which neither he nor any of his partisans had anticipated.
+
+In the following year, 1826, Weightman was again the successful competitor
+for the head prize in the Carlisle ring. He was opposed, from the second
+round, by the following wrestlers, namely, Thomas Lawman, Wilfrid Wright,
+John Robson of Irthington mill, Joseph Robley, and George Irving. The
+description given in the _Carlisle Patriot_ of the event, is curious as
+being the production of one to whom the North Country sport was evidently a
+novelty, and on that account it may be worth quoting. The writer says:--
+
+     "The wrestling on Wednesday, attracted thousands upon
+     thousands of country people, to witness their favourite
+     sport. The play, according to pully-hauley critics, was
+     scientifically excellent. The men squeezed, nipped,
+     buttocked, etc., in the most charming style; and great
+     was the applause of the vast mass congregated around
+     the ring, when some sturdy athlete measured his long
+     length on the ground. On the first day, the grand
+     contest lay between the celebrated Robson, a fine young
+     fellow of about twenty-two, weighing fifteen stone, ten
+     pounds, and the still more celebrated Weightman, also a
+     young man, but of more experience, and five pounds
+     heavier than the weighty Robson. This pair of modern
+     Ajaxes stood up nobly to each other. 'A breathless
+     silence (says a spectator) reigned throughout the
+     ring.... They laid hold like men--like true
+     athletæ--each confident in his own powers. The struggle
+     begins--now--now--now--huzza! the invincible Weightman
+     is again victorious! Honour and glory once more for the
+     East of Cumberland!!' So says our scientific
+     informant--but not so Mr. Hercules Robson and his
+     friends. They declared that the fall was not a fair
+     one, and the mighty business of the ring was for a
+     while suspended; but the umpire, Mr. Todd, and a great
+     majority of the spectators decided otherwise--and
+     Weightman soon finished the game, and pocketed the
+     first prize, by finally laying low the able-bodied
+     George Irving."
+
+In spite of the umpire's decision, Robson and his friends continued to harp
+on about what they called the unfairness of the fall on the Swifts, until
+they issued a challenge to the effect that Robson was prepared to wrestle
+Weightman for £20,--which was readily accepted by the latter. According to
+agreement, the two men met about three weeks after, in Crosby Willows, a
+meadow near Low Crosby, which turned out a hollow affair after all, nothing
+really occurring, except several tedious attempts to get into holds. While
+the rain was pouring in torrents, and the spectators becoming restless at
+the absence of sport, an amicable finale was ultimately arrived at by
+Robson shouting across the ring: "We'll russel neà farther, Weetman, i'
+this doon-pour o' rain. Cu' thy ways here, my lad, an' I'll gie the' a leg
+on to my nag." Weightman offering no opposition to this proposal, the two
+were soon mounted, and rode together to a neighbouring house of
+refreshment, where a few friendly glasses passed between them, which
+probably helped to fill up the existing breach. In after years, Weightman
+always spoke of Robson with much respect, describing him as "a canny weel
+donn't lad, an' a varra gud russeller."
+
+Robson, who excelled principally as a "hyper," measured six feet two inches
+in height, and increased in weight and bulk, year by year, until at the age
+of twenty-four he weighed as many stones as he numbered years. He died
+young--in March, 1830--his coffin being so large that it was impossible to
+get it into the room where the corpse lay, without taking the window out.
+He had a narrow escape from being robbed about three years before his
+death. Returning from Carlisle, some highwaymen attacked him while passing
+through the woods between Corby and Ruel Holme. He, however, got clear off
+from the miscreants, and arrived at home without harm or loss of property,
+although he was fired at in making his escape.
+
+Weightman won twice at Melmerby Rounds, getting a guinea and the belt each
+time, the usual award to the victor. On one of these occasions, when
+returning home through the village of Cumrew, his companions and he being
+fresh in drink, smashed a window to atoms, and had fifteen shillings to pay
+for their wanton mischief.
+
+At Penrith in 1827, it was generally expected that Weightman would be the
+victor, but it turned out otherwise. He was thrown in the fourth round by a
+mere stripling, under twenty years of age, named John Loy, who, it is only
+fair to state, gained the fall in rather a surreptitious manner.
+Weightman's own account of the affair was this: "A bit iv a lad stept oot
+of a corner o' the ring, an' _pretendit_ he wasn't gāen to russel; but
+aw at yance, t' lāl taistral snapt't, an' bash't me doon iv a varra
+nasty fashion."
+
+During the same year, William Cass of Loweswater, the winner at Carlisle in
+1822, challenged any man in the north to wrestle a match for twenty
+guineas. In reply to this challenge, Weightman sent the following letter to
+the editor of the _Cumberland Pacquet_:--
+
+     SIR,--In reply to the challenge of Mr. Cass, given in
+     your paper of last week, to wrestle any man in
+     Cumberland, Westmorland, or Lancashire, for twenty
+     guineas, I beg to inform him through the same medium,
+     that I and my friends will be at the Duke's Head Inn,
+     Scotch-street, Carlisle, at two o'clock in the
+     afternoon of Saturday, October the 27th, where I hope
+     his friends will meet us to arrange preliminaries and
+     deposit the money.--I remain, Sir, yours very
+     respectfully,
+
+                             JOHN WEIGHTMAN.
+
+The wrestling world in the northern counties looked forward to this match
+with intense interest, but Cass thought backing out to be safer policy than
+encountering an opponent so formidable.
+
+In the year 1828, some preliminary steps were taken towards arranging a
+match between Weightman and Mc.Laughlan, the innkeeper, at the annual
+gathering at Carlisle in the autumn; but like the preceding ones, it came
+to nothing--finally ending in a tie, and then a wrangle. Mc.Laughlan at
+that time was a great overgrown giant, weighing at least five or six stone
+heavier than his rival. Referring to this meeting many years after,
+Weightman said: "Clatten com up--i' fun iv his way o' 't--gat hod o' me
+afooar I kent reetly whoar I was, an' flang me doon like a havver sheaf.
+Sec bairnish nonsense as that, ye know, suin rais't my dander, an' i' th'
+next roond I dūd whack him! I pait him weel back iv his oan mak o'
+coin."
+
+An acquaintance one day asked Mc.Laughlan how he liked Weightman's "grip"
+at Carlisle. "Oh, Lord! it was fair vice wark!" exclaimed the giant, giving
+an involuntary shudder at the mere thought of being screwed up in the
+"vice."
+
+In October, 1829, Weightman bore away the chief prize from the Penrith ring
+a second time. The entry included Cass of Loweswater and George
+Irving--both thrown by Weightman--and most of the best men in Cumberland
+and Westmorland. At the conclusion of the wrestling, the winner could have
+been backed against any man in England for £100.
+
+At Wigton--date uncertain--where there was a strong muster of good men from
+the East and West, the head prize of eight guineas fell into Weightman's
+hands.
+
+At one time or other, Weightman won seventeen silver cups, and once, on
+being asked what became of them, candidly replied: "I selt ivery yan o'
+them, an' drank th' brass."
+
+An anecdote illustrative of his fearless courage and successful resistance
+to apparently overwhelming odds, must not be forgotten. In the year 1829,
+his uncle sold a cow to a butcher in Carlisle, named Roberts, we believe.
+The payment for it not being forthcoming at the proper time, nor any
+prospect of it, Weightman was despatched to recover the amount owing, and
+rode to Carlisle on a brown filly for that purpose. Coming up with Roberts
+on Eden bridges--in company with another butcher and a
+confederate--Weightman told him he wanted "owther the coo back with him, or
+the brass to pay for it." The only reply to this question was the filly
+being struck so forcibly with a thick stick, that it was nearly "fell'd" to
+the ground with the stroke. Boiling with indignation at this treatment,
+Weightman cried out: "If ye strike the beast ageàn, I'll strike ye doon!"
+Again the filly was struck, and the fray began in earnest. Leaping off his
+horse, Weightman seized the two butchers, taking one in each arm, and
+"clash't the'r heids togidder till bleùd flew aboot like onything!" Their
+confederate also joined the fray in a skirmishing mode of attack, and
+although it was now three against one, they were rapidly getting the worst
+of it. Seeing the tide thus turning against them, one of the rascals
+resorted to the knife, and inflicted a great gash on Weightman's hand, the
+mark of which he bore to his dying day. An onlooker, who interfered on
+Weightman's behalf, was immediately knocked down, under the wheels of a
+cart, and severely injured. Things becoming thus desperate, several
+bystanders stepped forward at this stage of the affray, and put an end to
+the dastardly attack.
+
+Although Weightman possessed no lack of courage when it was called into
+action by such an event as the foregoing, he was, nevertheless, often very
+diffident and reserved in the affairs of everyday life. "I's nobbut
+shy--I's nobbut varra shy, an' divvent like to ax onybody," was a phrase
+frequently on his lips, when any trivial favour had to be solicited.
+
+At one time of his life, his company was a good deal sought after by 'Torny
+Armstrong, and two neighbouring 'statesmen, named Bleaymire and Jordan.
+"Sec chaps," said he, in regretful tones,--"sec wild divvels as thur, aye
+wantit a feùl; an' I sarra't for yen langer than I sud ha' deùn." After his
+wrestling days were over, Weightman continued his irregular habits and mode
+of life, and as age crept on he was by times reduced to considerable
+straits in order to make both ends meet. Hard-fisted poverty, and the
+pressure of circumstances in various ways, not unfrequently forced his
+simple Cumbrian speech to shape itself into proverbial phrases, which
+sometimes lingered in the memories of those who heard them for weeks and
+months after. Take the following as examples: "Fwok sud aye be menseful,
+an' menseful amang fwok." And again: "Jwohn Barleycworn's ruin't mony a gud
+heart, an' 'ill ruin mony mair yet."
+
+Poor Weightman! When Mr. Scott was taking the portrait, by photography,
+which illustrates this volume, the old man was greatly surprised at the
+process, and asked with much simplicity: "Is it a thing he hes mannish't to
+pick up by his oan ingenuity, d'ye think?--or hes't been put into him by
+God Almighty?"
+
+In his eightieth year, being reduced to the most abject poverty, alone in
+the world, and without friends to assist him, an appeal was made through
+the local papers for assistance, which met with a generous response on the
+part of the public, and served to "keep hunger frae t' dooar" while his
+health continued to be anything like good. But at the close of the year
+1874--in the midst of one of the severest winters on record--Weightman had
+a stroke, which laid him prostrate; and having no one near to minister to
+his wants, the parish authorities stept in and insisted upon his being
+removed to the poor-house at Brampton. This was sore news to the poor man,
+and went sadly against the grain, but there was no help for it. And in
+January, 1875, he, whose exploits in the wrestling ring had been cheered to
+the echo, again and again, by tens of thousands, at last found a pauper's
+grave--his corpse being followed thither by a couple of infirm old men from
+the workhouse, and none else.
+
+Such was the end of the powerful and gigantic John Weightman.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[12] "Gwordie Maut," in common phraseology, stood for George Armstrong, a
+well known character in Carlisle, who kept a public house, between the
+bridges in Caldewgate. "Gwordie" stood to Matthew Nutter, the artist, for
+the model of the stooping figure of the Maltster on the sign of the "Malt
+Shovel," in Rickergate.
+
+
+
+
+JOHN MC.LAUGHLAN
+
+OF DOVENBY.
+
+
+In the early part of the nineteenth century there lived at the rural
+village of Dovenby, a few miles north-west from Cockermouth, by far the
+tallest man in Cumberland--a man who stood six feet six inches in height,
+and who was one of Pharoah's lean kine, having at that date an hungry,
+unsatisfied look about him, which was anything but pleasant to the vision.
+This was John Mc.Laughlan, a labouring man, better known as "Clattan," who
+at certain seasons of the year, gained a livelihood by working in the woods
+at Isel, and at other times by paring turf on the pastures about Aspatria.
+
+The parents of this gigantic youth were both natives of the Highlands of
+Scotland, having migrated early in life southwards, and settled in
+Cumberland. The father was remarkably dexterous at sword exercise and
+fencing with the stick; who, in a friendly contest, sometimes took delight
+in showing his skill by hitting his opponent at pleasure, and on almost any
+part of the body he chose.
+
+"Clattan" was born about the year 1791; and as a lad practised wrestling
+upon the village green, with other Dovenby boys of a similar age. Growing
+up to manhood, and becoming master of a moderate share of science and
+action, he invariably lifted his opponents from the ground, and carried
+them off with the outside stroke; his principal mainstay, however, being
+his great height and immense weight. In the ring, he was exceedingly
+good-natured and affable, and would put himself to any amount of
+inconvenience rather than allow his body to fall awkwardly or heavily on a
+vanquished foe. He did not, however, follow wrestling closely. He only
+appeared upon the horizon by fits and starts, as it were; and in tracing
+his career, it will be found that two or three lengthy intervals intervene
+between his retirements and reappearances.
+
+As an athlete, Mc.Laughlan was somewhat late in flowering, having reached
+the age of twenty-six before he accomplished any feat worthy of record. In
+1817, he put in his first public appearance at Carlisle, at the wrestling
+in Shearer's Circus. Here he managed to mow down all competitors, including
+Tom Todd of Knarsdale, James Robinson, the gamekeeper, and, finally, his
+friend and neighbour, John Liddle of Bothel. About this date he was "a
+lang, thin, strip iv a chap, like a ladder; hed a varra laddish like leuk;
+a feùt gaily nar as lang's a fender; an' was rayder wake aboot the knees."
+Or, to change the simile--as a native of Cartmelfell once aptly phrased it:
+"Big an' beàny as he was, he was nobbut like a splinter blown off a man!"
+
+After his temporary success at Carlisle, fortune seems to have deserted him
+for many years. In 1819, he suffered his most memorable defeat at the hands
+of William Wilson of Ambleside, in the Keswick ring, who carried him off
+with a sweeping hipe. In 1824, he appeared at Wigton sports, and was thrown
+in the third round by Thomas Hodgson, the police-constable; and again in
+the third round of the second day, by James Graham of Kirklinton. In
+August, 1825, however, Clattan carried off the head prize at Whitehaven;
+Jonathan Watson being second.
+
+We are not aware that he wrestled in any ring from the last date mentioned,
+until his return in the year 1828, when he had grown amazingly in bulk,
+being then about twenty-two stone weight. At that time he was considered to
+be the most powerful man in Cumberland, and as an athlete had no rival, if
+we except Weightman of Hayton. It was an exaggerated, but nevertheless a
+very common saying, that he could lift a cottage house with ease, and carry
+it away with him on his back!
+
+The year 1828--with its curious winding-up scene--was the most noteworthy
+one in Clattan's wrestling career. In the month of August, he carried off
+the head prize at Workington races, with the greatest ease; George Irving
+of Boltongate being the second stander.
+
+At Keswick in September, almost the self-same scene was enacted, with
+Irving again second. Big men, like Cass of Loweswater, being, as it were,
+mere children in Clattan's arms.
+
+Following immediately in the rear of the Keswick races, came the annual
+gathering at Carlisle, where the Earl of Lonsdale still continued to give
+the sum of twenty guineas for prizes. Notwithstanding the morning on which
+the wrestling took place being gloomy and foreboding, hundreds and
+thousands poured into the old Border city from every available direction,
+and it was computed that at least 6,000 persons were gathered round the
+wrestling ring. Whilst ninety-two names were being enrolled for the head
+prize, including most of the crack men of the day, a group of itinerant
+ballad singers stood bawling to the assembled multitude, such home-spun
+staves as the following:--
+
+    "Now, Weightman, you must do your best
+      To bear the prize away;
+    For Clattan he is coming;
+      Don't let him win the day."
+
+We have reasons for saying that Weightman was _not_ at the wrestling on the
+Swifts that year. We believe he was engaged driving cattle at the time, at
+some considerable distance from Carlisle. His name was certainly entered by
+some person or other, and he was called out in the first round against
+Hutchinson of Featherstone Castle; but there being no response on
+Weightman's part, the ticket naturally fell to Hutchinson's lot.
+
+Having only to contend against men of ordinary calibre--the heaviest and
+tallest of whom would be fully six or seven stone deficient in weight, and
+about the same number of inches in height--Clattan, wearing a pair of
+Nankeen trousers, stalked through the Carlisle ring, in the most
+unobtrusive manner imaginable, and without making the least display of his
+giant strength. In the first round he was called against Rickerby of Old
+Wall, and Robinson of Renwick in the second. Despite some futile struggling
+on the part of these two men, he lifted them up and laid them down as
+easily as Gulliver would have done a couple of Lilliputians. In the third
+round, William Earl of Cumwhitton went to work with a will, and completely
+foiled Clattan by keeping well away from him. Not being able to gather Earl
+and hug him as he had done the previous ones, the tussle became an animated
+one, and for a time seemed to be of a doubtful character; but on improving
+his hold, the big man managed to twist Earl awkwardly to the ground by
+sheer strength. Next followed, in quick succession, the overthrow of Joseph
+Graham of Dufton, James Graham of Kirklinton, and Tom Richardson, the Dyer,
+at the hands of Clattan.
+
+Only two men were now left standing, namely, George Irving of Boltongate,
+and Clattan; and by Irving asking Clattan, as a favour, not to throw
+himself heavily on him, the result was understood to be a foregone
+conclusion. Good-naturedly acting upon this request, Clattan without more
+ado, whipped Irving off his feet, turned him smartly round, and then let
+go his hold, in order to avoid falling on his man. Meanwhile, Irving having
+cunningly retained _his_ hold, claimed the fall, which according to the
+rules of the game, was awarded to him by the umpires. The scene which
+followed baffles all description. The crowd danced, laughed, yelled, and
+ran wild with commotion. Clattan was completely nonplussed by the _ruse_,
+and bore the result for a time with Job-like patience; but at length his
+good nature fairly broke down. He fumed and tore about like one half
+crazed, ground his teeth, and swore he "wad russel him for fifty pund to a
+pund--for a hundred pund to a pund--for any amount he liket!" But Irving,
+having accomplished his ends, was far too wary a customer to be drawn into
+any further trial which meant defeat. Meanwhile, Irving's friends hoisted
+him shoulder high, and bore him away in triumph; and poor Clattan could
+only content himself with a final shot at his enemy by crying out: "If iver
+I git hod o' thee ageàn, my lad, _I'll mak the' put thy tongue oot_!"
+
+After this mishap, the tide of popularity seems to have set in against
+Mc.Laughlan in all directions. At Dovenby races, held in June, 1829, he put
+in an appearance, but no sooner was his name called than it created much
+discontent among the competitors: one wrestler swearing that he was "as big
+as a hoose side," and another asking derisively for a ladder, "to clim' on
+t' top of his shooders wid!" In order to dispel this outburst of feeling,
+the stewards offered the giant a liberal sum if he would take the post of
+umpire, and give up contending; which proposal he accepted in the most
+cordial manner. The chief prize for wrestling (after the withdrawal of the
+big man,) was carried off by Jonathan Robinson of Allerby mill.
+
+A correspondent of the _Cumberland Pacquet_, in speaking of the Penrith
+races in 1829, says, he "cannot imagine upon what principle of justice the
+individuals acted, who brought a man fifty miles from home by an open
+advertisement, and then debarred him." The same correspondent, also,
+complains that Mc.Laughlan was excluded from the Carlisle ring of the same
+year, in the face of an advertisement which distinctly stated it was "open
+to any man."
+
+At the great gathering at Cockermouth in August, 1830, Clattan was allowed
+to enter his name without opposition in the first day's list, where he
+carried off the head prize, throwing James Little, George Murgatroyd, John
+Birket, and finally William Earl.
+
+In 1837, his last victory, we believe, was gained at Liverpool, after
+mowing down John Nichol of Bothel, Jonathan Thomlinson, and Thomas
+Armstrong of Carlisle, in the heavy weight prize.
+
+Clattan figured again in the Liverpool ring in 1840, at which date he would
+be about fifty years old; but the fates were against him. He was drawn
+against John Selkirk of Beckermet. It is worthy of remark, (says a report
+in the _Carlisle Journal_,) that Selkirk's father threw Mc.Laughlan
+twenty-six years ago; and Mc.Laughlan was overheard to say, it would be a
+shame to let both father and son throw him. But so it proved, for after a
+very severe struggle, in which Selkirk showed himself to be a wrestler of
+no ordinary ability, the first fall was given in as unfair, and they had to
+wrestle over again. In getting hold a second time, Mc.Laughlan put all his
+powers in requisition, but to no avail, for Selkirk threw him in a masterly
+manner.
+
+One incongruous element of Clattan's character has still to be mentioned,
+namely, his _weakness_ for sparring and boxing. His temperament was made up
+of too many good-natured components to allow of his ever degenerating into
+a mere prize-fighter. The big man, to the best of our knowledge, had a
+determined "set-to" once, and only once. It occurred at a Bridewain held in
+the Vale of Lorton. William Mackereth and Clattan--who had been close
+friends for years--fell out over some trifling affair, and a keenly
+contested fight was the result. After the struggle had continued some time,
+Mackereth succeeded in driving Clattan from one stand to another, until the
+giant finally gave in. Clattan threatened to "fettle him off when he com
+back frae sparring," with the professors of the noble art mentioned
+hereafter; but he proved to be far too good natured to attempt to carry
+any such threat into execution.
+
+Clattan's "experience with the bruising fraternity"--we quote from a clever
+notice, which appeared in the _Whitehaven News_--"was confined to
+travelling with the celebrated pugilists, Tom Molyneaux, the Black, (who
+twice contested the championship with Tom Cribb,) and Jack Carter, the
+latter of whom fought a terrible battle with Oliver at Gretna Green in
+1816.... With these heroes, John made a tour in the provinces and Scotland,
+extending over four or five years, in the course of which he gave and took
+more hard knocks, as an exhibition sparrer, from his formidable and
+dexterous colleagues, than would satisfy the ambition of most men; but, as
+we have said, the big man never acquired a taste for fighting. It was
+scarcely possible, under any circumstances, to surprise him out of one of
+the quietest dispositions and finest tempers with which giant was ever
+blessed; and the sole use he made of the hard schooling he received at the
+hands of Molyneaux and Carter, and the countless yokels, ambitious of
+fistic distinction, was to amuse a few of his patrons. The art and mystery
+of bruising was practised nowhere more extensively and industriously than
+by a chosen band of youths who frequented John's house in the Market-place,
+Whitehaven. To oblige these young gentlemen, and test their dexterity,
+'Clattan' has been known to sit down in a chair, to ensure something like
+equality of height, and 'set himself'; and very dexterous had young
+Whitehaven to be if it could hit and get away, even under these
+circumstances, without a counter tap, as from a playful steam hammer....
+Many wonderful tales are told of 'Clattan.' He could crack nuts with his
+thumb and forefinger as easily as a schoolboy could crush a gooseberry, and
+we forget the enormous weight he could suspend round his wrist while he
+wrote his name against the wall."
+
+Mc.Laughlan was an innkeeper in Whitehaven for a great number of years,
+being the landlord of "The Highlandman," or "Rising Sun," in the
+Market-place. Here he drove a flourishing trade, which resulted in a great
+measure from frequenters of his house always finding him to be civil and
+obliging.
+
+At Whitehaven, Clattan joined the town band formed by Mr. Heywood, clerk to
+the magistrates. In this capacity, he invariably marched first in
+processions, and did what he could to make sweet music out of the
+instrument he played, an immense trombone, his giant-like form towering
+above his fellows, like that of Goliath of Gath among the Gittites.
+
+Leaving Whitehaven about 1838 or 1839, he settled in Liverpool, where he
+was employed about the docks for several years. His wife, Betty, afterwards
+kept a lodging-house in Sparling-street; but more latterly they lived
+retired and in comfortable circumstances, principally through the kindness
+of one of his sons, the captain of a trading vessel.
+
+Mc.Laughlan died in Liverpool, in October, 1876, at the advanced age of
+eighty-five years.
+
+
+
+
+BULL BAITING.
+
+
+It must be exceedingly gratifying to all ranks of society throughout the
+United Kingdom, who take any interest in the social progress of the
+inhabitants, in the onward march from semi-barbarism to a higher state of
+civilization--from indulgence in brutal amusements, pursued with eager
+gratification during the eighteenth century--to note a gradual stamping out
+of vicious pursuits, and the growth of more harmless amusements.
+
+Amongst the lower order of our crowded towns and rural districts, amongst
+the middle classes of society, and even amongst the higher orders--the
+cream of society--the welcome change is strikingly evident. The lower
+orders were probably the most prone to indulge in the vile and degrading
+pursuits, which have in a great measure been rooted out, but they were by
+no means the only culpable parties. The higher and middle classes freely
+lent their countenance and support--lent their assistance not alone by
+being present at, but by liberal contributions aided in getting up, the
+horrible scenes witnessed at the bull-ring, the bear garden, the cock and
+rat pits, the boxing ring, and badger worrying. Even royalty, with its
+gorgeous trappings, and long list of titled favourites, smiled at and
+enjoyed the ferocious pastime.
+
+A laudable endeavour to abolish them was made in the year 1800. A bill was
+introduced by Sir W. Pulteney, into the House of Commons, for the abolition
+of bull baiting and other cruel sports; but Mr. Wyndham--the leader at that
+time of a powerful party of country gentlemen--opposed the bill on the
+ground that it attempted to suppress a national amusement, which was not
+more cruel than fox-hunting; a pastime so important that a clever writer
+has said, "You ruin the country as soon as you put an end to fox-hunting."
+Mr. Wyndham, on the one hand, was supported by Mr. Canning, and on the
+other hand opposed by Mr. Sheridan. Up to the year 1835, an agitation was
+fostered against brutal sports, and the time-honoured institutions of seven
+centuries were then, by Act of Parliament, for ever blotted out from the
+town and country pleasures of Great Britain and Ireland.
+
+The defunct pastimes, we have under consideration, were amongst the most
+exciting as well as brutal amusements of the eighteenth century, and to a
+record of them in the "good old times," this short article will be devoted.
+In nearly every town, and in most rural districts, there was the attractive
+bull ring. The gatherings never attained the gigantic and imposing
+dimensions of the Roman Coliseum and the Spanish Amphitheatre bull
+fights--institutions no better than a species of bull baiting, and attended
+with greater cruelty and bloodshed than the English bull ring. The national
+mind in our own country was never so thoroughly embued with the horrible
+pastime as the citizens of Rome and Madrid; but was sufficiently brutified
+as to be considered at the present time a disgrace to humanity. The sad
+sights, however, which gladdened the eye, and drew forth shouts of
+applause, from "good Queen Bess" and her followers, when she entertained
+the ambassadors from Continental courts, with a display of bear and bull
+baiting, are happily at an end.
+
+We shall now proceed to the more immediate object of our article, namely, a
+notice of bull baiting in our own country, and more particularly in the two
+northern counties of Cumberland and Westmorland. In England, the baiting
+was done, as our readers will doubtless be aware, with a breed of dogs
+peculiar to the country, called "bull" dogs. This breed, so famous in
+story, might probably have become extinct after bull baiting was abolished,
+had it not been for the numerous dog shows which have since taken place
+throughout the country, where prizes are given for purity of breed and
+excellence of form. Their principal characteristics are indomitable
+courage, and an instinctive propensity to pin their huge adversary by the
+nose. In order to effect this object, well bred dogs would rush furiously
+at the bull, and although they might be unsuccessful and stand a chance of
+being tossed high in the air, they never failed in returning again and
+again to the attack. Wonderful stories may be gleaned, in all parts of the
+kingdom, illustrative of their never dying resolute courage. In the quality
+of endurance, under punishment, they may be likened to the English game
+cock--the agonies of death even not being able to quench their fighting
+propensities.
+
+The following well authenticated anecdote, related by Bewick, the wood
+engraver, illustrates this point in a most barbarous and disgraceful
+manner. Many years ago, at a bull baiting in the North of England, a young
+man, confident of the courage of his dog, laid some trifling wager, that he
+would, at separate times, cut off all the four feet of his dog, and that,
+after each amputation, it would attack the bull. The cruel experiment was
+tried, and the gallant and courageous dog continued to rush at the bull,
+upon its four stumps, as eagerly as if it had been perfectly whole!
+
+Another anecdote of the bull dog has more of a ludicrous dash about it. A
+father and son, in a northern village, had a young pup, descended from a
+famous breed, out for exercise and training. The son accosted the rough old
+paterfamilias with: "Doon on ye'r knees, fadder, an' boo like a bull!" The
+"fadder" did as he was desired, and began "booin'." Before many "boos" had
+been repeated, however, the pup had seized the sham "booin'" bull firmly
+by the nose. Delighted at the ready tact displayed by the dog, young
+hopeful roared out: "Bide it, fadder! bide it! It'll be t' _makkin_' o' t'
+pup!"
+
+Carlisle is the first northern town at which we shall notice bull baiting.
+Our account has been gathered from tradition and from spectators of the
+scenes. The old bull ring stood in the market place, in close proximity to
+the "stocks," on that space of ground lying between the ancient cross and
+the front of the town hall. There, from time immemorial, was the savage
+pastime witnessed by generation after generation. If we cannot carry it
+back to the dim mystical times, when
+
+    Kinge Arthur lived in merry Carleile,
+      And seemely was to see,
+    And there with him Queene Genever,
+      That bride soe bright of blee--
+
+It requires but a limited stretch of the imagination to picture it in full
+swing at the time when the three brave foresters of Inglewood
+flourished,--Adam Bell, Clym o' the Clough, and William o' Cloudeslee,--and
+when the two former rescued the latter from the hangman's cart in the same
+market place.
+
+    And Cloudeslee lay ready there in a cart,
+      Ffast bound both foote and hande;
+    And a strong rope about his necke,
+      All readye ffor to hange.
+
+Men have been maimed for life, and even gored to death, in bull baiting
+frays, held in front of the Carlisle town hall. A large ferocious animal,
+known as the "Linstock bull," was baited no less than three times. It once
+broke loose from the ring; threw the multitude into wild disorder; knocked
+down several of the bystanders, who came in contact with its onward
+progress; and ran a butcher, named Gibbons, up against the wall! At this
+exciting moment a cry from the crowd rent the air, which appalled the
+bravest heart, but happily no material damage was done. For, curiously
+enough, the man's life was saved through the animal's horns growing far
+apart; the bull being one of the Lancashire long-horned breed, formerly
+very common throughout the north country.
+
+In old times, an aged woman, of coarse features and Amazonian strength,
+figured prominently in the Carlisle ring, and was invariably accompanied by
+a savage dog, called "Pincher." Her shrill voice was often heard, far above
+the hubbub of the crowd, with such exclamations as, "Weel done,
+Pincher!--good dog, Pincher!--stick till't, Pincher! Ha! ha! Pincher's
+gripp't it noo!" And then, all at once, up went the veritable Pincher,
+twenty feet in the air, turning "bully necks" three or four times, and
+falling on the ground with a heavy thud, stunned and bleeding.
+
+After prevailing at Carlisle for four or five centuries, and continuing as
+time rolled on without any abatement to the end, both vicious and brutal,
+bull baiting was finally suppressed _within_ the limits of the ancient
+border city, about the end of the eighteenth century.
+
+The last public bull baitings at Carlisle took place in the cattle market
+on the "Sands"--then _outside_ the city boundaries--in the months of August
+and September, 1824. Long before the time fixed to commence the proceedings
+on the first occasion, thousands of persons--many of them females--were
+assembled. The adjoining bridge was thronged, houses were covered, and
+every eminence densely packed with eager expectant human beings. All the
+scum and blackguardism of the old border city had quitted it. No such
+outpouring could be remembered to have taken place, except when the noted
+professors of pugilism, Carter and Oliver, contended at Gretna. The bull to
+be baited was of the black Galloway breed, and had been purchased under
+peculiar circumstances, by a few disreputable characters. In contending
+against its canine assailants, it laboured under the great disadvantage of
+being without horns.
+
+The primary cause of the baitings was owing to the fact of the animal
+having shown itself vicious, or in local phraseology, "man keen," by
+attacking its owner, Mr. Rome of Park-house farm, near Rose Castle.
+Suddenly turning round, in an open field, it tossed Mr. Rome over three
+"riggs," injuring him so much that recovery was for some time considered
+doubtful. It was supposed the bull had been irritated by a butcher's boy.
+This may have been the case; but too much reliance is often placed on the
+general docility of bulls. They are well known to be liable to sudden
+outbursts of passion. This dangerous element may be said to be wedded to
+their nature, and hence the deplorable accidents that sometimes happen. Due
+caution was wanting in this case. The Park-house bull had previously shewn
+symptoms of an unruly disposition, and yet Mr. Rome unguardedly entered the
+"bull copy" to drive away some cows. The attack was so sudden, that there
+was no chance of escape, and the owner would in all probability have been
+killed on the spot, but for the opportune assistance of two men servants,
+who succeeded in driving off the excited and furious beast with pitchforks.
+
+On two separate occasions, the unfortunate beast was bound to the stake on
+the Sands. It would have been, comparatively speaking, a merciful end to
+the animal's life to have killed it at once, without inflicting the torture
+of baiting, for the alleged purpose of rendering the beef tender. The bull
+was fastened by a heavy chain, some twenty yards long, sufficient to give
+it room to make play. At one time the conduct of the crowd was so confused
+and disorderly, that several persons were injured, by the frightened animal
+rushing about, and sweeping them off their feet with its chain. No one,
+however, received any serious injury.
+
+Several noted dogs were slipped at the bull. A yellow one, known in
+sporting circles as David Spedding's "Peace;" a dark brindled one, owned by
+Dan Sims, the publican; and a bitch, belonging to one Kirkpatrick; all
+seized the bull cleverly by the nose, and made "good work." The yellow dog
+especially had the knack of laying hold, and maintaining its grip to
+perfection. Its usual mode of attack was to run between the fore legs of
+the bull, fasten itself to the under lip, and then hang on like grim death.
+
+Much amusement was created, by an Irishman running fussing about, and
+shouting at the top of his voice: "Hould on there, hould on, till my dog
+saizes the big baiste!" Pat let go. His dog made a bold dash at the bull,
+and good sport was anticipated by the onlookers; but no sooner was the dog
+turned upon by the enraged animal, than it showed tail, and ran for safety.
+This "funking" on the part of the Irishman's dog, created loud laughter
+among the crowd, and was followed by such bantering remarks as, "Arrah,
+Pat, arrah! Ye'r dog's not game!"
+
+In the hubbub, a man named Robert Telford, an auctioneer, was knocked over
+by a sudden swerve of the ponderous chain which fastened the bull, and for
+some time lay sprawling helpless in the dirt. He had a narrow escape from
+being tossed in the air, boots uppermost, or else savagely gored.
+
+Scarcely had the barking and growling of the dogs subsided, or the yelling
+and shouting of the assembled rabble died away, when one of the onlookers,
+who had been somewhat disappointed in the scenes enacted, pronounced it to
+be but "a tamish sort of affair, after all!" A local celebrity,[13] also,
+on leaving the ground, delivered himself of the following opinion, in slow
+pompous tones: "Bad bait--bad bait! Bull too gross!"--the meaning of which
+was that the bull was too fat to display that ferocity and activity which
+some of the spectators had expected it would have done.
+
+So fagged and spiritless had the animal become after one of the baits, that
+a rough-spun butcher--a madcap of a fellow--had the temerity to leap
+astride its back, and to ride up Rickergate in that ungainly fashion; while
+the poor beast, now completely deadened to attack or viciousness of any
+kind, was being slowly lead in the direction of some shambles or
+outbuildings in East Tower street.
+
+A disaster which befel the comedian, Riley, a few years before Mr. Rome was
+nearly killed at Park-house farm, had a somewhat ludicrous termination. The
+author of the _Itinerant_, in professionally "starring" through the
+provinces, remained for some time in the neighbourhood of Furness Abbey,
+and was engaged to lend his assistance there. The entertainment going off
+very successfully, a "leetle" too much wine followed on the heels of it.
+This we presume, for the quantity imbibed by Mr. Riley rendered his
+perception not quite so clear as it might have been. The way to his
+quarters was by a footpath through some fields; and jogging along by the
+dimmish light of an obscured moon, he rambled off the path, and got into a
+field in which a pugnaciously inclined bull was kept. Snatches of song and
+other sounds arousing the brute from his night's slumber, he rose and
+prepared to attack the son of _Thespis_, and gave notice of his intentions
+by several long drawn "boos," which "boos" Mr. Riley attributed to some one
+coming after him from the concert. The bull followed up, and got nearer and
+nearer, with his "boo--boo--boo!" A collision suddenly took place close to
+the hedge, and in the twinkling of an eye the gentleman was tossed up, and
+landed secure, but prostrate, on the other side of the hedge, without any
+harm but a good shaking. Looking up, the astonished comedian exclaimed:
+"You are neither a musician nor a gentleman, by ----, if you are!"
+
+During the eighteenth century, and for thirty or forty years into the
+present one, farmers, small tradesmen, indeed, most families living in the
+country, who could afford it, at the fall of the year, salted and stored by
+as much beef as served the family through the winter. Hence bull
+baiting--until suppressed--prevailed in most of the northern towns and
+villages, in the month of November. The weather was then suitable for
+salting a supply of beef for winter use, and an extra quantity either of
+bull or heifer beef was quite saleable at that season of the year. An
+erroneous idea prevailed--had indeed become a settled conviction, that bull
+beef was much better--should not be used as food, in fact, without the
+animal had been subject to the usual barbarous baiting.
+
+In many places there prevailed a stringent regulation, that bulls should
+not be slaughtered, until they had passed the ordeal of baiting; and
+curious observances were enforced should the practice be omitted. In
+Kendal, for instance, a singular custom was to be observed when any butcher
+killed a bull, and attempted to dispose of the beef, without the animal
+having been fastened to the bull ring and baited. The seller of the carcass
+was obliged to have put up conspicuously, a large sign board, with the
+words "Bull Beef," painted in legible letters, and to have a lantern stuck
+up, with lighted candles burning in it, as long as the tabooed beef
+remained unsold. This singular regulation or custom continued in use, and
+was regularly observed as long as bull baiting was permitted in the town.
+
+The Kendal bull ring was fixed on a green at the High Beast Banks, and had
+been so fixed for generations. There the disgusting, demoralizing
+saturnalia, with all its ruffianly concomitants, was held before a yelling
+crowd of professedly civilized spectators. This brutal indulgence was
+continued to the mayoralty of Mr. William Dobson, in 1790, when the
+corporation interfered and put a final stop to it. We are surprised that in
+Kendal, where the Quaker element in the population was so strong, the
+odious "sport" should have been allowed to continue so long. The followers
+of George Fox, we feel assured, would consider any encouragement given to
+such degrading brutality as morally criminal.
+
+Great Dockray and Sandgate, in the pleasant and busy market town of
+Penrith, were the scenes of many uproarious bull baits. In one day, no less
+than five beasts have been tied to the stake, and unmercifully tortured.
+They would all be required, and many carcasses besides, at that season of
+the year when salt beef was prepared for winter consumption. At Penrith,
+the bull baitings were regularly attended by crowds of spectators, from all
+the surrounding country villages. The inhabitants of the town, too,
+deserted their quiet homes to witness the exciting but barbarous practice.
+In Penrith, as well as other places, the idea was rooted in the minds of
+the people that bulls intended for slaughter, and sold for human food,
+should be baited. If the carcass of a bull, in the shambles of a butcher,
+had not been subjected to the usual process of brutal cruelty, it would
+have been rejected. The village of Stainton, as well as Penrith, was noted
+for bull dogs of a pure and courageous breed. Those normal tribes of
+gipsies, tinkers, and potters, who roamed over Cumberland, Westmorland, and
+the borders of Scotland, during the latter part of the eighteenth century,
+were celebrated for breeding and training bull dogs of a superior
+description.
+
+The small but interesting market town of Keswick--highly celebrated at the
+present day, as the head quarters of numerous lake and mountain
+excursionists--likewise had its bull ring, to which, through a lengthened
+period of time, hundreds of unfortunate animals were tied and baited. No
+greater desecration can be imagined to one of the most attractive districts
+in Great Britain--revealing at every step scenes displaying vividly the
+sublime beauty and grandeur of God's choicest handiwork--than the mad
+uproar, the wild confusion, and gross brutality of a bull bait. The echoes
+of the surrounding hills were made to resound with the furious merriment of
+an excited multitude, in the full enjoyment of a cruel "sport." From the
+beautiful Vale of Saint John, from the lower slopes of Blencathra and
+Skiddaw, from the confines of the picturesque lake of Bassenthwaite, from
+the surroundings of the more imposing Derwentwater, from many scattered
+villages, like Borrowdale, crowds hastened to share in the gross enjoyment
+of a hideous outrage on humanity.
+
+The bull ring at Keswick,--as well as at Carlisle, Penrith, Wigton, Kendal,
+and other places in the Lake country--was frequently the means of starting
+a combat between some pugnaciously inclined Tom Crib, and any one who,
+through intimidation, could be drawn into a fight. "Shaking the bull ring"
+was tantamount to a challenge from some foolhardy individual, to "hev it
+oot" with any one inclined to step forward; and it rarely happened at
+"statute fairs" but that at least some two or three pugilistic encounters
+followed the "shaking."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[13] Mr. William Browne, who began life in Carlisle as a bookbinder, and
+ended as auctioneer, appraiser, and high-bailiff to the County Court.
+
+
+
+
+BADGERS AND BADGER BAITING.
+
+
+Baiting the badger differed from bull baiting in one respect, inasmuch as
+the former was generally practised in some room or yard, mostly attached to
+a public house. It was often a private affair, got up by some sporting
+landlord, for the purpose of drawing customers to his hostelry, as well as
+to have an opportunity of seeing the badger drawn; while bull baiting,
+except on great state occasions, was always a public affair.
+
+The badger, in former times called the "Grey," is a small animal, which at
+no remote period was, comparatively speaking, plentiful in Cumberland and
+Westmorland, and in various parts of the north of England. It abounded,
+too, in Scotland, and its cured skin was used in making the Highlander's
+hanging pouch. It measured about three feet from the snout to the end of
+the tail, and weighed from seventeen to thirty pounds. Few animals are
+better able to defend themselves, and fewer still of their own weight and
+size dare attack them, in their native haunts. When in good case, they are
+remarkably strong, fight with great resolution if brought to bay, can bite
+extremely hard, and inflict very severe wounds. It is strange that it
+should have been so persistently and ruthlessly hunted and destroyed, so
+as to lead to the almost entire extermination of the herd in this country.
+
+In _Reminiscences of West Cumberland_, (printed for private circulation, in
+1882,) William Dickinson gives the following account of the capture of some
+of these animals:--"On March 29, 1867, a badger was captured in a wood
+adjoining the river Derwent, by Mr. Stirling's gamekeeper. It was a full
+grown animal, in prime condition, and was secured without sustaining any
+injury. A few years before that a badger was caught near St. Bees. It was
+supposed to have escaped from captivity. Within my recollection, a badger
+was taken by a shepherd and his dogs, on Birker moor, and believed to be a
+wild one; and none had been known for many miles around by any one living.
+They are not now known to breed in Cumberland; but the late Mr. John Peel
+of Eskat, told me the brock or badger had a strong hold in Eskat woods, and
+that he once came so suddenly on a brock asleep, as it basked in the sun,
+that he struck it with his bill hook, and wounded it in the hind quarter.
+Its hole was so near that it crawled in and was lost. The place is still
+called the Brock-holes."
+
+An interesting experiment has been tried on the Naworth Castle estate, the
+Border residence of Mr. George Howard, a dozen miles or so from Carlisle.
+About the year 1877 or 1878, four healthy and well developed badgers were
+let off, some two miles eastward from the castle, near the side of the
+river Irthing, which flows through a wide sweep of charmingly diversified
+scenery. The place occupied by them is a piece of rough, woodland, "banky"
+ground, quiet and secluded, the soil being of a dry sandy nature. The
+badgers, in the first instance, were lodged in an old fox earth "bield,"
+part of which they have held in undisturbed possession ever since. They
+appeared to fall in naturally with their new quarters, and soon took to
+digging and making the hole, and its various ramifications, much larger and
+more capacious.
+
+Curiously enough, after the lapse of some years, the foxes returned to
+their old retreat, and for two successive seasons there has been a breed of
+young cubs reared in the same burrow with the badgers. Each species of
+animal has taken up a separate part or side-branch of the hole for its own
+particular use and abode; and, so far as appearance goes, the two families
+have lived together happy and contented for the time being.
+
+A similar illustration of foxes fraternising with badgers is amply borne
+out in a valuable communication to _The Times_, of October 24th, 1877, by
+Mr. Alfred Ellis of Loughborough, who, after some difficulty, introduced a
+breed of badgers, in semi-wild state, to a covert within fifty yards of his
+own residence. Mr. Ellis says, "The fox and the badger are not unfriendly,
+and last spring a litter of cubs was brought forth very near the badgers;
+but their mother removed them after they had grown familiar, as she
+probably thought they were showing themselves more than was prudent."
+
+The neighbouring dogs are not known to have molested the Naworth badgers in
+any way, and it is now supposed the estate can number about a dozen in
+numerical strength. The nocturnal habits, natural to badgers, make it very
+difficult to study their actions and mode of life, with any amount of close
+observancy, as they rarely leave their holes till near nightfall, and are
+back again generally by daybreak.
+
+There is not much which properly comes under the game laws near the
+badgers' place of rendezvous, but Mr. Brown, the head keeper, is under the
+impression that they are destructive to some kinds of game; in fact, he
+says, they take anything they can lay hold of in the shape of eggs or young
+birds. They dig a good deal for fern roots, and feed upon them, turning up
+the ground in the same way that a pig does. It would appear also that they
+are very fond of moles. Any of these animals left dead by the keepers or
+foresters, in the vicinity of their haunts, invariably disappear quickly
+and are no more seen.
+
+Shy, reserved, and alert as the badgers are, they may be come upon
+sometimes, by chance or accident, on the banks of the Irthing; and when
+seen in the dusky twilight of a summer evening, "scufterin'" along through
+the long grass or "bracken" beds, they might be easily mistaken for a
+litter of young pigs.
+
+In addition to the food incidentally mentioned, the badger lives upon
+frogs, insects, wasps' nests, fruit, grass, and a great variety of other
+things. Its habits are perfectly harmless in a wild state; and yet few
+animals have suffered so much cruel torture, in consequence of vulgar
+prejudice. The hams, as food, were esteemed superior in delicacy of flavour
+to the domestic pig or wild hog. In this country, the hind quarters only
+were used for food; while in some parts of Europe and in China, the whole
+carcass was held in high esteem, and considered to be very nutritious.
+
+In hunting and capturing them, the usual plan was to dig a hole in the
+ground, across some path which they were known to frequent, covering the
+pit lightly over with sticks and leaves. Another mode of catching them was
+by means of a sack being carefully fitted to the entrance of their burrows.
+When supposed to be out feeding, two or three dogs were set to hunt the
+adjoining grounds, and the badger was thus driven homewards, and safely
+secured in the sack.
+
+The mode of baiting was generally pursued as follows. Sometimes, according
+to choice, the animal was put into a barrel; while at other times, a trench
+was dug in the ground, fourteen inches deep and of the same width, and
+covered over with a board. But the plan most frequently adopted was to have
+a square drain-like box constructed, in the form of a capital letter ∟.
+The longer part measured something like six feet in length, and the
+shorter part four feet. The box was throughout thirteen or fourteen inches
+square, with only one entrance way. When a batting display took place, the
+badger was placed inside the box at the far end of the shorter compartment.
+It will be apparent, from being so placed, that it had some advantage over
+any dog attacking in front. The dog had to proceed up the longer leg of the
+box, and then turning sharp round, found the object of its search
+cautiously crouching, and on the watch for any advancing foe.
+
+A strong fresh badger was never unprepared for fight, and, by being thus on
+the alert, had the opportunity of inflicting a fearful bite at the outset;
+so severe, indeed, that any currish inclined dog at once made the best of
+his way out, howling with pain, and thoroughly discomfited. And no coaxing,
+no inducement in the world, could make the craven-hearted brute attempt a
+second attack.
+
+On the contrary, one of the right sort rushed immediately into close
+quarters, seized the badger with as little delay as might be, and
+endeavoured to drag it forth into open daylight. It required a dog of rare
+pluck and courage, however, to accomplish this feat--one, in fact,
+insensible to punishment; and few could be found willing to face and endure
+hard biting, and force the badger from its lair. Pure bred bull dogs will
+naturally go in and face anything, but it is in very few instances that
+they make any attempt to draw. Long experience showed that the best and
+truest that could be produced, were a cross between a well bred bull dog
+and a terrier, commonly known as bull terriers. Sufficiently powerful and
+courageous dogs were, also, to some extent, to be found amongst rough wiry
+haired terriers--the Charlieshope Pepper and Mustard breed of Dandie
+Dinmonts--which "fear naething that ever cam wi' a hairy skin on't;" and
+the handsome, smooth, glossy-coated black and tan dog, "fell chield at the
+varmin," which would buckle either "tods or brocks." Bedlington
+terriers,--a distinct breed of Northumbrian origin, long known and esteemed
+in Cumberland and other northern counties--have frequently proved
+themselves admirable adepts at drawing the badger. These dogs, properly
+speaking, are more "fluffy" coated than wiry--have greater length of leg
+than the Dandie Dinmonts--are full of spirit and stamina--remarkably active
+and alert--and very fierce and resolute when called into action.
+
+The badger is not often much hurt in the drawing, the thickness of their
+skin being sufficient to prevent them from taking any great harm. The
+looseness of the skin is such that they can turn easily, and, moreover,
+they are so quick in moving about, that the dogs are often desperately
+wounded in the first assault, and compelled to give up the contest.
+
+To give an idea of the extreme sensitiveness for cleanliness which
+characterize the habits of the badger, let the following example be taken.
+On being drawn from its barrel by the dog, it not unfrequently happens in
+the scuffle which ensues, that the animal is rolled over and over, among
+the mire of the road, or the dirt of some neighbouring dunghill. Should the
+badger, however, be able to escape to its place of refuge in the barrel,
+even for a minute or two, the onlooker is surprised to find it turn out
+again as "snod" and clean, as if the dragging process through the dirt had
+never been undergone.
+
+Several proverbial sayings are current, which have been drawn from the
+nature and habits of this animal. For instance, a man of much and long
+continued endurance, is said to be "as hard as a brock;" and any one, upon
+whom age is creeping, and whose hair has lost a good deal of its original
+brightness, is said to be "as grey as a badger." Relph of Sebergham, in
+detailing in his native patois, the woes of a young and lusty love-sick
+swain, gives an illustration of one of the modes of hunting the animal:--
+
+    Nae mair i' th' neets thro' woods he leads,
+      To treace the wand'rin' _brock_;
+    But sits i' th' nuik, an' nowt else heeds,
+      But Jenny an' her rock.
+
+In addition to the haunts of the badger incidentally mentioned,
+Brock-stones, in Kentmere; Brock-holes, at the foot of Tebay Fells;
+Graythwaite woods, in Furness Fells; Greystoke forest, near Penrith;
+Brockley-moor, in Inglewood forest; Brock-hills, near Hesket Newmarket; and
+Brocklebank, on the east side of Derwentwater;--these and many other like
+coverts in the Lake Country, (as their names indicate,) were all
+strongholds and places of much resort for these animals, in the olden time.
+
+Within the memory of living man, badgers have burrowed in the sand hills on
+Brocklebank, where it was not uncustomary for the tag-rag and bob-tail
+fraternity of Keswick, to hunt and capture them for the purpose of baiting.
+
+About the year 1823, Tom Wilson, a shoemaker--reared at The Woodman inn,
+Keswick--remembers one being caught in a sack at the foot of Brockle-beck,
+when a novel but extremely foolish experiment was tried in the way of
+hunting it. It was let off in the midst of a gang of rough men, half-grown
+lads, and dogs, in deep water, near Lord's Island on Derwent Lake, and the
+chances are that the poor animal perished by drowning. At all events, it
+soon disappeared under the surface, and was never seen again by man or dog.
+
+A husbandman, named Jonathan Gill, captured another on Great How, a steep
+wooded mountain which rises on the east side of Thirlmere lake. These are
+the two last badgers in the Keswick locality, of which we have any tidings.
+It is more than probable that the Brocklebank herd became dispersed or
+extinct about this period.
+
+
+
+
+ADDENDA
+
+MIDNIGHT CHASE OF A BULL BY PROFESSOR WILSON.
+
+THOMAS DE QUINCEY.
+
+
+Represent to yourself the earliest dawn of a fine summer's morning, time
+about half-past two o'clock. A young man, anxious for an introduction to
+Mr. Wilson, and as yet pretty nearly a stranger to the country, has taken
+up his abode in Grasmere, and has strolled out at this early hour to that
+rocky and moorish common (called the White Moss) which overhangs the Vale
+of Rydal, dividing it from Grasmere. Looking southwards in the direction of
+Rydal, suddenly he becomes aware of a huge beast advancing at a long trot,
+with the heavy and thundering tread of a hippopotamus, along the public
+road. The creature is soon arrived within half a mile of his station; and
+by the grey light of morning is at length made out to be a bull, apparently
+flying from some unseen enemy in his rear. As yet, however, all is mystery;
+but suddenly three horsemen double a turn in the road, and come flying into
+sight with the speed of a hurricane, manifestly in pursuit of the fugitive
+bull. The bull labours to navigate his huge bulk to the moor, which he
+reaches, and then pauses panting and blowing out clouds of smoke from his
+nostrils, to look back from his station amongst rocks and slippery crags
+upon his hunters. If he had conceited that the rockiness of the ground had
+secured his repose, the foolish bull is soon undeceived; the horsemen,
+scarcely relaxing their speed, charge up the hill, and speedily gaining the
+rear of the bull, drive him at a gallop over the worst part of that
+impracticable ground down to the level ground below. At this point of time
+the stranger perceives by the increasing light of the morning that the
+hunters are armed with immense spears fourteen feet long. With these the
+bull is soon dislodged, and scouring down to the plain below, he and the
+hunters at his tail take to the common at the head of the lake, and all, in
+the madness of the chase, are soon half engulphed in the swamp of the
+morass. After plunging together for about ten or fifteen minutes all
+suddenly regain the _terra firma_, and the bull again makes for the rocks.
+Up to this moment, there had been the silence of ghosts; and the stranger
+had doubted whether the spectacle were not a pageant of aërial
+spectres--ghostly huntsmen, ghostly lances, and a ghostly bull. But just at
+this crisis, a voice (it was the voice of Mr. Wilson) shouted aloud, "Turn
+the villain! turn that villain! or he will take to Cumberland." The young
+stranger did the service required; the villain was turned, and fled
+southwards; the hunters, lance in rest, rushed after him; all bowed their
+thanks as they fled past; the fleet cavalcade again took the high road;
+they doubled the cape which shut them out of sight; and in a moment all had
+disappeared, and left the quiet valley to its original silence, whilst the
+young stranger, and two grave Westmorland "statesmen," (who by this time
+had come into sight upon some accident or other) stood wondering in
+silence, and saying to themselves, perhaps,
+
+    "The earth hath bubbles as the water hath;
+      And these are of them."
+
+But they were no bubbles; the bull was a substantial bull, and took no harm
+at all from being turned out occasionally at midnight for a chase of
+fifteen or eighteen miles. The bull, no doubt, used to wonder at this
+nightly visitation; and the owner of the bull must sometimes have pondered
+a little on the draggled state in which the swamps would now and then leave
+his beast; but no other harm came of it.
+
+
+
+
+INDEX.
+
+
+Abbot, Joseph, Bampton, and Tom "Dyer," 165,
+  and Weightman, 190, 198
+
+"A bit iv a lad stept oot of a corner o' the ring," 202
+
+Alston town, description of, 135
+
+" wrestlers, 135
+
+Arlecdon moor wrestling meetings, 68
+
+Armstrong, "Solid Yak," 131, 143, 151
+
+Armstrong, Jacob, thrown by Weightman, 199
+
+Ashburner, Tom, Grasmere, and Roan Long, 92
+
+Atkinson, Robert, Sleagill giant, 8
+
+
+BADGERS AND BADGER BAITING, 235
+
+" at Naworth, 236
+
+Balmer, John, nearly drowned in Windermere, 78
+
+Bateman, William, Yottenfews, 176
+
+Barrow, John, Windermere, 77
+
+Bedlington terriers, 241
+
+Best, George, Yarrow, xliv
+
+Bewick, Thomas, and his Ainstable cousin, 14,
+  bull baiting, 222
+
+Bigg, John Stanyan, quotation from, 134
+
+Bird, George, Langwathby, 33
+
+" Joseph, Holme Wrangle, 66, 71, 72
+
+Border wrestling at Miles end, xlv
+
+Bowstead, John, brother to Bishop of Lichfield, 32
+
+Bridewain or Bidden Weddings, 15
+
+Brown, Rev. Abraham, wrestler, 63
+
+Brunskill, George, and William Wilson, 185
+
+BULL BAITING, 219
+
+Bull-dogs and Bull-terriers, 240
+
+Burns, Arthur, Ullater, and Roan Long, 92, 175
+
+
+Caldbeck, familiar name at, 157
+
+Carlisle wrestling, list of men who contended at first annual meeting, 107
+
+Cass, William, and Tom Todd, 171,
+  and Weightman, 184, 203, 204
+
+Casson, Robert, Oxenpark, 177
+
+Chapman, Richard, 33, 146, 167
+
+Christopherson, Brian, Oxenpark, 176
+
+Clark, William, Hesket-new-market, 153, 160
+
+"Clattan," (_see_ Mc.Laughlan)
+
+Cock-fighting prohibited by the Puritans, xxvii
+
+Cock-fighting at Elleray and Alston, 142
+
+"Cork lad of Kentmere," 3
+
+Cornish wrestling, xxv, xxviii
+
+Cromwell, Oliver, at a wrestling meeting, xxvii
+
+Crow park, Keswick, 179
+
+CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORLAND WRESTLING, ANCIENT, 1
+
+
+Dandie Dinmont terriers, 241
+
+DENNISON, GEORGE, 141
+
+" thrown by William Dickinson, 140,
+  sets a dislocated shoulder in the Carlisle ring, 144
+
+Devonshire wrestling, xxv, xxviii
+
+DICKINSON, WILLIAM, 135
+
+DIXON, MILES, 74
+
+" JAMES, 84-103
+
+" George, "aw t' Dixons errant doon yet," 85
+
+"Dixon's three jumps," 13
+
+Dobson, John, Cliburn, 24, 163
+
+Dodd, Adam, Langwathby, 24, 28, 32, 64
+
+Dodd, Robert, Brough, 7
+
+"Doon on ye'r knees, fadder, an' boo like a bull," 222
+
+
+Eals, Sarah, Alston, a shrew, 140
+
+Earl, John, Cumwhitton, 120, 160
+
+Earl, William, and "Clattan," 212, 214
+
+ENGLISH WRESTLING, OLD, xxiv
+
+
+Faulds Brow sports, 56
+
+FAWCETT, JAMES, 36-24
+
+Fearon, John, Gilcrux, 171, 172
+
+Fidler, John, Wythop hall, 67
+
+Ford, T., Ravenglass, 56, and Weightman, 189, 190
+
+Forster Brothers, the, of Penton, 168, 193
+
+Foxes and Badgers fraternising, 237
+
+"Fwok sud aye be menseful, an' menseful amang fwok," 206
+
+
+"Gwordie Maut" and Weightman, 192
+
+Gibson, Alexander Craig, "Folk Speech of Cumberland," 97
+
+Golightly, Thomas, Alston, 24, 129
+
+Graham, Sir James--black mare, 187
+
+Graham, James, and Weightman, 193, 199,
+  throws "Clattan," 210
+
+GRAHAM, HARRY, 116-66
+
+Grecian wrestling, ancient, ix
+
+Gretna fight, the--Carter and Oliver, 173
+
+
+Harrison, Thomas, Blencow, 10
+
+" John, New Church, 54, 143
+
+" John, Lowick, "Checky," 175
+
+Herdwick sheep, 58
+
+High street mountain, sports on, 11
+
+Hodgson, Tom,--quarrel with Weightman, 197,
+  throws "Clattan," 210
+
+Hogg, James, Ettrick Shepherd, xxxviii
+
+Holmes, John, King of Mardale, 32
+
+Holmes, John, tailor, 93
+
+"Hoo 'at thoo let him hipe the' i' that stupid fashion?" 183
+
+Howard, Mr. Philip, Corby Castle, and Weightman, 197
+
+Howell, Edward, Greystoke, 184
+
+Huddleston, Mr. Andrew, 10
+
+
+"If thoo says Clattan isn't a gud russler," 182
+
+Indian wrestling, xviii
+
+Irish wrestling, xlvi
+
+Irishmen, two, and Tom Nicholson, 111
+
+Irving, George, 204, 210, 212
+
+"I's nobbut shy--I's nobbut varra shy," 206
+
+
+Jackson, Joseph, sickle maker, 176
+
+Jameson, Samuel, Penrith, 54, 145, 159
+
+" William, 34
+
+Japanese wrestling, xii,
+  contrasted with Northern English, xvii
+
+Jordan, John, Great Salkeld, 117
+
+"Jwohn Barleycworn's ruin't mony a gud heart," 206
+
+
+"Keg," the Keswick bully, 111
+
+
+LANGWATHBY ROUNDS, 27
+
+Liddle, John, Bothel, 171, 209
+
+LITT, WILLIAM, 61;
+  and William Richardson, 50,
+  and Miles Dixon, 83,
+  describes Weightman, 195
+
+_Little_, John, facetious letter on Carlisle ring, 196
+
+LONG, ROWLAND, 90-51, 179
+
+LONG JOHN, 96
+  --throws Tom Nicholson, 104
+
+Longmire, Thomas, 93
+
+Lonsdale, Earl of, patronizes the wrestling ring, 149
+
+Lowthian, Isaac, Plumpton, 34
+
+Lowden, Charles, challenged, 58
+
+" John, Keswick, 67, 96, 104, 138, 145
+
+
+MACKERETH, WILLIAM, 115-96,
+  and "Clattan," 215
+
+"Marcy, Jwohn! is that thee?" 173
+
+Marshall, the forgeman, at Sparkbridge, 176, 177
+
+Mason, Isaac, Croglin, 29, 32, 182
+
+Maughan, Isaac, Alston, 25
+
+Mc.Donald, Anthony, Appleby, 33, 34
+
+MC.LAUGHLAN, JOHN, 208-110, 153,
+  and William Wilson, 181,
+  and Weightman, 203
+
+MELMERBY ROUNDS, 20
+
+Michie, Robert, Hawick, xliii
+
+Miles End athletic Border games, xlv
+
+Morton, Thomas, Gale, 25, 33
+
+" Joseph, Gale, 26
+
+Mulcaster, Richard, on the art of "wrastling," 5
+
+Muncaster bridge, "built by men from Grasmere," 86
+
+
+Nanny, Louis, Haltwhistle, 171
+
+Nicholson, Matthias, Penruddock, 11
+
+NICHOLSON, THOMAS, 99
+  --thrown by Miles Dixon, 83,
+  match with Harry Graham, 117
+
+Nicholson, John, 46, 100, 109
+
+"Noo, lads, I've clear'd rooad for yee," 92
+
+
+Olympic games, ix
+
+"Owther the coo back, or the brass to pay for't," 205
+
+
+Parker, John, Sparkgate, 54
+
+" Joseph, Crooklands, 75
+
+Parkyns, Sir Thomas, treatise on wrestling, xxviii,
+  rules and conditions, xxxii
+
+Parkyns, Sir Thomas.
+  Some account of his life, xxxiii
+
+" and Professor Wilson, similarity between, xxxvii
+
+Pearson, Henry, great upholder of wrestling, 106, 161, 199
+
+Pearson, Shepherd--a curious bet, 49
+
+Peart, Cuthbert, and Jemmy Fawcett, 40
+
+Peat, Thomas, Blencow, 24, 32, 194
+
+Pocklington, Mr., and Keswick regatta, 179
+
+Pooley, Ralph, Longlands, 35
+
+Powley, Miss, "Echoes of Old Cumberland," 20, 27, 155
+
+Puritan anathema against Cumberland and Westmorland, 2
+
+Pythian games, ix
+
+
+Relph, Rev. Josiah, quotation from, 242
+
+Reminiscences of West Cumberland, by William Dickinson, 236
+
+Richardson, John, Staffield hall, 130
+
+Richardson, John, Caldbeck, and Scotch rebels, 158
+
+Richardson, Lady, Lancrigg, 87
+
+RICHARDSON, THOMAS, "THE DYER," 156
+  " and Tom Todd, 168, 169,
+  and William Wilson, 180
+
+RICHARDSON, WILLIAM, Caldbeck, 43
+
+" 118, and Dennison, 147,
+  and William Wilson, 183
+
+Ridley, Tom, "the glutton," and Tom Nicholson, 112, 138,
+  and Weightman, 191
+
+Robinsons of Cunsey, and Roan Long, 94
+
+ROBINSON, JAMES, 149-195, 209
+
+Robinson of Renwick, 212
+
+" Jonathan, Allerby, 214
+
+Robley, John, Scarrowmannock, 24
+
+" Joseph, Scarrowmannock, 56
+
+Rodgers, Jonathan, Brotherelkeld, 75
+
+Routledge of "Clockymill," 189
+
+ROWANTREE, ROBERT, 126-54
+
+
+Salmon poaching in the Derwent, 113
+
+Savage of Bolton, 143
+
+Scotland, wrestling in, xxxviii
+
+Scott, Sir Walter, at St. Ronans games, xxxviii
+
+SCOTT, JAMES, Canonbie, 119
+
+Scougal, George, Innerleithen, xl
+
+Selkirk, John, Beckermet, throws "Clattan," 215
+
+Skulls of Calgarth, 97
+
+Slee, William, Dacre, 139, 152, 159
+
+Snow storm of 1807, great, 133
+
+Spedding, John, Egremont, 147
+
+Stagg, John, blind bard, 15
+
+Stamper, George, Underskiddaw, 110
+
+"Standback," assumed name for trail hounds, 172
+
+"Stangings" at Langwathby, 30
+
+Steadman, George, Drybeck, 35
+
+Stephenson, Thomas, and Jemmy Fawcett, 41
+
+Stone Carr, ancient sports at, 8
+
+
+Taylor, Benjamin, bone setter, 141
+
+Thompson, Joseph, Caldbeck, 33
+
+Thompson, Teasdale, High Rotherup, 23
+
+Thwaites, William, and Professor Wilson, 177
+
+Tinling, Dr., Warwick bridge, 189
+
+Tinnian, Job, Holme Cultram, 47
+
+Todd, "Brandy," Wigton, 48
+
+TODD, TOM, Knarsdale, 167-160, 161
+
+Trail Hounds, 172
+
+Turkey, wrestling match in, xxi
+
+
+Ward, William, North Tyne, 128
+
+Watson, Jonathan, 184, 193, 194, 210
+
+Weardale wrestlers, 136
+
+WEIGHTMAN, JOHN, 186-160, 171
+
+" and Tom "Dyer," 165,
+  and William Wilson, 184,
+  and "Clattan," 211
+
+WESTMORLAND AND CUMBERLAND WRESTLING, ANCIENT, 1
+
+"What's t'e gaen to mak' o' yon 'an, Tom?" 166
+
+"When a bit iv a tailyer can thrā' me," 93
+
+Whitfield, "Pakin," 38
+
+WILSON, WILLIAM, 175-55, 88, 163
+
+Wilson, William, "Wicked Will" of Grasmere, 177
+
+Wilson, Professor, and Sir Thos. Parkyns, similarity between, xxxvii
+
+" on the wrestling at Carlisle, 18,
+  fracas with Tom Nicholson, 104
+
+" Midnight chase of a bull, 244
+
+" 78, 81, 83
+
+Windermere lake, wrestling on frozen surface of, 14
+
+Woodall, John, Gosforth, 8
+
+Wrestling on St. Bartholomew's day, xxv
+
+" and riots near the Hospitall of Matilde, xxvi
+
+Wrestling match for £1000, xxviii
+
+" not a Scotch game, xliv
+
+Wright, Wilfrid, and Tom "Dyer," 166
+
+"Wully! we sud beàth been weel bray't," 148
+
+
+G. AND T. COWARD, PRINTERS, CARLISLE.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Wrestling and Wrestlers:, by 
+Jacob Robinson and Sidney Gilpin
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diff --git a/37562-0.zip b/37562-0.zip
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Wrestling and Wrestlers:, by 
+Jacob Robinson and Sidney Gilpin
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Wrestling and Wrestlers:
+       Biographical Sketches of Celebrated Athletes of the Northern
+       Ring; to Which is Added Notes on Bull and Badger Baiting
+
+Author: Jacob Robinson
+        Sidney Gilpin
+
+Release Date: September 29, 2011 [EBook #37562]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WRESTLING AND WRESTLERS: ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Roberta Staehlin, David Garcia, Josephine
+Paolucci and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+https://www.pgdp.net. (This file was produced from images
+generously made available by The Internet Archive/American
+Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+_NORTH COUNTRY SPORTS AND PASTIMES._
+
+Wrestling and Wrestlers:
+
+BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF CELEBRATED ATHLETES OF THE NORTHERN RING;
+
+TO WHICH IS ADDED
+
+_Notes on Bull and Badger Baiting_.
+
+BY
+
+JACOB ROBINSON
+
+AND
+
+SIDNEY GILPIN.
+
+Of all the athletic amusements of the people, Wrestling is beyond doubt the
+best.--CHRISTOPHER NORTH.
+
+LONDON: BEMROSE & SONS.
+CARLISLE: THE WORDSWORTH PRESS,
+75 SCOTCH STREET.
+
+MDCCCXCIII.
+
+
+TO THE MEMORY
+OF
+JACOB ROBINSON,
+
+THESE PAGES ARE
+_GRATEFULLY DEDICATED_,
+BY
+HIS FELLOW-WORKER,
+
+SIDNEY GILPIN.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+Every dale and valley, every nook and corner, throughout Cumberland,
+Westmorland, and North Lancashire, at all likely to yield materials, has
+been ransacked and laid under subservience in the compilation of this
+volume; and it now becomes the pleasant duty to record the fact, that not a
+single instance of unwillingness was met with, on the part of the multitude
+of narrators, who supplied the items of the various events chronicled.
+
+The local newspaper files have materially aided our labours, in a variety
+of ways. Besides supplying many passing incidents, we have found them, in
+some instances, exceedingly useful in the way of verifying and correcting
+dates.
+
+A brief description of Swiss Wrestling was promised, for the introductory
+chapter, by a native of that country resident in London. This promise
+yielded no fruit at the time, and it is a matter of regret that it still
+remains unfulfilled.
+
+Of Wrestling in France, we have not been able to glean much information,
+although enquiries were set on foot through the columns of _Notes and
+Queries_ and _Bell's Life in London_.
+
+For much information contained in the article on Wrestling in Scotland, we
+are indebted to Mr. Walter Scott of Innerleithen; and for a few other items
+we have to thank Mr. Robert Murray of Hawick.
+
+While the feats of many well known wrestlers are to be found in these
+pages, the names of others equally well known are necessarily omitted; but
+we may be able to publish a record of their achievements at some future
+time.
+
+With a full consciousness of many imperfections, we now leave our work to
+the judgment of those impartial readers, who may honour it with a perusal.
+
+
+LOCAL WORKS ON THE SUBJECT.
+
+     _Wrestliana: an Historical Account of Ancient and
+     Modern Wrestling._ By William Litt. Whitehaven: R.
+     Gibson, 1823.
+
+     Second Edition of the above, (reprinted from the
+     "Whitehaven News,") by Michael and William Alsop, 1860.
+
+     _Wrestliana: a Chronicle of the Cumberland and
+     Westmorland Wrestlings in London, since the year 1824._
+     By Walter Armstrong. London: Simpkin, Marshall & Co.,
+     1870.
+
+     _Famous Athletic Contests, Ancient and Modern_,
+     compiled by Members of the Cumberland and Westmorland
+     Wrestling Society. (Reprinted from the Best
+     Authorities.) London: F. A. Hancock, 1871.
+
+     _Great Book of Wrestling References, giving about 2000
+     different Prizes, from 1838 to the present day._ By
+     Isaac Gate, Twenty-five Years Public Wrestling Judge.
+     Carlisle: Steel Brothers, 1874.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+INTRODUCTION:                         Page
+
+Ancient Grecian Wrestling               ix.
+
+Wrestling in Japan                     xii.
+
+Indian Wrestling                     xviii.
+
+Wrestling Match in Turkey              xxi.
+
+Old English Wrestling                 xxiv.
+
+Wrestling in Scotland              xxxviii.
+
+Irish Wrestling                       xlvi.
+
+CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORLAND WRESTLING      1
+
+MELMERBY ROUNDS                          20
+
+LANGWATHBY ROUNDS                        27
+
+JAMES FAWCETT, Nenthead                  36
+
+WILLIAM RICHARDSON, Caldbeck             43
+
+WILLIAM LITT, Bowthorn                   61
+
+MILES AND JAMES DIXON, Grasmere          74
+
+ROWLAND AND JOHN LONG, Ambleside         90
+
+TOM NICHOLSON, Threlkeld                 99
+
+WILLIAM MACKERETH, Cockermouth          115
+
+HARRY GRAHAM, Brigham                   116
+
+JAMES SCOTT, Canonbie                   119
+
+ROBERT ROWANTREE, Kingwater             126
+
+WILLIAM DICKINSON, Alston               135
+
+GEORGE DENNISON, Penrith                141
+
+JAMES ROBINSON, Hackthorpe              149
+
+THOMAS RICHARDSON, Hesket-New-Market    156
+
+TOM TODD, Knarsdale                     167
+
+WILLIAM WILSON, Ambleside               175
+
+JOHN WEIGHTMAN, Hayton                  186
+
+JOHN MC.LAUGHLAN, Dovenby               208
+
+BULL BAITING                            219
+
+BADGERS AND BADGER BAITING              235
+
+ADDENDA                                 244
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+ANCIENT GRECIAN WRESTLING.
+
+The ancient Grecians were passionately fond of festivals and games. In
+every particular State such institutions were occasionally celebrated for
+the amusement of the people; but these were far less interesting than the
+four public games frequented by multitudes from all the districts of
+Greece. The Pythian Games were celebrated at Delphi; the Isthmian at
+Corinth; the Nem�an at Nem�a in Argolis; and the Olympic at Olympia, near
+Elis. We propose to give a brief account of the Olympic games only, as
+being by far the most splendid, and in which victory was reputed to be the
+most honourable. The celebrity of these games was extended for many
+centuries after the extinction of Greek freedom, and their final abolition
+did not occur until after they had flourished for more than eleven hundred
+years.
+
+The games were held in summer when the heat was excessive; and to add to
+the difficulty and fatigue experienced, the more violent exercises were
+performed in the afternoon, when even the spectators were scarcely able to
+remain exposed to the sun. To prevent the competition of such as were
+unskilful, the candidates were required to swear that for ten months before
+the commencement of the games they had made it their constant study to
+prepare for the contest; and during the last thirty days they were obliged
+to reside at Elis, and had to practise daily under the inspection of the
+judges. Hence, the permission to contend at Olympia was regarded as no
+inconsiderable honour, and served in some degree as a consolation to the
+vanquished.
+
+Immediately before the commencement of the different exercises, a herald
+led every candidate separately through the assembly, and demanded if any
+one knew him to be a man of profligate character, or to have been guilty of
+any notorious crime. As numbers were present from every state in Greece--to
+some of whom each of the combatants was known--it rarely happened that any
+suspicious character chose to expose himself to such a scrutiny. The
+candidates were required to make a solemn declaration that they would not
+endeavour to gain the victory by bribing their adversaries, or by a
+violation of the laws regulating the different contests; and any person
+guilty of a breach of this promise was not merely deprived of the olive
+crown,[1] but was fined by the judges, and could never after contend at
+the games. These regulations seem to have accomplished the purpose for
+which they were intended, since, during several hundred years, only five
+instances occurred in which any improper artifice was known to be employed
+by the competitors in the games.
+
+The Greeks held the exercise of WRESTLING in high estimation, which, in
+point of antiquity, stood next to the foot race. The object of the wrestler
+was to throw his adversary to the ground: but it was not till this had been
+thrice repeated, that he obtained the victory. Like all who contended in
+the games, the Wrestlers were accustomed to rub their bodies with oil,
+partly to check the excessive perspiration occasioned by the heat and the
+violence of the exercises, and partly from an opinion that the oil gave the
+limbs a greater degree of pliancy and agility. As the smoothness occasioned
+by the oil would have prevented the combatants from grasping each other
+with firmness, it was customary for them, after being anointed, to roll
+themselves in the dust of the Stadium, or to be sprinkled with a fine sand
+kept for that purpose at Olympia. If in falling, one of the Wrestlers
+dragged his adversary along with him, the combat was continued on the
+ground, till one of the parties had forced the other to yield the victory.
+
+The inhabitants of Hindostan, and of the countries constituting the ancient
+kingdom of Assyria, have undergone a variety of revolutions; but
+inactivity has always formed the leading feature in their character. In
+every age they have fallen an easy prey to invaders; nor have the repeated
+instances of oppression to which they have been exposed, ever roused them
+to limit the exorbitant power of their sovereigns. The Greeks, living in a
+climate nearly as sultry as that of Asia, would probably have fallen
+victims to the same indolence, had not their early legislators perceived
+this danger, and employed the most judicious efforts to avert it. Among the
+means devised to accomplish this end, none seem to have been so effectual
+as the public games. It was not by any occasional effort that a victory
+could be gained at Olympia. Success could be obtained only by those who
+were inured to hardship; who had been accustomed to practise the athletic
+exercises while exposed to the scorching heat of the sun, and who had
+abstained from every pleasure which had a tendency to debilitate the
+constitution and lessen the power of exertion.[2]
+
+
+WRESTLING IN JAPAN.
+
+In Japan wrestling appears to be an institution of greater importance than
+even in our own country. The meetings for its exhibition before the public
+are made quite important affairs. They are mapped out and arranged annually
+by the ruling authorities. A distinct race selected from the native
+population are brought up and trained in the practice from their youth.
+This tribe profess to trace back their wrestlings long before the Greeks
+held their Olympic games on the banks of the Alpheus. At the present day it
+is asserted that their Mikado or Emperor, near seven hundred years before
+Christ, encouraged wrestling; and during this long period--century after
+century--it has been one of the most popular amusements of this strange
+people. It might not have continued to flourish so long had not the
+government assisted in keeping the game alive by introducing it into and
+regulating the proceedings in all towns of any size. A large staff of
+professionals is kept solely for this purpose, and outsiders cannot enter
+and compete as is done in this country.
+
+The Japanese, from all we can glean, do not appear a race likely to be
+devoted to athletics. Lighter amusements--more suitable to their climate,
+requiring less violent bodily exertion--it may be inferred, would be more
+to their taste or inclination. Their mode of wrestling, however, has this
+advantage, that it does not necessitate active preparation. Weight and bulk
+appear great, if not absolute, requisites in the wrestling ring. To
+accomplish these requirements, a fattening process is resorted to in lieu
+of hard work training. Ordinarily the male Japanese are not more than five
+feet five or six inches in height. It is a remarkable fact, however, that
+in the wrestling class there are many six feet men weighing fourteen
+stones and upwards, some few eighteen or twenty stones. "I have never
+anywhere," says Lindau, "seen men so large and stout as these Japanese
+wrestlers. They are veritable giants."
+
+A concise description of one of their wrestling meetings may not be
+altogether without interest. A special department of the government is
+entrusted with the duty of carrying out arrangements for holding a series
+of meetings in all the principal towns. A programme is annually issued, so
+that any town set down for visitation has sufficient time to make all
+needful preparations. A large plot of ground for forming the ring is
+selected, and enclosed with bamboos. Stages with seats are fitted up for
+the aristocracy and richer classes, and a small charge is made for
+admission. The ring is sure to be well filled, one half frequently being
+females gaily dressed for the occasion. The loud beating of a drum gives
+notice that proceedings are about to commence, and a dead silence reigns
+throughout the great crowd. An official comes forward and gives out, with a
+loud voice, the names of those about to contend; and announces, too, a list
+of places at which the fortunate ones have been successful. The drum again
+sounds, and all those appointed to wrestle enter and march round the ring,
+appearing as if duly impressed with the importance of the pending struggle.
+All are naked, with the exception of a gaudy silk girdle round the loins.
+After parading round the enclosure, the combatants divide themselves into
+two equal sides, and squat down upon their heels. A stage is erected on
+four pillars in the middle of the ring, and raised about half a yard. The
+manager calls out the names of the first pair to contend, one from each
+side, and at the same time announces his opinion how the betting should
+run. These preliminary proceedings concluded, the two called on step out
+and are greeted with cheers from all sides. They sprinkle the ring with
+rice and water before the more serious work begins; rub rice between their
+hands, and drink salt and water. These curious proceedings take place in
+order, according to a prevalent superstitious notion, to bespeak the favour
+of the god who rules gladiatorial contests.
+
+Four umpires, grave looking personages, are appointed, and stationed, pipe
+in mouth, at each pillar of the raised stage. A signal is given, and the
+two wrestlers uttering loud defiant shouts, and crowing like cocks, make a
+rush at each other, with all the fury and violence of two rival tups in the
+breeding season. The shock and noise of two such weighty bodies meeting
+resound all over the ring, and the spectators after a momentary holding of
+their breath, give expression to their pent-up feelings by ringing shouts
+of admiration. Blood, in almost all cases, is seen to flow from both
+competitors as they separate with the rebound, and slowly fall back. Again
+and again they meet, each endeavouring with his utmost power, to drive his
+antagonist off the stage. After several rounds contested with the like
+violence and determination, they for a moment pause, and resort to a trial
+of a different sort.
+
+They rush together and seize each other anywhere about the body or arms,
+incited and cheered on by the vociferous applause of the spectators. The
+fiercely contested struggle becomes intensely exciting, as the athletes
+close, and, locked together breast to breast and shoulder to shoulder,
+continue the conflict, each endeavouring to grasp the other round the
+waist. This is effected, after pushing and wriggling about for some time,
+by one or other of the wrestlers. After securing a firm grip, shaking his
+opponent, fixing his legs in position, and gathering himself up for a final
+superhuman effort, he lifts his now doomed foe high up in the air, and with
+what Cornishmen would call a "forward heave," hurls him clean off the
+stage, where he lies for some time enduring a fire of bantering, and then
+walks quietly off. Breathless, blood-stained, and perspiring from every
+pore, the victor looks proudly about and is greeted with cheers renewed
+over and over again. After parading round the ring, with uplifted
+outstretched arms, he makes a respectful acknowledgment, and walks off to
+his comrades.
+
+The manager again comes pompously forward and summons another pair. Fresh
+animated betting goes on while they prepare for the onset; and it may be
+this fondness for gambling--common to most eastern countries--which helps
+to keep up the popularity of wrestling. The second couple go to work
+precisely as the first; then another and another, till finally the champion
+of the day is proclaimed, and greeted with cheers that continue for some
+time. Generally he is presented with a decorated belt, and, with it
+fastened round the waist, goes about the observed of all observers.
+
+And this, as detailed, is Japanese wrestling. We can hardly accord it the
+term as understood amongst us, and cannot deem it entitled to be classed
+with the honoured back-hold pastime of northern England, worthy of eulogy
+from the most fastidious-minded. Christopher North would not applaud a Yedo
+meeting with the hearty praise he gives to Cumberland and Westmorland
+wrestling on the banks of Windermere; neither would Charles Dickens have
+gone away from the Ferry so delighted, if the contests he witnessed had
+been such as the Japanese delight in. Indeed, our readers generally will,
+we imagine, be apt to consider the Eastern wrestling amusement no better
+than something akin to our medi�val barbarism. Certainly, nothing in
+athletics can be considered more strikingly different, than one of our
+quick scientific harmless bouts, as distinguished from the butting or
+tupping, the pushing and hauling, the rough tumbling about, and clumsy
+finale, in which victory is mainly due to overpowering strength and
+weight.
+
+
+INDIAN WRESTLING.
+
+There is a great similarity in the wrestling in India, and the same pastime
+in Japan. This similitude is so close, that after a description of the
+latter, there need not be much space devoted to a narrative of the sport in
+our great Eastern Empire. The public exhibition of the sport is, in a great
+measure, confined to the soldiers of the native regiments of infantry.
+Sometimes matches are made and come off which create wide-spread interest,
+by men who do not belong the service. So great is the interest taken in the
+contests, that they often continue for the best part of a day; and during
+the whole time couple after couple enter the ring, and continue to exhibit
+their skill. There can be no doubt, the encouragement of such pastimes will
+exercise a powerful influence in making them better soldiers, and more
+attached to the service.
+
+The wrestlers are lithe active young fellows, and enter the ring in
+exuberant spirits. Before the actual commencement of the struggle at close
+quarters, each resorts to a ridiculous ceremony, in order to propitiate
+some powerful deity to whom they look for assistance to achieve success.
+The act consists in simply touching the forehead with a small portion of
+earth picked from the ground. On the conclusion of this preparatory
+proceeding, they return to the edge of the ring, and go through a series of
+manoeuvres, which a stranger would look at with astonishment, and which
+in reality can exercise no influence on the struggle. They jump about,
+first on one leg, then the other, bounding backwards and forwards
+repeatedly, with great agility. Loud bangs on the body follow, inflicted by
+the hands with such violence as to make a noise that resounds all over the
+ring. This is the opening play, followed by sham attacks, till an
+opportunity presents for close work. With surprising quickness, the arms
+are grasped high up towards the shoulders, and followed by violent butting
+of head against head, accompanied by twisting and wrenching. Meanwhile one
+of the two is thrown to the ground, where the struggle is continued amid
+excited cheering, till one of the tawny coloured competitors is forced on
+his back and securely held. This is seldom successful, until three or four
+bouts have been fought out, and a clear back fall gained.
+
+The following account of a great wrestling match between the Mysore hero
+and the Punjaubee champion, was written by an Englishman in Madras:--
+
+     The Punjaubee champion is from North India. The Mysore
+     man has lately won a great match, and was highly elated
+     in consequence; while the Punjaubee had such confidence
+     in his powers, that he pledged himself to give up the
+     Sikh religion and turn Mahomedan if he lost the
+     match.... After waiting a few minutes the Punjaubee was
+     the first to put in an appearance; he walked up amidst
+     scrutinising glances and stood "within the ring." He
+     was a great big fellow, beautifully built, and
+     splendidly developed, with muscles standing out in
+     knots on the arms and legs. He was the same colour as
+     most Punjaubees--light brown; taken on the whole, he
+     was rather a handsome man.... His opponent was not long
+     in following him; he stood up, stripped, and stepped
+     into the sand. He, too, was remarkably well built, but
+     nearly black, and villainously ugly. He was not quite
+     up to the Punjaubee. His muscles were large, and he
+     looked the more wiry and active of the two; but the
+     Punjaubee was the bigger and looked the stronger.
+
+     They began by standing two or three yards apart, in an
+     inclined position, stooping towards each other, and
+     advancing as stealthily as cats, suddenly making a
+     snatch at each other's wrists and hands, and then
+     drawing back with inconceivable rapidity.
+
+     The neck was the great object of attack, and many
+     attempts were made by the native of Mysore to get hold
+     of his antagonist's neck, while the Punjaubee made
+     desperate efforts to clutch his adversary by the neck,
+     and force his head down into chancery. After a good
+     deal of dodging, and advances and retreats, clutches at
+     neck, head, and wrists, the Punjaubee, who seemed the
+     most eager of the two to finish the job at once, and
+     had been acting more on the offensive than the
+     defensive, suddenly made a rush in, tried to close and
+     trip. Quick as he was, his antagonist was quicker, and
+     the Punjaubee hero was foiled. Then time was called,
+     and a short interval allowed for breathing.
+
+     Round, number two, began in right good earnest; each
+     man seemed thoroughly buckled to his work, and in a few
+     seconds the Punjaubee, who was in rare fettle, threw
+     the Mysore man on to his knees; but the latter giving
+     him a sudden and well directed push, nearly caused him
+     to change his religion. Both men recovered themselves
+     with marvellous dexterity, and grasping each other,
+     they struggled up together, the Mysore champion getting
+     upright a little the first; but almost immediately the
+     Punjaubee gave his man a clean throw forwards, and the
+     native of Mysore was discovered lying full length on
+     his chest, with the Punjaubee kneeling on his back.
+
+     From this time the contest resembled nothing so much as
+     a "grovel" behind goals for a touch down. For a time
+     the struggles of both men were intense, the Punjaubee
+     having to do all he knew to keep his man down at all;
+     and it seemed quite possible that, if the Mysore native
+     could not get up himself, he would pull his opponent
+     down, when the latter tried to roll him over. Presently
+     came a pause, which the Punjaubee used to advantage, by
+     covering his fallen foe with sand, so as to get the
+     better grip. Skilful as the Mysore champion was, he
+     could in no way retaliate when in this distressing
+     position. However, he continually made clever attempts
+     to regain his feet, and still cleverer ones to pull
+     down the Punjaubee when he was endeavouring to turn him
+     over. But finally the contest ended by the Mysore
+     champion mistaking his chance to get to his feet, and
+     after a grand struggle up to the very last moment, the
+     muscular Punjaubee turned him flat over, so that there
+     remained not the slightest doubt in the minds of all
+     the spectators that both his shoulders were resting on
+     the ground, the one throw was given, and the battle was
+     won.
+
+
+WRESTLING MATCH IN TURKEY.
+
+The following account of a modern Wrestling Match in Turkey, is so
+graphically related that we feel confident it will be perused with interest
+by most readers. We may remark by the way, that the gipsies who figure in
+the match are of the same race as their namesakes in England and other
+parts of Europe; but they preserve in Turkey more of their Oriental
+appearance and character. The writer is Lieut.-Colonel James Baker of the
+Auxiliary Forces, who published a book on _Turkey-in-Europe_, in 1877.
+
+     I passed through a fine town called Barakli-Djumaa, in
+     the middle of the plain [of Seres], and inhabited
+     principally by Christian Bulgarians. A great wrestling
+     match was going on just outside the town, and I stopped
+     to witness the sport. A circle about thirty yards in
+     diameter was formed by the men, women, and
+     children,--Turks, Bulgarians, and a plentiful supply of
+     gipsies--all sitting closely packed together round the
+     circumference. There was the usual accompaniment of a
+     gipsy band, composed of a drum and a clarionet, which
+     was kept going continuously.
+
+     A competitor, stripped to the waist, steps into the
+     ring and walks round with a grand air as he displays
+     his muscular frame to the admiring gaze of the
+     bystanders. Presently his antagonist enters the ring,
+     and both competitors shake hands in a good natured way,
+     and a little laughing and chaffing goes on. They then
+     commence walking round, every now and then turning in
+     to shake hands again, until suddenly one pounces upon
+     the other to get the "catch," and the struggle
+     commences. No kicking is allowed, and the throw must
+     lay the vanquished man upon his back, so that both
+     shoulder-blades touch the ground at the same time. The
+     champion was a burly Bulgarian of herculean strength,
+     when at the invitation of some black-eyed gipsy girls,
+     a fine but slim young fellow of their tribe entered the
+     lists against him; but, although considering his youth
+     he made a gallant struggle, a quick throw laid him
+     sprawling on his back, to the evident chagrin and
+     disappointment of the gipsy women. Their eyes flashed
+     with anger as they now held a hurried consultation,
+     when off started a very pretty girl evidently bound
+     upon some errand. She soon returned with one of the
+     most splendid specimens of humanity I ever saw. If, as
+     is asserted, there were princes and dukes amongst the
+     ancient tribe of gipsies who emigrated to Europe, this
+     must certainly have been a descendant of one of them.
+
+     His fair escort pushed him into the ring with an air of
+     pride and confidence, as much as to say, "Now, you
+     shall see what a gipsy can do." The young man was about
+     twenty-five years of age, and nearly six feet high,
+     with a handsome, aristocratic, and cheery countenance;
+     and as he took off his jacket and handed it to his fair
+     one, and thus stood stripped to the waist, there was a
+     buzz of admiration from the whole crowd. He was
+     slightly made, but all was sinew. Laughingly, and half
+     modestly, he shook his powerful antagonist by the hand,
+     and then the walk round commenced, the young gipsy
+     talking and laughing all the time. It seemed as though
+     neither liked to be the first to begin; when suddenly
+     the Bulgarian turned sharp upon his antagonist, and
+     tried a favourite catch, but quick as lightning the
+     lithe figure of the gipsy eluded the grasp, and a sigh
+     of relief went up from his clan. The excitement was now
+     intense, and the young girl perfectly quivered with
+     nervous anxiety as she watched every movement of her
+     swain. She would have made a splendid picture! They
+     were still walking round, and it seemed as though the
+     struggle would never begin, when, lo! a simultaneous
+     cry went forth from the whole crowd, as the great
+     Bulgarian lay sprawling, and half stunned, upon the
+     ground.
+
+     The movements of the gipsy had been so quick, that it
+     was impossible to say how the throw was done, but the
+     Bulgarian was turned almost a somersault in the air,
+     and came down with a heavy thud. The young champion
+     shook him by the hand, lifted the heavy man high into
+     the air, and then set him on his feet. The face of the
+     young girl, as she handed back her hero his jacket, was
+     pleasant to look upon. Lucky man! As she took him by
+     the hand, and led him away to wherever he came from, I
+     began to think there might be a worse fate than being a
+     gipsy....
+
+     I was so attracted by the wrestling scene at
+     Barakli-Djumaa, that I lost much time, and had to push
+     on quickly, in order that we might reach a khan,
+     perched up in a small village amongst the mountains
+     which lay between us and Salonica.
+
+
+OLD ENGLISH WRESTLING.
+
+Our acquaintance or familiarity with Old English wrestling is, as may be
+surmised, circumscribed. We have therefore endeavoured, in part, to
+introduce the southern ring in the introductory chapter. In carrying out
+the attempt, considerable and important assistance has been derived from
+having the benefit of referring to a rare and curious work by Sir Thomas
+Parkyns, a distinguished wrestler and writer in the early part of the
+eighteenth century. According to Dr. Deering, in his _History of
+Nottingham_, a copy of Sir Thomas's work was forwarded to His Majesty
+George I., with a manuscript dedication. Sir Thomas further intimates: "I
+invite _all_ Persons, however Dignifi'd or Distinguish'd, to read my Book."
+So say we,--for a more thorough-going and candid book we do not know; a
+book containing many curious home-thrusts and quaint sayings, bearing upon
+the art and mystery of wrestling. We can fully endorse the words of the
+Nottinghamshire baronet, when he says: "For my own part, I transcribe after
+no Man, having practical Experience for my Guide in this whole Art, and
+intirely rely on Observations made with the utmost Accuracy."
+
+The art of wrestling in the present day is chiefly confined to the lower
+classes of the people. This is more especially the case in the south of
+Lancashire. In the north, yeomen's sons and farmers' sons are often
+exceedingly clever in the wrestling ring. The sport was, however, more
+highly esteemed by all classes of the ancients, and made considerable
+figure among the Olympic games. In the ages of chivalry, too, to wrestle
+well was accounted one of the accomplishments which a hero ought to
+possess.
+
+The inhabitants of Cornwall and Devonshire, we are well assured, from time
+immemorial have been celebrated for their expertness in this pastime, and
+are universally said to be, in their style, the best wrestlers in the
+kingdom. To give a Cornish hug, used to be a proverbial expression. "The
+Cornish," says Fuller, "are masters of the art of wrestling, so that, if
+the Olympic games were now in fashion, they would come away with the
+victory. Their hug is a cunning close with their combatants, the fruit
+whereof is his fair fall or foil at the least." They learned the art at an
+early period of life, "for you shall hardly find," says Carew, in his
+Survey of Cornwall, 1602, "an assembly of boys in Devon and Cornwall, where
+the most untowardly amongst them, will not as readily give you a muster (or
+trial) of this exercise as you are prone to require it."
+
+     "In old times," says Stow (in his Survey of London),
+     "wrestling was more used than has been of later years.
+     In the month of August about the feast of St.
+     Bartholomew," adds this very accurate historian,
+     "there were divers days spent in wrestling. The Lord
+     Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriffs being present in a large
+     tent pitched for that purpose near Clerkenwell.... But
+     of late years the wrestling is only practised in the
+     afternoon of St. Bartholomew's day." The ceremony is
+     thus described by a foreign writer, who was an
+     eye-witness of the performance. "When," says he, "the
+     Mayor goes out of the precincts of the city, a sceptre,
+     a sword, and a cap, are borne before him, and he is
+     followed by the principal Aldermen in scarlet gowns
+     with golden chains; and himself and they on horseback.
+     Upon their arrival at the place appointed for that
+     purpose, where a tent is pitched for their reception,
+     the mob begins to wrestle before them two at a
+     time."[3]
+
+The following quaint and curious description of the row, and destruction of
+property after the wrestling, at the "Hospitall of Matilde"--so different
+from our peacably conducted northern rings--copied literally from _Stow's
+Annals of England_, will, we opine, be interesting to our readers.
+
+     In the year 1222--Henry the III. reign, on St. James
+     daie,--the citizens of London kept games of defence and
+     wrestling, neare unto the Hospitall of Matilde, where
+     they gotte the masterie of the men of the Suburbes. The
+     Bailiffe of Westminster devising to be revenged,
+     proclaims a game to be at Westminster, upon Lammas day;
+     whereunto the citizens of London repaired; when they
+     had plaid a while the Bailie with the men of the
+     Suberbesses, harnessed themselves and fell to fighting,
+     that the citizens being foullie wounded, were forced to
+     runne into the Citie, where they rang the common Bell,
+     and assembled the Citizens in great numbers; and when
+     the matter was declared everie man wished to revenge
+     the fact. The maior of the citie, being a wise man and
+     a quiet, willed them first to move the _Abbot of
+     Westminster_ of the matter, and if he woulde promise to
+     see amends made, it was sufficient. But a certaine
+     Citizen named Constantine Fitz Arnulph, willed that all
+     Houses of the Abbot and Bayliffe should be pulled
+     doune, which wordes being once spoken, the common
+     people issued out of the Citie, without anie order, and
+     fought a civill battaile, and pulled doune manie
+     houses.
+
+On March 31st, 1654, the Puritan parliament passed "An Ordinance
+Prohibiting Cock Matches"--(i.e., cock-fightings)--and likewise issued
+excommunications against well-nigh all classes of sports and pastimes;
+nevertheless, we find that Cromwell relaxed the strung bow by times, and
+indulged himself in witnessing some Hurling and Wrestling matches in Hyde
+Park, as the following quotation from the Commonwealth newspaper, _The
+Moderate Intelligencer_, amply testifies:--
+
+     Hyde-Park, May 1, [1654.] This day there was a hurling
+     of a great ball, by fifty Cornish gentlemen on the one
+     side, and fifty on the other: one party played in red
+     caps and the other in white. There was present HIS
+     HIGHNESS THE LORD PROTECTOR, many of his privy council,
+     and divers eminent gentlemen, to whose view was
+     presented great agility of body and most neat and
+     exquisite _wrestling_ at every meeting of one with the
+     other, which was ordered with such dexterity, that it
+     was to show more the strength, vigour, and nimbleness
+     of their bodies, than to endanger their persons. The
+     ball they played with was silver, and designed for the
+     party that won the goal.
+
+     The same newspaper continues: This day was more
+     observed by people's going a _maying_ than for divers
+     years past, and indeed much sin committed by wicked
+     meetings with fiddlers, drunkenness, ribaldry, and the
+     like: great resort came to Hyde-Park, many hundred of
+     rich coaches, and gallants in rich attire, but most
+     shameful powdered-hair men, and painted and spotted
+     women; some men played with a silver ball, and some
+     took other recreation.
+
+Later on John Evelyn's _Diary_ furnishes us with a view of wrestling for
+fabulous sums. We think a hundred pounds, given at a meeting in the present
+day, a large and tempting amount. The following, however, taking into
+consideration the value of money upwards of two hundred years ago, does
+seem astounding: "1669--19 Feb.--I saw a comedy acted at Court. In the
+afternoon, I saw a wrestling match for �1000, in St. James Park, before His
+Majesty, a world of lords and other spectators; 'twixt the Western and
+Northern men; Mr. Secretary Morice and Lo. Gerard being the Judges. The
+Western Men won. Many great sums were betted."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+After the foregoing brief notice of ancient wrestling, we shall proceed to
+crave the reader's attention to a similar pastime after the style practised
+in the counties of Devon and Cornwall. In doing so, we are fortunately
+enabled to gather important information from a rare and interesting old
+book, by Sir Thomas Parkyns, previously referred to, and first published in
+the year 1713. This work was held in such high estimation, that in 1727, a
+third edition had to be printed; and as the circulation would, in a great
+measure, be confined to the southern parts of the kingdom, such a rapid
+and numerous sale must be taken to indicate extraordinary popularity. It
+will be gathered, the manner of wrestling differs materially from the
+scientific, manly, back-hold Cumbrian method. The space, however, devoted
+to the "Cornish Hugg," even in a work professedly devoted to northern
+sports, will it is confidently presumed prove acceptable, particularly to
+readers who admire the "Art of Wrestling," which the Nottinghamshire
+baronet designates as "most Useful and Diverting to Mankind," and
+"Diverting, Healthful Studies and Exercises." Such are the means by which
+he avers "You will restore Posterity, to the Vigour, Activity, and Health
+of their Ancestors; and the setting up of one Pal�stra in every Town, will
+be the pulling down of treble its Number of _Apothecaries' Shops_."
+
+    "Thus were our _Britons_, in the Days of Old,
+    By Sports made hardy, and by Action bold,
+    And were they, now, inur'd to exercise,
+    And all their Strugglings were for Virtue's Prize.
+    _Man_ against _Man_, would not for Power contend,
+    No Lust of Wealth would _Hugg_ a private End,
+    Nor _Each_ would _Wrestle_ to supplant his Friend."
+
+    W. T., on _Inn-Play, or the Cornish-Hugg_.
+
+Not content with this glowing eulogium on a sport long dear to Cumberland
+and Westmorland, and as emphatic as any ever uttered on the Swifts at
+Carlisle, the enthusiastic baronet goes on to say:--
+
+     "No doubt but Wrestling, which does not only employ and
+     exercise the Hands, Feet, and all other Parts of human
+     Frame, may well be stiled both an _Art_ and _Science_;
+     however, I will do my endeavour, both _Hip_ and
+     _Thigh_, that Wrestling shall be no more look'd upon by
+     the Diligent as a Mystery."
+
+     Sir Thomas finds "Wrestling was one of the five
+     Olympick Games, and that they oil'd their Bodies, not
+     only to make their Joints more Supple and Plyable; but
+     that their Antagonist might be less capable to take
+     fast hold of them....
+
+     "I advise all my Scholars ne'er to Exercise upon a full
+     Stomach, but to take light Liquids of easy Digestion,
+     to support Nature, and maintain Strength only. Whilst
+     at Westminster, I could not learn any Thing, from their
+     Irregular and Rude Certamina, or Struggles; and when I
+     went to Cambridge, I then, as a Spectator, only
+     observ'd the vast Difference betwixt the Norfolk
+     Out-Players and the Cornish-Huggers, and that the
+     latter could throw the other when they pleas'd.... The
+     Use and Application of the Mathematicks here in
+     Wrestling, I owe to Dr. Bathurst, my Tutor, and Sir
+     Isaac Newton, Mathematick Professor, both of Trinity
+     College in Cambridge."
+
+     He goes on to say: "I advise you to be no Smatterer,
+     but a thorough-pac'd Wrestler, Perfect and Quick, in
+     breaking and taking all Holds; otherwise whene'er you
+     break a Hold, if you don't proceed sharply to give your
+     Adversary a Fall, according to the several following
+     Paragraphs, you're not better than one engag'd at
+     Sharps, who only parries his Adversary, but does not
+     pursue him with a binding and home Thrust."
+
+     The following warnings are especially worthy a
+     wrestler's attention: "Whoever would be a compleat
+     Wrestler, must avoid being overtaken in Drink, which
+     very much enervates, or being in a Passion at the sight
+     of his Adversary, or having receiv'd a Fall, in such
+     Cases he's bereav'd of his Senses, not being Master of
+     himself, is less of his Art, but sheweth too much Play,
+     or none at all, or rather pulleth, kicketh, and
+     ventureth beyond all Reason and his Judgment, when
+     himself.
+
+    _Foecundi calices quam non fecere Misellum._
+    That Man's a Fool that hopes for Good,
+    From flowing Bowls and fev'rish Blood."
+
+He goes on to remark that sticking to these observations will enable a good
+wrestler to "stand Champion longer for the Country, as appears by my Friend
+Richard Allen of Hucknall, alias Green, (from his Grandfather, who educated
+him) who has wore the Bays, and frequently won most Prizes, besides other
+By-Matches, reign'd Champion of Nottinghamshire, and the Neighbouring
+Counties for twenty Years at least, and about 8 Months before this was
+Printed, he Wrestled for a small Prize, where at least twelve Couples were
+Competitors, and without much Fatigue won it. Whoever understands
+Wrestling, will ne'er call the Out-Play a safe and secure Play; besides the
+Inn-Play will sooner secure a Man's Person, when Playing at Sharps, than
+the Out, which ought to encourage Gentlemen to learn to wrestle."
+
+In this learning to Wrestle our ingenious author--turned trainer--will
+"admit no Hereditary Gouts, or Scrofulous Tumours; yet I'll readily accept
+of Scorbutick Rheumatisms, because the Persons labouring under those
+Maladies are generally strong and able to undergo the Exercise of
+Wrestling. I am so curious in my Admission, I'll not hear of one Hipp'd and
+out of Joint, a Valetudinarian is my Aversion, for I affirm, Martial (Lib.
+vi. Ep. 54) is in the Right on't, _Non est vivere sed valere vita_: I
+receive no Limberhams, no Darling Sucking-Bottles, who must not rise at
+Midsummer, till eleven of the Clock, and that the Fire has air'd his Room
+and Cloaths of his Colliquative Sweats, rais'd by high Sauces, and Spicy
+forc'd Meats, where the Cook does the Office of the Stomach with the
+Emetick Tea-Table, set out with Bread and Butter for's Breakfast: I'll
+scarce admit a Sheep-Biter, none but Beef-Eaters will go down with me, who
+have Robust, Healthy and Sound Bodies. This may serve as a Sketch of that
+Person fit to make a Wrestler, by him who only desires a Place in your
+Friendship."
+
+The baronet's beau ideal of a Wrestler's bodily formation is just such as
+we like to see in a northern ring. He "must be of a middle Size, Athletic,
+full-breasted and broad shoulder'd, for Wind and Strength; Brawny-Leg'd and
+Arm'd, yet clear-limb'd."
+
+The following rules and regulations are--some of them especially--worthy
+the consideration of those who are managers in our northern rings, at the
+present time.
+
+     _Rules and Conditions, which were to be observ'd and
+     perform'd by all and every Gamester, who Wrestled for a
+     Hat of twenty-two Shillings Price; a free Prize, which
+     was given by Sir Thomas Parkyns of Bunny, Bart., for
+     fifteen Years successively. The Gamesters which were
+     allow'd to Wrestle for the aforesaid Prize, were to
+     have it, if fairly won, according to the following
+     Rules._
+
+     1. The two Gamesters that Wrestle together, shall be
+     fairly chosen by Lot, or Scrutiny, according to the
+     usual Practice.
+
+     2. The said two Gamesters shall Wrestle till one of
+     them be thrown three Falls, and he that is first thrown
+     three Falls shall go out, and not be allow'd to Wrestle
+     again for this Prize: And it is hereby ordered and
+     agreed, that he who first comes with two Joynts at once
+     to the Ground, (as Joynts are commonly reckon'd in
+     Wrestling) shall be reputed to be thrown a Fall.
+
+     3. No Gamester shall hire another to yield to him upon
+     any condition whatsoever; and if any such Practice be
+     discovered, neither of them shall be capable of the
+     Prize.
+
+     4. But he that stands the longest and is not thrown out
+     by any one, shall have the Prize, provided he does not
+     forfeit his right, by breach of these Rules; if he do,
+     the Gamester that stands the longest, and observes
+     these Rules, shall have it.
+
+     5. If any Differences shall happen concerning the
+     Wrestling, they shall be determined by two Men, which
+     shall be chosen by the most Voices of the Gamesters,
+     before they begin to Wrestle; and in case they can't
+     decide such Differences, then they shall be referr'd
+     solely to the Decision of the said Sir Thomas Parkyns
+     as UMPIRE.
+
+     6. He that Wins the Prize and Sells it, shall be
+     uncapable of Wrestling here any more.
+
+     7. That none shall have the Prize, that Wrestle with
+     Shoes that have any sort of Nails of Iron or Brass in
+     them.
+
+     8. He also that Winneth the Prize one Year, shall be
+     Excluded from Wrestling for it the Year following, but
+     the next year after that, viz. the third inclusive the
+     first, he may put in and Wrestle for the Prize again;
+     and ever after that, unless he shall Win a second
+     Prize, and from that time ever after Excluded.
+
+Sir Thomas Parkyns, Bart, of Bunny Park, Nottinghamshire, the author of the
+ingenious and singular work before us--from which we have quoted
+largely--upon the Cornish Hugg, or Inn-Play Wrestling, was a man who did
+not content himself with a mere theoretical knowledge of the art which he
+professed mathematically to teach. There was scarcely a sinewy and
+dangerous problem in his treatise, which he had not worked with his own
+limbs upon the Nottinghamshire peasantry of 1705--when he was young, lusty,
+and learned, and could throw a tenant, combat a paradox, quote Martial, or
+sign a mittimus, with any man of his own age or country. He was, it will be
+allowed, a skilful wrestler, a subtle disputant, and a fair scholar, with
+certain eccentricities which he could afford to indulge in. He passed a
+very reputable life; doing all the good he could to the peasantry of his
+neighbourhood, both in body and mind; at once showing how to be strong and
+enabling them to be happy.
+
+Sir Thomas Parkyns was born about the year 1678--whether at his paternal
+seat, Bunny Park, Nottinghamshire, or in London, we are unable to
+collect--probably in London, as we find him early at Westminster school,
+wrestling his way through the classics, under the celebrated Dr. Bushby.
+The epigrams of Martial appear, first, to have led him to turn serious
+thoughts towards wrestling--and he does not relish the poet the less for
+finding that he himself practised this healthy art after his daily prayer
+and family business.
+
+From Westminster, Sir Thomas after a due course of little-to-do and Bushby,
+went to Trinity College, Cambridge, and studied mathematics as we gather
+afterwards for the chief purpose of making himself an accomplished
+scientific wrestler. At the then celebrated place of learning, "Students,"
+he says, "even at the Universities, give the Exercise of Wrestling, and lie
+under a pecuniary Mulct for not appearing in the Summer evenings appointed
+for that Exercise."
+
+Happy and long was the life which Sir Thomas led at Bunny Park. A "bold
+peasantry, its country's pride," by his advice and example grew up
+gallantly around him. He gave prizes of small value, but large honour, to
+be wrestled for on sweet midsummer eves upon the green levels of
+Nottinghamshire, and he never felt so gratified with the scene as when he
+saw one of his manly tenantry and the evening sun go down together. He
+himself was no idle patron of these amusements--no delicate and timid
+superintendent of popular sports, as our modern wealthy men for the most
+part are; for he never objected to take the most sinewy man by the loins,
+and try a fall for the gold-laced hat he himself contributed. His servants
+were all upright, muscular, fine young fellows--civil but sinewy;
+respectful at the proper hours, but yet capable also at the proper hour of
+wrestling with Sir Thomas for the mastery; and never so happy or so well
+approved as when one of them saw his master's two brawny legs going
+handsomely over his head. Sir Thomas prided himself, indeed, in having his
+coachman and footman lusty young fellows, that had brought good characters
+for sobriety from their last places, and had laid him on his spine.[4]
+
+Lord Thomas Manners, who learned the art of Broad-Sword exercise from Sir
+Thomas Parkyns, thus addresses his master, on May 21st, 1720, from
+Belvoir:--
+
+     "Happy is it for us that we have in this effeminate,
+     weak Age of powder'd Essence-Bottles, and Curled
+     Coxcombs, a Person of rough Manners, and a robust
+     Constitution; one that can stand upon his own Legs,
+     after Droves of those modern waxen Things have fallen
+     before him; one that instructs Englishmen to deserve
+     the Title, and teaches 'em to make their Broad-Swords
+     the Terror of all Europe. Men like you liv'd, when
+     Greece knew her happiest Days. It was a Spirit like
+     your's that instituted and supported the Olympic Games.
+     But when their luxurious Neighbours once taught 'em to
+     sleep till Twelve o' the Day, to pin up their Locks in
+     Papers, to come from the Boxes of their Chariots into
+     the Insides of 'em; to use Almond-Paste, and
+     Rose-Water; in short, to quit Roast-Beef, and Hasty
+     Pudding, for Soups and Ragouts; the Empire of the World
+     was taken from them, and translated to the tough,
+     sinewy Romans; and when they ceas'd to merit these
+     Epithets, their Eagle drooped her Wings, and the Brawny
+     Britons were the Favourites of Mars."
+
+A fitting conclusion to the preceding notice of the much esteemed Bunny
+Park baronet, will be come to by bestowing a passing notice on the
+monumental memorial erected to his memory, in Broadmore church,
+Nottinghamshire. The "ruling passion" is made apparent, even after death
+had given Sir Thomas the last "Hugg." On one side of the monument he is
+represented in wrestling attitude; on another he appears thrown a back fall
+by Time. The following is a free translation of the Latin inscription:--
+
+    "Here lies, O Time! the victim of thy hand,
+    The noblest Wrestler on the British strand;
+    His nervous arm each bold opposer quell'd,
+    In feats of strength by none but thee excell'd;
+    Till springing up at the last trumpet's call,
+    He conquers thee, who, will have conquer'd all."
+
+The inscription further depicts him as an estimable landlord; for it is
+recorded on the tablet, that with his wife's fortune he purchased estates,
+and erected for the tenants new farm houses.
+
+Sir Thomas Parkyns died in 1751.
+
+In his will there is bequeathed a guinea a year to be wrestled for every
+midsummer day at Broadmore.
+
+We venture to surmise that our north country readers--more especially those
+interested in the sport half a century ago--will be struck with a
+similarity in the wrestling career and character of Sir Thomas Parkyns, and
+one of the great ornaments and enthusiastic advocates of the northern ring,
+namely, Professor Wilson. To us it appears there is a striking similitude.
+One, like the other, ranks amongst the cleverest and most scientific in
+their different modes of wrestling; one, like the other, had about the same
+social standing; one, like the other, somewhat eccentric in early life. One
+delighted with encouraging and upholding his favourite amusement in Bunny
+Park; the other happy when he could get together a goodly muster of
+athletes from the villages, the valleys, and mountain sides of the Lake
+district, at Bowness, Low Wood, or Ambleside--all within easy walking
+distance of Elleray, his beautifully situate Windermere mansion.
+
+
+WRESTLING IN SCOTLAND.
+
+In the year 1827, a society styled the "Saint Ronan's Border Club," was
+established at Innerleithen, near Peebles, the object of which was to
+revive the old martial spirit of the Borders, to encourage the practice of
+out-door sports and pastimes, and to yield amusement to the visitors of
+this sequestered watering place. Lockhart, in his life of Sir Walter Scott,
+(after giving an account of the publication of the novel of _St. Ronan's
+Well_, in 1823,) thus proceeds to describe the establishment of the annual
+gathering at Innerleithen:--
+
+     Among other consequences of the revived fame of the
+     place, a yearly festival was instituted for the
+     celebration of _The St. Ronan's Border Games_. A club
+     of _Bowmen of the Border_, arrayed in doublets of
+     Lincoln green, with broad blue bonnets, and having the
+     Ettrick Shepherd for Captain, assumed the principal
+     management of this exhibition; and Sir Walter was well
+     pleased to be enrolled among them, and during several
+     years was a regular attendant, both on the Meadow,
+     where (besides archery) leaping, racing, wrestling,
+     stone-heaving, and hammer-throwing, went on opposite to
+     the noble old Castle of Traquair, and at the subsequent
+     banquet, where Hogg, in full costume, always presided
+     as master of the ceremonies. In fact, a gayer spectacle
+     than that of the _St. Ronan's Games_, in those days,
+     could not well have been desired. The Shepherd, even
+     when on the verge of threescore, exerted himself
+     lustily in the field, and seldom failed to carry off
+     some of the prizes, to the astonishment of his
+     vanquished juniors; and the _bon-vivants_ of Edinburgh
+     mustered strong among the gentry and yeomanry of
+     Tweeddale to see him afterwards in his glory filling
+     the president's chair with eminent success, and
+     commonly supported on this--which was in fact the
+     grandest evening of his year--by Sir Walter Scott,
+     Professor Wilson, Sir Adam Ferguson, and _Peter_
+     Robertson.
+
+The Earl of Traquair was patron of the club, and among the members not
+mentioned by Lockhart, occur the names of the Duke of Buccleuch, Lord
+Napier, Robert Gladstone of Liverpool, William Blackwood, James Ballantyne,
+and Adam Wilson, captain of the Six-Feet Club.[5] At a later date,
+Glassford Bell, sheriff of Lanarkshire, took great interest in these
+sports.
+
+The games continued to be celebrated yearly in the early autumn, and lasted
+two days, the second day being mostly devoted to archery. Among the various
+athletes who entered the lists, the following are probably the most
+noteworthy. Professor Wilson (Christopher North,) threw the hammer; James
+Hogg tried his hand at the bow and the rifle, but yet--in despite of
+Lockhart's praise--the Shepherd did more doughty deeds with the grey-goose
+quill than with either of those weapons. Robert Bell, from Jed Water, was
+the champion "putter" of the stone, and could have been matched against
+any man in the three kingdoms, in throwing the sixteen or twenty-one pound
+ball--he upon his knees, and his opponent on his feet. An advertisement
+appeared in a leading newspaper, to back him for �100 against all comers,
+the challenge to hold good for twelve months, but there was no one to take
+it up. The Harper brothers, farmers near Innerleithen, held several prizes
+for throwing the hammer; and Leyden of Denholme, the champion leaper, could
+spring thirty-two feet, at three standing leaps, including the backward and
+forward leaps over the same ground.
+
+The first competition was held at Innerleithen on the 26th of September,
+1827; and among other prizes competed for, the Six-Feet Club of Edinburgh
+gave a silver medal to the best wrestler in the back-hold style, as
+practised in Cumberland and Westmorland. The introduction of this mode of
+wrestling into Scotland, may probably be attributed to the great interest
+which Professor Wilson took in the formation of these games. The prize in
+1827, was gained by George Scougal, a native of Innerleithen. On one side
+of the medal was the following inscription:--
+
+     "Presented by the Six-Feet Club, to the St. Ronan's
+     Border Club, to be awarded to the best Wrestler, at
+     their first Gymnastic Competition, at Innerleithen,
+     26th September, 1827."
+
+And on the reverse side, the following quotation from Waller:--
+
+    "Great Julius, on the mountain bred,
+    A flock perchance or herd had led:
+    He who subdued the world had been
+    But the best Wrestler on the green."
+
+    Gained by GEORGE SCOUGAL, Innerleithen.
+
+    Thirty-two competitors.
+
+Scougal carried off, also, the head prize for Wrestling, at the St. Ronan's
+Games, for the years 1828 and 1829. After performing these feats, he was
+"outlawed"--that is, he was excluded from contending again in the same
+arena, for the three years which followed. When past the prime of life, he
+was induced to enter the wrestling ring again, which he very unwillingly
+did, after much persuasion, and once more succeeded in bearing off first
+honours.
+
+In his day, Scougal was looked upon as the champion wrestler on the
+Scottish side of the Borders. At the St. Ronan's Games, he gained six
+medals for wrestling and throwing the hammer; and, likewise, a considerable
+number of trophies at other local meetings. A stout massive built man, he
+stood five feet eleven inches high, and weighed from fifteen to sixteen
+stones. With little or no knowledge of scientific wrestling, he
+nevertheless proved more than a match for all comers, by the herculean
+amount of power he possessed in the shoulders and arms.
+
+His usual mode of attack was to gather an opponent well to his breast, and
+then by sheer strength keep him there until a favourable opportunity
+presented itself to rush him upon his back. When excited or ruffled in
+temper, he gripped his man quickly and firmly, and then, in spite of all
+struggles or clicks, threw him over his hip. These movements were the
+nearest approach to science known to Scougal.
+
+Scougal was a butcher by trade, and is thus referred to in the _Noctes
+Ambrosiana_, in the Shepherd's parlance: "Geordie Scougal slauchered a
+beast last market day at Innerleithen, and his meat's aye prime." On one
+occasion, he actually felled a bullock with a blow from his fist; and in
+the smithy, which adjoined his slaughter-house, he not unfrequently
+exhibited feats of surpassing strength, one of which was to lift a waggon
+axle and two wheels, with a heavy man seated at each end of the axle. His
+skill in throwing the hammer was well known, and during his early manhood
+he carried off most of the leading prizes. At several meetings, the Harpers
+came into competition with him, but never approached any nearer than second
+to the dual Border champion of wrestling and throwing the hammer. Old
+people, who remember Scougal's earliest efforts, describe him as a
+veritable Goliath of Gath in strength, but--unless unduly excited--as
+gentle as a woman in manner and bearing.
+
+After Scougal's three years had elapsed, Robert Michie of Hawick, came to
+the fore as amateur wrestler. Michie took the belt at St. Ronan's, and kept
+it about two years. He was present at most of the gymnastic gatherings on
+the Borders, and carried off many prizes for wrestling and hammer throwing.
+At the Hawick Border Games in 1831, he threw Thomas Emmerson, from the
+neighbourhood of Carlisle,[6] after an exciting contest of some duration.
+His hammer throwing at St. Ronan's was inimitable, and has been described
+by the Ettrick Shepherd in the "Bridal of Polmood."
+
+Michie is introduced anachronically into the "Royal Bridal," in Wilson's
+_Tales of the Borders_, after the following fashion:--
+
+     At a distance from the pavilion,... was a crowd
+     composed of some seven or eight hundred peasantry
+     engaged in and witnessing the athletic games of the
+     Borders. Among the competitors was one called Meikle
+     Robin, or Robin Meikle. He was strength personified.
+     His stature exceeded six feet; his shoulders were
+     broad, his chest round, his limbs well and strongly put
+     together. He was a man of prodigious bone and sinews.
+     At throwing the hammer, at putting the stone, no man
+     could stand before him. He distanced all who came
+     against him, and, while he did so, he seemed to put
+     forth not half his strength, while his skill appeared
+     equal to the power of his arm.
+
+The following notice of the wrestling at Saint Ronan's, for 1831, is copied
+from the _Edinburgh Literary Journal_:--
+
+     Wrestling is not a Scotch game, as will be conceded by
+     every one who has been present at the Carlisle and
+     Saint Ronan's games. There is strength enough among our
+     peasantry, but it is the ore--it has never been moulded
+     for a practical purpose. Men came forward on this
+     occasion, who never would have dreamed of thrusting
+     their noses into an English ring; and they set to work
+     in a slovenly unhandsome way--some of them armed
+     _cap-�-pi�_--hat, coat, and shoes. Still, amid the
+     motley crew you might recognise men who knew both how
+     to seize and to wield their antagonists. The art only
+     needs encouragement; and we trust next meeting will
+     witness a better turn-out.
+
+There were other local athletes, who figured in the ring at Saint Ronan's,
+almost a match for Scougal. George Best of Yarrow, tailor, possessed far
+more science than the Innerleithen butcher, and was the holder of several
+prizes. Best, likewise, finds a niche in the _Noctes Ambrosiana_ of
+October, 1828, where the Shepherd is made to exclaim:--"Tibbie's married.
+The tailor carried her aff frae them a'--the flyin' tailor o' Ettrick,
+sir--him that can do fifteen yards, at hap-step-and-loup, back and forward
+on level grun'--stood second ae year in the ring at Carlisle--can put a
+stane within a foot o' Jedburgh Bell himsell, and fling the hammer neist
+best ower a' the border to Geordie Scougal o' Innerleithen."
+
+In which year of grace, we wonder, did Best stand second in the Carlisle
+ring? Wilson's memory must have proved treacherous when he penned this
+sentence. At all events, if Best _did_ wrestle second, "ae year in the
+ring at Carlisle," it must have been for some minor prize, long since
+forgotten.
+
+Abraham Clark of Calzie, farmer, a man of powerful frame, entered the ring
+after Scougal was "outlawed," and did some noteworthy feats.
+
+Another man, also remembered as a prize taker in the ring at Saint Ronan's,
+was Walter Scott of Selkirk, carrier.
+
+At Miles End, in Northumberland, athletic games were kept up until
+recently. Young men from both sides of the Borders entered keenly into
+these contests; and one noteworthy peculiarity of them was, that of keeping
+up the old national characteristic of Englishmen being pitted against
+Scotchmen, and Scotchmen against Englishmen. This mode of contesting was
+the means of producing many splendid feats of agility and prowess, but was
+apt to degenerate into mere exhibitions of warm blood, which too frequently
+ended in blows being exchanged by the rival combatants. Remnants of these
+contests may be witnessed to this day, at the annual fair at Stagshawbank,
+between the shepherds from the Reed, Liddle, Coquet, and Tyne, and those
+from the Slitrig, Jed, Oxmoor, Kail, and Teviot. Wrestling was always a
+leading sport at these gatherings; single-stick, tilting, leaping, and
+foot-racing, were also practised; and hence the devotion shown to these and
+similar athletic pastimes by the sturdy race of people living on both sides
+of the Cheviots.
+
+
+IRISH WRESTLING.
+
+The "collar and elbow" is the national style of wrestling in Ireland--that
+is, to take hold of an opponent's collar with one hand, and his elbow with
+the other. The fall is won if an opponent touches the ground with his hand,
+knee, back, or side, as in the Cumberland and Westmorland style.
+
+A wrestling match was witnessed in Phoenix Park, Dublin, in the autumn of
+1876, which may serve to illustrate to some extent the manner of
+proceeding. A ring was formed, around which seven or eight thousand people
+gathered, and two coats laid in the centre of the ring. Presently a
+wrestler enters, and dons one of the coats, which was a challenge for any
+man to take up the other coat. Another wrestler shortly after enters, and
+then, when due preliminaries are gone through, the tussle commenced in
+earnest. But how it proceeded, or how it ended--whether the struggle was an
+arduous one, or the victory an easy one--our informant could not tell.
+
+At the termination of the Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling held at the
+British Lion, Redcross Street, London, on August 21st, 1844, one Kelly, an
+Irishman, challenged any native of either of the above counties, to
+wrestle for a sovereign, in the collar and elbow style, the gainer of the
+first three falls, out of five, to be the winner. This offer was accepted
+by Edward Stainton, a native of Westmorland. And after three-quarters of an
+hour's good play, Stainton had floored his man three times in succession.
+Kelly was second in the leaping match at the same sports.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     [NOTE.--We regret exceedingly the great paucity of our
+     information on the subject of Irish Wrestling.
+     Enquiries were made in many and various ways, without
+     success. Any information respecting two or three of the
+     representative wrestlers of the Green Isle, addressed
+     to the _local_ publishers, will be very acceptable.]
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[1] Daikl�s, the Messenian, was the first who had the honour of being
+crowned with the simple wreath woven from the sacred olive-tree near
+Olympia, for his victory in the Stadium.
+
+[2] Hill's Essays.
+
+[3] Strutt's Sports and Pastimes.
+
+[4] Retrospective Review.
+
+[5] Professor Wilson was anxious to get enrolled in the Six-Feet Club, but
+could not manage it. He was just half-an-inch too short.
+
+[6] Emmerson was a powerful built man, a mason by trade, who wrestled for
+several years in the Carlisle and other rings, with moderate success. He
+won the head prize at Hawick in 1835.
+
+
+
+
+CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORLAND WRESTLING.
+
+    Wrestlers of Cumberland,
+      Good fellows all;
+    Wrestlers of Westmorland,
+      Stout lads and tall:
+    Ye who are thrown to-day,
+    Rise more alert and gay,
+    Next year make the play,
+      Good fellows all.
+
+    _King Arthur's Round Table Ballad_, 1824.
+
+
+Wrestling, as a matter of course, occupies a prominent position in our
+review of Northern Pastimes, more especially from the commencement to the
+end of the time to which our notices extend. Some of the other sports are
+now remembered only as illustrating the habits of a byegone period. In this
+last are to be classed Bull-baiting and Cock-fighting: condemned now as
+cruel and torturing by all classes, but deserving of record from their
+encouragement and popularity in times past. Others of a less objectionable
+type are extinct as well. That almost all were looked upon with disfavour
+by a considerable portion of the community, in the old Puritan times of
+Cromwell, the following curious extract will abundantly testify. It is
+quoted from THE AGREEMENT OF THE ASSOCIATED MINISTERS AND CHURCHES OF THE
+COUNTIES OF CUMBERLAND AND WESTMERLAND. _London: Printed by T. L. for Simon
+Waterson, and are sold at the sign of the Globe in Paul's Churchyard, and
+by Richard Scot, Bookseller in Carlisle, 1656._
+
+"All scandalous persons hereafter mentioned are to be suspended from the
+Sacrament of the Lord's Supper: this is to say ... any person that shall
+upon the Lord's Day use any dancing, playing at dice, or cards, or any
+other game, masking, wakes, shooting, playing, playing at football, stool
+ball, _Wrestling_; or that shall make resort to any Playes, interludes,
+fencing, bull baiting, bear baiting; or that shall use hawking, hunting, or
+coursing, fishing or fowling; or that shall publikely expose any wares to
+sale otherwise than is provided by an Ordinance of Parliament of the sixth
+of April, 1649.... These Counties of Cumberland and Westmerland have been
+hitherto as a Proverb and a by-word in respect of ignorance and
+prophaneness; Men were ready to say of them as the Jews of Nazareth, Can
+any good thing come out of them?"
+
+This intolerant anathema did not put a stop to the practice of Wrestling,
+on fine summer evenings, at nearly all the villages of Cumberland and
+Westmorland--a practice, we opine, less detrimental to the formation of a
+good rural peasantry than loitering about or brawling in village
+ale-houses. It was, however, upwards of a century and a half after, before
+back-hold wrestling assumed the importance it has attained. A passing
+notice of doings in the ring, in a long ago period, may nevertheless be
+interesting.
+
+In King Edward the Sixth's time, somewhere between 1547 and 1553, a
+gigantic youth of great strength and in wrestling practice, resided at
+Troutbeck, near Windermere. His name was Gilpin, or Herd. His mother was
+driven away from Furness with child--generally asserted in the
+neighbourhood--to one of the monks of Furness Abbey. The mother afterwards
+led a tramping and begging sort of life, and drew to a house in Troutbeck
+belonging to the Crown. The house and some adjoining land were conferred by
+the king on a retainer, who on attempting to take possession, met with
+determined opposition from the desperate woman, and her wild son Gilpin,
+or, as he was familiarly called, the "Cork Lad of Kentmere." This led to
+the "Lad"--then about twenty years old--being summoned to London. He set
+off on foot, in a home-spun dress, and after many strange adventures and
+shifty expedients, reached the end of his long journey. Soon after
+arriving, the king held a meeting for athletic contests. The wild-looking
+northerner was present, and ascended the stage to contend with the
+champion wrestler. He easily won the first fall. In the second, he threw
+the champion clear off the stage. After astonishing the spectators by
+several other muscular performances, the king sent for him, and enquired
+who and what he was, and where he came from. He told the king he did not
+know his own name, but "folk commonly co' me the Cork Lad o' Kentmere!" The
+king desiring to know the sort of food he lived on at home, received this
+quaint reply, "Thick porridge an' milk that a mouse might walk on dry shod,
+to my breakfast; an' the sunny side of a wedder to my dinner, when I can
+get it." Being acknowledged champion, the king wished to confer some reward
+as a distinction, and asked him to state what he wished. He begged to have
+the house he lived in at Troutbeck, and land adjacent to get peat off, and
+wood from Troutbeck Park for fire. These were soon made over to him. He did
+not enjoy the generous gift for any lengthened period; for at the age of
+forty-two, he got so injured in attempting to pull up a tree by the roots,
+that he died from the effects. Leaving no children or will, the estate
+reverted to the Crown, and King Charles the First granted it to Huddleston
+Philipson of Calgarth.
+
+It appears that Kentmere Hall in Kentmere--a secluded pastoral dale, some
+dozen miles north of Kendal, and running in another dozen miles up to the
+steep sides of Hill Bell, Nan Beild, and High Street--was built at the
+time the "Cork Lad" was in the valley. During the building, he performed a
+surprising feat of strength, by placing, without any assistance, a huge
+beam on the walls. On a Mr. Birkett being applied to by James Clarke, the
+author of the "Survey of the Lakes," for particulars respecting the well
+nigh incredible feat, he replied in the following sensible letter:--
+
+"I have taken dimensions of the beam at Kentmere Hall, which is thirty feet
+in length and thirteen inches by twelve-and-a-half in thickness. There is
+no inscription on it, as you mentioned. I shall inform you what has been
+given by tradition, (and I had it from a man that was _one hundred and four
+years old_ when he died). When the Hall was building, and the workmen gone
+to dinner, this man, whose name was Herd, happened to be there, and while
+they were at dinner, laid it up himself. At that time the Scots made
+frequent incursions into England. He with his bow and arrows killed many of
+them in coming off the mountains, at a place which still retains the name
+of 'Scot's Rake,' which is about a mile from where he lived."
+
+In the days of brave Queen Bess, lived Richard Mulcaster, whose father
+represented the city of Carlisle in Parliament. "By ancient parentage and
+lininal discent," Mulcaster was "an esquier borne; by the most famous Queen
+Elizabeth's prerogative gift," parson of Stanford Rivers church, in Essex.
+Being an earnest student, he became not only proficient in the Greek and
+Oriental languages, but also an expert archer, and thought it not
+unbecoming to his cloth to shoot by times, at "the targets for glory at
+Mile End Green." This good old clergyman loved athletic exercises so well,
+that among other learned treatises, he issued one in 1581 entitled
+"Positions; wherein those Primitive Circumstances be examined, which are
+necessarie for the training up of Children, either for Skill in their
+Booke, or Healthe in their Bodie," which was dedicated to his patron, Queen
+Elizabeth. In this quaint old quarto volume, the author discourses on the
+ancient art of "wrastling" as becometh one reared on Cumbrian soil.
+"Clemens Alexandrinus," says he, "which lived at Rome in Galenus' time, in
+the third book of his 'Pedagogue or Training Maister,' in the title of
+exercise, rejecting most kinds of wrastling, yet reserveth one as well
+beseemeing a civill trained man, whom both seemeliness for grace and
+profitableness for goode healthe do seeme to recommende. Then an exercise
+it is, and healthfully it may be used; if discretion overlook it, our
+countrey will allow it. Let us, therefore, use it as Clemens of Alexandria
+commendes it for, and make choice in our market. Wherefore not to deale
+with the catching pancratical kind of wrastling which used all kindes of
+hould to cast and overcome his adversarie, nor any other of that sorte
+which continuance hath rejected and custome hath refused, I have picked out
+two which be both civill for use, and in the using upright, without any
+great stouping. It is a friend to the head, bettereth the bulke, and
+strengtheneth the sinews. Thus much for wrastling, wherein, as in all other
+exercises, the training maister must be both cunning to judge of the thing,
+and himself present to prevente harme when the exercise is in hand."
+
+Leaving this loyal old parson to demonstrate still further his "Positions"
+to the boys of the Merchant Tailors' and St. Paul's, of both of which
+schools he was head master, we come across another worthy, Robert Dodd,
+commonly called "Miller Robin," who lived some years at Brough in
+Westmorland. He was possessed of such bodily strength as to be able to take
+a bushel of wheat, (a Carlisle bushel of ninety-six quarts,) between his
+teeth, and toss it over his shoulder. He would also lie down, and with six
+bushels of wheat placed on his back, weighing something like nine hundred
+and fifty pounds, rise up with apparently little exertion. He was also an
+expert wrestler, and very few who knew the man would contend with him for
+the annual prize belts. The following Epitaph on a Wrestler, from
+Miscellaneous Poems, by Ewan Clark of Standing Stone, near Wigton, 1779, is
+applicable to "Miller Robin."
+
+    Here lies the man beneath this stone,
+    Who often threw, but ne'er was thrown:
+    Before him his antagonists fell,
+    As many a broken bone can tell;
+    Death cry'd, "I'll try this man of strength!"
+    And laid him here at his full length.
+
+Soon after Robin had succumbed, there came out a Herculean wrestler, named
+John Woodall, a small statesman, and a native of Gosforth in West
+Cumberland. At Egremont sports, he came against one Carr, a shoemaker. Carr
+gained the fall, and at the King's Arms in the evening, began chaffing
+Woodall, who in a fit of momentary excitement, caught hold of his
+antagonist, and held him up to the ceiling of the room; and, by the
+waistband of his breeches, hung him dangling and struggling to a strong
+crook. We have alluded elsewhere to a wonderful feat of bodily strength, by
+Robert Atkinson, the Sleagill giant, in carrying a conveyance called a
+"carr" out of a dyke-back, on to the turnpike road, near Kendal. This
+unlucky vehicle had defied the efforts of three or four persons to drag it
+out, by tugging at the shafts and wheels. Very big men, since Atkinson's
+time, have somehow ceased to be wrestlers.
+
+Two stalwart Cumbrians will, however, be brought under the notice of our
+readers in the following description of Ancient Sports upon Stone Carr,
+near Greystoke. This particular, and, at the time, highly popular meeting,
+is introduced to show the description of sports that prevailed in numerous
+villages throughout the two Northern Counties at the latter part of last
+and the beginning of the present century. No doubt, the reader will be
+struck with the wide difference in the value of the prizes, as compared
+with those given in the present day, when the two Pooleys would get over
+forty pounds in money and cups, at the Burgh Barony Races of 1877. Stone
+Carr Sports had been held for many years previous to 1787, and a similar
+list of prizes given annually to these enumerated; and they seemed to give
+entire satisfaction to the crowds who assembled from Penrith, Keswick, and
+all the neighbouring villages.
+
+For the Horses--1st, a Bridle, value      �1 6s.
+  Do.      do.--2nd, a pair of Spurs       0 6s.
+For the Wrestlers                A Leathern Belt
+For the Leapers                 A pair of Gloves
+For the Foot Racers               A Handkerchief
+For the Dog Coursers          A Pewter Quart Pot
+
+Many other small prizes were given, and they brought out a strong
+determined spirit of contention amongst the competitors. The one who had
+finally--after many sturdy contests--the belt placed over his shoulders,
+was regarded as quite a distinguished individual. If there were a dance in
+the evening, it of course made him a personage of no small account. Old and
+young regarded wrestling science, wrestling distinction and strength, with
+keen relish. The Sunday following victory, the champion might be seen
+marching to church, decorated with the belt, and on the Sunday following
+showing off at another neighbouring church. And this was not the only
+distinction: the lasses, one and all, looked on him favourably. He had no
+difficulty in getting a sweetheart, and matrimonial engagements frequently
+followed the prize winning; for amongst rustics, as well as in the higher
+classes, distinction is invariably looked on as a pretty good passport to a
+lady's favour.
+
+Sometimes disputes would arise--for northern blood at sports and fairs is
+soon up--and then probably a punishing fight ensues. This, however, rarely
+happens. When it does take place, it is a fair stand up fisty-cuff fight. A
+very severe contest occurred at the Stone Carr meeting, which from the
+amazing stature and strength of the combatants, is deserving of record. Mr.
+Andrew Huddleston--an enthusiastic admirer of rustic sports--threw up the
+belt as a competitor. The country people for miles round about his own
+neighbourhood gave him the _sobriquet_ of "Girt Andrew," from his
+giant-like stature and great strength. He came against one Thomas Harrison
+of Blencow, another Titanic specimen of humanity. Probably no two of like
+Herculean proportions ever stood together to take hold. "Girt Andrew" got
+grassed with a tremendous thud, and directly offered to fight his opponent.
+Harrison, no ways backward, accepted the challenge, and both prepared for a
+set-to. An unexpected interference occurred. A Presbyterian preacher, then
+stationed at Penruddock, persuaded them to desist, and apparently seemed to
+have got the burly combatants to depart home peaceably without a resort to
+blows. The feud, however, proved to be glossed over, and not healed, for
+even after jointly partaking of a friendly glass, Mr. Huddleston again
+threw down the gauntlet, and again it was taken up. The fight was obstinate
+and terrific, both receiving fearful punishment. In the end Harrison
+triumphed. In after years they continued good neighbours, without any
+manifestation of ill feeling.
+
+Thomas Harrison had a brother named Launcelot, residing at Penruddock, who
+followed the occupation of a blacksmith. This man also possessed amazing
+strength, and was of gigantic stature. When dead, his remains were taken to
+Greystoke, and buried there. Some years after, the grave digger, in making
+another grave, dug into Launcelot's. He took out the jaw bone, and it
+proved to be half as big again as the sexton's, who was a stout six feet
+man.[7]
+
+Another Penruddock champion died in 1791, at the age of four score and six
+years, who was styled at that date, "the last of the northern giants." This
+was Matthias Nicholson, who, through a lengthened period, stood unrivalled
+at all the wrestlings and other athletic exercises and manly sports, which
+took place in the neighbourhood. His height was six feet two inches, and
+his bulk in proportion.
+
+The top of High Street, a mountain near Haweswater, in Westmorland, seems a
+strange situation for holding Wrestlings, Jumpings, Horse Races, and other
+sports. This mountain is 2,700 feet above the level of the sea--a breezy
+elevation, forsooth, for such pastimes. Nevertheless, they were held
+annually on the 10th of July for many years, and long continued to be a
+flourishing institution. The primary object of the gathering was this:--On
+the heaves or pastures of mountain sheep farms, stray sheep are kept and
+cared for. The shepherds, on the day appointed, drive them to the place of
+meeting, and give them up to the rightful owners, who identify them by
+certain marks. After this important business has been gone through, a
+dinner is set out, and washed down with libations of ale or spirits, and,
+by the time keen appetites are satisfied, numerous additions have increased
+the assemblage, and then commence the wrestling, &c. It forcibly
+illustrates the deep hold these pastimes have in the minds of the rural
+population, when they are indulged in at such meetings and in such
+situations. From information which has been gathered from an aged native of
+Kentmere, it appears that the High Street gatherings fell into neglect, and
+were discontinued about sixty years since. They have been supplemented by
+similar ones--minus the races and wrestlings--held annually in November at
+the little road side hostelry on Kirkstone, and at the "Dun Bull" in
+Mardale, where sports and wrestlings are held annually on Whit-Monday.
+Mardale is at other times a lonely, little frequented dale, at the head of
+Haweswater. On one occasion the landlady of the "Dun Bull," on being
+remonstrated with for supplying sour porter in June, excused herself by
+saying: "Why, that's varra queer! It _was_ freysh enuff last grouse time!"
+
+Other places--situate advantageously for holding them--have now their
+shepherd's gatherings. At the High Street meetings a fox hunt was mostly an
+important part of the day's proceedings. The following fearful incident
+happened during a hot chase. Blea Water Cragg is doubtless well known to
+many summer tourists. It has a sheer fall of about three hundred yards, and
+the rock in many places appears to jut out even with the bottom. A man
+named Dixon, from Kentmere, was following a hard run fox, when he slipped
+and fell from the top of the rocks to the bottom. He was carried home, with
+no broken bones, but bruised and battered in a shocking manner; nearly all
+the skin and hair of his head cut off by the sharp-edged rocks--scalped, in
+fact. In falling, he struck against the rocks many times, and yet, strange
+to say, by his own account, he did not feel the shocks from first falling
+over to finally landing at the bottom of the perilous descent. Dizzy,
+stunned, and unable to stand, he had the chase uppermost in his mind,
+shouting as well as he was able to the first that got to him: "Lads! lads!
+t' fox is gane oot at t' hee end! Lig t' dogs on, an' I'll cum seun!"
+Insensibility soon followed this exhortation, and he was carried home, but
+recovered ultimately. The rocks have since been known by the name of
+"Dixon's three jumps."
+
+Wrestling on High Street seems strange, but stranger still is wrestling on
+the frozen surface of Windermere lake. The one we have to record happened
+in 1785, during an excessively severe frost. When the ice had attained
+great thickness, a project was started for roasting a large ox on it. All
+preparations being made, "Rawlinson's Nab" was fixed upon as the locality
+for carrying on operations. The eventful day arrived without any break in
+the frost, and a vast concourse from all parts of the surrounding country
+assembled to enjoy the unusual sight. Creature comforts, in the shape of
+eatables and lots of beer, were not wanting. The enlivening strains of a
+band of music from Kendal, too, gave animation to the scene. The wrestling
+was in clogs, such as country people at that time generally wore. These
+primitive coverings for the feet, though well adapted for sliding on the
+ice, were clumsy to wrestle in; nevertheless, the falls were eagerly
+contested, and delighted the throng of spectators. The final victor
+received a belt.
+
+From the interesting autobiography of Thomas Bewick, the celebrated wood
+engraver, who visited an uncle at Ainstable about the year 1776, we learn
+the following particulars respecting the feats of one of his cousins in the
+wrestling ring:--"I remained at Ainstable about a week, during which time I
+rambled about the neighbourhood, visited my friends at Kirkoswald and
+elsewhere, and spent what time I could spare in fishing for trout in the
+Croglin.... I began to think of moving abroad; and my cousin having
+occasion to go to Carlisle, I went with him there, where we parted.... At
+Langholm, my landlord who was a Cumberland man and knew my relatives there,
+was very kind to me; and among other matters concerning them, told me that
+my cousin who had accompanied me to Carlisle had won nine belts in his
+wrestling matches in that county."
+
+We next come to a curious, remarkable, and noteworthy old custom at which,
+towards the latter end of the eighteenth century, and the early part of the
+nineteenth, wrestlings, and a variety of other sports, were much
+patronised. The celebration of BRIDEWAINS or BIDDEN WEDDINGS were extremely
+popular in Cumberland. All the people of the country side were invited. For
+the amusement of the spectators assembled, prizes were given for sports of
+various kinds, as will be found described in the graphic dialect poem of
+John Stagg, the blind bard.
+
+    Some for a par o' mittens loup't,
+      Some wrustl'd for a belt;
+    Some play'd at pennice-steans for brass;
+      And some amaist gat fell't.
+    Hitch-step-an'-loup some tried for spwort,
+      Wi' mony a sair exertion;
+    Others for bits o' 'bacca gurn'd,
+      An' sec like daft devarshon
+                            Put owre that day.
+
+If any reader wishes for a full description of the various incidents and
+details connected with this old wedding custom, he is recommended to
+consult Stagg's poem of _The Bridewain_, from which the preceding lines are
+quoted.
+
+The people of the district were generally invited to these weddings by
+public advertisement, specimens of which still exist in the files of one or
+two of the earliest local newspapers. The following is given as a curiosity
+in its way from the _Cumberland Pacquet_.
+
+
+BIDDEN WEDDINGS.
+
+
+    Suspend for one Day all your cares and your labours,
+    And come to this Wedding, kind friends and good Neighbours.
+
+     NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Marriage of Isaac
+     Pearson with Frances Atkinson, will be solemnized in
+     due form in the Parish Church of Lamplugh, on Monday
+     next, the 30th of May, instant--immediately after which
+     the Bride and Bridegroom, with their attendants, will
+     proceed to Lonefoot, in the said Parish, where the
+     Nuptials will be celebrated by a variety of Rural
+     entertainments.
+
+                  Then come one and all,
+                  At Hymen's soft call,
+    From Whitehaven, Workington, Harrington, Dean,
+    Haile, Ponsonby, Blaing, and all places between;
+    From Egremont, Cockermouth, Parton, Saint Bees,
+    Dint, Kinneyside, Calder, and parts joining these;
+    And the country at large may flock if they please.
+    Such sports there will be as have seldom been seen--
+    Such Wrestling, and Fencing, and Dancing between;
+    And Races for Prizes, and Frolic and Fun,
+    By Horses, by Asses, and Dogs will be run:--
+    And you'll all go home happy--as sure as a gun.
+    In a word--such a Wedding can ne'er fail to please,
+    For the Sports of Olympus were trifles to these.
+      _Nota Bene_--You'll please to observe that the Day
+      Of this grand Bridal Pomp is the thirtieth of May;
+      When 'tis hop'd that the sun to enliven the sight,
+      Like the Flambeau of Hymen, will deign to burn bright.
+
+     Lamplugh, May 20th, 1786.
+
+The next one which we shall quote, contents itself with a plain prose
+description of the various attractions.
+
+     Richard and Ann Allason present their compliments to
+     their Friends and the Public in general, and beg leave
+     to inform them that they intend to have a BRIDEWAIN at
+     Southwaite, in the Parish of Brigham, on Thursday, the
+     25th day of May, instant. There will be the following
+     Sports--such as Horse Races, Dog Races, Wrestling,
+     Jumping, and Foot Races, &c., &c., &c., and various
+     other amusements too tedious to mention, to entertain
+     them; and they will think themselves happy with their
+     attendance.
+
+     Southwaite, 1st May, 1809.
+
+The last Bridewain notice we shall give celebrates the marriage of Henry
+and Sarah Robinson of High Lorton, near Cockermouth, on June 6th, 1811.
+This advertisement flows into sprightly verse as follows:--
+
+    'Tis Love, immortal Power! gives birth
+    To healthful Sports and Sprightliest Mirth.
+    Awhile your Drudgery and Pains
+    Forego, ye jocund Nymphs and Swains.
+    We think it only Right to acquaint ye,
+    That each sort may get Sweethearts plenty!
+    For those who Pastime love and Fun,
+    We've Horses, Dogs, and Men to Run;
+    Athletic Sports we'll set before ye,
+    And Heats renown'd in Ancient Story;--
+    Leaping and Wrestling for the Strong,
+    Enough to please you--_Come Along!_
+
+Professor Wilson--himself a proficient in the noble pastime, and whose
+great literary attainments assisted materially to elevate _Blackwood's
+Magazine_ to the proud eminence it attained in his time,--pays in its pages
+the following eloquent tribute to Wrestling, which was, in his younger
+days, the principal athletic exercise in the North of England.
+
+     It is impossible to conceive the intense and passionate
+     interest taken by the whole northern population in this
+     most rural and muscular amusement. For weeks before the
+     great Carlisle annual contest, nothing else is talked
+     of on road, field, flood, foot or horseback; we fear it
+     is thought of even in church, which we regret and
+     condemn; and in every little comfortable public within
+     a circle of thirty miles diameter, the home-brewed
+     quivers in the glasses on the oaken tables to knuckles
+     smiting the boards in corroboration of the claims to
+     the championship of Grahame, a Cass, a Laughlin, Solid
+     Yak, a Wilson, or a Weightman. A political friend of
+     ours--a staunch fellow--in passing through the lakes
+     last autumn, heard of nothing but the contest for the
+     county, which he had understood would be between Lord
+     Lowther (the sitting member) and Mr. Brougham. But to
+     his sore perplexity, he heard the claims of new
+     candidates, to him hitherto unknown; and on meeting us
+     at that best of inns, the White Lion, Bowness, he told
+     us with a downcast and serious countenance that Lord
+     Lowther would be ousted, for that the struggle, as far
+     as he could learn, would ultimately be between Thomas
+     Ford of Egremont, and William Richardson of Caldbeck,
+     men of no landed property, and probably Radicals.... It
+     is, in our opinion, and according to our taste, not
+     easy, to the most poetical and picturesque imagination,
+     to create for itself a more beautiful sight than the
+     ring at Carlisle.... Fifteen thousand people, perhaps,
+     are there, all gazing anxiously on the candidates for
+     the county. Down goes Cass, Weightman is the standing
+     member; and the agitation of a thousand passions, a
+     suppressed shudder and an under-growl, moves the mighty
+     multitude like an earthquake. No savage anger, no
+     boiling rage of ruined blacklegs, no leering laughter
+     of mercenary swells--sights and sounds which we must
+     confess do sicken the sense at Newmarket and
+     Moulsey--but the visible and audible movements of calm,
+     strong, temperate English hearts, free from all fear of
+     ferocity, and swayed for a few moments of sublime
+     pathos by the power of nature working in victory or
+     defeat.
+
+We may be allowed to supplement the foregoing with a remark, that there are
+two things which natives of the Lake Country, and the rural parts of
+Cumberland and Westmorland, who have migrated southwards, often in their
+absence sigh for. The one is "a good stiff clim' amang t' fells;" and the
+other, "a snug seat aroond some russlin' ring."
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[7] Clarke's Survey.
+
+
+
+
+MELMERBY ROUNDS.
+
+
+Melmerby is one of the finest types of a fell-side rural village left in
+Cumberland, with its cheerful dwellings scattered here and there--single or
+in groups,--its old manor hall and miniature church, and its spacious green
+spreading over fully fourteen acres of land. The village nestles close
+under Hartside, one of the Crossfell range of mountains, on the direct road
+from Penrith to Alston, over which the pack-horse bell continued to tinkle,
+clear and loud, to a much more recent period than it did on the great
+highways of commerce. This interesting fact has not been overlooked by Miss
+Powley, in her _Echoes of Old Cumberland_.
+
+    When the staunch pack-horse gang of yore
+      The Fell's unbroken rigours faced,
+    With stores for miners 'mid the moor,
+      The Dane's stronghold at ten miles passed;
+    Then up the steeps their burden bore,
+      For trackless, treeless, ten miles more.
+
+    *....*....*....*
+
+    When the staunch troop, with travel sore,
+      Passed up within the Helm-cloud's veil,
+    And 'scaped the blast--yet heard it roar
+      Below in many a western dale;--
+    When they, to crown the march severe,
+      Defiled through summits bleak and brown;
+    With sudden speed, and louder cheer,
+      Came clattering down to Alston town,
+    Round which the wide fells darkly peer,
+    And grasping winter cheats the year.
+
+The Melmerby folk to this day are pastoral in occupation, intercourse, and
+habits. Their conversation, running for the most part on rural topics, is
+plentifully interlarded with such expressions as "Fetchin' t' kye he�m,"
+"Fodderin' t' sheep," and "Takin' t' nag to t' smiddy." Occasionally, the
+blood runs warmer with excitement and curiosity, when a shrill cry like the
+following rings through the village streets, "Run wid t' r�apes, lad! A
+coo's i' t' mire!"
+
+At the Gale, within a mile of the village, where the land rests principally
+on a limestone bottom, the produce of cream is not of that dubious quality
+known to pent-up city dames, but so rich and thick that a spoon will almost
+stand upright in it. The cream of this dairy has frequently been tested
+with one of the old copper pennies of George the Third coinage, which
+formidable weight it always bore triumphantly on the top.
+
+For fully a century, and probably a much longer period, Melmerby has been
+known as a noted place for upholding the manly back-hold wrestling of the
+North. On Old Midsummer Day--that is, on the 5th of July of each year--this
+village commenced its annual two-days' sports, which consisted of prizes
+for wrestling, leaping, foot-racing, dog-trailing, etc. The wrestling took
+place on that part of the green known as the cock-pit, where many a doughty
+champion has been sent sprawling at full length on his back. Although the
+amount given in prizes was small,[8] the entry of names was always large,
+from sixty to seventy being the average number; while more than four-score
+men have contended at various times. By being held at the season of the
+year when the days were longest, and when they wore their sunniest aspect,
+Melmerby Rounds were invariably attended by vast concourses of spectators.
+The Alstonians used to muster remarkably strong; the miners and others
+coming over Hartside in considerable droves from that town, and the
+neighbouring villages of Nenthead and Garrigill-gates. So great became the
+celebrity of the Melmerby ring, that first-rate wrestlers have frequently
+travelled as far as thirty and forty miles to throw and be thrown upon its
+village green. Buying and selling was a thing unknown. One friend might
+give way to another sometimes; but, as a rule, it was purely the honour of
+becoming victor, for the time being, that emulated most of the competitors.
+
+A veritable giant in height and strength, who was in his prime about 1805,
+being ambitious to excel as an athlete, attended these sports for several
+years, but never succeeded in carrying off a single prize. This was
+Teasdale Thompson of High Rotherup, near Alston, whose height exceeded six
+feet two inches, and whose weight was in proportion to his height. Among
+well-known men who attended these meetings, but failed to achieve success,
+may be mentioned Robinson of Renwick, and William Earl of Cumwhitton, the
+former of whom figured several times.
+
+About a quarter of a century ago, the squire of Melmerby Hall interested
+himself a good deal in establishing spring and "back-end" fairs in the
+village, for the sale of cattle, sheep, &c.; and on this account it was
+thought better to abolish the annual Rounds. Accordingly this ancient
+gathering came to a sudden and unexpected collapse, about the year 1850,
+after having existed in an unbroken link for fully a century.
+
+The following is as complete a list of the winners of the wrestling at
+Melmerby Rounds, as we have been able to collect. The local newspapers
+were carefully ransacked for intelligence, but being found singularly
+barren in this respect, our information had to be gathered in almost every
+instance from aged fell-side chroniclers, who had either been frequent or
+occasional attenders at these meetings, the principal of whom was Mr. John
+Dodd of Broadmeadows, Melmerby.
+
+About 1788 Adam Dodd of Langwathby Mill, won _several_ years.
+
+About 1798, James Fawcett, miner, Nenthead.
+
+  "   1799,      "           "       "
+
+  "   1800,      "           "       "
+
+  "   1801,      "           "       "
+
+  "   1802,      "           "       "
+
+  "   1803,      "           "       "
+
+  "   1804,      "           "       "
+
+  "   1809, Thomas Golightly, miner, Alston.
+
+This wrestler afterwards removed to the West Cumberland mining district;
+and in February, 1819, was killed by the fall of part of a roof in one of
+the Whitehaven coal pits.
+
+About 1810, Robert Rowantree, shepherd, Kingwater.
+
+About 1815, Andrew Armstrong, farmer, Sowerby Hall.
+
+About 1816, Thomas Peat, farmer's son, Blencow.
+
+  "   1817, John Dobson, Cliburn.
+
+  "   1818, John Robley, Scarrowmannock.
+
+  "   1819,      "              "
+
+Robley emigrated to America several years after this date.
+
+About 1820, Isaac Maughan, Alston.
+
+  "   1821,      "          "
+
+Maughan settled in Newcastle-on-Tyne, where he died during the cholera of
+1832.
+
+About 1823, J. Spottiswoode, miner, Alston.
+
+  "   1825, John Weightman, husbandman, Hayton.
+
+About 1826, John Weightman, husbandman, Hayton.
+
+Weightman won two years, and received a guinea and the belt each time,
+these being the usual awards to the victor at that date.
+
+1828, Thomas Armstrong, Carlisle; Elliot (perhaps of Cumrew) wrestled
+second. Bowman, of the Gale, won the second day's wrestling.
+
+About 1830, Joseph Graham, Dufton Wood, Appleby.
+
+About 1833, Jonathan Woodmas, Alston.
+
+1838, Thomas Morton, farmer, The Gale, 1st; Isaac Farlam,
+Bowness-on-Solway, 2nd.
+
+About 1839, Thomas Morton, farmer, The Gale.
+
+On one occasion Morton wrestled through the ring without taking his coat
+off.
+
+About 1841, John Salkeld, land-surveyor, Huddlesceugh.
+
+1844, _First day_: Joseph Elliot, Croglin, 1st; Thomas Teasdale, Ousby,
+2nd. (Sixty-five names entered, including John Buck, John Milburn, and
+Joseph Morton.) _Second day_: John Nixon, Langwathby, 1st; John Slee,
+Blencow, 2nd.
+
+About 1845, Joseph Shepherd, Crewgarth, Melmerby.
+
+1847, Joseph Morton, farmer, The Gale, 1st; John Milburn, Weardale, 2nd.
+
+Joseph Morton also won once or twice on the second day. John Milburn
+stopped at Melmerby on his way home from the Carlisle meeting, at which
+latter place he carried off the head prize the two following years.
+
+About 1850, Joseph Morton, farmer, The Gale.
+
+Morton threw Halliwell of Penrith, and, we believe, Anthony Mc.Donald of
+Appleby wrestled up with him. This was the last Round held at Melmerby.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[8] "Melmerby Annual Sports will take place on Monday, the 6th day of July,
+1846, when the following Prizes will be given to contend for:--�2 to
+Wrestle for; �2 for a Hound Race; and handsome prizes for Running, Leaping,
+and other amusements, as usual."--[_Advertisement._]
+
+
+
+
+LANGWATHBY ROUNDS.
+
+
+Langwathby, like its twin-sister Melmerby, is strictly a rural village,
+made up of snug homesteads, dropped here and there in picturesque
+confusion. Crossing the bridge from the Penrith side, and coming in sight
+of its modest church and spacious green, the most familiar sounds which
+formerly fell upon the ear were the lowing of cattle, the bleating of
+sheep, and the barking of dogs. The pastoral stillness which once
+prevailed, however, is now abruptly broken by the shrill whistle of the
+passing train, the snorting and screeching of engines, and the heavy thuds
+which resound from the "shunting" and reloading of railway waggons
+immediately above.
+
+This old-world village, with few chances and changes to record, has found a
+native bard to plead feelingly for the obscurity which the dim past has
+wrapped around its history.
+
+    O! spot of all the land alone
+    Unsung, unheard of, and unknown;
+    Dim background of life's busy stage,
+    Scarce named in local history's page.
+    Neglected spot! what hast thou done,
+    That, ever since the world begun,
+    Thy name proscribed hath seemed to be,
+    In legend, tale, or minstrelsy?
+    That e'en no rustic bard hath owned thee,
+    And thrown a wreath of song around thee?
+
+However much the paucity of general incidents may be felt in reviewing the
+past history of this Cumberland village, it is pleasing to note that
+Langwathby and Melmerby vie with each other in antiquity as promoters or
+"handers down" of local athletic pastimes.
+
+The famous Adam Dodd, "the Cock of the North," lived and died at Langwathby
+Mill, which place is still--or was recently--inhabited and owned by the
+same family. The last Adam Dodd of that ilk, was killed half a century
+after the death of the first Adam, on his homeward journey with horse and
+cart from Alston, while turning a sharp angle of the road a little above
+Melmerby.
+
+Langwathby Rounds, unlike those at Melmerby, were held annually in the
+midst of "winter and cold weather"--that is to say, on New Year's Day and
+the day following. Wrestling formed by far the greatest attraction of these
+primitive gatherings; the yeomen, farmers, and husbandmen from the
+neighbouring hamlets being the principal competitors. The sports took
+place, as a general rule, in a field close to the village which belongs to
+Mr. John Hodgson; but on some few occasions they were held on the opposite
+or western side of the river Eden. The prizes given were of small value,
+but great honour. During the latter part of the last century, a narrow
+leathern belt of meagre appearance, or a pair of buckskin breeches, was
+almost the only trophy given for wrestling. In the year 1816, when James
+Robinson won, a couple of guineas was the full amount offered; and this
+sum, we suppose, was never exceeded till many years after the King of
+Mardale and the Bishop of Lichfield's brother had carried off the principal
+prizes.
+
+About the year 1820, on New Year's Day, the ground was covered with a
+coating of snow three or four inches deep, when a curious scene took place
+during the wrestling. It so happened that Isaac Mason of Croglin, was drawn
+against Isaac Westmorland of Ousby. Mason--well known for his smuggling
+adventures and his numerous eccentricities--entered the ring wearing an old
+home-spun overcoat, so thick and patched that it set at nought all
+Westmorland's attempts to clasp his arms around it. No persuasion could
+induce Mason to try and accommodate matters by stripping. He would not move
+a jot; and in the meantime his opponent was becoming quite numb and frigid
+with cold. At length Mason showed signs of relenting, and ultimately took
+off the obnoxious overcoat. Still Westmorland's arms were found to be too
+short, and refused to meet. Continuing therefore to "doff" what was most
+cumbersome--off went the coat, then the waistcoat, and finally Mason stood
+stripped to his "sark" in the snow, with nothing on but his trousers,
+where his opponent managed to keep him standing until he, in his turn, was
+nearly starved to death!
+
+Among other minor prizes at Langwathby, a pair of garters was given to the
+boy who proved himself to be the fleetest runner. About forty years since
+this prize was carried off by a youth of the village, who afterwards became
+a successful rower, and, as one of the athletes of Queen's College, Oxford,
+won the silver oar twice in succession.
+
+A dance on the green among the village girls of four or five years old,
+formed a pretty rural sight, even when witnessed amid the cheerless snow.
+At the conclusion of these jocund rounds, each little maiden was presented
+with a bright ribbon--such mementoes being popularly spoken of as
+_fancies_. And while the procession of fiddlers and villagers were
+marshalling in order, it was no unusual thing to hear an aged dame calling
+from her cottage door: "Noo, honies, run an' git ye're _fancies_!"
+
+The boys' race and the leaping usually succeeded the dancing on the green;
+and by the time these pastimes were concluded, daylight had either gone or
+was fast fading away. Owing to darkness setting in thus early, lanterns
+were frequently in great request among the rough-spun frequenters of the
+wrestling ring.
+
+Following close in the rear of the New Year's pastimes, came the ancient
+custom of _stanging_ on the Twelfth Night. A procession of young
+fellows--dressed in fantastic garbs as clowns, accompanied by one in
+woman's attire, and preceded by a couple of fiddlers--paraded the village
+streets. Calling in rotation at the various houses on their way, the
+"woman" commenced operations by sweeping up the fireside with a besom,
+which she carried for that purpose, and then the leading clown delivered a
+ludicrous speech to the inmates of the house. One Brunskill, shoemaker and
+rustic humourist, is still remembered as being by far the cleverest clown
+who figured at these Stangings. To his credit let it be mentioned that his
+mirth was always kept well within the limits of decorum and decency.
+
+The Langwathby Rounds continued to flourish after the Melmerby ones had
+passed away, being kept up for full twenty years longer, and consequently
+extended over a still greater period of time. The more intelligent dwellers
+at this hamlet give it as their opinion, that so long as the Rounds
+continued to be of a secluded character, and were almost entirely taken
+part in by the villagers and the rural population, living under the shadow
+of Crossfell or Hartside, things generally went well and smoothly; and that
+it was reserved for these latter days to open up new roads, offer larger
+prizes, and introduce a greater influx of "riff-raff" and unruly characters
+from the towns, after which period the annual gatherings became more and
+more degraded by tolerating unseemly abuses. About the year 1870, having
+sunk in social status, these Rounds were finally given up, lest some riot
+or other unpleasant circumstance might crop up, as did at Armathwaite,
+between the English and Irish navvies, employed in cutting the extension of
+the Midland line of railway from Settle to Carlisle.
+
+The following is as full a list of the winners of the wrestling at the
+Langwathby Rounds as we have been able to collect together, from a variety
+of out-of-the-way and other sources.
+
+About 1788, Adam Dodd of Langwathby Mill, won _several_ years.
+
+About 1809, Paul Gedling, Culgaith, 1st; Isaac Dodd, Langwathby Mill, 2nd.
+
+Dodd broke a blood vessel in the wrestle up, owing to which both men left
+loose; the prize, of course, being awarded to Gedling. Isaac Dodd farmed
+Barrock Gill, near Carlisle, for many years after this event.
+
+1816, James Robinson, gamekeeper, Hackthorpe.
+
+1817, Thomas Peat, Blencow, 1st; George Robinson, Langwathby, 2nd.
+
+Robinson of Hackthorpe, and Joe Abbot of Thornthwaite, also wrestled.
+
+1818, Thomas Richardson, Hesket-New-Market, known as "The Dyer," 1st; John
+Dobson, Cliburn, 2nd.
+
+About 1820, Isaac Mason, Croglin.
+
+About 1824, John Holmes, King of Mardale.
+
+About 1826, John Bowstead, yeoman, Beckbank.
+
+Bowstead was one of the Bishop of Lichfield's younger brothers.
+
+1829, Joseph Thompson, Caldbeck, 1st;--Milburn, 2nd.
+
+Thompson was only an eleven stone man; while Milburn stood six feet two
+inches, and weighed nearly sixteen stones. Thompson also distinguished
+himself by throwing Ireland and Bird, both good wrestlers.
+
+About 1830, Matthew Dixon, Penrith.
+
+About 1831, George Bird, farmer, Langwathby.
+
+1832, _First day_: Thomas Dobson, Sleagill. _Second day_: William Warwick,
+Eamont Bridge.
+
+About 1833, Richard Chapman, Patterdale, 1st; Benson of Hunsanby, 2nd.
+
+About 1834, Richard Chapman, Patterdale.
+
+  "   1835, George Bird, farmer, Langwathby.
+
+  "   1836, Robt. Gordon, husbandman, Plumpton.
+
+  "   1837, George Bird, farmer, Langwathby.
+
+  "   1838,       "         "       "
+
+  "   1839, ---- Moore, shoemaker, Melmerby.
+
+  "   1840, Thomas Morton, The Gale, Melmerby.
+
+About 1841, John Spedding, husbandman, Skirwith.
+
+  "   1842, Thomas Morton, The Gale, Melmerby.
+
+About 1843, Anthony Mc.Donald, Appleby.
+
+  "   1844,    "        "       "
+
+1845, _First day_: J. Shadwick, Lazonby, 1st; John Robinson, Langwathby,
+2nd. _Second day_: William Buck, Temple Sowerby, 1st; John Buck Temple
+Sowerby, 2nd.
+
+About 1846, Anthony Mc.Donald, Appleby.
+
+1847, _First day_: Anthony Mc.Donald, Appleby, 1st; John Shadwick, 2nd.
+_Second day_: Joseph Halliwell, Penrith, 1st; John Shadwick, 2nd.
+
+About 1848, Joseph Halliwell, Penrith.
+
+1849, William Buck, Temple Sowerby, 1st; John Shadwick, 2nd.
+
+About 1850, Anthony Mc.Donald, Appleby.
+
+  " 1851,    "        "       "
+
+  " 1852,    "        "       "
+
+Anthony Mc.Donald won seven times in all, some of which were second day's
+prizes.
+
+About 1861, _First day_: John Wilkinson, Little Strickland, 1st; John
+Salkeld, Melmerby, 2nd. _Second day_: Thomas Threlkeld, Langwathby, 1st;
+Isaac Dodd, Langwathby Mill, 2nd.
+
+1862, _First day_: William Jameson, Penrith, 1st; T. Salkeld, Great
+Salkeld, 2nd. _Second day_: J. Brunskill, Penrith, 1st; W. Watson,
+Winskill, 2nd.
+
+About 1863, William Jameson, Penrith.
+
+" 1864, _First day_: John Wilkinson, Little Strickland, 1st; John Atkinson,
+Little Salkeld, 2nd. _Second day_: Isaac Lowthian, Plumpton, 1st; Philip
+Lowthian, Plumpton, 2nd.
+
+About 1865, _First day_: Isaac Lowthian, Plumpton, 1st; Thomas Sisson,
+Temple Sowerby, 2nd. _Second day_: John Howe, Ousby, 1st; William
+Cheesebrough, Langwathby Hall, 2nd.
+
+About 1866, _First day_: Andrew Armstrong, Plumpton, 1st; Isaac Lowthian,
+Plumpton, 2nd. _Second day_: Adam Slack, Skirwith Hall, 1st; James
+Errington, Aiketgate, 2nd.
+
+1867, _First day_: Adam Slack, Skirwith Hall, 1st; John Cheesebrough,
+Langwathby Hall, 2nd. _Second day_: George Steadman, Drybeck, 1st; Ralph
+Pooley, Longlands, 2nd.
+
+About 1868, _First day_: Ralph Pooley, Longlands, 1st; William
+Cheesebrough, Langwathby, 2nd. _Second day_: Ralph Pooley, 1st; John
+Cheesebrough, Langwathby, 2nd.
+
+_Nine-and-a-half stone prize_: Joseph Hodgson, Langwathby, 1st; John
+Errington, Aiketgate, 2nd.
+
+1869, _First day_: Joseph Hodgson, 1st; William Cheesebrough, 2nd. _Second
+day_: Saunders Gedling, 1st; William Cheesebrough, 2nd.
+
+_Ten stone prize_: Robert Mc.Crone, 1st; Thomas Holmes, 2nd.
+
+1870, George Steadman, Drybeck, 1st; William Pigg, Sceugh Dyke, 2nd.
+
+_Ten stone prize:_ Samuel Brownrigg, Clifton, 1st; Robert Gordon, Plumpton,
+2nd.
+
+This was the last Round held at Langwathby. There was only one day's
+sports.
+
+
+
+
+JAMES FAWCETT
+
+OF NENTHEAD.
+
+
+The following brief memoir of JAMES FAWCETT of Nenthead--one of the most
+accomplished wrestlers on record--will carry the reader back to a byegone
+period, when wrestling and various other amusements, which filled up the
+day's programme, were far more a _rural_ following than at present; when
+"Rounds" like Melmerby and Langwathby, when West Cumberland "Bridewains,"
+when country meetings like Stone Carr, near Greystoke, produced at stated
+periods an exciting animation in almost all northern villages, and afforded
+a brief holiday to a numerous body of small "statesmen" and farmers, their
+sons, and servants. Such gatherings are now, however, nearly all given
+up--are only "lang syne" remembrances, and wrestling meetings are held
+mostly in the large towns, and considerable sums offered to contend for. In
+many cases they are got up by innkeepers, who depend on "gate money" to
+recoup the outlay. Whether this change conduces to fair, manly, unbought
+wrestling, is a matter of grave doubt. Wrestlings, we are afraid, will
+never again be contests, like those of ancient Greece and Rome--_for honour
+and fame_. We cannot look on this change otherwise than as unfortunate for
+the rural population of the northern counties, who may justly asseverate--
+
+    There never was a game like the old English game,
+      That's played 'twixt the knee and the tee;
+    You may roam the world o'er, but the game at your door
+      Is the very best game you will see.
+
+We regret being unable to furnish anything like a detailed account of Jemmy
+Fawcett's feats in the ring, or more than a meagre outline of the general
+particulars of his life. But what we do know of his career is so important
+in wrestling annals, that we are inclined to believe it would be considered
+injudicious to omit all notice of such a high class athlete. Most of his
+achievements have become well nigh traditionary, and yet, in many respects,
+his memory is as green as ever it was in the northern counties, and
+particularly so in a wide circuit round Alston Moor.
+
+Fawcett lived at Greengill, Nenthead, a mining village in East Cumberland,
+four or five miles from Alston town, where he worked at his daily
+occupation, in what is called a "hush," connected with the mines. His
+height was five feet seven inches, and his general wrestling weight from
+ten to ten and a half stone. His modes of attack and defence, and manner of
+disposing of his opponents, seem to have been innumerable; in fact, he
+appears to have been an adept in turning the most unlikely emergencies to
+account. He was as active as an eel, could twist and wriggle like one, and
+was nearly as difficult to hold. When an opening presented itself, he was
+partial to getting his left side into play, and then immediately ensued a
+decisive onslaught. Robert Rowantree, a big six foot, fifteen-stone man,
+who practised a slaughtering cross-buttock, used to say that no man could
+so effectually stop it as Jemmy Fawcett. Litt designates him, as "the very
+best wrestler of his weight Cumberland, or indeed the United Kingdom, ever
+produced." And again, "Jemmy must have been the most wonderful wrestler of
+his own or any other time."
+
+It was about the beginning of the present century that Fawcett attained his
+prime. His wonderful success in carrying off the head prize at the Melmerby
+"Rounds" for seven consecutive years, added considerable celebrity to his
+other achievements. On one of these occasions, he went to Melmerby in
+company with his friend, John Woodmas of Alston, with a full determination
+of winning. A great stumbling block in the way to victory, presented itself
+in the person of one "Pakin" Whitfield, who weighed from sixteen to
+seventeen stones, and who had the reputation of being, at that time, the
+strongest man in Cumberland. All went well and smoothly through several
+rounds, until Fawcett and Woodmas were drawn together. What was to be done?
+Woodmas, who weighed at least three stone heavier, argued thus: "Noo,
+Jemmy, my man, what! thoo can dea nowte wid greit Pakin. Thoo's niver
+fit to mannish him. Thoo'll just hev to lig doon to me!" "Nay, nay," was
+the determined reply, "I'll lig nin doon to thee, ner ne�body else. I can
+throw him weel ene�f, I know I can." When "Pakin" and Fawcett came together
+in the next round, Woodmas used to say afterwards: "Sist'e! I fair trimmelt
+age�n for t' lile fellow. I thowt nowt but t' varra life wad be crush't oot
+on him!" Standing side by side in the ring, the contrast appeared so great,
+that it looked as if the struggle was to take place between a giant and a
+pigmy. When the little man tried to span the back of the big man, and
+failed to do so, derisive peals of laughter broke out in various parts of
+the ring; and when the novel spectacle was presented of the little one
+lengthening his reach by the aid of a pocket handkerchief, the risible
+propensities of the spectators were tickled to a still greater extent.
+Getting fairly into holds, the tussle, however, was not one of long
+duration. "Pakin" commenced operations by making two or three futile
+attempts to draw Fawcett up, so that he could hold him more firmly; but the
+latter being fully prepared for any emergency, skipped about nimbly, and
+evaded all the attempts made to grip him; then he suddenly slipped under
+the big-one's chest with his left side, "gat in amang his legs, an' browte
+him neck ower heels." No sooner was the immense mass of humanity rolled out
+on the green sward, than the crowd went wild with excitement, and "varra
+nar split Crossfell wid shootin' an' hurrain'!"
+
+The annual Easter sports, held at Lowbyre, Alston, continued for many years
+to be a centre for wrestlers to congregate, from the districts round
+Weardale, Harewood, Knarsdale, Nenthead, and Garrigill. To one of these
+meetings, came Cuthbert Peart from Weardale, a powerful well built man,
+weighing sixteen stones nine pounds. Being drawn against Fawcett in one of
+the rounds, Peart lifted him like a child, and while holding him dangling
+in the air, asked, in a swaggering manner, where he would like to be laid.
+Jemmy, however, "mannish't to bit on his feet, like a cat;" and then, quick
+as lightning, down went the Weardale man, like a shot, from the effects of
+one of Jemmy's deadliest chips. "Noo," said Fawcett, with mock gravity,
+while stooping over the prostrate figure of Peart, "thoo can lig me
+whoariver thoo likes!"
+
+The brilliant manner displayed in carrying off Peart, filled the fallen man
+with so much wonder and amazement, that he declared Fawcett to be the
+cleverest wrestler in Britain, and forthwith took him over to Blanchland,
+on the borders of Northumberland and Durham. At that place he wrestled a
+match, with a sixteen-and-a-half-stone man, for a pair of leather breeches,
+and won easily. On this occasion he had again to resort to the use of a
+handkerchief.
+
+Another fall, similar in some respects to the one with Peart, occurred at
+Nentberry sports, about three miles from Alston, with one Thomas
+Stephenson, a man of considerable stature and bulk, who was accounted a
+good wrestler in his day and generation. On going into the ring for the
+final fall, Stephenson repeated again and again, with much confidence: "The
+little man _must_ go down--the little man _must_ go down, this time!" When
+hold had been obtained, the big one led off very briskly with the swing,
+but failing signally, Fawcett at once introduced the buttock, and brought
+him over so quickly and effectually, that as soon as Stephenson had
+recovered from his surprise, he burst out into passionate language,
+exclaiming: "Jemmy Fawcett's nut a man, at aw! He's a _divel_--a fair
+DIVEL! an' ne�body 'ill convince me to th' contrary!"
+
+Jemmy continued to wrestle occasionally till he was nearly fifty years old.
+Litt speaks of him figuring at Smaledale in Yorkshire, where he resided
+about 1823.
+
+During a lengthened career, Fawcett continued a great enthusiast in
+wrestling matters. When lying on his death bed, while wrestling with a foe
+sure to triumph in the end, the "ruling passion" exercised a strange
+influence over him. He actually induced his son and daughter to take hold
+in the room, for a tussle, in order that the son might be benefitted by his
+instructions, relative to certain favourite chips. This anecdote is well
+authenticated.
+
+Fawcett died at Nenthall, near Alston, aged fifty-five or fifty-six years,
+about 1830.
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM RICHARDSON
+
+OF CALDBECK.
+
+"_BELTED WILL._"
+
+
+When Professor Wilson wrote a review of William Litt's popular
+"Wrestliana," for _Blackwood's Magazine_, he stated that WILLIAM RICHARDSON
+of Caldbeck, the winner of two hundred and forty wrestling trophies or
+"belts," was "better entitled than old Howard of Castle Dacre himself to
+the cognomen of 'Belted Will.'" From this sweeping dictum of the presiding
+spirit of old Maga, we are inclined to dissent. William Richardson
+doubtless gained his formidable list of prize "belts" mostly in well
+contested but harmless fields of strife, and is fully entitled to the proud
+distinction of having his familiar Caldbeck patronymic, "Will Ritson,"
+elevated into "Belted Will." How, however, he is "better entitled" than the
+grand border chieftain of the Howards--one of the most celebrated heroes
+that shone in the long and deadly feuds which prevailed for generations
+between the rival border houses of Scotland and England--we are at a loss
+to conceive. Besides, they earned a similar designation in such different
+fields. One is rendered for ever famous as one of the most renowned actors
+in the fierce border raids that were wont to arise between England and
+Scotland--a historic celebrity handed down to all time; and whose sword and
+belt--still preserved amongst the Howard relics--astonish everyone
+attempting to handle them. It is inconceivable that any one ever existed
+with sufficient strength to wield such formidable weapons, without we fall
+back to that giant of a "long time ago," yclept Samson, or to the other
+strong man of heathen mythology, Hercules. Richardson, holding a high place
+in the wrestling arenas of the north, and formidable from his overpowering
+strength, contended only in fields where, it is true, there was keen
+determined rivalry, but of an entirely harmless description to life or
+limb--plenty brought to grass in a rough, tumble-down, unwelcome manner,
+but not ending with the death-struggles of infuriate moss-troopers, hating
+each other with a savage bitterness almost inconceivable at the present
+day.
+
+William Richardson was born at Haltcliff, in Caldbeck parish, in March,
+1780. In the rural districts of Cumberland, families were frequently
+numerous. The Richardsons were of this description--the subject of our
+present memoir being the eldest but one of thirteen children. In his own
+neighbourhood, indeed almost throughout Cumberland, he became familiarly
+known as "Ritson," or "Rutson." In order to make his way in the world, he
+was brought up to the occupation of a joiner, and continued to follow the
+business for some years; but having a strong inclination for farming, and
+breeding Herdwick sheep, he gave it up, and settled on an estate called
+Netherrow, near Caldbeck. This farm was in the occupation of his father and
+himself for eighty years.
+
+Richardson measured in height, five feet nine-and-a-half inches, and
+weighed fully fourteen stones. He was a man well and strongly built from
+"top to toe;" slightly round shouldered and round backed; with a fine,
+broad, expansive chest; possessing tremendous strength of arm; and had a
+"neck like a bull." He lived till February, 1860, having attained his
+eightieth year; and it became a common remark that up to nearly the final
+shuffling off this mortal coil, he had the lightest foot, and was the
+"lishest" walker of any old man in the neighbourhood of Caldbeck. At Faulds
+Brow sports, when a hale hearty stager of more than three-score-and-ten
+years, he challenged to wrestle any man in England of his own age. We once
+witnessed, too, at Newcastle, in 1861, another septuagenarian, named Thomas
+Fawcett, from the neighbourhood of Kendal, challenge any man in England or
+Scotland of a like age. He stood six feet one inch, appeared uncommonly
+active, and straight as a maypole. Real "grit" these, our transatlantic
+cousins would say. Yes, it is such men that make Cumberland and
+Westmorland athletes superior to all the world.
+
+The hype became Richardson's main chip; and a favourite method of stopping
+an opponent--at which he was allowed to be a great adept--was to give him a
+sudden click--"kind o' bear him off his feet"--and then lift and hype. If
+an opponent should attempt buttocking, his unrivalled strength of arm
+enabled him to gather his adversary up with a vice-like grip, anything but
+pleasant. Indeed, he never was buttocked but once, in the whole of a long
+career, and that once by John Nicholson of Threlkeld, in private practice
+one summer night in the neighbourhood of Ouse-bridge.
+
+"Will" scored his first prize when only eighteen years old, at Soukerry, in
+his native parish. The sports held there annually ranked amongst the oldest
+and best local gatherings in Cumberland, and being in the midst of a good
+wrestling country, several noted men attended yearly. From the manner in
+which the youngster disposed of all comers, he was pronounced to be a
+promising "colt" for future work. After gaining this, his first victorious
+effort, in a strong entry, Richardson wrestled with marked success through
+many rings--of course, like others, getting a "topple over" now and then.
+When about twenty-one years old, he entered into the spirit of the sport
+with wonderful enthusiasm, and determination not to be beaten. Two
+remarkable circumstances, in a prolonged career, are worth relating. He
+was never "felled" a single fall, by any mortal man, between the age of
+twenty-one and twenty-eight; that is to say, from 1801 to 1808 or 1809,
+during which period he attended almost all the sports held between
+Calderbridge on the south-west, Pooley-bridge on the east, and all through
+the north to the Scottish borders. And he was never "felled" two falls
+together but once in his life, when a mere stripling, at Harrop sports,
+between Embleton and Lorton. Job Tinnian of Holme Cultram (one of a
+distinguished wrestling and fighting family, a good striker, and proficient
+with the buttock), and Richardson, were matched for a guinea, the best of
+three falls. Job got the two last, and his opponent the first. Tinnian--who
+measured six feet six inches in height--doffed his shirt, and had his back
+so thoroughly soaped, there was no holding him. Previous to the match,
+Richardson had thrown him for the head prize at the sports, and then again
+next day at a "Bridewain" at Southwaite, about two miles from Cockermouth,
+on the Lorton road. Job Tinnian had a daughter, who, we believe, grew to be
+such a giantess, that she was taken about as a show, and exhibited in the
+Blue Bell at Carlisle, and various other places.
+
+During the latter part of the last century, and in the early part of the
+present one, the head prizes at the various wrestling meetings were of a
+most primitive description, consisting either of a homely leather
+"belt"--with an inscription, giving name of place, date, and name of
+winner--or a "brutches piece," a suitable length of buckskin or broadcloth,
+for making a pair of breeches; and occasionally, but very rarely, a silver
+cup. Unlike the present day, liberal money prizes did not tempt competitors
+on the village greens.
+
+While the century was still young, some enterprising individual announced
+that a "golden guinea"--the first ever given in Cumberland for a like
+purpose--would be presented to the winner of the head prize at Highmoor
+sports, near Wigton. The offering of such a gilded bait--quite a
+novelty--naturally drew together a strong field of active young athletes.
+William Richardson of Caldbeck, among the rest, put in an appearance. Much
+resolute wrestling occurred, as round after round passed over. When the
+ranks became thinner and thinner, the two last standers proved to be one
+Todd, a spirit merchant from Wigton, and Richardson. The former was
+familiarly spoken of in the neighbourhood as "Brandy Todd." He was a
+powerful built man, nearly six feet high, and a great enthusiast in
+wrestling, pedestrianism, and dog-trailing. The two men should have been
+matched on several previous occasions, and this being the first, indeed,
+the only time they ever met in any ring, the excitement became intense. The
+Wigtonians being in great numbers, "crowed very crouse." Some of the more
+boisterous ones tried to banter and upset the self-possession of
+Richardson, by shouting in derision--"Browte up wid poddish an' kurn milk!
+what can _thoo_ deu, I wad like to know? Go bon! Brandy 'ill fling thee oot
+o' t' ring, like a bag o' caff!" The men stood up ready for action. Holds
+were obtained, after some delay in fencing; a brief struggle ensued, and
+the huge spirit-merchant measured his full length on the green-sward. His
+friends were dumb-foundered at the sudden fall of their hero. The opposite
+party, highly elated, cried out, much to the discomfiture of poor
+Todd--"Ha! ha! Codbeck kurn't milk's stranger ner Wigton brandy--efter
+aw t' rattle!"
+
+When Richardson was in his prime, sports or races were held at the Beehive
+Inn, Deanscale, near Lamplugh. One Shepherd Pearson, from about Wythop,
+made a curious and, to look at the terms, foolish wager. He bet a ten pound
+note that he would find a man to win the wrestling; another to win the
+foot-race; and a hound to win the dog-trail, at the Beehive sports. Now, it
+is well known how very much odds increase on a double event, but here are
+evens to win _three_ events. Exceedingly foolish! but nevertheless the bet
+was won. The chosen champion proved to be Richardson for the wrestling;
+John Todhunter of Mungrisdale, near Threlkeld, for the foot race; and
+"Towler," belonging to John Harrison of Caldbeck, for the dog-trail.
+Curiously enough, all three nominations succeeded in winning the head
+prize in their respective entries; and Pearson carried off his risky wager
+with a triumphant flourish.
+
+A feud of long standing, it appears, had existed between William Litt and
+Richardson. This feud no doubt gave a colour to various statements, and
+places us on rather delicate ground in endeavouring to do justice to both
+parties. Our object, however, is to speak of each man truthfully and
+impartially--to let neither colour "the even tenor of our way." The couple
+had met at several sports in West Cumberland; and on one occasion, when
+drawn together, Richardson had succeeded in disposing of Litt. The latter,
+however, was, as he termed it, in his "novitiate." No doubt the fall was
+highly unpalatable to the loser, and at length resulted in a challenge
+being given and accepted. The meeting ended unsatisfactorily. Both men drew
+up to their posts at the appointed time, Litt shewing unmistakeable signs
+of being "fresh i' drink." When requested to make ready for the contest, he
+gave a point blank refusal, saying he "wad nowder strip nor russell!" Here
+was an awkward fix! What was to be done? After a considerable amount of
+"higgling" had been gone through, another match was made, for ten pounds a
+side, to come off at the Green Dragon, Workington--Litt being backed by his
+brother, a medical man of good standing. On the appointed day, Richardson
+and his friends were on the ground to the minute. For some reason or
+other, Litt did not put in an appearance. His brother--the doctor--went
+into the ring, and held his watch till the full time specified in the
+agreement had expired, and then very honourably handed the money over to
+Richardson, saying: "I can give no reason why my brother has not fulfilled
+the conditions of his engagement." In after years, when the bitterness of
+old feuds was nearly, if not altogether worn out, Litt expressed regret
+that he had treated Richardson's merits as a wrestler somewhat scurvily in
+_Wrestliana_.
+
+Rowland Long of Ambleside, an immense big, burly man, the winner, it was
+asserted, of nearly one hundred belts, issued a challenge, that he was open
+to wrestle any man in England. An enthusiastic Cumbrian, named Thomas Bell,
+residing at Goose Well, near Threlkeld, took up the challenge, not for
+himself, but with the understanding that he should produce a man at the
+appointed time and place. He first tried his neighbour, Tom Nicholson, but
+Tom "thowt hissel rayder ower slender" to engage such a giant as Rowland,
+and recommended William Richardson of Caldbeck. Bell set off, and after
+some trouble and delay, fell in with Richardson at Rosley Hill fair, on
+Whit-Monday. Without much ado the two agreed; got a conveyance, and drove
+off for Ambleside without further preparation: a long course of training
+never being thought of in those good old days. After reaching Ambleside,
+they took a boat, and rowed down to Bowness, where sports were held on the
+Tuesday. Richardson's name was entered for the wrestling, but being stiff
+and tired with the long ride from Rosley, he didn't, according to his own
+version of the affair, "git weel away wid his men." He succeeded, however,
+in working upwards till the final fall, and then encountered John Long, a
+brother of Rowland's. The two had a hard struggle for the prize, but in the
+end the Caldbeck hero proved victorious. Whether John Long considered the
+fall doubtful or unsatisfactory, cannot now be ascertained; but he said,
+tauntingly, to Richardson, after the tussle was over, "If thoo can du nowte
+nea better ner that, my man, thoo'll hev d--d lile chance wi' oor
+Roan, I can tell thee!"
+
+On Wednesday--the day following--the match with Rowland was appointed to
+come off on the bowling green of the Salutation Hotel, Ambleside, for, we
+believe, ten guineas a side, the best of three falls. Richardson, looking
+from a window of the hotel, got a first sight of his huge opponent, coming
+up the street. After an attentive survey, and noticing the awkward, heavy
+sort of rolling walk that Long had, a smile stole over the features of the
+Caldbeck man, who thought then he could win easily; setting it down in his
+own mind, that one so slow and ungainly would not be quick enough in his
+movements in the wrestling ring. This mental calculation proved correct;
+the two first falls settling the match, and enabling the winner to walk
+away with the amount contended for.
+
+The two Cumbrians left Ambleside on Thursday, and drove back to Threlkeld.
+Wrestling and other sports were being held there the same day. The victor
+in the match of the previous day was greeted with hearty cheers, by a crowd
+collected on the village green. A score or more of clamorous voices were
+raised in pressing entreaties that he would enter his name for the
+wrestling. Tired with the three previous days' exertions, "an' nut
+feelin' hofe reet, wi' gittin' sups o' drink of aw maks," he didn't want to
+take any part in the proceedings. He was, however, very reluctantly
+persuaded to enter the ring, but "niver stripp'd nor doff'd a thing off."
+Notwithstanding these drawbacks, he again proved victorious, throwing in
+the course of the day, both Tom Nicholson and his brother John. On
+Friday--the following day--he won at Soukerry, in Caldbeck parish; and on
+Saturday gained the head prize at Hutton Roof, near Penrith; thus finishing
+a heavy week's work, by winning at four different places, and gaining an
+important match besides.
+
+On Ascension Day, at Kingmoor Races, Carlisle, in 1809, the subscription
+belt was won by William Richardson of Caldbeck; and the Mayor's belt by
+Joseph Stalker of Welton. At the first annual meeting on the Swifts,
+Carlisle, where there was a purse of five guineas to contend for,
+Richardson was thrown, in the third round, by John Harrison of New Church,
+who wrestled second to Tom Nicholson. In the same year, at Penrith, in
+October, the three favourites were Tom Nicholson, William Richardson, and
+Harrison of New Church. All three champions went down; Richardson, after
+throwing John Oliphant, James Lancaster, and Joseph Brownrigg, was thrown
+in the fourth round by John Nicholson of Threlkeld.
+
+At Carlisle in 1810--Tom Nicholson's second year of winning--Richardson got
+capsized by a person of no note whatever; but succeeded in winning the
+second day's prize, Joseph Slack of Blencow being second. At Carlisle, in
+1812, the head prize was won by James Scott, Oarnlee, Canonbie, throwing in
+the final fall William Richardson. On the following day, the loser in the
+wrestle up proved victorious, throwing finally John Forster of Walton Rigg;
+William Mackereth of Cockermouth being third. The winner received four
+guineas, and the second two guineas. At Penrith, in October of the same
+year, ten guineas--a large sum to wrestle for in those days--was given to
+contend for, where Richardson was thrown by John Parker of Sparkgate, the
+winner.
+
+At Carlisle, in 1813, for the chief prize, the Caldbeck favourite threw
+William Waters, John Cowen, Walter Phillips, and Samuel Jameson of Penrith;
+and was thrown in the final fall by Robert Rowantree of Bewcastle, after
+one of the severest struggles on record. Richardson's own account of the
+fall was this: after having lifted Rowantree to hype him, his foot slipped,
+owing to the wetness of the day, and consequent slipperiness of the ground;
+losing his balance, he fell clean backwards, thus throwing away the fall.
+He had met Rowantree on two or three previous occasions, and always threw
+him. At Keswick, in 1820, the Caldbeck champion was thrown by William
+Wilson of Ambleside, said by a high authority to be the best man
+Westmorland ever produced.
+
+On the revival of the Carlisle wrestling in 1821, after three years'
+cessation, Richardson, then forty-one years old, drove to the meeting in a
+conveyance with Tom "Dyer" and others. On leaving home he had no thoughts
+whatever of wrestling--"ower oald"--and withstood all the persuasions of
+his friends, till reaching Durdar village, where he consented once more to
+try. He wore at the time, a pair of old-fashioned knee-breeches, which held
+him too tight to wrestle in, and had therefore to borrow an easier pair
+before entering the ring. The gathering was an immense one. The numbers
+assembled on the Swifts were estimated at twenty thousand. A long array of
+highly respectable ladies, including the Countess of Lonsdale, were
+interested spectators. Sixty-four men entered, and nearly all were
+calculated to weigh fourteen stones or upwards. In the morning, when the
+Caldbeck party were at Durdar, Tom "Dyer"--one of the very best hypers of
+his time, indeed, a first-class man altogether--was very full of winning.
+The first man called into the ring, and the first that went down, proved to
+be Tom, being thrown by one John Hetherington.
+
+It is very probable there never met on the Swifts as good a field of
+wrestlers. Richardson acknowledged afterwards that he stood most in awe of
+Joseph Robley of Scarrowmannick, from the exceeding clever manner in which
+he swung his opponents. Robley, by the way, has been credited with being
+the first introducer of the _swinging hype_. They met in the third round,
+and the Caldbeck veteran succeeded in disposing of the one he looked upon
+as his greatest bugbear. The third round also proved fatal to several other
+good wrestlers--Jonathan Watson, James Graham, and Joseph Abbot going down.
+Weightman--then twenty-two years old, all bone and muscle, standing six
+feet three inches high, and weighing fifteen-and-a-half stones--fell in the
+fourth round. Glendinning, (a rough tearing hand, from the neighbourhood of
+Penrith, compared to whom a bull in a china shop was as nothing,) fell in
+the fifth round; leaving Ford of Ravenglass--victor over Weightman at
+Egremont, weighing over fifteen stones, and measuring six feet two
+inches--for the final fall with Richardson. The latter succeeded in
+throwing the young, formidable West Cumbrian, and carried off the head
+prize amid much shouting and cheering.
+
+Richardson won the chief prize at Faulds Brow, near Caldbeck--where
+annually some of the best wrestling in Cumberland could be witnessed--for
+_nineteen_ years in succession, a continued series of successes unequalled
+in wrestling annals. Flushed with victory crowning victory, he went with
+the full determination of carrying off the prize for the twentieth time, if
+possible, but the spell was broken: fate had ordained otherwise. A
+raw-boned rustic, unknown to fame, named Young, (afterwards a publican at
+Dalston,) sealed his fate. The stewards were inclined to bring the fall in
+a "snap," but the vanquished man very honourably declared himself to be
+fairly thrown. Nevertheless, he was so chagrined at the untoward event, so
+grievously disappointed at not having achieved this highly prized
+distinction, that it was asserted he fairly cried for vexation over it.
+
+The wrestling at Faulds Brow always--very injudiciously, we think--took
+place late in the evening. On the occasion of "Belted Will's" final
+discomfiture, it was not concluded till two or three o'clock, in the cold
+grey atmosphere of a July morning, many rounds being finished up by the aid
+of lighted candles.
+
+The following reply to a novel wrestling challenge, which appeared in the
+columns of a Whitehaven newspaper, explains itself without note or comment.
+It is dated October 16th, 1843, and, we believe, it proved to be the end of
+the matter:--
+
+     SIR,--A paragraph lately appeared in the _Whitehaven
+     Herald_, stating that Charles Lowdon, of wrestling
+     notoriety, who resides near Keswick, and is sixty years
+     of age, would wrestle a match with any individual of
+     the same age. The veteran William Richardson of
+     Caldbeck, aged sixty-two years, will be happy to accept
+     the challenge, and wrestle Mr. Lowdon, the best of five
+     falls, for �5 or �10 a side. The friends of W. R. will
+     be happy to meet the friends of his rival, at the house
+     of Joseph Ray, of the Royal Oak inn, Cockermouth, on or
+     before the 30th instant, to make the match, and to
+     settle the other preliminaries usual on such
+     occasions.--I am, Sir, yours, &c.--J. M.
+
+During the last forty years of Richardson's life, he became noted as a good
+farmer on the Netherrow estate; and was remarkably successful in the
+breeding and rearing of Herdwick sheep, a class of animals peculiarly
+adapted to the mountainous districts of Cumberland and Westmorland, which
+are likewise held in high repute for the excellence of their mutton. He
+obtained many local prizes for different classes of fell sheep; and
+attended the tup fair at Keswick regularly; but though enthusiastic about
+his Herdwicks, his conversation, it is said, had at all times a tendency to
+"bristle o'er" with feats in the wrestling ring. A tale is told of him
+which illustrates this tendency. Arriving at Keswick, according to annual
+custom, to exhibit and sell tups, he happened to meet an old crony whom he
+had not seen for years. The two sat down, "cheek by jowl," and soon became
+absorbed in an animated conversation, in which "nowte but russlers an'
+russlin' was h'ard, amang aw t' chang; an' t' tips was niver yance thowt
+on, till t' fair was varra nar ower, an' theer was hardly sec a thing as a
+buyer to be fund."
+
+Richardson could be either a good friend or a good hater, as circumstances
+might call forth. One illustration of his kindly feeling and warmth of
+heart towards a struggling neighbour, may be mentioned. An industrious man,
+named Jeffreys--a blacksmith at the Caldbeck lead-mines--either occupied a
+field of lea grass, or had cut a few carts of peats, high up the fell-side.
+During a dreary wet season, when everything was spoiling, Richardson
+volunteered the use of a horse and cart to assist in clearing the field on
+the first fine day. From some unforeseen cause the horse took fright,
+galloped down the mountain brow, and either broke its leg by falling, or
+else was unfortunately killed. The accident placed the poor blacksmith in
+an awkward position, especially as the horse was a valuable one, estimated
+at that time to be worth thirty or forty guineas. He offered, however, to
+pay what money he had, and clear off the rest by instalments. "Nay, nay,"
+said Richardson, "it was as pure an accident as iver yan h'ard tell on, an'
+med ha' happen't to anybody. I'll tak nowte frae thee--nut a fardin'!"
+
+A fell-side rhymer, named Richard Nicholson, of Caldbeck, has done his best
+to embalm Richardson's memory in verse, something after the following
+fashion:--
+
+    "When youth bloom't on him, few were as grand;
+    His fame was spread through aw the land,
+    Wid active russlin' an' strang reet hand.
+    At Faulds Brow reaces, 'twas his profession
+    To run when young withoot intermission,
+    And prizes nineteen he won in succession!
+
+    The shipperds aroond med weel dred his name;
+    For Herdwick tips oft the prize he'd claim,
+    Till far an' wide was spread his fame,
+                              As ye may read:
+    But noo i' the dust lies his noble frame:
+                              Will Ritson's deid!"
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM LITT
+
+OF BOWTHORN.
+
+
+The name prefixed to our present biographical notice, is that of a
+gentleman who, by his writings and conduct in the ring, has conferred
+greater lustre on, and added greater distinction to the "back-hold"
+wrestling of Cumberland and Westmorland, than any other individual. His
+historical account of ancient and modern wrestling--Litt's
+_Wrestliana_--was considered, in 1823, when _Blackwood's Magazine_ was at
+the summit of its fame, worthy of a highly eulogistic notice from the pen
+of Christopher North. Litt's wrestling notices and anecdotes have reference
+to the existence of the noble pastime, and a record of its most famed
+heroes and their contests, from 1770, and for the fifty years following.
+
+Before this period, the names and places of abode; the various and
+noteworthy achievements; the distinctive excellencies of celebrated
+wrestlers; and the places where their triumphant contests occurred, were
+little known beyond their immediate locality; and the meagre information to
+be gathered--not invariably to be relied on--had been handed down, and
+circulated mostly as village gossip, or been derived from the tales of some
+one whose knowledge rested on hearsay, and not from actual observation.
+This arose in a great measure in consequence of the slight intercourse that
+existed, eighty or a hundred years ago, between places only fifty or sixty
+miles apart. At present--thanks to William Litt's research and literary
+labours--all the great contests from 1780 to 1822, are familiar to us, and
+can be resorted to, for furnishing those who take a delight in the manly
+pastime of our forefathers, with a perfectly reliable description of its
+heroes, and their several peculiar excellencies.
+
+The individual actors, too, in those great contests, have become familiar
+to all who take an interest in the northern wrestling ring. We are
+introduced, not alone to the name and doings of Tom Nicholson, and a host
+of remarkable wrestlers, his contemporaries, and the surprising manner in
+which they could, with consummate dexterity, grass an opponent; but we have
+graphic descriptions of many who, at an earlier period, became entitled to
+the distinction of champions, in many a hard contested ring--in rings where
+pecuniary prizes were rarely given, and if given at all, trifling in
+amount. The great incentives to successful competition were honour and
+fame, typified by a gilded leather belt, of no greater intrinsic value than
+the laurel crown of the ancient Greeks. Sometimes--on very particular and
+rare occasions--there was offered for the final victor a silver cup.
+
+From Litt's description, we are familiar with the best and most renowned
+men, whose stars were in the ascendant, from 1780 to 1820. From Adam Dodd,
+"the cock of the north," a prime favourite, possessing all the requisites
+that go to the formation of a first class wrestler; from the Rev. Abraham
+Brown, a clergyman at Egremont, and previously a Bampton scholar, to Tom
+Nicholson of Threlkeld, another prime favourite, whose scientific wrestling
+acquirements, and wonderful success in the ring, were patent to Litt from
+frequent observation. The above Abraham Brown--better known in his day and
+neighbourhood as "Parson Brown"--is the self-same individual that a well
+known "Professor of Moral Philosophy" designated, "the most celebrated
+wrestler that the north, perhaps, ever produced." This gentlemen had no
+objection to show his friends, or even a stranger, how easy it was for a
+parson to upset a layman. The professor cannot find the least fault for
+thus indulging in a friendly fall, and stigmatizes his detractors for so
+doing, as "prim mouthed Puritans," who may "purfle up their potato traps,"
+and hold their tongues till the arms of the athlete are encased in lawn
+sleeves, and he becomes a--"Bishop."
+
+Our readers, or a majority of them at least, are doubtless aware, from
+witnessing the brilliant falls resulting from a vigorously put in
+"buttock," that it is one of the most showy and effective chips that
+wrestlers bring into play. Nothing finer than one of those dashing
+somersaults, that were wont to electrify the opponents of James Little or
+John Ivison. To the Bampton scholar--Abraham Brown--before settling for
+life at Egremont, a remote West Cumberland market town, is due the credit
+of inventing and bringing "buttocking" into use. The two men, Adam Dodd and
+Abraham Brown, were certainly worthy representatives of the very best class
+of wrestlers in the "olden times." They were close upon six feet high, and
+fifteen stones weight; were especial favourites of the public, as well as
+the historian of early wrestling. Both were straight standers, ready at
+taking hold, good with either leg, and at work as quickly as possible,
+following up the first attack with such rapidity, that their opponents had
+but small chance of avoiding a final and fatal stroke.
+
+After all this deserved praise, however, we cannot class them much, if any,
+superior to William Litt; and if Adam Dodd was justly styled "Cock of the
+North," the other is almost equally deserving of being hailed "Star of the
+North." In all their contests, there is nothing to shock the most
+fastidious moralist; nothing to outrage the feelings of the most humane;
+nothing that the most delicate-minded need blush at. Unlike the scenes of
+violence and fearful punishment depicted in the records of the pugilistic
+ring--now all but abolished--they can be dwelt upon without any degrading
+associations. Compare the description in _Wrestliana_, of the fight between
+Carter and Oliver at Gretna Green--the head of the latter, in the fourth
+round, "terrifically hideous"--and the author's eleven bouts with Harry
+Graham, on Arlecdon Moor, and the reader will not find anything approaching
+to cruelty in one, while the other is indeed "hideous."
+
+WILLIAM LITT, the author of _Wrestliana_, was born at Bowthorn, near
+Whitehaven, in November, 1785. His parents held a highly respectable
+position in society, and he received a liberal education, with the object
+of fitting him for a clergyman in the Church of England. This intention
+was, however, given up, in consequence of a manifest tendency to out-door
+sports, and a "loose" sort of life. The parents seeing that young Litt had
+rendered himself in some measure unfit for the Church, placed him with a
+neighbouring farmer to get an insight into practical, as well as
+theoretical, agricultural pursuits. On arriving at manhood, with a
+vacillation much regretted in after life, farming was neglected and
+abandoned.
+
+Christopher North, in old "Maga," says, "Mr. Litt is a person in a very
+respectable rank of life, and his character has, we know, been always
+consistent with his condition. He is in the best sense of the word a
+gentleman," was an "honest, upright, independent Englishman. We remember
+Mr. Litt most distinctly: a tall, straight, handsome, respectable,
+mild-looking, well dressed man. If we mistake not, he wrestled in
+top-boots, a fashion we cannot approve of." Top-boots to contend in on the
+Swifts, at Carlisle, at the present day, when wrestlers make it a study to
+don a costume that gives the greatest facility to freedom of motion, both
+in the limbs and body, would undoubtedly be considered by the whole ring, a
+strange spectacle, and subject the wearer to no end of chaff.
+
+We will now proceed to give a few incidents that will establish Litt's
+undeniable claims to superiority in the wrestling ring. We are not aware
+that he ever contended in the Carlisle ring but twice--in the year 1811,
+and again a few years after that date, on both of which occasions he was
+unsuccessful. His appearance in 1811, was a foolish act, for according to
+his own statement, he had been unwell for some time--in fact, out of form
+for wrestling. After a keenly contested bout, Joseph Bird, a well known
+wrestler from Holm Wrangle, succeeded in throwing him. The same year a
+match--the best of eleven falls--was entered into with Harry Graham of
+Brigham, and arranged to come off, on Arlecdon Moor, for sixty guineas--at
+that time a larger sum than had ever been contended for in any wrestling
+ring. From the celebrity of the parties, too, and the great amount of the
+stake, the match created a greater interest in the wrestling world than any
+hitherto contested. Harry was considered one of the most active men that
+ever entered a ring; indeed, a first rate man in every respect, the
+favourite and pet of a large district. He had contested many matches with
+the best men going; one of which was with the celebrated Tom Nicholson, in
+which he gained five falls for the Threlkeld champion three.
+
+When Litt and Harry appeared in the ring, the former was desirous to
+postpone the contest, on account of ill health; but the Brighamites, with
+an absence of that good feeling generally displayed by wrestlers one to
+another, refused, and insisted that the match should go on then and there.
+Harry gained the three first falls, which so elated himself and friends,
+that they looked on the final issue as a foregone conclusion, and indulged
+in some unseemly chaff. The defeat, however, served to rouse the
+energies--the courage and resolution of the loser, and he easily gained
+seven out of the next eight falls. John Fidler of Wythop Hall defeated
+Harry at Cockermouth, and afterwards at Arlecdon. Litt threw them both, and
+had the year before, when in good health, thrown Harry with the greatest
+ease. These repeated defeats of a man who could dispose of such as Tom
+Nicholson, William Richardson, and others, will go far to establish our
+favourable opinion of the wrestling historian. Other, and as strongly
+conclusive, testimony, is at hand to be produced. John Lowden, from the
+neighbourhood of Keswick, who had thrown several of the cleverest
+wrestlers of his day--winner of a silver cup at Carlisle--was obliged to
+succumb to Litt.
+
+Many of our wrestling readers will have heard of the "public bridals," at
+Lorton, where some of the best wrestling in the county might be seen. One
+hundred and twenty names were entered in 1807. For the final fall, William
+Armstrong of Tallentire, an excellent wrestler, and winner the year before,
+contended with Litt, and sustained defeat. At the revival of Blake Fell
+races in 1808, there were two good entries, and Litt carried off first
+prize on both the first and second day, notwithstanding being drawn against
+all the best men, including the two Tinians, and other well known names.
+
+We have now to notice a series of consecutive successes, to which we
+believe there are few parallels in wrestling annals. In the early part of
+this century, the best meetings in West Cumberland took place on Arlecdon
+Moor. The meetings were numerously attended, and held two or three times a
+year. For ten years, from 1805 to 1815, Litt contended for all the
+prizes--except in 1814, when he omitted to enter his name--and was never
+thrown. Conceive a man being able to wrestle successfully through a really
+strong ring upwards of a score of times. After such a noteworthy series of
+exploits, no further testimony need be adduced--no more satisfactory
+evidence wanted--to prove William Litt's claim to be ranked among the
+brightest wrestling stars of the north.
+
+In concluding this notice, we should have been glad to state that his
+career through the world, in more important respects, had been attended by
+gratifying results. The truth, however, is that from the time he left the
+paternal roof, his course through a checkered life to the bitter end, was
+marked by a series of disastrous failures. Attending wrestling and racing
+meetings unfits many persons for a steady and attentive devotion to
+business. This in a marked degree was the case with Litt. Farming duties
+became neglected, and then given up. Next he embarked in a large brewery at
+Whitehaven. A collapse, and loss of nearly all the capital employed,
+followed in little more than twelve months. He then went to reside at
+Hensingham, finding part employment in some triflingly remunerative
+parochial offices, expecting daily that he would get an appointment from
+the ruling powers at Whitehaven.
+
+Disappointed in this expectation, he resolved on emigrating to Canada, in
+1832, and retrieve his broken fortunes in taking the cutting of canals, and
+works of a like description. A break down again occurred, and he tried to
+gain a living by writing for the Canadian journals. This failing, he became
+a teacher. Suffering, however, from "home sickness"--a craving often fatal
+to natives of mountainous regions--his mental as well as bodily powers
+began failing before attaining his sixtieth year.
+
+    "I gaze on the snow clad plain, see the cataract's foam,
+    And sigh for the hills and dales of my far distant home."
+
+He died at Lachine, near Montreal, in 1847, when sixty-two years old;
+regret and sorrow at forced banishment from his native "hills and dales,"
+no doubt, hastening decay and the destroyer's final blow.
+
+    "Dearly lov'd scenes of my youth, for ever adieu,
+    Like mist on the mountain ye fade from my view,
+    Save at night in my dreams."
+
+    _The Emigrant._
+
+
+_ADDENDA._
+
+     The following extracts from letters, are quoted from a
+     controversy which sprung up between WILLIAM LITT and
+     some one who signed himself ATHLETICUS, in the columns
+     of the _Carlisle Patriot_, November,  1824:--
+
+     Mr. Litt deems me but a "_theorist_ in matters
+     appertaining to the ring." His own athletic feats, as
+     detailed in _Wrestliana_, are heroic and numerous, and
+     it would be presumptuous in me to attempt comparison;
+     therefore, compared with Mr. Litt, I must (borrowing a
+     phrase from the ring) consider myself as a _fallen
+     man_. But, notwithstanding the vaunted achievements of
+     the champion of Arlecdon Moor, there are those now
+     living old enough to remember his being thrown in the
+     Carlisle ring by very ordinary wrestlers, when in the
+     zenith of his fame. The village green on a summer's
+     evening or during a holiday, is frequently the scene of
+     many a rustic amusement. And on this arena, when
+     athletic exercises were going on, I have often borne a
+     part--where the old men inspired the young with
+     emulation, by reciting the achievements of their
+     youth--and the applause of the rustic spectators was
+     the only meed of victory. Here, sir, I have seen many
+     a manly struggle; and though I have never entered a
+     public prize ring, I flatter myself I have gained
+     something more than a theoretical knowledge of athletic
+     science. An ardent temper, and the buoyancy of youthful
+     spirits, no doubt gave considerable zest to the sports,
+     and my memory fondly recalls, and dwells with peculiar
+     delight, on the hours which I have spent amidst happy
+     villagers engaged in these rustic scenes of innocent
+     amusement. I will also venture to assert, that amongst
+     the peasantry assembled on the village green, not only
+     Weightman, Cass, Abbot, Wright, and the Dobsons of
+     Cliburn, but even Mr. Litt himself, imbibed his
+     earliest knowledge of the rudiments of wrestling.
+
+                            ATHLETICUS.
+
+
+     "Athleticus" says, and thinks he is cutting deep when
+     doing so, "there are those now living old enough to
+     remember my being thrown in the Carlisle ring, by very
+     ordinary wrestlers, when in the zenith of my fame."
+     Now, Mr. Editor, do you not think this is rather a
+     stinging remark, as it relates not to any point of
+     issue between us, and was therefore as uncalled for as
+     unnecessary?... I never wrestled but twice in the
+     Carlisle ring, and never saw it when "in the zenith of
+     my fame." The first time was in 1811, when, as I have
+     stated elsewhere, I was thrown by Joseph Bird, who was
+     surely no very _ordinary_ wrestler. When taking hold,
+     Bird got below my breast, and pinned my right arm close
+     to the elbow, down to my side; and a person, ignorant
+     enough, surely! insisted, that because he found by
+     pulling my left arm over his back, that he could make
+     my fingers meet, I should either take hold or be
+     crossed out. I foolishly chose the first, thinking that
+     I perhaps might better myself after. I was mistaken;
+     though those who are "old enough" to remember the
+     circumstance, may remember likewise that, considering
+     the situation in which I was placed, I was not disposed
+     off easily.... The other time I entered the Carlisle
+     ring, I met one of the Fosters--no ordinary men--and I
+     can only state that after our contest, I was ordered
+     by one of the umpires to wrestle the fall over again,
+     and I waited until the end of the round in expectation
+     of doing so, when I found that a bet of half-a-guinea
+     made by the other umpire, (and which I was aware of at
+     the time,) had turned the scale against me. I can, if
+     required, name the umpire, and the person he betted
+     with; which bet, however, he never recovered, and this
+     circumstance deterred me from wrestling the next day,
+     and determined me never to wrestle more at Carlisle.
+     This was in 1815. My best day was in 1806, 1807, and
+     1808; therefore the assertion of "Athleticus" is doubly
+     incorrect.
+
+                            WILLIAM LITT.
+
+
+     Mr. Litt admits being thrown in the Carlisle ring by
+     Joseph Bird of Holm Wrangle, in 1811, which he says in
+     _Wrestliana_, was a "smartish contest;" and he adds
+     that his "best day was in 1806, 1807, and 1808." But,
+     sir, this is only three short years past the time when
+     Mr. Litt was in the zenith of his fame; so that even
+     writing from recollection, my assertion is not
+     altogether incorrect, and certainly not intentionally
+     so. Mr. Litt and Joseph Bird had some dispute, it
+     appears, about taking hold: be this as it may, I was
+     justified in stating that Mr. L. had been thrown at
+     Carlisle by _ordinary_ wrestlers; for Bird was never
+     considered more than a third-rate player in the
+     Carlisle ring. He was a powerful man enough, though not
+     heavier than Mr. Litt at that day--possessed little or
+     no activity, and scarcely any science as a wrestler. I
+     have no account of the wrestling in 1811 in my
+     possession; but I have an account in 1815, and strange
+     as it may appear, Mr. Litt's name is never mentioned!
+     It would be well, sir, if my opponent would recollect
+     that his statements have to meet the public eye. In the
+     year 1815, Bird, in the first and second rounds, came
+     against Byers and Grisdale, both of whom he threw, and
+     was himself thrown in the third round by Thomas Peat.
+     Though I may admire Mr. Litt's general judgment on
+     athletic sports, I must again doubt it, if he deems any
+     of the Fosters first-rate wrestlers, or any more in
+     the ring than ordinary men; for in the scale of
+     athletic science, they were not even so exalted as
+     Bird. One of the Fosters fell in the first round, and
+     another in the second; but I shall enter no further
+     into this part of the controversy, as Mr. L's name
+     appears entirely unconnected with the wrestling of
+     1815. When I recall to my recollection the feats of
+     agility, science, and pith, displayed by Thomas
+     Nicholson in the Carlisle ring, in carrying off with
+     _eclat_, the first prize for three successive years;
+     and when I also recollect with what facility this
+     athletic hero discomfitted Bird, Mr. Litt's opponent, I
+     very much doubt the truth of the panegyric which Mr. L.
+     passes upon himself in _Wrestliana_ for his performance
+     on Arlecdon-moor, wherein he states (though in poor
+     health and condition at the time,) that he defeated
+     Harry Graham, the successful opponent of the once
+     celebrated Thomas Nicholson.
+
+                            ATHLETICUS.
+
+
+
+
+MILES AND JAMES DIXON
+
+OF GRASMERE.
+
+
+When Miles and James Dixon, whose doings in the ring we are about to
+chronicle in a brief memoir, were to the fore, wrestling was a great
+institution in the Lake District. Patronized and encouraged by Professor
+Wilson--himself a host in upholding the manly pastime; and afterwards by
+Captain Aufrere of Bowness, a distinguished and liberal patron; and
+assisted by many of the resident gentry, it attained deserved eminence in
+the northern parts of Windermere. In reaching this eminence, the sport was
+greatly indebted to the active exertions and judicious management of the
+late Thomas Cloudesdale of the Ferry hotel. Why the once popular pastime
+should be almost entirely snuffed out round Windermere, is a matter of
+surmise. The principal reason assigned weighs heavy on the wrestlers
+themselves: it is no less than glaring collusion, engendered by
+unprincipled betting men.
+
+For a long time, wrestling in the immediate vicinity of lake Windermere,
+and the adjacent parts of Westmorland, and North Lancashire, was kept up
+and followed more after the amateur fashion than the professional. It was
+looked on more as a thing to be enjoyed for the real love of the science,
+than as a means of filling the coffers of speculators. In what may be
+called its holiday aspect, the sport contrasted favourably with the art as
+practised in the sister county of Cumberland. The Windermere wrestlers, in
+thus shaping their courses, probably escaped many snares which those fell
+into who courted more publicity, and were envious of achieving greater
+fame. In fact, there were many good scientific men at the palmy period of
+the lake wrestling rings, who abstained from attending public gatherings
+almost entirely, and yet were quite as good as those who may be termed
+professionals.
+
+One instance we can select from many, will suffice to prove this. Jonathan
+Rodgers won the championship of many local meetings in his own immediate
+neighbourhood. He was born and brought up at Brotherelkeld, the highest
+farm in the vale of Eskdale. In his infancy, it was a lonely farm, seldom
+visited by strangers, but now well known to tourists crossing Hardknot. His
+forefathers had held the fell farm--a very extensive one, carrying between
+two and three thousand sheep--for generations. He once got as far as the
+Flan, and won easily in a strong ring, finally disposing of Joseph Parker
+of Crooklands, a really good man, supposed to be the coming champion of
+Westmorland. At another time, climbing Hardknot and Wrynose, he put in an
+appearance at Skelwith-bridge, near Ambleside, where Mr. Branker of
+Clappersgate, and a few gentlemen, had got up a meeting. Singularly enough,
+he came against four of the best men in the north, and threw the lot,
+namely--William Bacon and Jemmy Little, both of Sebergham, Thomas Grisedale
+of Patterdale, and finally Richard Chapman of Patterdale. Having every
+requisite, he might have gone on winning--but gave up; and is now the
+respected and prosperous tenant farmer of Brotherelkeld.
+
+Towards the close of the eighteenth and the commencement of the nineteenth
+century, the most distinguished exponents of wrestling in the Windermere
+portion of the lake district, were John Barrow, the Dixons of Grasmere, the
+Longs of Ambleside, William Wilson of Ambleside, the Flemings of Grasmere,
+well to do farmers--and "Young Green." We should have felt an interest in
+giving more lengthy sketches of the more prominent men, but, unfortunately,
+there exists a great paucity of information. Every exertion has been made
+to gather together whatever was available; but the gleanings are
+exceedingly imperfect and fragmentary. Local newspapers did not then
+collect much local intelligence; and although they kept a keen eye to
+business as regards wrestling advertisements, they scarcely ever mentioned
+even the names of any prize winners.
+
+The celebrated Windermere champion, John Barrow, flourished in the
+wrestling ring in the early part of the present century. The author of
+_Wrestliana_--one whose judgment may be relied on--pays him a deserved
+compliment, when he rates him as "the most renowned wrestler of this
+period," and "a match for any man in the kingdom." He stood fully six feet,
+and weighed fourteen stones. His favourite chip was the inside
+stroke--indeed, it was generally considered he invented the inside chip,
+and that "Belted Will" got it from Barrow. Most assuredly, the pair have
+grassed scores with it, and were quite as clever as Adam Dodd of
+Langwathby, with the outside stroke. These two men, and Abraham Brown,
+(afterwards the jovial curate of Egremont,) were all about the same height
+and weight: equally scientific; and all veritable "cocks of the north."
+
+Litt is astray with some particulars of John Barrow's tragic fate. He makes
+it out he was drowned in shallow water, and that he was an "excellent
+swimmer." Now, the fact is, he was no swimmer, and where the boat upset and
+went down, the lake is of considerable depth. He was out trying the sailing
+qualities of a new boat of his own building. The mainsail being
+injudiciously fastened to the belaying pin, a violent gust of wind struck
+the boat; it upset, and the strong man went down, unable to wrestle with
+his remorseless foe. Two plucky girls at Belle Grange, saw the accident;
+got a row boat, and set off to the rescue. They were successful in saving
+all in the boat, except the unfortunate builder. One of the persons in the
+boat when it upset, was John Balmer, and he lived to the patriarchal age of
+one hundred and one years. After the boat went over, he managed to grasp
+and keep hold of a floating plank, and was safely landed near Gill-head, a
+little below Storrs Hall. The first words he spoke after the disaster were,
+"Them 'at's born to be hang't, is su�r nit to be droon't!" This proverbial
+saying came to be linked with his name, and is still quoted in the
+neighbourhood as, "ald Jack Balmer' sayin'." His portrait, painted by
+Sammy Crosthwaite, a short time before his death, is still preserved.
+
+The sunken boat still remains at the bottom, and is well known to the
+Windermere fishermen, who reckon to clear the wreck with about twenty-five
+fathoms of netting out, and generally catch when they let go an additional
+fathom or two. Professor Wilson saw the catastrophe and the rescue. This
+distinguished man had had, no doubt, many boating excursions with poor
+Barrow, and being himself a capital wrestler, and keen of the sport, it is
+likely he would have many a tussle with the Windermere champion. It is said
+that on one of his excursions out of Wasdale, to the top of Scawfell, with
+Will Ritson, the cheery, popular, yarn-spinning landlord of the well-known
+Wasdale-head hostelry, that on arriving near the summit of the hill--which
+is the highest ground in England--the two, surrounded on all sides by
+mighty mountains, had several keenly contested wrestling bouts. The writer
+remembers well the famed Professor, when time had wrought a change in the
+manly form, visiting the Flan in its palmy days, and receiving respectful
+attention from all parties on the crowded grandstand.
+
+After this short digression, recording the fate of "a great wrestler and a
+good man," we must return to Miles Dixon. He was born in the year 1781, at
+either "Far" or "Near Sawrey." They form two villages, but are so little
+apart that they may both be classed as "Sawrey;" and are situated half-way
+between Hawkshead and the Ferry on Windermere. No more beautifully located,
+clean, bright looking, secluded villages are to be found in all the Lake
+district. The most prominent and interesting view from "Near Sawrey," is
+Esthwaite lake; and all around to the south, south-west, and north-west,
+there appears a wide extent of richly wooded undulating country. From "Far
+Sawrey," there is a view of the lower reaches of Windermere, and a vast
+panorama of undulating hill and vale.
+
+Miles's father followed the primitive occupation of a wood-cutter, felling
+timber trees and young trees of fifteen or sixteen years growth, called
+_coppice wood_, used for making hoops and charcoal. While his sons were
+"lile lads," he removed across Windermere to the vale of Troutbeck, and
+then in a short time migrated to Grasmere, where he settled.
+
+Miles Dixon's full stature was six feet three inches; and his general
+wrestling weight, fifteen-and-a-half stones. His favourite move in the ring
+was to lift his opponent from the ground one way, then throw him quickly
+back the other--and dispose of him, so to speak, with a twist. His
+herculean powers enabled him to do this effectually. He had other tactics
+on which to fall back, but occasions very rarely occurred when these had to
+be called into action. His quiet habits, and mild enthusiasm for wrestling,
+often made him careless. Had he possessed a greater amount of ambition, and
+followed the wrestling ring more closely, we should undoubtedly have had to
+record a much more numerous list of achievements. Professor Wilson hits off
+some of his leading characteristics very happily when he says: "Honest and
+worthy Miles, if put into good heart and stomach, and upon his own
+dunghill, was, in our humble opinion, a match for any cock in Cumberland."
+
+Young Dixon won his first belt at Grasmere, when only about sixteen years
+old. John Fletcher, the village carrier, a powerful sixteen-stone man,
+wrestled second. It so happened the carrier was very ambitious of winning
+first honours, and feeling sorely disappointed at being thus checkmated by
+a beardless boy, tore the waistcoat off his opponent's back, in a passion,
+and for a long time bore the victor a grudge.
+
+During one of the militia meetings at Kendal, a good deal of "braggin'"
+took place respecting the wrestling abilities of one Harrison, a man who
+stood six feet high, and weighed fully fifteen stones. Miles Dixon was
+pressed to take Harrison's challenge up, but gave his friends no
+encouragement that he would do so, and seemed to be very careless and
+indifferent about the matter. Ned Wilson and William Mackereth at length
+backed Dixon, the best of three falls, for a guinea, being all the money
+they could muster between them. Harrison in the match lost the two first
+falls easily, and was so chagrined at the defeat, that he absented himself
+from drill for several days.
+
+At the Windermere gathering, held at Waterhead, near Ambleside, in 1810,
+there was a considerable amount of rivalry displayed as to whether the belt
+should stay in Westmorland, or go to Cumberland. John Wilson, the young
+squire of Elleray, then fresh from Oxford, was the principal getter up of
+the sports. He was all enthusiasm, and heartily backed Westmorland. In
+Miles Dixon's absence the previous year, Tom Nicholson had carried off the
+first prize. He now returned again, to do all that lay in his power to be
+the winner a second time, bringing with him his brother John, and Joseph
+Slack from Blencow. William Litt came over Hardknot and Wrynose, from West
+Cumberland, riding on a good horse, and wearing a pair of high top boots.
+He called at Skelwith-bridge for refreshment, and stayed there all night,
+previous to the meeting. Getting a little "fresh" at the snug hostelry, as
+the hours went on, he began to be communicative about the morrow's
+proceedings, and laid down the law with great precision. According to his
+theory, Tom Nicholson would be first, and "yan Litt" second: of this there
+could be no doubt whatever. "Nay, nay," said mine host, not then knowing
+who the traveller was, "Nay, nay, I think nit! Theear' some Dixons o'
+Gersmer'--me�st sowan good 'ans--'ill be to fell first!" An old miller
+"com' ower t' Raise,"[9] in the rear of the Cumberland men, on purpose to
+bet, and rifle the pockets of the Westmorland lads. Tom King, owner of The
+Hollins, in Grasmere, annoyed at the never ceasing din made by the miller,
+said to Dixon: "Miley, if thoo's gaen to du' thy best, noo, I'll away
+an' tak' yon ald fule up." He forthwith went and bet guinea after
+guinea, until the miller began to think it prudent to venture no further.
+
+Early on, Miles threw a Yorkshire waller, named Harrison, a heavy man, and
+a good wrestler. He was afterwards called out against William Litt, with
+whom he had a hard tug. The excitement was extreme. Curiously enough, the
+two men started with the same tactics. "Te'�n triet to lift, an' tudder
+triet to lift," and both being heavy men, the exertion became very irksome
+work. The result was that Litt was thrown "lang stre�k't" on his back,
+amid deafening cheers. Like many men who are losers, Litt complained in
+_Wrestliana_ of "unfair play," and brings half-a-dozen excuses forward as
+the reasons why he lost the fall. In the case of Miles Dixon and Litt
+having had another fall, Professor Wilson says: "Whether Mr. Litt could or
+could not have thrown Miles, can never be positively known in this world."
+The final fall, between Dixon and Tom Nicholson, was not of long duration.
+No sooner were they in holds, than the former lifted his opponent clearly
+from the ground, and disposed of him easily with a twist. The belt was then
+handed to Miles Dixon, by Mr. Wilson, who complimented him warmly on the
+victory he had gained. The future Professor of Moral Philosophy took the
+belt to Edinburgh with him. After the lapse of a couple of years, it was
+returned to the winner, with the following inscription engraved on a silver
+plate: "Won by Miles Dixon, at a Grand Wrestling Match, between the
+Westmorland, Lancashire, and Cumberland Lads, 1810." The belt is still in
+the possession of the family at Grasmere. It is made of leather, about two
+inches broad, and mounted with silver buckle and inscription plate.
+
+In 1811, Dixon did not wrestle at Ambleside. In 1812, when thirty-one years
+old, he put in an appearance again, and virtually carried off the first
+prize. Litt says, "Miles Dixon and a butcher in Ambleside were the two last
+standers. They agreed to wrestle two or three falls for the gratification
+of the gentlemen who had subscribed towards the wrestling, and in this
+friendly trial Miles Dixon was victorious."
+
+Miles died in June, 1843, aged sixty-two years. A headstone in Grasmere
+churchyard bears the following testimony to his worth: "The uniform
+integrity of his conduct, has induced one who appreciated his worth, to
+erect this memorial."
+
+His widow--a thrifty, sensible, managing housewife--died in 1875, aged
+ninety-one years. Wrestling meetings, and similar gatherings, she treated
+with marked contempt. A frequent saying of hers, about her husband as a
+wrestler, was: "Ivery shillin' he wan, cost us two!" She used to compare
+those who took part in such exercises to "a lot of potters an' tinklers,
+'at dud nowte but nip an' squeeze yan anudder to dee�th!"
+
+
+JAMES DIXON, brother to Miles, was born at the before-mentioned village of
+Sawrey. He died at Beck Houses, Grasmere, in 1866, aged seventy-eight
+years. In height, he stood six feet three inches, and his general wrestling
+weight was fourteen stones. His favourite chip in the ring was an outside
+stroke.
+
+When young, he wrestled at a gathering of militia at Kendal, and won. In
+1809, at the Ambleside meeting, he came against Tom Nicholson of Threlkeld,
+in one of the latter rounds. According to the most reliable information we
+have been able to gather, the latter lost fairly enough, but owing to some
+oversight on the part of the umpires, they decided it must be a wrestle
+over, to which course of procedure Dixon naturally objected.
+
+In 1811, he won the head prize at the Ferry Inn wrestling, Windermere.
+Richard Luther Watson, of Calgarth, a son of the Bishop of Llandaff,
+officiated as steward. In addition to the wrestling, which commenced early
+in the afternoon, there was a regatta on the lake, and prizes were given
+also for leaping and running. The belt won at the Ferry is still kept, in a
+good state of preservation, at Grasmere. It is made of leather, about four
+feet six inches in length, by two inches in breadth, with a silver buckle,
+and inscription plate: "Presented by the Steward of the Windermere Regatta,
+to the conqueror at the Grand Wrestling Match, on the 17th July, 1811."
+
+At one of the Windermere gatherings, with Miles and James Dixon both
+thrown, a general buzz ran round the ring that Roan Long was sure to be the
+final victor. Just at the moment when this opinion was prevalent, George
+Dixon, an elder brother, very bow-legged, stepped into the ring,
+exclaiming, "Tak' time, lads; tak' time! Aw t' Dixons errant doon yet!"
+Coming as a counter-blast to the prevailing opinion, this saying created
+much merriment among the spectators. Surely enough, the current of the tide
+which had set so strongly against the Dixons, was turned, for Roan was
+cleverly thrown. George was a stiff stander, difficult to get at, and often
+very bad to move.
+
+Besides prizes incidentally mentioned in this narrative, the three brothers
+won many others, records of which, it is to be feared, have passed away
+with the contemporary generation who witnessed and took part in them.
+
+The Dixons were wallers by profession, and many of the bridges in the
+immediate vicinity of the lake country were built by them. One notable fact
+relating to their bridge-building is worth mentioning. About the year 1828,
+Muncaster bridge, over the river Esk, near Ravenglass, was built by some
+one whose name has not been recorded. The bridge had a considerable span,
+and a high tide, and a furious mountain torrent pouring down out of
+Eskdale, washed it away. Another man then undertook the rebuilding of it,
+but failed to carry out the details, and finally gave up in despair. Lord
+Muncaster being disgusted with the unsuccessful attempts, and hearing of
+the celebrity of the Dixons, sent to Grasmere for them. The three brothers
+set about the work in good earnest, and in the month of June, 1829, the
+keystone of the bridge was fixed, with considerable ceremony. A handsome
+sum of money was collected, for a day's festivity and sports, and the
+Dixons gave two barrels of ale. The prize for wrestling fell to one William
+Dickinson of Langley Park, a farm on the Bootle side of the bridge. The
+foot-race and leaping were both carried off by a young man from Eskdale,
+named William Vickers.
+
+Lord Muncaster was so well pleased with the skill and persevering industry
+displayed by the builders, that he caused the following inscription--which
+remains to this day--to be placed on the east side of the bridge:
+
+    MDCCCXXIX.
+    THIS BRIDGE BUILT BY MEN FROM GRASMERE.
+
+Commercially speaking, Muncaster bridge was an advantageous affair for the
+Dixons. The successful accomplishment of the work spread their fame as
+builders far and wide, and assisted materially towards establishing them
+nicely in the world. Miles and James became purchasers of estates, through
+industrious and economic habits.
+
+We have heard it stated that Lady Richardson of Lancrigg--the wife of the
+arctic explorer--once contemplated writing an account of Miles and James
+Dixon (who, by the way, are both mentioned in the interesting memoir of her
+mother, MRS. FLETCHER). How she intended treating the subject-matter of
+their lives, we cannot tell; probably more in their domestic relations to
+the people of Grasmere vale, than as athletes in the wrestling ring.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+After John Barrow and the Dixons, it is somewhat singular and remarkable to
+note the large number of first-rate lake-side wrestlers that came out; and
+it may not be amiss to bestow a passing notice on the foremost. Before the
+Dixons had retired, the two Longs--Rowland, commonly called Roan, and
+John--the one a giant in size and strength, and the other a big burly
+man--figured in the ring; then--most renowned in the galaxy--William Wilson
+of Ambleside. He appeared all over the beau ideal of a heavy weight
+wrestler; "lish as a cat," straight as a wand, good shoulders, and long
+arms. When about his best, there had never before been seen such a
+consummate master of the hype; and no one since can claim to be his equal.
+His action was so quick and irresistible, that his opponents went down as
+if completely helpless. In 1822, William Richardson of Caldbeck, a most
+successful hyper, had not "the shadow of a chance" with Wilson; he also
+struck down the gigantic Mc.Laughlan of Dovenby, in such a style as "no
+other man in the kingdom could have done." In appearance he resembled
+William Jackson of Kinneyside, with the same gentlemanly conduct in the
+ring, and the same good tempered bearing to his opponents. Unfortunately,
+this bright particular star became subject to a wasting disease when hardly
+at his best, and was soon lost to the wrestling world, and a large circle
+of admiring friends.
+
+Then followed Tom Robinson, the schoolmaster, Richard Chapman, George
+Donaldson, Joseph Ewbank, a Haweswater lake sider; William Jackson, an
+Ennerdale lake sider; and Thomas Longmire--men whose names and deeds will
+be cherished as long as "wruslin'" is a household word in the north. These
+have all gone hence, or are "in the downhill of life." At present there is
+not one man of note on the immediate borders of Windermere, Ullswater, or
+Derwentwater.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[9] Dunmail Raise, which divides Cumberland and Westmorland.
+
+
+
+
+ROWLAND AND JOHN LONG
+
+OF AMBLESIDE.
+
+
+Rowland Long, generally called "Roan," may be considered one of the biggest
+of our northern athletes, but by no means one of the most distinguished for
+science and activity--an immense, but somewhat inert, mass of humanity. He
+was born and brought up at Graythwaite, a beautiful country of woodland
+slopes and green dells, laying contiguous to the west side of lake
+Windermere, in North Lancashire. The father of John and Rowland, farmed a
+small estate of land under the ancient family of Sandys of Graythwaite
+Hall.
+
+Rowland was born about the year 1778. While even a lad, he developed into
+gigantic proportions of body, limbs, and bone. When only seventeen years
+old, he weighed seventeen stones, and was looked on at that time as a
+wonder by all the country side, for size and strength. On arriving at
+maturity, his full stature reached six feet two inches, and he weighed
+never less than eighteen stones. In truth, a man of colossal appearance,
+looking "as bree�d as a yak tree across t' shooders," as big limbed and
+heavy footed as Goliah of Gath, and with a grip like the hug of a polar
+bear. His principal move in the ring was to make a rush at his adversary,
+push him backward, and throw in the "ham"; then, if well got in, woe to the
+unlucky wight who felt the crushing weight of eighteen or nineteen stones.
+
+From a well known deficiency in points of science and activity, it may
+naturally be conjectured that most of his achievements were gained by main
+strength, on one hand, and stubborn standing on the other.
+
+In one sense, Roan Long's career is the most perplexing one with which we
+have to deal. The fact is pretty well established, that he won no less than
+ninety-nine belts; and at various places he tried hard to make the number
+up to an even hundred, but laboured in vain. The perplexing point
+is--where, and at what dates, did he win those belts? We may take it for
+granted that the field of his operations was confined principally to
+Windermere and its neighbourhood; and that his successful career as a
+wrestler commenced about the year 1796, and ended in 1812. Most of the
+details during those sixteen years are, unfortunately, not forthcoming.
+
+We learn incidentally that he "yance hed a ter'ble hard day's russlin' at
+Bouth fair, whar he fell't three or fower o' t' biggest chaps he iver
+fell't in his life." Probably this was the time he had the fearful tug with
+Arthur Burns, one of the Ullater family, near Rusland. Burns stripped off
+a tall, active, well built, six-foot man, who stuck to the giant most
+determinedly, and tried hard to get him to make play without effect, until
+the struggle became one of mere animal strength. The upshot was that Burns
+came to grief, and unluckily came out of the ring so much mauled about the
+ribs, that he never recovered fully from the punishment inflicted.
+
+At one of the village gatherings, held at Grasmere, Tom Ashburner, a
+"statesman" of the valley, entered his name among the wrestlers for the
+sole purpose of trying a round with Roan. Being fortunate enough to be
+called against him, and having succeeded in getting the fall, he retired
+from further contest, saying as he did so, to the younger hands: "Noo,
+lads, I've clear'd t' rooad for yee: work yer way!"
+
+In 1811, Roan, then about thirty-three years old, attended the third annual
+meeting held at Carlisle, but was singularly unfortunate. He was thrown in
+the first round, by John Watson, who the next time over laid down to Tom
+Nicholson.
+
+At the Windermere Regatta, held at the Ferry hotel, in July, 1812, he won
+his ninety-ninth and last belt. Previously he had won several belts at the
+same place. No part of this final trophy is left, but the inscription
+plate--in the possession of Mr. Backhouse, farmer, near Low Wood--which
+runs: "To the Hero of the Regatta, on Windermere, 1812."
+
+After this date, we obtain passing glimpses of Roan entering various
+rings, and trying in vain to make up the hundredth prize. In 1824, the old
+veteran--having then contended more or less for twenty-eight years--was
+thrown at Low Wood Regatta, by one Hodgson, who wrestled third; and even as
+late as 1828, he wrestled at Ambleside fair, where he was disposed of by
+John Holmes, a tall six-foot tailor. This proved the last time he ever
+contended for a prize--saying, as he bade farewell to the ring, "I think
+it's time to give ower, noo, when a bit iv a tailyer can thra' me!"
+
+Roan's match with William Richardson of Caldbeck will be found described in
+the sketch of Richardson's career.
+
+Many years elapse, and Roan is sitting among the onlookers of the
+wrestling, at Ambleside sports. After Longmire had carried off several big
+men with the swinging hype--eliciting the admiration of all beholders--old
+Roan said to the young aspirant, in a drawling tone of voice: "Thoo cudn't
+ha' trailed me by t' neck i' that way, my lad!"
+
+If Roan Long was deficient in science and activity, and did not cut the
+brilliant figure in the wrestling ring that some of his contemporaries did,
+he, nevertheless, habitually maintained through a long span of existence,
+many points of much greater importance, in a social view--such, for
+example, as plodding perseverance, singleness of purpose, and sturdy
+independence of character--traits in themselves truly commendable, and far
+above any merely nominal honours which the wrestling arena could bestow.
+
+Roan's occupation was that of a wood-cutter and wood-monger. In company
+with the Robinsons of Cunsey--two brothers--he worked in the woods around
+Windermere, for many years. Robert Robinson, one of the brothers, was a
+very powerful man, nearly six feet high, with broad massive shoulders, and
+herculean thighs. During the height of the wood-cutting season, these men
+toiled and wrought from daybreak to dusk, more like galley slaves than
+free-born Englishmen; often continuing their laborious employment half
+through moonlight nights. On certain occasions, when arriving at the woods
+before daybreak, they have been known to sit down and eat their dinners
+"while they'd time," as they phrased it, in order to keep themselves "frae
+hankerin' efter 't throo t' day." With coat, waistcoat, and shirt off, Roan
+used frequently to yoke himself in a cart, heavily laden with wood, and had
+to "snig" like a horse, while the two Robinsons placed themselves behind
+the cart, and regulated their motions according to the necessity of the
+case.
+
+One time, in Finsthwaite woods, when going down a steep hill, so "brant"
+that horses were practically useless, the Robinsons let go the cart for
+nothing else but pure devilment, and off went Roan, taking giant-like
+strides, until he could hold on no longer; and was obliged to throw the
+cart over into the steep incline below, and extricate himself as best he
+could. After having been a considerable time in partnership, he began to
+think the Robinsons were not doing the clean thing by him, in some other
+matters, and in consequence dissolved all connexion with them.
+
+Later on, Roan--who through life was a pattern of industry and
+integrity--kept a nursery and vegetable garden at Ambleside. While so
+occupied, it was his wont to overlook operations from a small wooden house
+in the garden, where he sat as closely wedged up almost as a veritable Gog
+or Magog.
+
+A few days before his death, he sent for his neighbour, John Cowerd, a
+joiner by trade, to give him instructions about the making of his coffin.
+"Noo, John," said he, "I s' nit be lang here, I Kna' I shallant; an' I
+want to spee�k to yee about my coffin. Mak' me a good heart o' yak yan, an'
+_nowt but yak_. Noo, mind what I's sayin'; I want nin o' yer dee�l-bottom't
+sooart--_nin o' yer dee�l-bottom't sooart for me!_" repeated the dying man
+again and again. Many coffins had been made in the same shop, but never one
+anything like Roan's for size. It measured two feet three inches across the
+breast, inside measure. A custom prevailed in the workshop to try most of
+the coffins made, by the length of some workman. On this occasion, one
+Michael Rawlinson, the biggest man employed, was press-ganged into Roan's
+coffin, but scarcely half-filled it, and presented a very ludicrous picture
+for the time being.
+
+Roan's death took place at Ambleside, about the year 1852; aged
+seventy-four years.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+John Long, born also at Graythwaite in Furness Fells, about the year 1780,
+formed in many respects a marked contrast to his brother Roan, and was
+considered by good judges to be much the better wrestler of the two. In
+height, he stood five feet ten inches, and weighed about fourteen stones.
+In his prime, he was a remarkably fine built man: firm, compact, and well
+developed in every part, with clean action; in fact, from head to foot he
+might be said to be symmetry typified.
+
+John had the credit of winning many prizes on the banks of his native
+Windermere; but not having the ambition of his brother for wrestling
+distinction, he never rambled far from home in search of adventure; nor did
+he follow the sport for anything like the same lengthened period. We are
+sorry that no available and reliable means can be come at touching his
+feats in the ring. His well known accomplishments as a wrestler richly
+entitle him to a more extended notice than it is in our power to give.
+
+At the Ambleside wrestling, in 1811, John Long was second to William
+Mackereth, the winner, a young man from Cockermouth, a friend and companion
+of Tom Nicholson. Nicholson had grassed the well known John Lowden of
+Keswick, but suffered a grievous defeat in the fourth round when he met
+John Long. This of itself must be considered sufficient to stamp the victor
+a wrestler of considerable ability, as Tom was then at his best, and was
+looked upon by his admirers as a match for any man in the kingdom.
+
+In early life, John followed wood-cutting through the spring and winter
+months; and in autumn, he generally went off to the "shearings" in Low
+Furness and West Cumberland. For a lengthened period he was chief boatman
+at the Ferry inn, Windermere, in which capacity he is well remembered. When
+up in years, he displayed a good deal of ready wit and droll humour. He has
+been spoken of--by the most successful wrestler that Windermere has
+produced--as "a queer sly ald dog, 'at nin o' t' young 'ans cud reetly
+mak' oot, whedder he was in fun or earnest."
+
+In the _Folk-Speech_ volume of dialect stories and rhymes, Alexander Craig
+Gibson describes the sturdy figure of the old wrestler as follows, and then
+proceeds to make him relate the tale of the "Skulls of Calgarth," in his
+native _patois_.
+
+    And Benjamin's chief ferryman was stalwart old John Long,
+    A veteran of the wrestling ring, (its records hold his name,)
+    Who yet in life's late autumn was a wiry wight and strong,
+    Though grizzly were his elf-locks wild, and bow'd his giant frame.
+
+    Yes; though John Long was worn and wan, he still was stark and strong,
+    And he plied his bending "rooers" with a boatman's manly pride,
+    As crashing past the islands, through the reed stalks crisp and long,
+    He stretch'd away far northward, where the lake spread fair and wide.
+
+    "Now rest upon your oars, John Long," one evening still said I,
+    When shadows deepened o'er the mere from Latterbarrow Fell;
+    For far beyond broad Weatherlam the sun sank in the sky,
+    And bright his levell'd radiance lit the heights around Hillbell.
+
+    "And tell me an old story," thus I further spoke, "John Long,
+    Some mournful tale or legend, of the far departed time;
+    The scene is all too solemn here for lightsome lay or song,
+    So tell, and, in your plain strong words, I'll weave it into rhyme."
+
+    Then old John Long revolved his quid, and gaunt he look'd and grim--
+    For darker still athwart the lake spread Latterbarrow's shade--
+    And pointing o'er the waters broad to fields and woodlands dim,
+    He soberly and slowly spake, and this was what he said, &c.
+
+John Long died at the little hostelry on Kirkstone Pass, the highest
+inhabited house in England, about the year 1848.
+
+
+
+
+TOM NICHOLSON
+
+OF THRELKELD.
+
+
+Among the distinguished athletes of a byegone period, not one in the long
+list has conferred a more enduring celebrity on the wrestlings of the
+north, than the Threlkeld champion, Tom Nicholson. He owed this high
+position not to overpowering strength and weight, but to what lends its
+principal charm to back-hold wrestling--science and activity. These, added
+to entire confidence and fearlessness, rendered him a match for any of the
+big ones of his day.
+
+In youth he was a wild, harum-scarum sort of a fellow, hardly ever out of
+one scrape before he was floundering into another. A fight or a fray seemed
+always welcome. "He cared for nowte." A Jem Belcher of the wrestling ring
+and the pugilistic ring, too, of the north; one who never feared the face
+of man, and had so much confidence in his own powers, that whoever he
+chanced to meet in the ring, whether as "big as a hoose side," or "strang
+as a yak tree," he felt confident he could throw him.
+
+He stood close upon six feet; lean, muscular, with broad and powerful
+shoulders; had remarkably long arms, reaching--when at full length, and
+standing perfectly upright--down to his knees; his weight never exceeding
+thirteen stones; without an ounce of superflous flesh. He generally
+commenced the attack by striking the back of his opponent's heel with the
+right foot.
+
+Tom was born at Threlkeld, near Keswick, about the year 1785, and died at
+Keswick in February, 1851. His father, "oald Ben Nicholson," acted as
+parish clerk and sexton at Threlkeld for many years, following, too, the
+occupation of a builder. He brought up his two sons, Tom and John, as
+builders, or in the vernacular of the district, "wo'ers." Tom was the elder
+brother, and a much more powerful man than John. The latter, in the opinion
+of many good judges, was superior both in science and quickness. Being a
+light weight, his name does not appear with much prominence in the
+wrestling records of the time. Special prizes were not then given for light
+weights; and in consequence, John did not often become last stander. The
+two brothers were, however, sometimes first and second.
+
+It was not alone in wrestling that Tom became a noted character. He could
+probably display more feats of activity in his day, than any man in the
+north of England. He has been known to "hitch an' kick" ten feet high: that
+is to say, if a hat were placed on a pole, or hung on the ceiling of a
+house ten feet high, he could leap up, and hit the hat with one foot,
+without falling to the ground. Among other places, this was done at the
+Red Lion inn, Grasmere, in 1810, where Miles Dixon, Harry Chapman, and
+other athletes were onlookers. Another feat of his consisted in covering
+twelve yards in three leaps of three rises, measuring from heel to heel.
+This he often did, leaping the full distance forwards, and then turning
+round and leaping the same distance back again. A frequent saying of his
+was, that he could "stand a yard, stride a yard, an' tak' a yard under
+ayder arm."
+
+We have no reliable means of recording all the victories Tom achieved; and
+we suppose no chronicler is left who can tell where he gained his first
+belt. We know he became such an enthusiast as to rise often at three or
+four o'clock in a morning, in order to get his day's work finished by noon;
+and afterwards has travelled a dozen miles, to wrestle for "a lal bit iv a
+ledder strap, nut worth mair ner fifteen-pence." Luckily, there is a
+record of the more important prizes gained at Carlisle, in 1809, 1810, and
+1811--a succession of unbroken victories seldom accomplished by a
+thirteen-stone man.
+
+In the year 1809, Nicholson, then twenty-three or twenty-four years old,
+attended some sports or merry-making at Penrith. While there, he chanced to
+see an advertisement setting forth the liberal prizes for wrestling,
+offered on the following day at the Waterhead, Ambleside. Having some
+little acquaintance with the Dixons of Grasmere, through working with them
+at the Bridge-end, Legberthwaite, Tom felt a strong desire to attend the
+meeting. After dancing all night at Penrith, he left by way of Patterdale
+and Kirkstone Pass. Having reached Ambleside, he found the head of the lake
+crowded with pleasure boats and yachts; flags flying, drums beating, and an
+immense gathering of people assembled in holiday attire, anxiously waiting
+to witness the sports.
+
+Being overcome by fatigue and want of rest, he went into one of the tents
+for some refreshment, and soon fell fast asleep in a chair. A waller, named
+James Benson, who belonged to Ambleside, chanced to hear one of the Dixons
+say incidentally to the Longs: "I suppoo�s Tom Nicholson's here. If we
+don't mind what we're duin', he'll fell us aw!" Seeing a stranger asleep
+soon after, Benson went and gave him a tap with his foot, saying: "Do they
+co' yee Tom Nicholson?" Being thus aroused, Tom started hastily to his
+feet, and replied in the affirmative. "Well, then," said Benson, "if ye've
+come to russel, ye'll hev to be stirrin' yersel'! _They're thrawin' t'
+belt up for t' last time!_"
+
+Hastening to the scene of action--a small field near the lake--Tom got his
+name entered in the list. No doubt, the previous fatigue and consequent
+exhaustion would, in some measure, detract from the dash and force of his
+wrestling. Notwithstanding this, he managed to pull off the chief prize,
+throwing both Rowland and John Long. Two of the Dixons--George and
+James--of Grasmere, also contended, and both came against the Threlkeld
+man. The former was unmistakeably thrown; but the latter, in the opinion of
+a great many spectators round the ring, ought to have had the fall. The
+umpires, however, came to the conclusion it was a dog-fall, and Dixon felt
+so chagrined at the decision, that he refused to re-enter the ring.
+
+In after life, Nicholson used to "brag" that at this Ambleside gathering,
+he threw four of the biggest men he ever grassed in one day in his life,
+namely, Roan and John Long, and George and James Dixon. In relating this
+exploit, however, the fall with the last mentioned had always to be passed
+over as quietly as possible, lest some "unbelieving dog" should think
+proper to retort, and mar the harmony of the relator's narrative.
+
+Next year, Tom again attended the Ambleside meeting, accompanied by his
+brother John, and Joseph Slack from Blencow. William Litt also figured, as
+one of the West Cumberland great guns, but had to succumb to Miles Dixon.
+Slack laid down to Tom, who threw Roan Long and his brother John. Coming
+against Miles Dixon, for the final fall, he was cleanly lifted from the
+ground without any difficulty, and thrown with a twist.
+
+In 1811, we find Tom at the Ambleside meeting for the third and last time.
+William Mackereth of Cockermouth accompanied him on this occasion. Tom had
+an arduous struggle with John Lowden of Hussecar in Newlands, "a stoot
+good russeler," who had then scarcely reached maturity. Lowden always
+claimed the first fall, but acknowledged that he lost the third one fair
+enough--the second one being a dog-fall. In the third round, Tom again
+disposed of Roan Long, but was cleverly thrown by John Long the next time
+over. It will thus be seen, the Threlkeld champion succeeded at Ambleside
+once only in the three years of his attendance; while at Carlisle, where he
+also contended three years, he came off victorious in each entry. This is
+strong testimony to the celebrity of the Windermere wrestlings.
+
+For two years previously, John Wilson of Elleray had encouraged the
+wrestlings at Ambleside, by subscribing liberally, and taking a personal
+interest in so conducting the sports as to render them worthy of the
+patronage of the neighbouring gentry. All who have attended wrestling
+meetings, cannot but be aware that occasions will often occur, when the
+presence of such gentlemen as the squire of Elleray is of great use. There
+is ample evidence to show that he was devotedly fond of the sport. When he
+left the lakes to make Edinburgh his permanent place of residence, the
+wrestlings at Ambleside, which had attained extraordinary celebrity,
+declined for a time, but again shone with renewed brilliancy at Low Wood,
+Bowness, and the Ferry.
+
+Before taking leave of Nicholson's Windermere exploits, we must record a
+_fracas_ he had once with John Wilson, at the "Nag's Head," Wythburn, a
+little wayside inn, eight miles from Ambleside, lying immediately under the
+shadow of the "mighty Helvellyn," and much frequented up to the present
+time by pedestrian tourists. Some sports--wrestling being the principal, of
+course--were held at the above out-of-the-way hostelry. At that time,
+considerable rivalry existed between the wrestlers of Cumberland and
+Westmorland. The Elleray squire freely backed the Westmorland men, and Tom
+Nicholson was not a whit behind-hand in as freely backing the Cumbrians.
+Now, it so happened, they both got excited over a doubtful fall. The future
+literary luminary insisted that his man had got the fall; while Tom
+vehemently maintained an opposite opinion, and bandied ugly words very
+freely.
+
+In a fit of momentary passion, Wilson struck Tom over the shoulders with
+his stick. This bellicose style of argument instantly led to a violent
+scene, and there appeared every likelihood of a most determined contest.
+Wilson was at that time a match for almost any man in the kingdom. A
+professed pugilist, after receiving a sound thrashing from him on the banks
+of the Isis, had been heard to say: "This must be either the devil or Jack
+Wilson!" And Nicholson had proved the victor in many a hard fought contest.
+A battle between the two disputants at the "Nag's Head," would have been a
+fearfully punishing affair to both of them. This was happily avoided, in
+consequence of their friends stepping in, and putting a stop to any
+further infringement of the peace.
+
+The ball thus set rolling at Ambleside for two years--of giving handsome
+money prizes--was followed up at the Carlisle Races, where the _first_
+annual wrestling on the Swifts took place in the month of September, 1809.
+The successful establishment of the great northern wrestling meeting, was
+due principally to the endeavours of Mr. Henry Pearson, solicitor,
+Carlisle.
+
+The following extract from the _Carlisle Chronicle_, will demonstrate the
+gratifying result of what may be called the first _metropolitan_ meeting:--
+
+     The athletic sports were superior to anything ever
+     exhibited in Carlisle. The wrestling commenced on
+     Wednesday morning, at ten o'clock, in a roped ring,
+     thirty-five yards in diameter. There were present on
+     the occasion not less than five thousand spectators,
+     who came from all parts within a circuit of thirty
+     miles, to see these gymnastic exercises. This was
+     probably the best wrestling ever seen in Cumberland, as
+     each competitor had been the winner of a great number
+     of belts in the respective parts they came from. Every
+     round was most severely contested, but the last one was
+     the finest struggle ever seen: each of the combatants
+     having given the other the cast three or four times;
+     and they respectively recovered in a most surprising
+     manner, to the astonishment and admiration of every one
+     present. At length Nicholson, who comes from Threlkeld,
+     gave Harrison the knee, and gained the prize.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following is a list of those men who wrestled for the Purse of Five
+Guineas, on the Swifts, on Wednesday, September 13th:--
+
+
+FIRST ROUND.
+
+_Stood._                     _Fell._
+
+Robert Rowntree.             Thomas Allison.
+Younghusband.                John Rowntree.
+Joseph Dixon.                John Thompson.
+Thomas Nicholson.            Daniel Wilson.
+Goodfellow.                  John Waugh.
+John Watson.                 John Jorden.
+Matthew Armstrong.           Moses Hodgson.
+Frank Moor.                  John Relph.
+Thomas Dickinson.            Thomas Cowen.
+John Nicholson.              Joseph Bird.
+John Dawson.                 William Douglas.
+Joseph Slack.                Thomas Burrow.
+William Ritson.              Matthew Dickinson.
+William Hodgson.             James Phillip.
+John Harrison.               John Hudless.
+Michael Hope.                Romney.
+
+SECOND ROUND.
+
+Robert Rowntree.             Younghusband.
+Thomas Nicholson.            Joseph Dixon.
+John Watson.                 Goodfellow.
+Matthew Armstrong.           Frank Moor.
+John Nicholson.              Thomas Dickinson.
+Joseph Slack.                John Dawson.
+William Ritson.              William Hodgson.
+John Harrison.               Michael Hope.
+
+THIRD ROUND.
+
+Thomas Nicholson.            Robert Rowntree.
+John Watson.                 Matthew Armstrong.
+John Nicholson.              Joseph Slack.
+John Harrison.               William Ritson.
+
+FOURTH ROUND.
+
+_Stood._                     _Fell._
+
+Thomas Nicholson.            John Watson.
+John Harrison.               John Nicholson.
+
+FIFTH ROUND.
+
+Thomas Nicholson.            John Harrison.
+
+Mr. HENRY PEARSON, _Head Manager_.
+Mr. CHRISTOPHERSON,)
+Mr. J. ARMSTRONG,  ) _Clerks_.
+Mr. TOPPIN, _Umpire_.
+
+At the Penrith Race Meeting, in October, 1809, Tom Nicholson contested in
+the wrestling ring, but his career was soon cut short. In the first round,
+he threw Thomas Matthews; and in the second round, had to succumb to one
+Joseph Dixon, who was disposed of afterwards, in the fourth round, by John
+Gowling, the victor on that occasion.
+
+At the Carlisle Wrestling, in October, 1810, there was an immense gathering
+of people on the Wednesday morning, to witness the wrestlers compete for
+two purses of gold. Sixty-four--almost all picked men--entered the ring,
+the head prize awarded being six guineas. This sum--at the time considered
+an important prize--fell a second time to Tom Nicholson, who threw again
+the formidable Robert Rowantree of Bewcastle, and the no less celebrated
+John Earl of Cumwhitton; and, in the final fall, floored Joseph Slack of
+Blencow. In connexion with the races, a ball on a grand scale was held
+attended by more than three hundred ladies and gentlemen. The amusements of
+the week were concluded on Friday, by the Carlisle pack of harriers
+throwing off at Whiteclose-gate, when three hares were killed, and some
+excellent sport witnessed.
+
+Tom and his brother, John, again figured at Carlisle in 1811, when Tom
+succeeded in carrying off the first honours for the third time, in the most
+difficult of all rings. The money prizes amounted to twenty pounds in all,
+and the sport was enjoyed by a dense mass of nearly twelve thousand people.
+The Earl of Lonsdale, the Marquis of Queensberry, Sir James Graham of
+Netherby, and various other gentlemen, were spectators. In the first round,
+Tom Nicholson threw John Forster easily. In the second, John Watson laid
+down. In the third round, he threw John Jordan of Great Salkeld. In the
+fourth, William Earl of Cumwhitton. In the fifth, John Douglas of Caldbeck;
+and, finally, John Earl of Cumwhitton.
+
+John Nicholson threw John Taylor in the first round; and was thrown in the
+second by Joseph Richardson of Staffield Hall, a first-rate wrestler, and
+winner of the second day's prize.
+
+Immediately after the general wrestling, Tom Nicholson was defeated in a
+match with Harry Graham of Brigham, an event which broke in somewhat
+abruptly upon the three consecutive victories gained by him on the Swifts.
+A lengthy account of this match will be found in Litt's _Wrestliana_.
+
+The Carlisle ring of 1811 was the last in which Tom Nicholson contended for
+a prize. Whether he desired to retire, and rest upon the laurels he had
+gained, or not, we cannot say. He was rendered totally incapable of
+competing at Carlisle the following year, by having accidentally dislocated
+his shoulder at the Duke of Norfolk's jubilee, held at Greystoke Castle, in
+the middle of September, 1812. He married in 1815, and went to live at
+Keswick, where he settled down as a builder. Some years after he joined the
+firm of Gibson and Hodgson, builders, as a partner; and as a tradesman, was
+respected by all who knew him.
+
+Tom used to say he could wrestle best at twenty years old. When at this
+age, and for some time after, he used to practice with George Stamper of
+Under-Skiddaw, an excellent wrestler; but being of a retiring, quiet
+disposition, he very seldom entered a ring. "Gwordie" could, however, get
+quite as many falls as Tom, out of a dozen bouts.
+
+Some years after Tom had given up contending for prizes, he chanced to be
+at Cockermouth, with his friend and former pupil William Mackereth, and the
+conversation running a good deal on wrestling topics, they agreed to
+adjourn to a field in the vicinity, in order to try a few friendly bouts.
+After having had two or three falls, "Clattan"--a gigantic athlete--was
+noticed to be leaning listlessly, with both arms over the wall, looking at
+them. "Come, Clattan," shouted Mackereth, "an' thee try a fo'. I can mak'
+nowte on him!" Thus invited, "Clattan" gathered up his huge carcass--six
+feet six inches high, at that time bony and gaunt-looking--and went
+stalking into the field, saying: "I's willin' to try him ya fo'; but,
+mind's t'e, _nobbut_ yan." In taking hold, the giant tried to snap, but
+didn't succeed in bringing Tom down. After this they had two or three
+falls, in all of which Clattan was worsted. In referring to this incident,
+the victor always said he felt certain it was a made-up thing between
+Mackereth and the big one, that the latter should be "leukin' ower t' wo',"
+at a given time and place, as if by accident.
+
+There is still another science in which Tom Nicholson excelled, namely, the
+art of self-defence; but as we have no sympathy whatever with any form of
+pugilistic encounter, except that which resolves itself into the purely
+_defensive_ order, we shall only touch lightly on the subject. As a boy,
+Tom's undaunted courage, daring spirit, and surpassing activity, made him
+dreaded as a combatant; and from the time he thrashed "Keg," (Mc.Kay or
+Mc.Kie,) the Keswick bully, when trying to ride rough-shod over the
+Threlkeld youths, his fame as a boxer was fully established in his own
+neighbourhood.
+
+In the summer of 1812, two Irishmen who were paring turf in Skiddaw forest,
+came to Keswick, and asked Joseph Cherry, the landlord of the Shoulder of
+Mutton, for Tom Nicholson. Tom being sent for, was soon on the spot; when
+one of the Irishmen thus addressed him: "Shure, an' I suppose you're the
+champion of Cumberland?" "Well," replied Tom, "I don't know whedder I is or
+I issn't." "Faith! but I'm afther telling you, you are," said the Irishman,
+very crousely; "and by jabers! me and my mate are ready to fight anny two
+men in Cumberland!" "I know nowte aboot ne� mates," replied Tom, whose
+spirit would never allow him to brook an unprovoked insult--"I know nowte
+aboot ne� mates; but I's willin' to feight t' better man mysel', if that
+'ill satisfy y�!" Accordingly, a wager was made for five pounds, and the
+two combatants went into the market-place without further parley--no county
+police to interfere at that time--and set to work in good earnest. Pat was
+beaten in nine rounds; and Tom, who sustained little injury, finished up
+"as fresh as a lark."
+
+In the encounter on the Carlisle race ground, with Ridley, the _glutton_,
+in 1814, the issue was of a very different character, although the
+Threlkeld man was never in better "fettle" in his life. After
+half-an-hour's severe fighting, during which time the waves of victory
+flowed sometimes to one side, and sometimes to the other, the constables
+interfered, and very properly put a stop to the brutal sport.
+
+As some palliation for the part which our hero took in the combat, Litt
+says: "We have the best authority for saying, that when Tom left home for
+Carlisle, he knew nothing of the match in question; and that the behaviour
+of Ridley, who was on the look-out for him, and the wishes expressed by
+some amateurs to witness a trial of skill between them, made Tom
+erroneously think that his character was at stake, and that he could not
+decline the contest without incurring the charge of having 'a white feather
+in him.'"
+
+Tom's love for daring adventure, or sport, seems never to have forsaken
+him. Even in middle life, when between forty and fifty years old, this
+idiosyncrasy would manifest itself. Among other pursuits, he has been known
+to follow salmon poaching in the river Derwent and its tributaries. Once
+when working at Mirehouse, for Mr. Spedding, he was joined by Pearson of
+Browfoot, John Walker, weaver and boatman, and four or five other men from
+Keswick, as lawless as himself, and almost as daring. The meeting had been
+previously arranged at the Shoulder of Mutton, then kept by Betty Cherry.
+Having chosen Tom as their captain, the gang started for Euse bridge, at
+the foot of Bassenthwaite lake, which place they reached a couple of hours
+after nightfall. Operations were commenced by placing two sentinels in
+commanding positions, one on the bridge, and the other--John Walker--on the
+opposite side of the hedge, a little lower down the river.
+
+A "lowe" being "kinnel't," the stream was found to be literally swarming
+with fish. Little more than laying out their nets had been done, however,
+when Walker shouted out: "Le�k oot, lads! they're comin'!" And just at
+that moment, a strong body of river watchers, numbering something like a
+dozen--who had evidently been laying in ambush--rushed pell-mell upon them.
+Walker being the first within reach, was knocked down and kept down; and
+the fight soon swayed fiercely from side to side. Maddened at the treatment
+of their mate, the poachers broke through the hedge which intervened, and
+fought desperately. Tom Nicholson punished one of the watchers, named
+Cragg, so severely, that the man had good reason to remember it for many a
+long year after. Walker being rescued, and the keepers chased from the
+ground, the poachers again took to the river, and returned home heavily
+laden with spoil.
+
+During the latter part of his life, Nicholson officiated frequently as
+umpire or referee in the Carlisle and other rings. Having dislocated his
+ancle by accidentally falling on the ice, his appearance in the capacity of
+umpire, impressed spectators with the idea that they looked on the
+shattered and broken-down frame of a muscular built man, supporting himself
+while moving about with a stout walking-stick. The last trace we have of
+him as umpire, was at the match between Jackson and Longmire, which came
+off at Keswick, in 1845.
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM MACKERETH
+
+OF COCKERMOUTH.
+
+
+William Mackereth--"built like a castle," being broad and massive from head
+to foot--was born and bred at Cockermouth. He was a pupil of Tom
+Nicholson's; but Tom could never teach him his own favourite chip of
+"clickin' t' back o' t' heel," and used to resort to that move when he
+wanted to throw him.
+
+Mackereth was a good hyper; and threw Harry Graham of Brigham twice in
+succession, the first time that Litt and William Richardson met to wrestle
+the match at Workington, which never came off. He also threw John Long in
+Westmorland, and won. In speaking of Roan Long, Mackereth used to say his
+own hand was like a child's hand, compared to that of the giant's.
+
+A common saying of his was, that he "was nobbut a thurteen ste�n man."
+To this Tom Nicholson generally retorted by saying, "_I_ niver kent the',
+Will, when thoo was thurteen ste�n!" Tom called him fourteen stones,
+good weight.
+
+Mackereth was brought up to the building trade, and ultimately became
+keeper of the gaol at Cockermouth for many years. He had an only daughter,
+who married and settled in Ireland, in which country he died about the year
+1859.
+
+
+
+
+HARRY GRAHAM
+
+OF BRIGHAM.
+
+
+Harry Graham was a clogger by trade, at Brigham, a pleasant but irregularly
+built village, whose square church tower catches the eye of the passing
+tourist between Cockermouth and Workington. Born and bred in the heart of a
+district which has produced many noted wrestlers, and practising the art
+from boyhood, Graham possessed rare abilities as an athlete; but was either
+too indifferent, or else of too petulant a disposition, to take his chance
+in the ring, like his compeers.
+
+The most famous victory gained by Graham--and we know of no other of any
+moment--was the one over Tom Nicholson, in 1811, which goes far to prove
+him to have been, for his inches and weight, one of the best men West
+Cumberland has produced. Litt speaks of his having wrestled more matches
+than any man in the county, but fails to single out any others, wherein
+Graham was the conqueror, than the two mentioned in this brief notice.
+
+Harry attended the annual meeting at Carlisle, in 1811, for the first and
+last time, and competed for the head prize. In the first round, he threw
+one Thomas Hoodless, said by Litt to be "of some celebrity," but long since
+forgotten; and in the second round, he came against John Jordan of Great
+Salkeld, waller,[10] and fairly won the fall, without even going down. For
+some cause or other, the umpires decided it a dog-fall; and on taking hold
+a second time, Jordan won. This exasperated Harry's friends, who felt
+confident his rare science, quickness, and activity, rendered him a match
+for any man existing.
+
+Be this as it may, a match was struck up with Tom Nicholson--the taller man
+by three inches--who backed himself for three pounds to two, the best of
+five falls. Harry lost the first and second. This made Tom's supporters
+cock-sure of winning the match. The third was disputable, and decided a
+dog-fall, although a great majority of the spectators insisted Harry won.
+The fourth and fifth he gained cleverly. They were then equal, with the
+dog-fall in dispute. After some squabbling, they began again afresh; and
+Harry won the match by scoring first, third, and fourth falls.
+
+Graham's match with William Richardson--which he won, and which Litt sets
+forth as one of some importance--was merely the result of a drunken spree
+at Cockermouth. It took place in a garden belonging to the Old Buck inn.
+Among the handful of people who witnessed the scene, was John Murgatroyd,
+at that time a growing youth interested in the sport.
+
+Harry left the locality of his native hills in 1822, and settled in
+Liverpool, where he brought up a family in a manner which reflected much
+credit upon himself. When more than sixty years old, he took a voyage to
+Australia, to join his eldest son, a graduate of Dublin university, who was
+following the scholastic profession, with a considerable amount of success,
+at the antipodes.
+
+Graham died in November, 1878, at the venerable age of eighty-eight, and
+was buried in Shooter's-hill cemetery, near London.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[10] Litt speaks unguardedly when he calls Jordan "a noted wrestler from
+the Penrith side," as there was nothing worthy of note about any of his
+performances in the ring. Nature had endowed him with a considerable amount
+of strength, but being almost destitute of science, he had only one mode of
+dealing with opponents, and that was "just to tew them doon!" One who knew
+him well, described him as "a greit rammin' sixteen-ste�n man, cre�k't
+back't, an' varra fond o' fishin'!"
+
+
+
+
+JAMES SCOTT
+
+OF CANONBIE.
+
+    Noo, Jamie Scott o' Cannobie,
+      He hied to Carel toon;
+    And mony a borderer cam to see
+      The English lads thrawn doon.
+
+              _Border Ballad._
+
+
+James Scott was the lightest man who won the head prize in the Carlisle
+ring about his own time; and what is much more curious, the only Scotchman
+who ever accomplished the same feat. Indeed, it seems up to Scott's time,
+and since, too, that the borderers on the Scotch side did not take as much
+pleasure in the pastime as those dwelling on the English side.
+
+Scott was born and brought up at Oarnlee, in the picturesque parish of
+Canonbie, in Dumfriesshire, within a few miles distance from the roofless
+tower of Gilnockie, the ancient stronghold of the noted border free-booter,
+Johnny Armstrong, of whose tragic fate in the presence of the Scottish
+king, the old minstrel thus sings:--
+
+    But then rose up all Edenborough,
+      They rose up by thousands three;
+    A cowardly Scot came John behind,
+      And run him through the fair bodye.
+
+    Said John, "Fight on my merry men all,
+      I am a little wounded, but not slain;
+    I will lay me down to bleed a while,
+      Then I'll rise, and fight with you again."
+
+James Scott stood about five feet nine inches high, and weighed between
+eleven and twelve stones. Litt surmises that he was more than thirteen
+stones; but according to the most reliable authorities, this is much beyond
+the mark. He was a "tight built, streight, be�ny mak' iv a fellow, withoot
+a particle o' lowse flesh aboot him." In the ring, he became noted as a
+quick striker, and bore the reputation of being a good scientific wrestler.
+
+He never went much from home to contend, and, excepting in the Carlisle
+ring, is only known to have wrestled at the village gatherings, along the
+borders. He does not figure among the thirty-two men, who wrestled at the
+first annual meeting at Carlisle, in 1809. In the following year, when
+double that number contended, we think it hardly likely that he put in an
+appearance; but on this point we cannot speak with any amount of
+confidence, as there is no list of names known to be in existence.
+
+In 1811, however, he did good service in the Carlisle ring, by throwing
+Joseph Wilson, John Hall, Joseph Coates, and William Richardson of
+Caldbeck; but sustained defeat at the hands of John Earl of Cumwhitton, in
+the fifth round. For the second prize of the same year, he was cleverly
+thrown by George Little of Sebergham, (and not again by John Earl, as
+stated by Litt.)
+
+At the Carlisle meeting held on Tuesday, the 20th day of September, 1812,
+the favourite north-country pastime attracted an immense gathering of
+spectators to the Swifts. Although the prizes offered amounted in all to
+the handsome sum of twenty guineas, there was a noticeable falling off in
+the attendance of wrestlers. Only forty-eight names were entered for the
+principal competition--the most noteworthy absentees being Tom Nicholson,
+(who was suffering from an accident at the Greystoke festival,) John Earl
+of Cumwhitton, Robert Rowantree of Bewcastle, and Harry Graham of Brigham.
+
+Scott, who was then in his twenty-fourth year, turned up on the Swifts "i'
+grand fettle," and wrestled through the ring with much spirit, tact, and
+determination. The unexpected fall of William Mackereth of Cockermouth, the
+first time over, removed at least one formidable rival. John Jordan of
+Great Salkeld, falling in one of the subsequent rounds, left the coast as
+good as clear to Scott and Richardson, who ultimately came together in the
+final fall. Although wanting in the height, weight, and experience
+possessed by his veteran opponent, the wiry borderer had the advantage of
+youthful suppleness and activity on his side.
+
+A good deal of time was wasted by the combatants; both tenaciously
+endeavouring to obtain the better hold. Meanwhile a tall, red-haired,
+gaunt-looking Scotchman, made himself somewhat officious and troublesome to
+the umpires, by running to and fro into the ring, "wi' a wee drap whuskey,
+an' a hantle o' advice," in order to cheer up the spirits of the Canonbie
+lad. When holds had been obtained, after acting on the defensive for some
+time with much wariness, Scott managed to catch Richardson's heel, and by
+this means succeeded in carrying him off precisely in the same manner as he
+had done the preceding year. No sooner had the burly figure of the Caldbeck
+man kissed the green-sward, than the air resounded again and again with
+lusty cheers for the Canonbie hero.
+
+Everybody seemed astonished when "lal Jamie Scott" fought his way
+through the ring; and probably no one was more astonished than himself.
+With eight bright guineas in his pocket, he received a hearty welcome on
+going back again, from all the "weel kent" faces he passed on his
+"hameward" journey to "Canobie lea."
+
+Having gained first honours, Jamie inherited too much of the "canny" and
+prudent disposition of his countrymen, to risk tarnishing the victory which
+had thus fallen under somewhat favourable circumstances to his share. The
+Carlisle ring of 1812 was, we believe, the last one in which he contended
+for a prize.
+
+Scott was a joiner by trade, and worked for several years at "Kirkcammeck,"
+(Kirkambeck,) in Stapleton, on the English side of the border. At the
+local gatherings in after years, he made a point of backing David Potts of
+Haining--a rather tricky customer--against John Blair of Solport Mill.
+Scott recommended Potts to rosin the inside of his pockets well, and rub
+his hands in them before taking hold of an opponent. "And than," said he,
+bestowing a hearty thump on his pupil's back, "no a man i' Cummerland need
+thraw the', if thou nobbut fews onything like!"
+
+His cheerful and jocular disposition led him to be widely known on both
+sides of the border as "Canobie Jamie." He was specially fond of rural and
+field sports. In speed of foot he surpassed most of his companions. Many
+stories are told of the practical jokes and harmless tricks he used to play
+off on his neighbours and acquaintances; a few examples of which we may
+perhaps be allowed to relate as illustrative of his character.
+
+"Canobie Jock," a well known voluble neighbour of his, partial to keeping
+up a breed of terriers and foxhounds of the right sort, had one of the
+former which he boasted was the fleetest dog of its kind in the parish. For
+a trifling wager, Jamie offered to run a race with Jock's terrier. The
+distance chosen was from one end of a good sized field to the other,
+through part of which a broad deep ditch extended, and had to be crossed.
+After starting, our hero found there existed every likelihood of his canine
+competitor leaving him some distance behind. This induced him to hasten
+towards that part of the field where lay the deep ditch. With a single
+bound he cleared the distance in capital style. Meanwhile, before the poor
+terrier had time to swim the water, climb the banks, and shake itself,
+Jamie had got so far ahead as to be able to win easily--which he did, much
+to the discomfiture of the owner of the dog.
+
+As an additional illustration of his nimbleness of foot, it may be
+mentioned that on another occasion, in coming "owre the hills frae Hawick,"
+he ran down a cub fox, which he took home with him to Canonbie, and kept
+there in a tame state, until it became so troublesome and destructive among
+the hen-roosts of the neighbourhood, that he was obliged to put it down.
+
+Jamie, and a cousin of his, were once invited to a wedding in the
+neighbourhood of Liddesdale, and, as it chanced, they could only muster a
+single horse between them. Under these circumstances, Scott thought it
+might be as well to give the natives of "Copshaw-holme," (Newcastleton,)
+something to amuse themselves with. Accordingly, he placed his cousin on
+the front of the horse, in the usual way, while he mounted behind, facing
+the opposite direction, with a straw rope drawn round the animal's tail for
+a bridle. In this comical fashion, the two men rode through the large open
+square of the old border village, amid the laughter and jeers of young and
+old.
+
+One other story, and we must take leave of Jamie. When crossing a wild part
+of the country, it so happened that through being benighted, he was in
+danger of losing his way. Nearing a farm-stead, the pleasing sound of a
+fiddle fell on his ears, which ultimately turned out to proceed from an
+adjoining barn, where a dancing school was held. On entering, Jamie met
+with a warm reception from the people assembled, and enjoyed the scene
+before him with much glee. Getting communicative with those around, he
+threw out some broadish hints that he thought he could dance a hornpipe or
+jig better than the dancing-master himself. To such a belief as this the
+teacher entirely demurred; and the difference of opinion thus set forth
+paved the way for a friendly contest. Notwithstanding being a good deal
+fatigued with travelling, Jamie managed to trip about with so much
+gracefulness and agility, that he was acknowledged by all present to have
+quite outrivalled the professor of the calisthenic art.
+
+James Scott died at Oarnlee in the year 1854, aged sixty-six years.
+
+
+
+
+ROBERT ROWANTREE,
+
+OF KINGWATER.
+
+
+Robert Rowantree, the subject of this brief memoir, was one of the big
+stalwart athletes of the wrestling ring in the "olden time," when wrestlers
+six feet high, and fourteen stones weight, were plentiful amongst the
+competitors of the northern arena. Rowantree was not so much distinguished
+for science as William Jackson, Richard Chapman, or the Donaldsons of more
+recent times; but was formidable from possessing great strength, a long
+reaching muscular arm, much supple activity, and no end of endurance in a
+keen, protracted struggle with an adversary. Remarkable instances of this
+fierce endurance are to this day commented on, particularly in his
+memorable bouts with John Richardson of Staffield Hall, "Belted Will" of
+Caldbeck, and the celebrated bone-setter, George Dennison.
+
+Rowantree was born in the vale of Kingwater, in the year 1779. The place of
+his birth, and where he continued to reside for a long series of years, is
+a lonely and sterile region, inhabited chiefly by sheep-farmers, situate
+between the green woodland slopes of Gilsland, and the then wild unclaimed
+wastes of Bewcastle; and was doubtless in the long ago border marauding
+times the scene of many a bloody raid; and later, too, of many smuggling
+affrays in getting across the border untaxed whiskey. Maitland's
+_Complaint_ gives a vivid description of the lawlessness prevalent:--
+
+    That nane may keip
+    Horse, nolt, nor sheip,
+    Nor yet dar sleip,
+    For thair mischeifis.
+
+"The lordly halls of Triermaine," in the vale of Kingwater, supplied the
+title to one of Sir Walter Scott's poems; but the once "lordly halls" are
+now reduced to a mere fragment.
+
+Like William Jackson of Kinneyside, Rowantree was brought up a shepherd,
+and followed this pastoral occupation, with scarcely a break in the chain,
+throughout an extraordinarily prolonged life. He stood fully six feet one
+inch, his general wrestling weight being fourteen stones. "A lang-fe�c't,
+strang, big-limb't man, carryin' varra lile flesh on his be�ns," was the
+description given of Rowantree by a brother athlete, who, like himself, had
+carried off the head prize once from the Carlisle ring.
+
+Litt speaks of him as attached to loose holds, and as being an extremely
+awkward customer to get at. It cannot be said that he was a quick, good,
+scientific wrestler, being too strong limbed and heavily built throughout,
+for excelling in these requisites. Nevertheless, he had tremendous powers
+when he could get them set agoing in full swing. His famous cross-buttocks
+in the Carlisle and other rings, which made men fly upwards, like a bull
+tossing dogs, are spoken of to this day. When young, like many another,
+Rowantree was such an enthusiastic follower of the wrestling ring, that he
+frequently went on foot twenty miles to wrestle in the evening for a common
+leather belt, not worth eighteen pence.
+
+He won his first prize at "Mumps Ha'," Gilsland, at that time a noted hedge
+ale-house, whereat border farmers--most of them nothing loth to spend a
+jovial hour or two when happening to meet a neighbour--used to stop and
+refresh themselves with a "pint" or two, and enjoy a "good crack." The
+hostelry was at that time kept by a daughter of old Margaret Teasdale,
+immortalized as "Mumps Meg," in Sir Walter Scott's _Guy Mannering_.
+
+Rowantree afterwards attended some sports at Stanners Burn, in North Tyne;
+and in the final wrestle up, he came against an exceedingly powerful man,
+named William Ward, a rustic Titan, with a grip like a giant, resident in
+the neighbourhood. In the previous rounds the stranger from Kingwater had
+astonished the North Tyners, by disposing of his men without the least
+difficulty. In the last round, Ward lifted Rowantree clean off his feet,
+and caused much amusement among the spectators by crying out, whilst
+holding him in that position: "Hey, lads! See! I can haud him, noo!" No
+sooner, however, did Rowantree set foot on _terra firma_, than in an
+instant the position of the two men was reversed, a sweeping cross-buttock
+sending Ward's feet "fleein' i' the air," amid loud plaudits--the loser
+being sadly crestfallen by this unexpected turn of the wheel.
+
+As a general rule, Rowantree did not go far from home to attend wrestling
+meetings; his principal ground being along the wild tract of Cumberland
+lying to the north-east of Carlisle. Occasionally, however, he strolled
+away from Kingwater and the adjoining country. In the year 1810, he had a
+trip "wid Nanny, the priest' son, o' Haltwhistle, ower th' fells," to try
+his luck at the noted gathering, known far and wide as "Melmerby Round."
+Along with the priest's son--a promising youth in his way for "a bit of a
+spree"--he entered his name. The Haltwhistle youth came to grief in one of
+the early rounds, being thrown by John Morton of Gamblesby (father to Tom
+Morton of the Gale); but Rowantree succeeded in working his way through the
+ring, and carrying off the head prize.
+
+We next come to record worse luck, in a match with Thomas Golightly, a
+miner, who belonged to the Butts, in Alston town. Rowantree, though a much
+heavier and taller man, was overmatched by the 'cute Alstonian, and had to
+succumb to him. Golightly--one of a wrestling family--was a thoroughly
+all-round, scientific, first-rate wrestler; and though weighing only twelve
+stones, and standing five feet nine inches high, gained many head prizes
+in the neighbourhood of Alston, Workington, and Whitehaven. The match took
+place probably at Alston sports, then held annually on Easter Monday and
+Tuesday--on the same days that a two-days main of cocks was fought.
+
+Rowantree attended the first annual wrestling meeting held at Carlisle,
+September, 1809, and in the first round he threw Thomas Atkinson; in the
+second, one Younghusband, (who in the previous round had thrown John
+Rowantree, a brother of Robert.) In the third round, he had to face the
+celebrated Thomas Nicholson of Threlkeld. The first was a disputed fall;
+but in the second, Tom was easily victorious. At Carlisle, in 1810,
+Nicholson again threw him.
+
+Next year, John Richardson of Staffield Hall, near Kirkoswald, gained the
+second prize on the Swifts. For the first prize, he came against Rowantree,
+and after one of the most desperate and determined struggles ever seen in
+any ring, the latter won with a half-buttock, after giving his opponent a
+shake off the hip. In all the recorded meetings of athletes in the rings of
+the north, it has seldom happened that the spectators had the gratification
+of witnessing two men step into the arena, equal in stature and muscular
+power to Robert Rowantree and John Richardson. The latter stood six feet
+three inches high, and the former six feet one inch. Both weighed upwards
+of fourteen stones, and on stripping, presented remarkable specimens of
+athletic formation. Armstrong, familiarly known as the "Solid Yak," another
+gigantic Cumbrian, was also grassed in the same entry, by Rowantree.
+
+At Carlisle, in 1812, when James Scott, the Canonbie man, won, we do not
+find that Rowantree contended. No record is known to exist, giving the
+names of those who entered for the prizes, and, therefore, nothing definite
+can be stated.
+
+The following extract from the _Carlisle Journal_, will show that the
+prize--twenty guineas--given in 1813, was held to be something remarkable
+in wrestling annals, and created a wide-spread sensation throughout the
+north. At the present day, a considerably larger sum is given; but whether
+this profuse liberality has improved the _morale_ of the ring, is a very
+doubtful matter.
+
+     On Friday, the 8th of October, the great prize of
+     twenty guineas was wrestled for on the Swifts, in a
+     roped ring of seventy yards in diameter, in the
+     presence of the largest concourse of people we ever saw
+     on a similar occasion. Notwithstanding the day was
+     extremely wet during the whole of the contest, the
+     curiosity that had been excited through all ranks of
+     society, overcame every obstacle; and we were happy to
+     see on the ground the Duke of Norfolk, the Marquis of
+     Queensberry, the Earl of Lonsdale, H. Fawcett, Esq.,
+     M.P., together with a large number of gentlemen from
+     all parts of the county, and from Scotland, to witness
+     one of the finest exhibitions of activity, muscle,
+     science, and resolution, ever seen in the north of
+     England. The wrestling was of the most superior kind;
+     many of the combatants having been struck by their
+     antagonists from the ground upwards of five feet.
+     Robert Rowantree, the Cumberland shepherd, gained the
+     first prize, having thrown the noted William Richardson
+     and George Dennison, in two of the severest struggles
+     we ever saw. We are happy to add that their peaceable
+     and civil deportment to each other has been the subject
+     of much commendation.
+
+On the morning of the wrestling, Rowantree walked from Butterburn, a lone
+farm-stead, north-east of Gilsland, and fully twenty miles from Carlisle,
+as the crow flies; and then wrestled through an exceedingly strong ring--a
+proof of lasting endurance and pluck seldom parallelled. Seventy-two men
+entered the ring for the head prize; exactly twenty-four more than in the
+previous year. In the first round, Rowantree threw Joseph Richardson; in
+the second, James Gibson; in the third, Thomas Gillespie; in the fourth,
+William Earl of Cumwhitton; in the fifth, George Dennison of Stainton; and
+in the final fall, William Richardson of Caldbeck.
+
+It is somewhat singular that Rowantree, an enthusiastic follower of
+wrestling, should not again enter the ring of the Border City, or, indeed,
+any other ring, where winning might be considered to confer distinction.
+Soon after achieving at Carlisle, the highest distinction a wrestler can
+attain, he won his last belt in the same arena where he gained his first
+one--at "Mumps Ha'," Gilsland. He got the belt without contesting a single
+fall; no one thinking proper to try the chance of a single tussle with him.
+
+Shepherding was his daily pursuit during the greater part of a long life;
+and at times he performed some extraordinary feats of pedestrianism. We
+regret, however, being unable to give exact data of the time and distances.
+They would have been interesting additions to his wrestling career. For
+many years he lived on an extensive sheep farm at Wiley Syke, near
+Gilsland, with one of his brothers. During the great storm of November,
+1807, when the snow drifted in some places to the depth of nine and ten
+feet, Rowantree's brother John, lost four-score sheep, and at one time
+upwards of two hundred more were missing. A neighbouring shepherd, named
+James Coulthard, perished in attempting to fold his sheep in
+Scott-Coulthard's Waste.
+
+At one time, Rowantree was tempted to enter the service of the Earl of
+Carlisle, as a game-watcher, on the Naworth Castle estates, and continued
+to be so occupied "a canny bit."
+
+When more than four-score years old, Rowantree went to live with a
+relative--Mr. Wanless, of the Bay Horse inn, Haltwhistle--under whose roof
+he spent the last twelve years of his life; and died there in April, 1873,
+at the patriarchal age of ninety-four. Some nine or ten months before the
+latter end--the final closing scene of a long life--he "hed sair croppen
+in," and was in fact nearly bent double. But previous to that time, his
+appearance was so fresh and animated, his step so firm and active, his
+intellect and memory so clear and retentive, that no stranger would have
+taken him to be anything like his real age.
+
+While living at Haltwhistle, if the old Kingwater athlete could only manage
+to fall in with any wrestling, dog-trailing, or hunting, or could get off
+shooting with a dog and gun, either by himself or in company, he was in the
+height of his glory. When sitting by the side of a wrestling ring, during
+this latter period of his life, as an onlooker, it was only natural he
+should become garrulous, and almost, as a matter of course, cynical in his
+remarks. "Sec bits o' shafflin' things," he used to say, "git prizes
+noo-a-days! If they'd been leevin' lang syne, we wad ha' thrown them ower
+th' dyke!" At other times, when a wrestler had laid down in favour of an
+opponent, he would exclaim: "Ah! ah! that wullent de� at aw, lads! Theer
+was ne� sec lyin' doon i' my time. It was aw main-strength an' hard wark,
+than!"
+
+John Stanyan Bigg's rhyme, in the Furness dialect, slightly altered,
+presents a very apt picture of Robert Rowantree, as a cheerful and hearty
+old man, verging on ninety years:--
+
+    Auld Robin Rowantree was stordy and strang;
+    Auld Robin Rowantree was six feet lang;
+    He was first at a weddin', an' last at a fair,
+    He was t' jolliest of aw, whoiver was there;
+    For he keep't a lad's heart in his wizzen'd auld skin,
+    And work'd out his woes as fast as they wer' in;
+    Ye'd niver believe he'd iver seen trouble,
+    Tho' at times t' auld fellow was amaist walkin' double.
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM DICKINSON
+
+OF ALSTON.
+
+
+Alston, the capital of a lead-mining district of East Cumberland, stands
+very conspicuously perched on the side of a hill, overlooking the river
+Tyne, which flows eastward through a narrow valley below, on its course to
+the populous towns of Hexham, Newcastle, and Shields, and is then lost in
+the German Ocean. The miniature town of Alston has a market cross of the
+quaintest order, and a main street so "brant" and twisting, that strangers
+watch with amazement the ascent and descent of any kind of conveyance or
+vehicle, which may chance to be stirring. As a people, the Alstonians are
+thoughtful, studious, and intelligent. There are few places in Britain
+where a healthful class of literature, and general knowledge, are sought
+after with greater avidity, than by the mining population of the town and
+neighbourhood.
+
+At one time the district was fruitful in producing good wrestlers. Thomas
+Lee, the publican, Jemmy Fawcett of Nenthead, powerful John Horsley, Tom
+and Frank Golightly, William Dickinson, Tom Todd of Knarsdale, and other
+stars of lesser magnitude, rose and set in succession. At a period after
+those enumerated, the neighbouring valley of Weardale was equally
+celebrated in the production of a whole host of good wrestlers. Among them
+may be noted, John Milburn, Tom Robson, James Pattinson, John Emmerson,
+Joseph Allison, and many others. And we can bear testimony to their general
+conduct in the ring as being eminently praiseworthy.
+
+William Dickinson was born at Spency-croft, near Alston, about the year
+1792, and brought up in Alston town. He followed the trade or occupation of
+a lead miner. In height, he stood five feet ten-and-a-half inches, and
+weighed fully thirteen stones. In appearance, there was every indication of
+a stout compact built man, well made from top to toe, with nothing
+cumbersome about him. He had fine expansive shoulders, good loins, and was
+rather light built about the limbs. He usually appeared in the ring,
+dressed in a pair of Cashmere trousers, light coloured stockings, and high
+tied shoes. Though a great enthusiast at wrestling, Dickinson was generally
+considered to be indifferent about other recreations, and was rather easy
+about following his daily occupation very closely. Some of the more
+pugnacious Alstonians tried various means to get him enlisted among them as
+a fighter, but in this they were disappointed. "D--n thy snoot!" shouted a
+jeering comrade to him one day, "thoo can grip a chap's back smart eneuf;
+but thoo darn't hit a body for thy life! Thoo's far ower muckle
+shoo'der-bund for a trick like that!"
+
+Dickinson's career proved to be exceedingly brief, and few particulars are
+now remembered respecting him. While still in his teens, he excelled in his
+own neighbourhood as a strong athlete, and succeeded in carrying off
+several minor prizes. We cannot learn whether he attended the then noted
+gatherings at Melmerby or Langwathby. However, in October, 1812, when
+twenty years old, we find him figuring at a great meeting held at Penrith,
+where a sum of fifteen guineas, subscribed for by the Earl of Lonsdale,
+Squire Hasell of Dalemain, and others, was given to contend for. From the
+first to the third round, Dickinson threw--Thomas Parker of Pallethill,
+John Nicholson of Threlkeld, and John Harrison of Horrock-wood, and was
+himself toppled over in the fourth round by some one whose name is not now
+known. The head prize--ten guineas--was won by John Parker of Sparkgate,
+and the second by James Lancaster of Catterlan.
+
+In 1813--the following year--Dickinson attended the Carlisle wrestlings,
+where he attained considerable distinction. For the head prize, he threw
+Thomas Graham, Robert Forster, and Frank Watson. In the fourth round, he
+was thrown by Samuel Jameson of Penrith. On the second day, the young
+Alstonian beat down all opposition, and carried off the chief prize amid
+great applause. He threw in quick succession, and in a masterly manner the
+following men, namely--John Forster, John Hope, Robert Forster, Simon
+Armstrong, and, in the final fall, John Lowden of Keswick, a really
+formidable opponent.
+
+In 1814, he attained the highest wrestling distinction, by carrying off the
+head prize at Carlisle. It was calculated, from the amount of money taken
+at the gate, that not less than 15,000 people witnessed the wrestling on
+the Swifts. The meeting was disgraced by one pugilistic encounter, which
+_did_ take place, and by the foreshadowing of another which _did not_ take
+place. It appears a match had been arranged between Carter, a Lancashire
+man, and one Cooper, both professional boxers. The latter, for some cause
+or other, did not turn up, and Carter gave an exhibition of pugilistic
+science, in a large room at the Blue Bell inn, in the presence of the
+Marquis of Queensberry and a crowd of people, drawn by curiosity to witness
+the performance.
+
+The fight which _did_ take place, was for a purse of thirty-five guineas,
+between two local men--Tom Ridley, seaman, a native of Carlisle, commonly
+known as the "glutton," and Tom Nicholson of Threlkeld, wrestler. The
+battle was fought in a roped ring on the Swifts, used for wrestling. The
+severe blows dealt by the "glutton," told much in his favour, while
+Nicholson baffled and punished his opponent materially, by bringing him
+frequently to mother earth, with a heavy "soss." After the contest had
+lasted for half-an-hour--the Threlkeld man being much punished about the
+head, and Ridley about the body--the constables interfered and put an end
+to the combat.
+
+We gladly resume our account of the wrestling. Sixty-six men entered the
+ring, to compete for various prizes. Dickinson came upon the Swifts in
+excellent trim, looking every inch a man as he stripped for the contest.
+Although Tom Nicholson, William Richardson, Robert Rowantree, John Earl,
+and James Scott, failed to put in an appearance, still a good field of
+dangerous hands met to contend.
+
+In the first and second rounds, Dickinson threw John Baillie and John
+Routledge; and in the third had a keenly contested struggle with John
+Watson--a well known athlete in the early annals of the Carlisle ring--and
+succeeded in throwing him. Among others who came to grief in the third
+round were Tom Richardson, "the Dyer"--then a stripling in his teens, and
+Joseph Bird of Holm Wrangle. Turning out as fresh as a lark, in the fourth
+round, Dickinson grassed William Ward; and in the fifth, James Routledge;
+the latter of whom had previously done good service by disposing of John
+Nicholson of Threlkeld, William Earl of Cumwhitton, and Joseph Peart. In
+the sixth round, the hero of the day was fortunate enough to be odd man;
+and then at the last faced George Dennison, (who had previously carried off
+William Slee of Dacre, with a clean hype.) The final fall was a singular
+one. "Dennison," says Litt, "threw in his left side with much force,
+intending to buttock his opponent; Dickinson left go, and Dennison,
+disappointed of his object, staggered forward a considerable distance, but
+could not save himself from going down on his hands, otherwise he would
+have won the fall, as he had preserved his hold."
+
+The head prize--a belt, and eight bright guineas--was then handed to
+Dickinson, amid much cheering, especially from the Alstonians, and some
+commotion from the disappointed friends and admirers of Dennison.
+
+After tracing Dickinson's career, until his brow was decked with the green
+bay of victory, in the foremost wrestling ring of the kingdom, there ensues
+a sudden collapse. The Carlisle ring of 1814, was probably the last one in
+which he figured, for afterwards we lose sight of him altogether as a
+wrestler.
+
+About this date he married Sarah Eals, of Alston, innkeeper, who proved a
+shrew. Not living happily with her, and being himself a man who loved
+quietude and peace of mind, more than strife and contention, he left both
+the neighbourhood and his shrewish partner behind him, somewhat suddenly,
+and went into Scotland, where he lived for some time employed as a
+gamekeeper. He afterwards emigrated to America; and although doomed to be
+an exile from Alston and his native district, it is said he returned again
+to England, and died many years ago.
+
+
+
+
+GEORGE DENNISON
+
+OF PENRITH.
+
+
+For more than thirty years--from 1808 to 1840--George Dennison was a
+well-known character in the north; trusted and esteemed by all classes as a
+skilful bone-setter, all over Cumberland, Westmorland, and a great part of
+North Lancashire. Whenever a bad case of broken limbs or dislocated joint
+befel an unfortunate individual, throughout this wide district, the first
+move in most cases was either to, "Send for Dennison," or else, "We must go
+to Penrith."
+
+He succeeded Benjamin Taylor, another distinguished bone-setter, who sprang
+from New Church in Matterdale. Dennison, we believe, originally entered
+Taylor's service in the capacity of a servant, and was often called in to
+assist in holding patients. Being of a shrewd and observant disposition, he
+picked up many points connected with bone-setting, and soon became very
+useful to his master. At that time Taylor had a pupil under his charge, as
+stolid and slow at learning as any one well could be. It was hard work to
+get anything driven into his dull pate. Taylor often lost temper
+altogether, and used to exclaim: "Thoo blinnd divel! thoo can see
+nowte--nowte at aw; an' theer' tudder chap actually larnin' faster than I
+larn't mysel'! I can keep nowte frae _him_!"
+
+Dennison practised bone-setting for a life-time, throughout the north, with
+great success. And by concentrating his skill on one particular branch, he
+out-distanced the whole of the college-tutored doctors, far and near.
+
+"Cocking" was then a pastime much followed, and Benjamin Taylor's breed of
+game cocks were noted for their fighting properties. They were, however,
+(says Professor Wilson,) outmatched when sent over to Westmorland to fight
+in a main at Elleray. Several of the Dennison family, too, about that date,
+were likewise great "cockers." William Dennison, uncle to the bone-setter,
+by trade a nailer, figured conspicuously for several years at the Easter
+fights held at Alston.
+
+George Dennison was born and brought up at Penrith, one of the pleasantest
+small towns in the north country. In height, he stood five feet
+nine-and-a-half inches, and weighed fully thirteen stones; all over an
+athlete in appearance, a compact and well made man. He was an excellent
+striker with the right leg, effective with the "hench," and clever, also,
+at hyping. The most successful feat he achieved in the ring, was at
+Carlisle, in 1814, when he wrestled up with Dickinson of Alston; and at the
+same meeting, carried off chief prize on the second day. He did not
+continue to follow wrestling for any lengthened period, but wisely kept an
+eye steadily towards the vocation for which he was so eminently fitted.
+
+He figured more as an amateur in the ring than as a professional,
+especially after the excitable youthful stage was passed. At an early
+period in the outset of his career, he distinguished himself by throwing
+the noted John Harrison of New Church, Matterdale, twice in the wrestle up
+at some neighbouring country sports; and at Morland, in Westmorland, he
+threw Savage of Bolton, near Appleby, who was at one time looked upon as
+the don of a wide country-side.
+
+In July, 1812, there was a great gathering at the village of Newbiggin, a
+place which had become famous for the keen rivalry displayed at its annual
+wrestling contests. In this year, Armstrong, better known as "Solid Oak,"
+(provincially "Solid Yak,") put in an appearance, and came swaggering into
+the ring on the village green, boasting he would soon clear the deck for
+them. On stripping, he presented a gigantic mass of humanity, that
+certainly looked exceedingly formidable. He stood upwards of six feet,
+weighed fully eighteen stones, was solidly built from head to foot, and
+apparently carried no superfluous flesh. But as the Fates would have it,
+bounce and swagger, height and weight, and amazing strength, all proved of
+no avail in the scales, for in one of the early rounds, the "Yak tree" was
+dexterously carried off by the valiant bone-setter, and grassed amid the
+loud taunts and jeers of the assembled villagers. At the Penrith gathering,
+in October following, Dennison, then of Sockbridge, threw David Harrison of
+New Church, in the first round, and was thrown next time over by Joseph
+Bellas of Park-house.
+
+We have no list to show that Dennison attended the Carlisle meeting in
+1812, but the following year his achievements were very creditable. He
+wrestled successfully, for the head prize, as far as the fifth round,
+throwing in succession--Robert Cowan, George Young, John Glendinning, and
+Robert Langhorn, and--after one of the severest struggles on record--was
+brought to grass by one of Robert Rowantree's slaughtering cross-buttocks.
+In the second round, two young men, Tom Richardson, "the Dyer," and George
+Forster--one of three brothers, all wrestlers--were drawn together. The
+"Dyer" buttocked his opponent, and, in the fall, Forster unfortunately had
+his shoulder dislocated. Dennison being in attendance, there was no need to
+send for any bungling practitioner, or even to convey the sufferer off the
+Swifts. The work of setting the shoulder to rights, in the presence of
+12,000 wondering spectators, was not of long duration, and the operation so
+successfully performed, that Forster could hardly be restrained from trying
+his luck for the minor prize.
+
+On the second day, at Carlisle, Dennison, in the second round, threw George
+Little, a clever scientific wrestler, but immediately after, had to
+succumb to the superior strength and weight of John Lowden of Keswick.
+
+In 1814, Dennison made his last and most successful appearance in the
+Carlisle ring. He had worked himself through the three first rounds, for
+the head prize, without meeting with anything like a dangerous rival. In
+the fourth, he came against his fellow-townsman, Samuel Jameson, a
+cartwright, considered to be one of the best of his trade in the county. He
+was a strong, bony, five feet ten man, an extremely dangerous customer to
+deal with. His fame as a wrestler has, however, been totally eclipsed by
+that of his son, William Jameson, the champion of a later period. Having
+successfully disposed of Jameson, Dennison next came in contact with
+another equally good man, in the person of William Slee of Dacre, and
+proved again victorious. The next and final struggle occurred with William
+Dickinson of Alston. A reference to a description of the fall, a few pages
+back, in Dickinson's memoir, will show how the head prize was lost to
+Dennison, by the merest accidental slip on his part.
+
+Having missed first honours, he resolved to fight hard and perseveringly
+for the second prize. This was won bravely. Only eighteen wrestlers entered
+the ring, and the men who competed in the last two rounds, with the victor,
+were Joseph Peart and Francis Wilson, the latter named being second.
+
+After the year 1814, Dennison--then about thirty years old--determined to
+bid farewell to the wrestling ring, excepting sometimes trying an odd bout
+when officiating in the capacity of umpire. An increasing profession
+engrossed his attention, and he began to stick more assiduously to it. It
+is not often that talent is hereditary, but in the Dennison family it
+proved to be eminently so. His sons, George, John, and Joseph, have all
+distinguished themselves in the same honourable vocation.
+
+The cures that Dennison wrought in bone-setting were numerous and
+effective, and it is almost needless to remark, conferred more honour and
+distinction on him than any success gained in the wrestling arena. One
+remarkable cure may be mentioned; and as it was wrought on one of our most
+renowned wrestlers, it will fit in appropriately. Richard Chapman, when
+between ten and eleven years old, had a thigh bone badly broken. As a
+matter of course, Dennison was sent for, and the cure effected was simply
+perfection. Any one seeing the fine elastic form and marvellous activity of
+Chapman, would hardly imagine or give credence to the fact, that a few
+years before he had had a broken thigh bone. George Dennison, sitting or
+standing, as the case might be, among the multitude round a wrestling ring,
+and delightedly witnessing the Patterdale champion, tossing about his
+opponents like shuttlecocks, with a science and activity rarely
+paralleled, used to exclaim, in the well understood vernacular of the
+north: "Le�k, lads, le�k! Theer' yan o' my cures of a brokken thie'!"
+
+At the Keswick annual sports, held in Crow Park, in 1833, a somewhat
+singular coincidence occurred--the meeting of two athletes, and both of
+them indebted to Dennison for being able to appear. John Spedding of
+Egremont, a clever wrestler, and Richard Chapman, were called together.
+Now, it so happened, the former had had a dislocated hip-joint set to
+rights by Dennison, just about the same time the accident occurred to the
+latter. Some little excitement was caused by these two stripping into the
+ring in perfect form, when they doubtless presented a gratifying spectacle
+to the skilful bone-setter, who was among the throng of onlookers: "Noo,
+than!" he exclaimed, "le�k at my twe� men. I'll bet on brokken thie'-be�n,
+age�n hip-joint!" His opinion was quickly corroborated. "Thie'-be�n" won
+cleverly, and afterwards disposed of John Nichol of Bothel, a formidable
+opponent, in the final fall, for the head prize. The winner then went to
+Greystoke, and won both the wrestling and high jumping; a neighbouring
+squire asserting: "Upon my word, Chapman can jump higher than any horse I
+have!"
+
+Twenty years or more had elapsed, since Dennison and William Richardson of
+Caldbeck, had been brought to grief, in the Carlisle ring, by the
+Kingwater champion, Rowantree,--when they met by chance at Springfield, on
+the road between Penrith and Keswick. The latter was returning homewards
+from Patterdale sheep fair. It so happened that both were rather "fresh i'
+drink." Nothing would do but they must have a fall or two. Each got one,
+when Dennison complained his arm was lamed. One of the byestanders,
+chaffing him, said: "It maks ne� matter, Gwordie, aboot thy arm! If it is
+brokken, thoo can se�n set it age�n, thoo knows!"
+
+The two veterans chatted over old times, and Dennison working himself up to
+boiling point, in reference to the Carlisle wrestling of 1813, exclaimed:
+"Wully! we sud be�th been weel bray't aw t' way he�m, for lettin' greit
+Robin Row'ntree fell us. Confoond the numskull! Efter he'd carriet me off,
+I dud think 'at thoo wad ha' stopt his gallop for him!"
+
+George Dennison--justly regretted throughout the north--died May, 1840,
+aged fifty-five years.
+
+
+
+
+JAMES ROBINSON
+
+OF HACKTHORPE.
+
+
+Carlisle, the principal, the most influential and attractive wrestling ring
+in Cumberland and Westmorland, and the Lowther family--the leading one of
+the two counties--were for a considerable period closely allied. William,
+Earl of Lonsdale, was a most munificent patron of the ring, from its
+commencement in 1809, and for fully a quarter of a century afterwards. On
+several occasions, this nobleman subscribed the sum of twenty guineas, the
+full amount of prizes then given at the Border city; besides holding
+meetings at Clifton, near Lowther, and other places, for the entertainment
+of his guests. It is not to be wondered at, therefore, that his
+gamekeepers, wood-foresters, hinds, grooms, and other domestics, should be
+sometimes found practising the art and mystery of buttocking, hyping,
+swinging, and back-heeling, on sunny evenings in summer, under the shadow
+of some stately oak or sycamore, in the park surrounding Lowther Castle.
+
+Of James Robinson, one of the Earl of Lonsdale's gamekeepers, we have not
+been able to glean many particulars. He was a stout built, muscular man,
+rather low set, stood about five feet ten inches high, and weighed fully
+fourteen stones. He became a clever and effective buttocker; but excelled,
+we understand, more in defence, and as a stiff sturdy stander in the ring,
+than from any great amount of science he possessed.
+
+The earliest mention of Robinson, as a wrestler, which we can find, occurs
+at the great gathering at Penrith in 1812. In the first round there, he
+threw one J. Graham of Thomas Close, but owing to imperfect reporting, his
+name does not appear again in the list.
+
+In 1815, the Committee of the Carlisle wrestling ring circulated the
+following advertisement throughout Cumberland, Westmorland, and the
+northern counties:--
+
+     TWENTY GUINEAS.--To be Wrestled for at the Carlisle
+     Races, on Wednesday, the 4th of October, 1815, the sum
+     of Twenty Guineas, in the following Prizes:--First
+     Prize, �8. 8. 0. (He that wrestles the last fall with
+     the winner to receive �1. 1. 0.) Every wrestler, who
+     throws his man in the first wrestle, will be permitted
+     to contend for the second class of prizes, with the
+     exception of the winner of the first prize, in whose
+     place a wrestler will be chosen by the Clerk, to make
+     the dividing number even.
+
+     Second Prizes:--First, �4. 4. 0.; Second, �2. 2. 0.;
+     Third, �1. 11. 6.; Fourth, �1. 11. 6.; Fifth, 10s. 6d.;
+     Sixth, 10s. 6d.; Seventh, 10s. 6d.; Eighth, 10s. 6d.
+
+     No person to be permitted to contend for any of the
+     above prizes, unless he enrols his name with the Clerk,
+     on the Swifts, before ten o'clock in the morning of the
+     said 4th of October next, as the wrestling will
+     commence precisely at that hour. Any person making the
+     least disturbance, or attempting to force the ring,
+     will be taken into custody, as constables will be
+     specially appointed for that purpose. All disputes to
+     be determined by Joseph Richardson, Esq., umpire.
+
+The weather during the races proved exceedingly favourable, and the ground
+was in excellent condition. A greater concourse of people assembled than
+had been seen for years. The leading families of the two counties were
+represented. There were the Lowthers, the Vanes, the Grahams of Netherby
+and Edmund Castle, the Broughams, the Salkelds, the Crackenthorpes, the
+Senhouses, the Briscoes, the Hasells, the Wyberghs, and others.
+
+Sixty-eight men entered the wrestling ring to contend for the principal
+prize. Included in the list were a fair sprinkling of old veterans, and a
+whole bevy of young aspirants of considerable promise; namely, Robinson of
+Hackthorpe, (his first appearance, we believe,) William Slee of Dacre, Tom
+Todd of Knarsdale, Tom Richardson--"the Dyer," Joe Abbot of
+Thornthwaite-hall, Andrew Armstrong of Sowerby-hall, Thomas Peat of
+Blencow, Thomas Armstrong, the "yak tree," and the three Forsters of
+Penton, being among the number.
+
+Robinson entered the ring in excellent spirits, and threw his men generally
+very cleanly and cleverly. In the first round, he gained an easy victory
+over John Copley. The next time over, in coming against Armstrong, the "yak
+tree," all his activity and skill had to be brought into play, before the
+compressed mass of eighteen stones could be brought to grass. In the third
+round, he toppled over Edward Forster of Penton, in capital style; and, in
+the fourth round, James Richardson of Hesket-New-Market, brother to "the
+Dyer." The fifth time over, George Forster, another of the Penton brothers,
+(who had thrown Tom Todd in the previous round,) came quickly to grief,
+under the gamekeeper's brisk fire. Up to this point the Hackthorpe man had
+shown some really good play; but, says the _Carlisle Patriot_, before the
+final struggle commenced, Robinson and William Slee of Dacre had agreed to
+divide the first prize between them, so that they only played for honour.
+The "honour" of carrying off the head prize then fell to Robinson's share.
+
+On New Year's day, 1816, the annual meeting at Langwathby was numerously
+attended. A contributor to one of the local papers says:--"Most of the
+distinguished wrestlers of Cumberland and Westmorland were on the ground,
+and there never was displayed more skill in the art of wrestling than on
+this occasion. James Robinson, the noted champion, who won the first prize
+at Carlisle races, was also successful at Langwathby, and we think he bids
+fair to excel any man in the kingdom, in this species of amusement. He is a
+strong-boned, athletic man, but not tall. Before the wrestling commenced,
+considerable bets were made: the east against the west side of the Eden,
+which was won by the latter. The purse contended for, was two guineas. It
+is intended next year to give a much larger sum, as Langwathby is likely to
+become a distinguished place for wrestling, being situated in a
+neighbourhood abounding in first-rate players."
+
+In October, 1816, Robinson again attended the Carlisle meeting. Owing to
+being the victor of the previous year, a high chair was placed for him to
+sit upon, from which elevated position he commanded an uninterrupted view
+of the various falls. Entering his name among the contending parties, he
+threw Joseph Batey, in the first round; Joseph Brown, in the second; and
+William Rome in the third round. Coming against a miller, named William
+Clark--"a tight built lal fellow"--from Hesket-New-Market, in the fourth
+time over, Robinson was very adroitly brought to the ground, amid the
+deafening cheers of the assembled crowd. No sooner had Clark achieved this
+unexpected feat, than he created much laughter by marching up to the place
+of honour, with a dignified swagger, saying, as he sat down: "I think I's
+fairly entitled tiv a seat i' t' chair, noo, when I've thrown the greit
+champion!"
+
+The wrestling at Carlisle in 1817, was held in Shearer's Circus--and not on
+the Swifts as previously--when James Robinson, Tom Todd, John Mc.Laughlan,
+and John Liddle, were looked upon as the principal champions. As it turned
+out, however, Mc.Laughlan stalked through the ring an easy victor, none of
+the other three mentioned being able to make any headway against the
+enormous reach and height of the Dovenby giant. This is the last record
+known to us of the Hackthorpe gamekeeper as a wrestler.
+
+Robinson has been described by those who knew him, as a sturdy
+bullet-headed sort of fellow, whose ideas seldom soared above the velveteen
+coat and corduroy-trouser order of mortals; a rare hand at either creating
+a row or quelling one; probably more accustomed to the former than the
+latter. Nevertheless, he is still remembered in his capacity of gamekeeper,
+as being an active and trustworthy servant to the Earl of Lonsdale: a
+terror to all midnight prowlers and others addicted to trespassing among
+the game preserves at Lowther. He took a prominent part in suppressing a
+riot among the navvies employed in making the new road near Lowther, about
+1818 or 1819.
+
+As Robinson advanced in years, intemperate habits appear to have gained
+upon him; and for some time he led an irregular, harum-scarum sort of life.
+He either possessed an estate, or had some interest in one, at Hackthorpe,
+near Lowther, which he sold, and then foolishly set to work and squandered
+the money. Ultimately, he became reduced to considerable destitution, and
+at times fell into such sad states of despair, that one can easily conceive
+of similar thoughts passing through his mind, to those embodied in Miss
+Powley's pathetic ballad, "The Brokken Statesman":--
+
+    O, the fule rackle days! when in wild outwart ways,
+      I spent time but i' daftness, wi' raff an' expense.
+    Then the auld land's neglect, an' my friends' lost respect,
+      While I scworned to tek counsel--I ne'er rued but yence!
+
+    *....*....*....*
+
+    When drink hed browt sorrow--fresh money to borrow,
+      Wi' deep debt o' the riggin', puir crops o' the hill;
+    Wi' life at the barest, heart sorrow fell sairest;
+      Yet e'en then I thowt--Cummerland caps them aw still.
+
+In November, 1834, James Robinson was found drowned in Armathwaite bay,
+eight or nine miles from Penrith, and about the same distance from
+Carlisle. The waters being very full at the time, it was presumed he had
+missed his way in the dark, and fallen into the river Lowther, near
+Brougham--a tributary of the Eden. An inquest was held upon the body, but
+no evidence appeared to the jurors as to how or by what means he was
+drowned. At the time of this unfortunate event, Robinson was forty-five
+years old.
+
+
+
+
+THOMAS RICHARDSON
+
+OF HESKET-NEW-MARKET.
+
+
+Thomas Richardson, commonly known as "the Dyer," one of thirteen children,
+was born at Caldbeck, about the year 1796, and brought up in the
+neighbouring village of Hesket-New-Market, situate between Penrith and
+Wigton.
+
+Richardson's father held situations at Rose Castle, under Bishops Vernon
+and Goodenough. The latter prelate, taking an interest in the welfare of
+young Richardson, sent him to be educated, under the Rev. John Stubbs,
+formerly master of Sebergham grammar school; a man of considerable
+classical attainments, and of a very jovial disposition. The bishop
+intended his _prot�g�_ for the Church; and, to attain such distinction,
+most of our readers will be aware, was the anxious hope of many
+middle-class families in Cumberland and Westmorland. In this case, the wish
+and aspiration were destined not to bear fruit. The lad steadily rejected
+all offers of advancement in that direction, his own oft expressed wish
+being to be brought up to husbandry, and to excel as an athlete. While the
+father and mother were not averse to his following agricultural pursuits,
+they were strongly against his wrestling proclivities. Whenever such
+gatherings were attended, the youngster had to "slipe off" unknown to his
+parents.
+
+On arriving at maturity, Richardson developed into a fine manly-looking
+man, standing five feet eleven inches high, and weighing from thirteen to
+thirteen-and-a-half stones, with broad massive chest, good length of arm,
+and strongly built throughout. In the ring, he excelled greatly at hyping,
+and if this chanced to miss, generally followed up with the "ham."
+
+The question has often been asked, how Richardson came to be familiarly
+spoken of as "the Dyer." It occurred after this manner. In the parish of
+Caldbeck, there happened to be several families, at one time, of the same
+name. This rendered it necessary to distinguish them by such appellations
+as "Fiddler Richardson," "Dyer Richardson," and "oald Jwohn
+Richardson"--the last named being "Belted Will's" father. John Richardson,
+Tom's grandfather, was a dyer at Caldbeck, and became much famed for his
+_blue_ dyes. At that time, blue-and-white checked shirts were generally
+worn in country districts, by middle and lower class persons; and the women
+donned blue linen aprons, and blue linsey skirts. These now disused and
+durable fabrics, were manufactured extensively at Ulverston, Kendal, and,
+on a lesser scale, at many other places in the north. It was a _sine qua
+non_ that the blue colours should be "fast."
+
+John Richardson served his apprenticeship in Kendal, under the Wakefields,
+and was there during the rebellion of "'45." When the first section of the
+Pretender's army retreated northwards through Kendal, it was market-day,
+and as a matter of course, a multitude of people were collected together,
+who mobbed the rear-guard of the troops. During the excitement which
+prevailed, one of Wakefield's dyers seized a gun belonging to a Highlander,
+and boldly and determinedly wrenched it from his grasp. This only proved
+the forerunner of more direful onslaughts. As the rebels were turning down
+the Fish-market, a musket shot fired from a window above, brought one of
+them lifeless from his horse, and two others were taken prisoners. Being
+thus provoked, the Highlanders turned about and fired on the multitude. A
+farmer, named John Slack, of New Hutton, was killed in the open street; and
+a shoemaker, and an ostler, were seriously wounded. When the Duke of
+Cumberland's army had passed through Kendal, John Richardson--having proved
+himself a trustworthy servant--was decorated with a cockade, and employed
+to carry despatches between the Wakefields and Colonel Honeywood, who was
+wounded in the skirmish on Clifton Moor, near Penrith.
+
+In after life, Tom Richardson's father kept an inn, and the _blue_ flag
+which floated over his tent at wrestling and other meetings, was the means
+of indicating his whereabouts to friends and customers.
+
+In the year 1813, when Richardson was about seventeen years old, he felt a
+strong desire to attend the races and wrestling at Carlisle. His father
+being much against the outing, some bickering took place between them.
+However, after breakfast, on the morning of the races, watching his
+opportunity, the lad slipped out unseen, and had to run part of the way, in
+order to be in time--the full distance to the border city being something
+like thirteen miles. Reaching Carlisle, he succeeded in getting his name
+entered for the head prize. This effected, he was soon called out against
+Joseph Slack of Blencow, a skilful wrestler, but getting past the meridian.
+After an exciting tussle, the youngster proved victorious. Next time over,
+he met George Forster of Denton, and buttocked him cleverly. Forster's
+shoulder was unfortunately put out in the fall, but set again quickly, as
+described in the sketch of George Dennison's career. In the third round,
+Richardson's further progress was cut short by one Robert Langhorn. Our
+youthful aspirant for fame, then entered for the second day's prize, but
+was thrown in the second round, by Simon Armstrong.
+
+The following year--1814--he again attended the Carlisle wrestling, and met
+with about similar success as before. For the head prize, Samuel Jameson of
+Penrith disposed of him in the third round. In the second day's entry,
+William Slee of Dacre did the same in the first round.
+
+In 1815, the "Dyer" appeared in the Carlisle ring for the third time. He
+threw Andrew Armstrong of Sowerby-hall, in the second round; and was thrown
+next time over by Tom Todd of Knarsdale, near Alston. For the second day's
+prize, he disposed in succession of his neighbour, William Clark, the
+miller, Joe Abbot of Thornthwaite-hall, and Robert Forster of Denton; and
+was brought to grief by Edward Forster, a brother of the last mentioned.
+
+The weather at the Carlisle meeting held in September, 1816, turned out to
+be extremely wet and uncomfortable, on both first and second days. As a
+natural consequence, there was a much thinner attendance than ordinary. The
+Earl of Lonsdale, the Marquis of Queensberry, Sir Philip Musgrave, and
+others of the nobility and neighbouring gentry, were present; but after the
+first day, scarcely any equipages, and very few ladies, were to be seen on
+the course. There was a fair average of good men entered; but the account
+we have to give of the wrestling is conflicting and unsatisfactory,
+presenting a finish lame and impotent in the extreme.
+
+In the first and second rounds, Richardson was called out against John Earl
+of Cumwhitton, and John Weightman, respectively. He succeeded in throwing
+both of these formidable antagonists. The former was an old veteran in the
+Carlisle ring, and the latter a powerful young man of twenty-one, with an
+eventful career before him. In the fourth round, Richardson and Joseph
+Graham were drawn together, and had an unsatisfactory bout. Respecting this
+fall, Litt says: "Being a spectator that year, we do not hesitate to say
+that the conduct of the umpires was extremely blameable. In the course of
+the wrestling, a fall between Thomas Richardson of Hesket, and Joseph
+Graham from Ravenglass, was given to the former. We assert that Graham was
+not allowed a fair hold, that it was a manifest snap, and after all it was
+a complete dog-fall. On wrestling when there were but four standers,
+Richardson was indisputably thrown; but such was the gross partiality shown
+towards him, that he was allowed to compound with the person who threw
+him." Disposing of George Coulthard, in the fifth round, Richardson was
+then called against Tom Todd of Knarsdale, to wrestle the final fall.
+
+As a somewhat different statement has been sent abroad in _Wrestliana_, we
+think it only right that the "Dyer's" own plea should be set forth. Well,
+after Todd and he had stood fronting one another, in the ring, for some
+time, but had not been in holds, "'turney" Pearson called Richardson to one
+side, and offered him a considerable sum of money if he would only take his
+coat, go out of the ring, and say he "darrent russel," or he "dudn't
+want to russel." To this proposal, Richardson indignantly replied: "No!
+I'll nowder de� sec a like thing for yee, nor nivver a man i' Carel toon!"
+It was currently reported, by the way, that Pearson had bet a good deal
+Todd would win the prize.[11] After some further squabbling, a row took
+place, and the ring was completely broken up.
+
+It was then given out that the two men were to wrestle next morning--the
+following day being Thursday. When Thursday morning, however, came, the
+meeting was put off till next morning. When Friday came, it was again put
+off, on account of the great fight between Carter and Oliver, at Gretna.
+Richardson stayed three whole days in Carlisle, over the affair, and never
+received a penny! Whatever "gross partiality" might be shown towards him in
+wrestling through the ring, he seems only to have fared badly in the end.
+Let those who can, answer for the treatment he received. The second prize
+advertised by the Carlisle wrestling committee, curiously enough, was not
+contended for at all; why so, was best known to the committee themselves.
+
+During the years 1817-18-19-20, there was no wrestling at Carlisle, in
+connection with the races. The proprietor of a circus certainly filled up
+the gap creditably, in 1817; but the three remaining years following were
+entire blanks.
+
+At the Langwathby annual Rounds, held on New Year's day, in 1818,
+Richardson carried off the head prize of two guineas, finally throwing John
+Dobson of Cliburn.
+
+While wrestling seemed altogether defunct at Carlisle, it was taken up with
+renewed vigour at Keswick. In August, 1818, the head prize offered was a
+purse of five guineas, which brought a great gathering of spectators, and
+all the best athletes of the day. The onlookers had the gratification of
+witnessing many keenly contested falls. The last two standers were
+Richardson, and William Wilson of Ambleside, then just coming out. Before
+going into the ring for the final struggle, some chaffing took place, the
+"Dyer" saying to Wilson in a swaggering sort of way, "I'll throw thee, noo,
+thoo'll see, like I threw t' last chap!" After a good deal of higgling, on
+Richardson's part, about wanting a "good hod," the two men finally closed,
+and Wilson being impatient to be at work at once, lifted his opponent to
+hype him, but missed his stroke. Some manoeuvring then took place, and
+the "Dyer" having materially improved his hold, threw in the "ham" quickly,
+and curiously enough succeeded in bringing over his dangerous rival, in the
+very manner he had "bragged" of doing.
+
+In answer to a paragraph which appeared in the _Cumberland Pacquet_,
+Richardson issued the following notice:--
+
+     SPORTING ADVERTISEMENT.--Thomas Richardson, who won the
+     principal prize at the last Keswick Regatta and Races,
+     having observed it mentioned in the Whitehaven paper of
+     the first instant, that he refused to "play again with
+     the man he threw, for five guineas, though challenged,"
+     begs to contradict such statement, as being a gross
+     falsehood; and he is sorry such an offer was not made
+     to him.--He now challenges his opponent, alluded to in
+     the Whitehaven paper, to wrestle him for ten guineas,
+     at any time or place.--Hesket-New-Market, Sept. 2nd,
+     1818.
+
+As this match never came off, it is impossible to say what the result might
+have been; nevertheless, we have strong leanings to the belief that the
+"Dyer" would have gained nothing, at that date, by coming into personal
+contact with Wilson, the best of five falls. As a hyper, the "Dyer" was
+admirable, and dangerous, too, among even the best Cumbrian wrestlers; but,
+in this particular respect, he was far behind Wilson in quickness of stroke
+and brilliancy of execution.
+
+On one of the days after the races at Keswick, Richardson had a match with
+Tom Lock of Ravenglass, and threw him cleverly.
+
+Some years after, the "Dyer" rambled away from home as far as Low Wood, to
+attend the annual wrestlings at Windermere. For some reason or other, he
+entered his name "Thomas Porter," and passed quietly through two or three
+of the earlier rounds as an unknown hand. Being called against Joe Abbot
+of Bampton, the latter bounced into the ring very full of stopping the
+further progress of the stranger. No sooner had they approached one
+another, than Joe opened his eyes very wide, stood as one petrified for a
+moment, and then exclaimed, "D--n! it's _thee_, Dyer, is it!" The two then
+took hold, but Joe made no effort towards getting the fall, and "Thomas
+Porter" obtained fall after fall until he succeeded, we understand, in
+carrying off the belt.
+
+Liberal prizes for wrestling and other sports were given at Greystoke
+Castle, by the Howards, and the meetings were always well attended by the
+nobility and the neighbouring gentry. Richardson won there one year,
+William Earl of Cumwhitton wrestling second.
+
+A close acquaintance existed between Richardson and Weightman. The former
+was master at the beginning of their career, but afterwards the latter
+became too powerful for him. In all they met eleven times, and out of that
+number of falls, Weightman scored six, and Richardson five. Among other
+places, the latter threw the Hayton champion at one of the Kirkoswald
+"worchet" meetings, and got the compliment returned at Wreay soon after,
+where the fallen man lamed his side.
+
+Sitting among the crowd that lined the Carlisle ring one year, the "Dyer"
+was called out against a big, raw-boned fellow, an awkward-looking
+customer, but one, nevertheless, who appeared young and inexperienced.
+"What's t'e gaen to mak' o' yon 'an, Tom?" asked Weightman. "Oh,"
+replied the "Dyer," in a tone of mock humility, "I's just gaen to fell
+him reet off hand, an' than he can ga he�m till his mudder, pooar
+lad!"
+
+On another occasion, he was called out against Wilfrid Wright, at a meeting
+on Penrith fell. "Noo, Wiff," said he, "I's gaen to throw thee
+streight into yon furrow yonder!" and did so cleverly. When Wright had
+recovered from his astonishment, and was gathering himself up, he
+exclaimed: "Cush, man! I dudn't think thoo cud ha' de�n't hofe sa clean!"
+
+Richardson continued to wrestle for many years, in the Carlisle and other
+rings, with moderate success. Later on, he lived at Penrith with a sister,
+who kept an inn there. When approaching fifty years old, he became so
+overgrown, that his weight appeared to be seventeen or eighteen stones,
+forming a marked contrast to what he was a quarter of a century
+before--then a lish, active, thirteen-stone man.
+
+He died at Penrith, about the year 1853.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[11] Henry Pearson, solicitor, was a rare upholder of wrestling, but too
+much given to betting to do full justice to all parties. It was currently
+reported he ventured so large a sum on Carter at the Gretna fight, that
+when Oliver was likely to win during the earlier rounds, he evinced a state
+of the greatest nervousness imaginable. An old stager has a distinct
+recollection of him as he stood "fumlen wid his fingers iv his mooth,"
+betraying the nervous "twitch" peculiar to men undergoing great mental
+excitement, and looking as if he might have gone off at any moment like
+touchwood or tinder.
+
+
+
+
+TOM TODD
+
+OF KNARSDALE.
+
+
+Tom Todd, a Northumbrian by birth, was born and brought up at "The Bogg,"
+in Knarsdale, near Alston, where his father was well known as a sheep
+breeder. He stood fully five feet ten inches high; his general wrestling
+weight being about twelve stones and a half. Todd's contemporaries have
+spoken of him as a most accomplished and scientific wrestler. He could
+buttock cleanly, hype quickly, and excelled in most other chips. Weighing
+and watching his opponents' movements narrowly, he seemed to anticipate
+what was coming, and prepared accordingly, both for stopping and chipping.
+In taking hold, like most good wrestlers, he stood square and upright; but
+in consequence of having a very peculiarly shaped back, like half a barrel,
+it was next to impossible to hold him easily, or to grip him with any
+amount of firmness. Like Richard Chapman, he could always "get out," if so
+minded, at starting.
+
+About the summer of 1810 or 1811, Tom Todd, then just merging into manhood,
+attended the annual "boon" mowing-meeting of John Bell of Kirkhaugh, the
+noted bone-setter, where as many as twenty or thirty strong men often
+congregated together. When the grass had been cut down, it was usual to
+broach a barrel of ale, and drink the contents on the green sward. During
+the time the nut-brown home-brewed was being handed round, the Alston band
+enlivened the scene with music; and then followed the most attractive part
+of the day's programme, namely, dog-trailing, jumping, and wrestling. At
+this rural festival Tom Todd won his first belt; and a lad, named Robin
+Carruthers, a farm servant, from the Bewcastle district, wrestled second.
+
+In 1815, Todd figured in the Carlisle ring, probably for the first time;
+and came against Tom Richardson, the dyer, in the third round for the
+principal prize. Being both young men, and not unequally matched in size,
+strength, and science, they had three desperate tussles before the struggle
+could be decided. Finally, the fall ended in favour of Todd. In the fourth
+round, Todd's career was cut short by George Forster of Penton.
+
+In contending for the second prize, Todd threw a clever wrestler, named
+Thomas Peat, a farmer's son, from Blencow, in the third round; and
+Armstrong, the "yak tree," in the fourth. Not being able to come to terms
+about holds, in the final fall, with Edward Forster of Penton, the two
+never wrestled out, but, says Litt, in dividing the money for first and
+second, Todd received more money than his opponent, it being the opinion
+of the umpire that he was the fairer stander.
+
+Todd made his appearance again in the Carlisle wrestling ring of 1816,
+where he played a conspicuous part. Meeting with no one particularly worthy
+of being called a dangerous competitor in the first five rounds, he went
+through with considerable ease, throwing in rotation, James Johnson, R.
+Armstrong, J. Scott, T. Hodgson, and William Clark of Hesket-New-Market.
+After the fifth round, the only two men left standing were Todd and
+Richardson, the dyer; and the fall which ought to have been decided between
+them, resulted in nothing but discreditable quarrelling and ill feeling. A
+fuller account of this unpleasant affair will be found in the sketch of
+Thomas Richardson's career. Todd's friends, as a natural consequence,
+thought that he was the better man, and ought to have won. Todd himself,
+after the event, seemed to be under a bond of secrecy on the subject. We
+have no desire to sully his memory, with the charge of a settled
+determination not to go to work with equal holds. We do not wish to twit
+him with taking a mean advantage of his opponent, in order to deprive him
+of the chance of a fair contest. We believe he had a soul above such an
+unwarrantable proceeding. It will, probably, be nearer the mark to say, he
+acted unwisely and unbecomingly, by conniving with his principal backer, as
+the sequel will show.
+
+Todd's usual remark was--when the subject chanced to be broached and
+discussed--that Richardson's backers pressed him very much to "lay down,"
+which he declined most definitely to do. But a week or two before his
+death, a far more disagreeable fact oozed out. He then acknowledged, to an
+intimate friend, mentioned hereafter--whom he rescued at the Gretna
+fight--that he received _half the money_, offered for the head prize, in
+1816. This, of course, was paid through the agency of one of the principal
+promoters of the Carlisle ring, in a left-handed manner, with an
+understanding that it should never be made public!
+
+About two years after the dishonourable act narrated, had broken up the
+annual wrestling at Carlisle, Todd used to tell of meeting Richardson, in
+the third round at some village sports, where he threw him easily.
+
+After this--and during the discontinuance of the popular gathering on the
+Swifts, for three years--we know nothing of Todd's career as a wrestler,
+until the Carlisle Meeting of 1822, when he again made a gallant but
+unsuccessful struggle to carry off the head prize. Being engaged as a
+gamekeeper, in the service of the Earl of Carlisle, on the Naworth Castle
+estates, he entered himself under the assumed name of "John Moses of
+Alston." Todd displayed considerable science and activity in the course of
+the day, and distinguished himself much and deservedly, by throwing
+several dangerous hands, among whom may be especially mentioned, John
+Fearon of Gilcrux, seventeen stone weight, John Liddle of Bothel, a
+fourteen-and-a-half stone man, (winner of the head prize at Keswick, a few
+weeks previously, where he finally disposed of William Cass of
+Loweswater)--and Robert Watters of Carlisle, a light weight, but an
+accomplished scientific wrestler. In the final fall, however, with Cass,
+the cup of success was again dashed from his lips. This time the
+weight--sixteen stones--and strength of the Loweswater champion, proving
+too much for twelve-and-a-half stones.
+
+Scarcely had the cheers died away which greeted the West Cumberland man's
+victory, when Louis Nanny of Haltwhistle--an enthusiastic frequenter of
+wrestling rings--offered to back the Knarsdale man in a match against Cass
+for a hundred pounds. Todd thought this sum too much to risk even handed,
+against such a powerful antagonist; but was willing to be backed, and
+contend at all hazards, for half that amount. The two east countrymen,
+however, had it all their own way, so far as the challenge was concerned.
+At that time, Cass being new to the Carlisle ring, and almost unknown as a
+wrestler, no one seemed bold enough to stand forward on his behalf; and,
+moreover, like a quiet, inoffensive man, he was perfectly content to rest
+upon the laurels he had just gained.
+
+This year Weightman--"aw ower his oan daft nonsense"--was thrown by Fearon
+of Gilcrux, in the first round, for the principal prize at Carlisle. Not
+being eligible, on this account, for entry in the second day's competition,
+Tom Todd stood on one side for him; when Weightman, in order to retrieve
+lost ground, took pains, and threw his men as fast as he came to them.
+"Talk aboot russlin'!" exclaimed an eye witness, "Wey, man, he just went
+thro' them like th' wind!"
+
+As time passed on, and Weightman came more prominently to the fore, Tom
+Todd found himself absolutely nowhere in the giant's grasp; he therefore
+thought it wiser and more prudent to retire from the ring, without making
+any further efforts to carry off first honours.
+
+When Todd was a young man, he kept a tight well-made little trail-hound,
+trained to the name of "Stand back," but which was entered at the different
+trails as "Towler." Harry Kirkby of Kirkhaugh, the clergyman's lame son,
+used to tell a tale about Todd and himself taking the hound one year to
+Melmerby Rounds. When the dogs were coming in, they looked to the
+spectators, "aw iv a cluster," as they neared the winning post. At this
+crisis, Todd roared out in a loud voice: "Standback! Standback!" apparently
+appealing to the crowd, and ran fussing about immediately in front, with
+his arms flying in the air. "An' dar bon!" said the priest's son, "the dog
+com' in like stooar, an' wan easily!"
+
+This artful trick has been often practised since, if not earlier than that
+time, at dog-trails--successfully on more than one occasion by the late
+Richard Gelderd of Ulverston, a keen dog-trailer. He had a "Standback," and
+at the Flan and other neighbouring sports, was trained to rush forward to
+the winning post, when the crowd were ordered in a stentorian voice:
+"Standback! Standback! an' let t' dogs cum in--can't ye!"
+
+At the great northern fight, between Carter and Oliver, at Gretna, in 1816,
+John Slack of Carlisle, shoemaker, then a young man in his teens, was
+thrown to the ground by the surging of the immense crowd, and might easily
+have been trampled to death. Seeing the impending danger, Tom Todd, and
+John Barnes, the constable, both powerful men, elbowed their way through
+the crowd, and succeeded in rescuing the fallen man, before he was
+seriously injured. On lifting him from the ground, Todd exclaimed, "Marcy,
+Jwohn! is that thee? My faiks! but thoo'd a narrow squeak for thy life
+theear!"
+
+Some time after the year 1822, Todd left the north of England, and went
+into the Highlands of Scotland, where he became gamekeeper to Sir Charles
+Ross of Belnagowan Castle, Ross-shire, and continued in that capacity for
+something like twenty-four or twenty-five years.
+
+Returning again to his native district, he settled upon the farm rented by
+his brother John, at Moscow, near the fashionable watering-place of
+Gilsland. A few years before he died, he gradually lost his sight, and at
+times grew "varra canker't an' twisty." Once when one of these fits was
+upon him, his denunciation of wrestlers and wrestling rings was hurled
+about in such unqualified language, that one was apt to think the
+transgressions committed in the Carlisle ring of 1816, still haunted his
+waking dreams--not probably for anything done personally, but for being
+made a cat's-paw at that time, by his principal backer.
+
+In the month of September, 1875, Todd, then in his eighty-fourth year, went
+to the house door, beckoned to the farm-workers that dinner was ready, and
+immediately after passed quietly away. From the fact of the Knarsdale
+athlete having attained this great age--and he was only one of many who
+did--we may draw pretty conclusive evidence, that the northern pastime of
+wrestling does not, as a rule, shorten life.
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM WILSON
+
+OF AMBLESIDE.
+
+
+Size, position, and population considered, it must be allowed that the
+district of High Furness, in North Lancashire, has produced its fair quota
+of wrestling celebrities. Foremost comes William Wilson, then Miles
+Dixon--according to Professor Wilson, "a match for any cock in
+Cumberland"--his brother James, and Roan and John Long, all men of great
+stature and power, capable of hurling their opponents
+
+    "Off the ground with matchless strength."
+
+These were all natives of the soil. In the early part of the nineteenth
+century, the wrestlings at the Ferry-on-Windermere, at Backbarrow, Bouth
+Fair, Finsthwaite, Oxenpark, Arrad Foot Races, and on many other village
+greens in Furness Fells, were often very keenly contested. Arthur Burns of
+Ullater, (who suffered from the deadly grip of Roan Long,) James Burns, a
+younger brother of Arthur's, Roger Taylor of Scathwaite, and John Wren of
+Bouth, the peatman, were all good wrestlers in their day and generation.
+
+Then came John Harrison of Lowick, sometimes called "Checky," from the
+colour of his shirt, who carried off one or two prizes from the Keswick
+ring in its palmiest days; later in life a landlord at Ulverston; a man of
+enormous strength, standing fully six feet high, stout limbed, and weighing
+something like seventeen stones. One feat, forcibly illustrating his
+uncommon strength, deserves record. During one of the statute fairs, two
+sturdy country servant men got to fighting in his house at Ulverston. He
+made no fuss of any kind, but quietly took up one under each arm, and
+carried them both, vainly struggling to be free, into the middle of the
+market place; then set them down on their legs, and, giving each a good
+bang against the other, left them to fight it out. Joseph Jackson of
+Grizebeck, in Kirkby Ireleth, sickle maker, though barely a twelve-stone
+man, gained many first prizes, and came off triumphant in a severely
+contested match with William Bateman of Yottenfews, near Gosforth.
+
+Cannon of Subberthwaite, Robert Casson and Brian Christopherson of
+Oxenpark, and Marshall, the forgeman, also deserve a passing word of
+praise, although none of them ever went out of their own neighbourhood to
+wrestle. Christopherson put forth promising powers at the Ferry and other
+places, and was highly complimented by Richard Chapman. At the Ferry, he
+was backed by a local sporting man, in a match with George Donaldson--a
+single fall--for two pounds; and, to the surprise of a crowd of anxious
+onlookers, won gallantly. There was little difference in the weight or
+height of the winner and the loser. Casson threw Harrison, Cannon, and all
+comers at Bouth Fair; and Marshall did precisely the same thing at
+Sparkbridge. On the last occasion, the excitement amongst the spectators
+became so intense, that the forgeman's progress was urged on after the
+following primitive fashion: "If thou'll nobbut thra' Cannon," shouted
+one, "I'll gi'e the' a pint!" "Thra' Harrison," roared another, "an'
+I'll stand the' a quart!" "I think," responded Marshall, with a fine stroke
+of humour--"I think, I'd better hev summat to be gaen on wi'. It'll
+mebbe help me to thra' them _be�th togidder_!"
+
+
+William Wilson was born and brought up at High Wray, a village pleasantly
+situated on the western banks of Windermere lake. Near to his birthplace
+there has been erected a lordly baronial residence--Wray Castle--on a
+beautiful commanding site, overlooking all the higher reaches of
+Windermere, and forming one of the many attractive objects for sight-seers
+on the lake. Wilson was a nephew of the Dixons of Grasmere, and was
+commonly spoken of as "girt Will Wilson," in order to distinguish him from
+"lile Will Wilson" of Grasmere, or "wicked Will," as the latter was
+sometimes called, from the bottom and endurance he displayed in frequent
+pugnacious encounters. It was "lile Will," we believe, who once wrestled up
+at Bowness, with William Thwaites of Staveley, an eleven-stone man. They
+each got a fall. The next one--called by the umpires a dog-fall--was
+claimed by Thwaites, who, in consequence, refused to wrestle over again.
+The ring was soon broken up in disorder, and in the _mel�e_ which ensued,
+Professor Wilson struck Thwaites over the head with his stick, and bulged
+his hat in. "Did I do that, my lad?" asked Wilson. "Yes," replied Thwaites,
+"yee did it: I's su�r an' sarten o' that." "Then," said Wilson, "here's a
+sovereign for wrestling so well. It'll mebbe help to get thee a new hat."
+
+William Wilson grew up a tall "lathy fellow," standing, when full grown,
+quite six feet four inches high, straight as a willow-wand and as lithe,
+and gradually grew until at twenty-two he weighed from fourteen to fifteen
+stones, with a good reach of arm, and a finely developed muscular frame. As
+a hyper, or "inside striker," as Litt calls him, he displayed superb form.
+For three or four years, he stood unmatched and irresistible in this
+particular stroke, and since his day no man has appeared worth calling a
+rival to him, except William Jackson of Kinniside. We are now alluding to
+the "standing hype," or as the author of _Wrestliana_ more properly defines
+it, "inside striking." It is a chip in which a tall wrestler, like Wilson
+or Jackson, has a great advantage, particularly over shorter opponents. The
+"swinging hype," in which Chapman, Donaldson, and Longmire were such deadly
+proficients, is more showy and artistic, consisting of a quick swing off
+the breast once round or nearly so, and then a turn over with the knee
+inside the thigh.
+
+Our information respecting Wilson's career as a wrestler is neither so full
+nor minute as we could have desired. The probability is that he won his
+first prize on the banks of his native Windermere, but at what age or under
+what circumstances is not now known. When a young man, Roan Long and he had
+a severe bout at Ambleside sports, which ended in Wilson throwing his burly
+opponent cleverly with the hype.
+
+The first definite notice, however, we have of him as an athlete was at the
+Keswick Regatta and Races in 1818, being at that time about twenty-two
+years old. While the Carlisle ring, on the Swifts, was closed for the space
+of four years, the wrestling in the Crow Park, Keswick, assumed an
+importance which it could scarcely otherwise have attained. In fact, for a
+time it was justly entitled to be considered the leading and most important
+wrestling gathering in the north. In aid of this distinction, there then
+existed on all sides of the metropolitan lake town, a numerous array of
+very distinguished athletes. Mr. Pocklington of Barrow House, was the chief
+supporter of the regatta and races at that date, and his personal exertions
+to promote the permanent establishment and success of these meetings were
+unceasing.
+
+In the year 1818, some remarkably good play took place in the wrestling
+ring. The two most successful competitors were in excellent "fettle,"
+namely, Tom Richardson and William Wilson. The latter gathered his men
+quickly and cleanly, and threw them as fast as he came to them. Coming
+against Richardson in the final fall, he lifted him from the ground with
+the intention of hyping, but failing to hold his man firmly, the Dyer
+turned in, and, after a considerable struggle, managed to bring him over
+with the buttock. After this tussle, Wilson always spoke of Richardson as
+being "swine back't," meaning thereby that his back was extremely slippery
+and difficult to hold, from the nature of its peculiar roundness.
+
+In the year 1819, Wilson carried off the head prize for wrestling, and a
+handsome belt, at the Ferry Regatta, Windermere. We have no account of the
+other competitors at this meeting.
+
+Wilson attended the Keswick gathering of the same year, for the second
+time, and it proved memorable above all others in his wrestling career,
+stamping him as "the best wrestler Westmorland ever produced." Many
+dispassionate judges at this time held the opinion, that this eulogium
+might be extended also to the neighbouring northern county. We have no
+doubt, if he had continued a healthy man, this verdict would have been
+confirmed over and over again. Although he did not succeed in winning the
+chief prize this year, he nevertheless distinguished himself ten times more
+than the victor who did, by throwing the man with whom no one else had the
+shadow of a chance. We refer to his struggle with John Mc.Laughlan of
+Dovenby, more than two inches taller than Wilson, and at that time five or
+six stones heavier.
+
+As a prelude to this fall, Clattan took hold of Wilson in the middle of the
+ring, in a good natured sort of way, and lifted him up in his arms to show
+how easily he could hold him. No sooner was he set down, than Wilson threw
+his arms around Clattan's waist, and lifted him in precisely the same way,
+a course of procedure which greatly amused the spectators. After these
+preliminaries had been gone through, the two men were not long in settling
+into holds, each having full confidence in his own powers and his own mode
+of attack. A few seconds, however, decided the struggle of these two modern
+Titans. No sooner had each one gripped his fellow, than quick as thought,
+Wilson lifted Clattan from the ground in grand style, and hyped him with
+the greatest apparent ease--a feat that no other man in Britain could have
+done.
+
+The cheering which followed the giant's downfall was tremendous, and might
+have been heard on the top of Skiddaw or Saddleback. "Hurrah! hurrah! Well
+done Wilson!" shouted a hundred voices, while round followed round of
+applause in rapid succession. It was one of these brilliant and exciting
+moments, when the miserable party feeling of envy and strife, which
+sometimes crops up between the two sister counties, was entirely swamped
+and forgotten. "Thoo wasn't far wrang," exclaimed a hard featured man, with
+an austere voice, to his next neighbour, sitting by the side of the
+ring--"Thoo wasn't far wrang, when thoo said Wilson wad throw him."
+"Wrang!" replied the other in ecstasies, "I wad think nut! Wilson's
+like a cooper, thoo sees. He kens hoo to gang roond a cask!"
+
+An old "statesman," from about Mungrisedale or Penruddock--wearing a pair
+of buckskin breeches, whose pint of nut-brown had just been upset in the
+_furor_--is remembered as having been so worked upon by the excitement of
+the moment, that he threw his hat in the air, and, in derisive language,
+addressed himself to anybody and everybody, as follows:--"Ha! ha! my fine
+fellow! If thoo says Clattan _isn't_ a gud russler, an' wasn't _olas_ a gud
+russler, thoo tells a he�p o' lees, an' nowte but lees--thoo confoondit
+taistrel, thoo!"
+
+This fall is still talked of at the firesides of the dalesmen of the
+north--cottars, farmers, and "statesmen"--as one of the most wonderful and
+dazzling achievements ever witnessed in the wrestling ring.
+
+Returning again to the next Keswick meeting which followed, Wilson found no
+difficulty in walking through the ranks of 1820. When only four men were
+standing, Tom "Dyer" was drawn against Isaac Mason of Croglin, who at that
+time was looked upon as a dangerous customer in the ring. It was the
+opinion of some onlookers that the "Dyer" seemed to be afraid of Mason. Be
+that as it may, the two not being able to agree about holds--a procedure
+which has sometimes discredited parties in the ring, and is sorely trying
+to the patience of spectators--the stewards, after a considerable delay,
+very properly crossed them both out. Wilson and William Richardson were now
+the last standers, and the former carried off the Caldbeck hero with
+ridiculous ease. Litt says, "Richardson had not the shadow of a chance with
+him." This testimony is exceedingly significant, and says much for Wilson's
+powers as a wrestler.
+
+"Hoo 'at thoo let him hype the' i' that stupid fashion, thoo numb divel,
+thoo?" said Tom "Dyer," reproachfully, to the loser of the fall, while the
+latter was engaged in putting his coat on. "What! _he hes it off_--an' that
+thoo kens as weel as anybody," was the sturdy reply. "I cudn't stop him,
+ner _thee_ nowder, for that matter, if he nobbut gat a fair ho'd o' the'."
+
+The year 1822, found Wilson "rayder gaen back, an' thin o' flesh." He
+laboured under an asthmatic complaint, which increased upon him about this
+date, and began to tell much against his athletic attainments.
+Nevertheless, he attended the Keswick gathering once more. The wrestling
+was carried on in the bottom of a meadow, and not on the higher ground as
+previously. The ground being wet and slippery, was consequently disastrous
+to many of the wrestlers. Wilson threw Jonathan Watson, a dangerous hand
+to meet, in the first round, for the head prize; and in one of the
+subsequent rounds was drawn against Weightman of Hayton. Lifting the huge
+East Cumbrian "varra clean," but not being able to keep his feet, from the
+slippery and lumpy state of the ground, Wilson overbalanced himself and
+fell backwards, with his opponent on the top of him. This untoward
+accident, in all probability, lost him the chief prize. Cass of Loweswater
+brought Weightman to grief, in the last round but one, by striking at the
+outside, and throwing him off the breast.
+
+At the Windermere Regatta, held at Low Wood, during the same year--where
+the rain fell in torrents--it was generally expected that Wilson, who had
+conquered so many, would again be the conqueror. But the fates were against
+him. He came off the third stander, being thrown by Edward Howell, a clever
+wrestler from Greystoke, in the neighbourhood of Penrith, who won the belt
+and four sovereigns.
+
+So far as we have been able to ascertain, the year 1822 was the last one in
+which Wilson figured in the ring. If this be correct, his wrestling career
+will be limited to four or five years duration, at the utmost. No doubt,
+the complaint under which he laboured, was the principal cause of his early
+retirement. Although Wilson loved athletic exercises much, it must be
+understood, however, that he viewed them more as a means of recreation and
+pastime, than in any other sense; a thrifty ambition inducing him to look
+zealously to the main point of making both ends meet at home.
+
+We have heard it asserted that when he and his first wife were married in
+1820, they could only raise ten pounds of loose money between them. With
+this small sum to the fore, however, they ventured to take an inn at
+Ambleside, called the Golden Rule, which they rented for seven years,
+during which time they managed to save �700. They then took a larger inn,
+which was afterwards known as the Commercial. Some time elapsed, and they
+removed to the King's Arms, in Patterdale, at that period the only inn at
+the head of Ullswater.
+
+While he was an innkeeper at Patterdale, George Brunskill, the life
+guardsman, about the height of Wilson, and two stones heavier, was very
+anxious to try his skill with him. After much pressing, a friendly bout was
+consented to, on condition that Brunskill would be satisfied with one fall.
+The result was that Wilson "dud whack him;" the soldier being carried clean
+off "befooar he reetly kent whoar he was."
+
+William Wilson--whose brief, but distinguished career, has helped to confer
+an enduring lustre on the northern wrestling ring--died at Patterdale, in
+1836, about forty years old, and was buried in Ambleside churchyard.
+
+
+
+
+JOHN WEIGHTMAN
+
+OF HAYTON.
+
+
+For great size and well-proportioned figure, combined with amazing strength
+and activity, John Weightman was one of the most remarkable men ever bred
+in Cumberland. Born at Greenhead, near Gilsland, in 1795, he was brought up
+at the quiet pastoral village of Hayton, near Brampton, where he continued
+to live until the time of his death. In that neighbourhood, he was always
+spoken of as a remarkably simple minded man, being quiet and settled in
+appearance when about his daily work or any ordinary pursuit. Fierce
+passions, however, were then only asleep, shrouding a peculiar temperament,
+easily excited to mirth or to violent anger.
+
+In a physical point of view, he was a wonder, being endowed with tremendous
+bodily strength on one hand, and the agility of a cat on the other. He
+stood fully six feet three inches high, and weighed from fifteen to sixteen
+stones, presenting one of the finest gigantic models of the human frame
+ever seen, with a countenance free, open, and pleasant to look upon.
+Possessing a good reach of arm, and such formidable power in the
+shoulders, that in the act of wrestling he invariably beat his elbows into
+the ribs of an opponent--which vice-like pressure was so terrific in its
+results, and became so well known, that many strong men were glad to get to
+the ground, in order to escape his punishing hug. Had these natural
+advantages been supplemented with shrewdness and good generalship, capable
+of estimating the different points of an adversary--indispensable
+requisites to the finished wrestler--he would have been more than a match,
+the best of five or seven falls, for any man in the kingdom. One who knew
+him well, once laconically described him as: "A greit thumpin', giant like
+fellow; varra strang i' th' arm, but rayder wake i' th' brains!"
+
+In his prime, Weightman proved himself to be a clever leaper, either at
+long length or running high leap--"cat gallows." Many tales are current at
+Hayton and the neighbourhood of his clearing five-barred gates with the
+greatest ease. He once leapt over a restless black mare, sixteen hands
+high, which belonged to Sir James Graham of Edmond Castle; then turned
+round, and with another short run, went over again from the reverse side.
+Sir James was so delighted with this display of agility, that he presented
+the performer with half a guinea.
+
+When a young man, Weightman was as full of tricks of a "daft-like"
+character as ever mortal was, the recital of one or two of which may serve
+to illustrate his great strength and recklessness. Once upon a time, in
+passing through a toll-gate, he said to the keeper of it: "Ye divvent mak'
+ony charge, div ye, for what a man carries on his back?" "Oh dear, no, by
+no means!" was the ready reply. "Than here goes, my canny bairn!" cried
+Weightman, and presently the toll-collector was astonished to see him
+stalking through the gate, with a strong-built pony strung across his
+shoulders!
+
+A still "dafter" trick than the foregoing is told of him on another
+occasion, when he carried a donkey on his shoulders up stairs into a
+"loft," where a numerous body of lads and lasses were capering away at
+dancing; placed the "cuddy" in the midst of them; and nearly frightened the
+wits out of some of the "flayter sooart o' lasses!"
+
+Paradoxical as it may seem, Weightman was a remarkably light and graceful
+dancer; indeed so much so, that he could trip through the mazes of a dance
+with as much ease and nimbleness as any slim built youth in his teens. He
+had a very small and neat foot, which circumstance may in some measure
+account for his remarkable activity.
+
+As an athlete, Weightman won his first prize on the village green of
+Wetheral, about the year 1814, being then under twenty years old; and
+continued to carry off first honours from the same place for seven years in
+succession. In his twenty-third year, and while making himself a name as
+the champion of several minor rings, he was matched on Brampton Sands, to
+wrestle a man named Routledge, of "Clocky mill," the best of three falls,
+for two guineas a side. The miller was big, bony, and strong, and so far
+was formidable; but being both numb and faint-hearted, Weightman easily
+fettled him off in the two first falls.
+
+During Weightman's whole wrestling career, he never had a more steadfast
+friend or admirer than Dr. Tinling of Warwick-bridge. The doctor had no
+doubt formed a correct estimate of the young giant's powers, and saw
+clearly enough that if they were only exercised with ordinary care and
+skill, no man living had any chance of throwing him a series of falls. "Th'
+auld doctor could mak' him owther win or lose, varra nar as he hed a mind,"
+said a clever light weight wrestler, with a shrug of the shoulders.
+
+Notwithstanding the facility with which prizes _might_ have been gained, it
+was only on some occasions that Weightman attended the great annual
+gathering at Carlisle, and it was a much rarer event for him to go far from
+home to contend. However, in the early part of his career, he once wandered
+away to Egremont Crab Fair, and entered his name among the West Cumbrians.
+He was thrown there, by Ford of Ravenglass, a good hearted wrestler,
+standing six feet two inches, and weighing fifteen stones. On another
+occasion, in his young days, he went with Dr. Tinling to Newcastle, and won
+the wrestling there; his patron, the doctor, being overjoyed at his
+success. The prize was a handsome silver watch.
+
+Ford and Weightman were drawn together again, in the fourth round, for the
+head prize entry at Carlisle in 1821, when the same luck attended Ford as
+had done at the previous tussle. For the second prize at Carlisle, however,
+Weightman turned the tables upon the powerful West Cumbrian, by throwing
+him so ridiculously high in the air, that one of the spectators declared
+that "his legs seemed to touch the clouds!" Joseph Abbot, from the
+neighbourhood of Bampton, near Shap, a broad set, powerful man, contested
+the final fall with Weightman. At that time, "Joe was a greit hand for
+rivin' doon at th' gurse, an' crazy mad he was when he lost."
+
+Weightman not being satisfied with his success in contending for the head
+prize on the Swifts in 1821, a match was arranged to come off between him
+and the winner of the same--William Richardson of Caldbeck--for five
+guineas, on the Eden-side cricket ground, Carlisle, in the month of October
+following. Between four and five thousand people gathered together to
+witness the contest. There existed a great difference in the age of the two
+men: the Caldbeck hero being on the shady side of forty, and Weightman only
+twenty-six. The one might be called a veteran, and the other said to be in
+the prime of life. The younger man had the advantage, likewise, in weight
+by a stone or more; in height, by fully four inches and a half; and was
+naturally endowed with far more suppleness and activity. A considerable
+time elapsed before they could agree about holds; and yet, no sooner was
+this preliminary effected, than the champion of two hundred rings went down
+like a shot, and without appearing to have the least shadow of a chance.
+After the fall, the winner was so elated with success that he cut all sorts
+of ridiculous capers, and kept leaping backwards and forwards, over two or
+three chairs or forms which chanced to be standing in the ring, after the
+manner of school boys at their sports. The second fall was nearly a
+fac-simile of the first; and if Weightman could only have taken things more
+coolly and waited his time, the chances were a hundred to one that he would
+have been hailed victor. Instead of this--through Richardson's dilatoriness
+in taking hold, and otherwise delaying over trifling things--Weightman
+fairly lost temper, threatened and coerced in various ways, and finally
+shook his fist in Richardson's face.
+
+Some of the onlookers, sympathizing with the elder man, commenced a
+vigorous attack of hooting, on which Weightman turned his backside to the
+spectators in a saucy and defiant manner. After this open display of
+insolence a tragic finale seemed imminent. The ring was broken up in an
+instant; and the roughs of the crowd, headed by the notorious Tom Ridley,
+soon worked themselves into a state of furious excitement. They made a
+rush at the delinquent, some dealing out blows with their fists, while
+others kept up a constant shower of sods and such like missiles; nearly
+tore the shirt from the back of their victim; and finally forced him
+savagely through a thorn hedge on the top of the bank. In describing the
+_mel�e_ which took place, Weightman himself said: "Yan shootit, 'Tek th'
+watter, Weetman!'--anudder shootit, 'Tek th' dyke, thoo greit gowk,
+thoo!'--bit I niver kent reetly whoar I was, till I fund mysel' on Eden
+brig, wid Gwordie Maut[12] leadin' me se�fly by the hand. I varily
+believe," added he, "'at Gwordie Maut se�v't mee life!"
+
+Preliminary to this affair, and quite in keeping with its general
+character, it may be stated that on the morning of the match, as Weightman
+was riding into Carlisle on a spirited "black-brown" mare, which belonged
+to his uncle, he threw the money down on the ground, due for passing
+through the toll-gate at the foot of Botchergate. This Mr. Rayson, the
+keeper, refused to pick up. Getting annoyed at the delay which ensued, and
+in order to clear the way, Weightman struck at Rayson across the shoulders
+with his whip, and then leapt clean over the gate. For this offence he was
+taken to the police office in Scotch Street, from which place his friends,
+after some difficulty, managed to get him liberated, by paying a fine of
+forty shillings.
+
+Immediately after the unsatisfactory termination of this match, Weightman
+issued a challenge to wrestle "any man in Cumberland the best of five
+falls, for fifteen or twenty guineas." No one came forward to take up the
+gauntlet thus thrown down; and although, up to this date, Weightman had not
+won any prize of importance, nevertheless an impression had gone abroad
+that he was a formidable customer to meet in a number of rounds.
+
+The year 1822 was a very chequered one in Weightman's career, suffering in
+it, as he did, so many minor defeats. An account of his adventures, so far
+as they are known to us, and are noted in the local papers, may help to
+illustrate in some measure both his weakness and his strength. In the month
+of May, Forster of Penton threw him at Kirkbampton, after a very fine and
+severe struggle. At Micklethwaite races, near Wigton, in June, he was
+defeated by Jonathan Watson of Torpenhow; and at Durdar, by James Graham of
+The Rigg, Kirklinton.
+
+On the Monday of one of the weeks in July, he won the belt at the New Inn,
+Armathwaite, finally throwing John Peel. On Wednesday afternoon, he went in
+company with his friend, Bill Gaddes, to Hesket-i'-the-Forest, and carried
+off a silver cup and half a guinea, for which there was no sport, "none of
+the faint-hearted youths daring to contend with him." At Plumpton races,
+the same evening, he was thrown with ease by a youth of eighteen, named
+Launcelot Graham of Hutton-end; but succeeded in getting the belt for the
+last eight standers--he and Thomas Peat tossing up for it, after
+endeavouring for nearly half an hour to get into holds. On the Thursday of
+the same week, he won the first prize of half a guinea at Stoneraise.
+
+At Keswick in August, he was fairly capsized by William Cass of Loweswater,
+in the last round but one of the first day's sport; and on the second day,
+through the wet and slippery state of the ground, he was again brought to
+grief, in the final fall, by Jonathan Watson. During the same month, at
+Wigton races, he carried off the first day's prize of two guineas, in grand
+style; Tom Richardson, the Dyer, being second. The prize at Great Barrock
+races also went to Hayton.
+
+At the Carlisle races, held in September, worse luck followed Weightman in
+contending for the head prize than had done on the previous year--being
+thrown in the first round by John Fearon of Gilcrux. This unfortunate
+defeat, however, was the means of arousing the lion in him; and for the
+second prize "he just bash't them doon as fast as he com at them." The last
+standers were Clayton of Dovenby, Robert Watters, and Joseph Graham of
+Dufton: Weightman receiving four guineas as his share, and Graham two
+guineas as second stander.
+
+In August, 1823, Weightman carried off the second day's prize of three
+pounds, at the Keswick regatta, disposing of William Sands of Whitehaven in
+the final fall.
+
+Following immediately after, came the great annual gathering at Carlisle,
+where it was publicly announced: "If wrestlers don't take hold within half
+a minute after peeling, the fall to be given to the one most willing to
+commence playing." William Litt, the author of _Wrestliana_, was chosen
+umpire. Weightman, the favourite at starting, was in grand "fettle;" looked
+fresh and ruddy, without carrying an ounce of superfluous flesh; and by the
+cool and determined way he began each round, evidently meant winning. In
+the third time over, he brought James Robinson quickly to his knees; in the
+fourth, John Hudless; in the fifth, John Allison; and in the sixth, was
+fortunate enough to be odd man. Then came the final struggle with John
+Robson of Irthington mill, who tried hard to "bear the prize away;" but his
+struggling was of no avail, for at each move Weightman kept gathering him
+up and improving his grip, and it soon became the miller's turn to drop
+powerless to mother earth, in like manner to those compeers who had fallen
+before.
+
+The following sketch of Weightman appeared in the columns of the
+_Cumberland Pacquet_, and is supposed to be from the pen of William Litt.
+"As for the victor, Weightman, he is to a stranger a complete puzzle. To
+judge from the almost universal disrepute with which he is regarded in
+Carlisle and its vicinity, you expect to behold in him every
+personification of a finished blackguard; but the very first glance is
+sufficient to stagger any ideal opinion respecting him. I never saw a man
+of equal birth and education, that had so much of the gentleman in his
+appearance, and there is, even in his conversation, an unassuming mildness
+equally striking. As a wrestler, if much cannot be said of his science, his
+_powers_ will not be limited by those who have either tried or seen him
+wrestle:--for, to cut the matter short, I do not think there is a man in
+the world possessing any chance with him, the best of five or seven falls.
+His behaviour in the ring was strictly correct; but such is the general
+opinion of his powers, that though the wrestling was never previously
+surpassed, yet the almost certainty of his winning greatly allayed that
+anxiety for the final result which is essential for creating and keeping
+awake the interest which the scene usually excites."
+
+A letter appeared in the columns of the _Carlisle Journal_, dated September
+16th, 1823, touching facetiously upon a point which, in later years, has
+been successfully carried out. The writer says:--
+
+     SIR,--As a great admirer of athletic sports, I always
+     make a point of being present at the wrestling at our
+     races, but being "small of stature," I frequently miss
+     a good deal of the sport. To gain a complete view I
+     should willingly pay a small sum, and I have no doubt
+     if those concerned in the management of the sports
+     would provide seats for those willing to pay, that they
+     would be soon filled, and the funds be materially
+     increased, as well as a great convenience granted to me
+     and those of my fellow creatures who have not the good
+     fortune to be above six feet. I am, Sir, &c.,
+
+                                            JOHN _LITTLE_.
+
+About this date, it was currently reported that Weightman had engaged to go
+to London to undertake the duties of porter at Carlton Palace. No finer
+looking man could have been selected for this post, but it was not his luck
+to exchange the bleak north for such desirable quarters. Had he been
+removed to so aristocratic an atmosphere, it is more than probable that his
+hot Border blood would have led him into no end of difficulties; as it did,
+for instance, at the magistrates' office in Carlisle, when he quarrelled
+over a disputed fall in the wrestling ring, with a big burly fellow, named
+Tom Hodgson from Wigton. During the trial, Weightman lost all control over
+his temper, and swore eighteen or nineteen times, although reprimanded for
+his profanity again and again. On being told that the magistrates intended
+to fine him a shilling for each and every oath he had sworn, in accordance
+with an old act recorded in the statute books, he exclaimed: "Fine me for
+ivery oath I've sworn? That's a bonny go! Wey, I med as weel mak' it _an
+even pund_, than!" And accordingly he did so.
+
+In the autumn of 1824, the two sons of Henry Howard of Corby Castle--Philip
+and Henry Francis--drove in a pony-ph�ton to Hayton, and asked for
+Weightman. When they arrived, he was "hard at wark plewin', in a field
+behint the hoose." Meanwhile, his mother--good soul--not knowing well how
+to show the greatest amount of civility to her visitors, invited them, in
+homely phraseology, to "a sup milk, an' a bite o' breid an' cheese." When
+Weightman made his appearance, he was pressed to attend the forthcoming
+wrestling meeting on Penrith fell, which he consented to do after some
+persuasion. Accordingly, he put in an appearance at the races held at
+Penrith early in October, where a large muster of first-rate men had
+assembled. Weightman, however, naturally anticipating onlookers with
+friendly feelings, from Corby and Greystoke castles, had come with a fixed
+determination to carry off the head prize against all comers. Putting his
+full powers into play, therefore, whenever he was called into the ring, man
+after man fell before his slaughtering attacks, in an astonishingly brief
+space of time; leaving Joseph Abbot of Bampton, second stander. And so
+delighted was the young heir of Corby with Weightman's achievements, that
+he brought the victor with him in his carriage from Penrith to Warwick
+Bridge.
+
+The annual wrestling meeting on the Swifts at Carlisle, in September, 1825,
+says a local report of that date, "was attended, as usual, by myriads of
+country people, for whom this manly amusement appears to have charms quite
+unknown to the degenerate race pent up within the walls of smoky and
+enervating towns. The ring was under the entire management of Mr. Henry
+Pearson, and the most complete order prevailed. It is calculated that from
+twelve to fifteen thousand persons were lookers-on at the first-day's
+sports." The first prize was eight guineas; and one guinea was given to the
+last thrown man, or second stander. Among other well known wrestlers who
+attended, and whose names are not mentioned hereafter, may be noted, John
+Robson, Jonathan Watson, Tom Richardson, George Irving, William Earl,
+Joseph Abbot, and Wilfrid Wright. Weightman, for the second time, carried
+off first honours, with great ease: all efforts put forth to stop his
+onward career being futile and unavailing in the extreme. In the third
+round, he met Dan Burgh of Crookdale-hall; and in the fourth, Thomas Miller
+of Crookdykes. In the fifth round, James Graham of Kirklinton laid down,
+because, (as the victor slyly remarked,) "he kent it was ne� use
+russellin'!" In the sixth round, Weightman was lucky enough to be odd man;
+while, in the final fall, the perfidious tricks and sturdy attacks of Jacob
+Armstrong availed him nothing--for quick as thought his various moves were
+frustrated, and he was sent to grass, sprawling on his back, in a style
+which neither he nor any of his partisans had anticipated.
+
+In the following year, 1826, Weightman was again the successful competitor
+for the head prize in the Carlisle ring. He was opposed, from the second
+round, by the following wrestlers, namely, Thomas Lawman, Wilfrid Wright,
+John Robson of Irthington mill, Joseph Robley, and George Irving. The
+description given in the _Carlisle Patriot_ of the event, is curious as
+being the production of one to whom the North Country sport was evidently a
+novelty, and on that account it may be worth quoting. The writer says:--
+
+     "The wrestling on Wednesday, attracted thousands upon
+     thousands of country people, to witness their favourite
+     sport. The play, according to pully-hauley critics, was
+     scientifically excellent. The men squeezed, nipped,
+     buttocked, etc., in the most charming style; and great
+     was the applause of the vast mass congregated around
+     the ring, when some sturdy athlete measured his long
+     length on the ground. On the first day, the grand
+     contest lay between the celebrated Robson, a fine young
+     fellow of about twenty-two, weighing fifteen stone, ten
+     pounds, and the still more celebrated Weightman, also a
+     young man, but of more experience, and five pounds
+     heavier than the weighty Robson. This pair of modern
+     Ajaxes stood up nobly to each other. 'A breathless
+     silence (says a spectator) reigned throughout the
+     ring.... They laid hold like men--like true
+     athlet�--each confident in his own powers. The struggle
+     begins--now--now--now--huzza! the invincible Weightman
+     is again victorious! Honour and glory once more for the
+     East of Cumberland!!' So says our scientific
+     informant--but not so Mr. Hercules Robson and his
+     friends. They declared that the fall was not a fair
+     one, and the mighty business of the ring was for a
+     while suspended; but the umpire, Mr. Todd, and a great
+     majority of the spectators decided otherwise--and
+     Weightman soon finished the game, and pocketed the
+     first prize, by finally laying low the able-bodied
+     George Irving."
+
+In spite of the umpire's decision, Robson and his friends continued to harp
+on about what they called the unfairness of the fall on the Swifts, until
+they issued a challenge to the effect that Robson was prepared to wrestle
+Weightman for �20,--which was readily accepted by the latter. According to
+agreement, the two men met about three weeks after, in Crosby Willows, a
+meadow near Low Crosby, which turned out a hollow affair after all, nothing
+really occurring, except several tedious attempts to get into holds. While
+the rain was pouring in torrents, and the spectators becoming restless at
+the absence of sport, an amicable finale was ultimately arrived at by
+Robson shouting across the ring: "We'll russel ne� farther, Weetman, i'
+this doon-pour o' rain. Cu' thy ways here, my lad, an' I'll gie the' a leg
+on to my nag." Weightman offering no opposition to this proposal, the two
+were soon mounted, and rode together to a neighbouring house of
+refreshment, where a few friendly glasses passed between them, which
+probably helped to fill up the existing breach. In after years, Weightman
+always spoke of Robson with much respect, describing him as "a canny weel
+donn't lad, an' a varra gud russeller."
+
+Robson, who excelled principally as a "hyper," measured six feet two inches
+in height, and increased in weight and bulk, year by year, until at the age
+of twenty-four he weighed as many stones as he numbered years. He died
+young--in March, 1830--his coffin being so large that it was impossible to
+get it into the room where the corpse lay, without taking the window out.
+He had a narrow escape from being robbed about three years before his
+death. Returning from Carlisle, some highwaymen attacked him while passing
+through the woods between Corby and Ruel Holme. He, however, got clear off
+from the miscreants, and arrived at home without harm or loss of property,
+although he was fired at in making his escape.
+
+Weightman won twice at Melmerby Rounds, getting a guinea and the belt each
+time, the usual award to the victor. On one of these occasions, when
+returning home through the village of Cumrew, his companions and he being
+fresh in drink, smashed a window to atoms, and had fifteen shillings to pay
+for their wanton mischief.
+
+At Penrith in 1827, it was generally expected that Weightman would be the
+victor, but it turned out otherwise. He was thrown in the fourth round by a
+mere stripling, under twenty years of age, named John Loy, who, it is only
+fair to state, gained the fall in rather a surreptitious manner.
+Weightman's own account of the affair was this: "A bit iv a lad stept oot
+of a corner o' the ring, an' _pretendit_ he wasn't gaen to russel; but
+aw at yance, t' lal taistral snapt't, an' bash't me doon iv a varra
+nasty fashion."
+
+During the same year, William Cass of Loweswater, the winner at Carlisle in
+1822, challenged any man in the north to wrestle a match for twenty
+guineas. In reply to this challenge, Weightman sent the following letter to
+the editor of the _Cumberland Pacquet_:--
+
+     SIR,--In reply to the challenge of Mr. Cass, given in
+     your paper of last week, to wrestle any man in
+     Cumberland, Westmorland, or Lancashire, for twenty
+     guineas, I beg to inform him through the same medium,
+     that I and my friends will be at the Duke's Head Inn,
+     Scotch-street, Carlisle, at two o'clock in the
+     afternoon of Saturday, October the 27th, where I hope
+     his friends will meet us to arrange preliminaries and
+     deposit the money.--I remain, Sir, yours very
+     respectfully,
+
+                             JOHN WEIGHTMAN.
+
+The wrestling world in the northern counties looked forward to this match
+with intense interest, but Cass thought backing out to be safer policy than
+encountering an opponent so formidable.
+
+In the year 1828, some preliminary steps were taken towards arranging a
+match between Weightman and Mc.Laughlan, the innkeeper, at the annual
+gathering at Carlisle in the autumn; but like the preceding ones, it came
+to nothing--finally ending in a tie, and then a wrangle. Mc.Laughlan at
+that time was a great overgrown giant, weighing at least five or six stone
+heavier than his rival. Referring to this meeting many years after,
+Weightman said: "Clatten com up--i' fun iv his way o' 't--gat hod o' me
+afooar I kent reetly whoar I was, an' flang me doon like a havver sheaf.
+Sec bairnish nonsense as that, ye know, suin rais't my dander, an' i' th'
+next roond I dud whack him! I pait him weel back iv his oan mak o'
+coin."
+
+An acquaintance one day asked Mc.Laughlan how he liked Weightman's "grip"
+at Carlisle. "Oh, Lord! it was fair vice wark!" exclaimed the giant, giving
+an involuntary shudder at the mere thought of being screwed up in the
+"vice."
+
+In October, 1829, Weightman bore away the chief prize from the Penrith ring
+a second time. The entry included Cass of Loweswater and George
+Irving--both thrown by Weightman--and most of the best men in Cumberland
+and Westmorland. At the conclusion of the wrestling, the winner could have
+been backed against any man in England for �100.
+
+At Wigton--date uncertain--where there was a strong muster of good men from
+the East and West, the head prize of eight guineas fell into Weightman's
+hands.
+
+At one time or other, Weightman won seventeen silver cups, and once, on
+being asked what became of them, candidly replied: "I selt ivery yan o'
+them, an' drank th' brass."
+
+An anecdote illustrative of his fearless courage and successful resistance
+to apparently overwhelming odds, must not be forgotten. In the year 1829,
+his uncle sold a cow to a butcher in Carlisle, named Roberts, we believe.
+The payment for it not being forthcoming at the proper time, nor any
+prospect of it, Weightman was despatched to recover the amount owing, and
+rode to Carlisle on a brown filly for that purpose. Coming up with Roberts
+on Eden bridges--in company with another butcher and a
+confederate--Weightman told him he wanted "owther the coo back with him, or
+the brass to pay for it." The only reply to this question was the filly
+being struck so forcibly with a thick stick, that it was nearly "fell'd" to
+the ground with the stroke. Boiling with indignation at this treatment,
+Weightman cried out: "If ye strike the beast age�n, I'll strike ye doon!"
+Again the filly was struck, and the fray began in earnest. Leaping off his
+horse, Weightman seized the two butchers, taking one in each arm, and
+"clash't the'r heids togidder till ble�d flew aboot like onything!" Their
+confederate also joined the fray in a skirmishing mode of attack, and
+although it was now three against one, they were rapidly getting the worst
+of it. Seeing the tide thus turning against them, one of the rascals
+resorted to the knife, and inflicted a great gash on Weightman's hand, the
+mark of which he bore to his dying day. An onlooker, who interfered on
+Weightman's behalf, was immediately knocked down, under the wheels of a
+cart, and severely injured. Things becoming thus desperate, several
+bystanders stepped forward at this stage of the affray, and put an end to
+the dastardly attack.
+
+Although Weightman possessed no lack of courage when it was called into
+action by such an event as the foregoing, he was, nevertheless, often very
+diffident and reserved in the affairs of everyday life. "I's nobbut
+shy--I's nobbut varra shy, an' divvent like to ax onybody," was a phrase
+frequently on his lips, when any trivial favour had to be solicited.
+
+At one time of his life, his company was a good deal sought after by 'Torny
+Armstrong, and two neighbouring 'statesmen, named Bleaymire and Jordan.
+"Sec chaps," said he, in regretful tones,--"sec wild divvels as thur, aye
+wantit a fe�l; an' I sarra't for yen langer than I sud ha' de�n." After his
+wrestling days were over, Weightman continued his irregular habits and mode
+of life, and as age crept on he was by times reduced to considerable
+straits in order to make both ends meet. Hard-fisted poverty, and the
+pressure of circumstances in various ways, not unfrequently forced his
+simple Cumbrian speech to shape itself into proverbial phrases, which
+sometimes lingered in the memories of those who heard them for weeks and
+months after. Take the following as examples: "Fwok sud aye be menseful,
+an' menseful amang fwok." And again: "Jwohn Barleycworn's ruin't mony a gud
+heart, an' 'ill ruin mony mair yet."
+
+Poor Weightman! When Mr. Scott was taking the portrait, by photography,
+which illustrates this volume, the old man was greatly surprised at the
+process, and asked with much simplicity: "Is it a thing he hes mannish't to
+pick up by his oan ingenuity, d'ye think?--or hes't been put into him by
+God Almighty?"
+
+In his eightieth year, being reduced to the most abject poverty, alone in
+the world, and without friends to assist him, an appeal was made through
+the local papers for assistance, which met with a generous response on the
+part of the public, and served to "keep hunger frae t' dooar" while his
+health continued to be anything like good. But at the close of the year
+1874--in the midst of one of the severest winters on record--Weightman had
+a stroke, which laid him prostrate; and having no one near to minister to
+his wants, the parish authorities stept in and insisted upon his being
+removed to the poor-house at Brampton. This was sore news to the poor man,
+and went sadly against the grain, but there was no help for it. And in
+January, 1875, he, whose exploits in the wrestling ring had been cheered to
+the echo, again and again, by tens of thousands, at last found a pauper's
+grave--his corpse being followed thither by a couple of infirm old men from
+the workhouse, and none else.
+
+Such was the end of the powerful and gigantic John Weightman.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[12] "Gwordie Maut," in common phraseology, stood for George Armstrong, a
+well known character in Carlisle, who kept a public house, between the
+bridges in Caldewgate. "Gwordie" stood to Matthew Nutter, the artist, for
+the model of the stooping figure of the Maltster on the sign of the "Malt
+Shovel," in Rickergate.
+
+
+
+
+JOHN MC.LAUGHLAN
+
+OF DOVENBY.
+
+
+In the early part of the nineteenth century there lived at the rural
+village of Dovenby, a few miles north-west from Cockermouth, by far the
+tallest man in Cumberland--a man who stood six feet six inches in height,
+and who was one of Pharoah's lean kine, having at that date an hungry,
+unsatisfied look about him, which was anything but pleasant to the vision.
+This was John Mc.Laughlan, a labouring man, better known as "Clattan," who
+at certain seasons of the year, gained a livelihood by working in the woods
+at Isel, and at other times by paring turf on the pastures about Aspatria.
+
+The parents of this gigantic youth were both natives of the Highlands of
+Scotland, having migrated early in life southwards, and settled in
+Cumberland. The father was remarkably dexterous at sword exercise and
+fencing with the stick; who, in a friendly contest, sometimes took delight
+in showing his skill by hitting his opponent at pleasure, and on almost any
+part of the body he chose.
+
+"Clattan" was born about the year 1791; and as a lad practised wrestling
+upon the village green, with other Dovenby boys of a similar age. Growing
+up to manhood, and becoming master of a moderate share of science and
+action, he invariably lifted his opponents from the ground, and carried
+them off with the outside stroke; his principal mainstay, however, being
+his great height and immense weight. In the ring, he was exceedingly
+good-natured and affable, and would put himself to any amount of
+inconvenience rather than allow his body to fall awkwardly or heavily on a
+vanquished foe. He did not, however, follow wrestling closely. He only
+appeared upon the horizon by fits and starts, as it were; and in tracing
+his career, it will be found that two or three lengthy intervals intervene
+between his retirements and reappearances.
+
+As an athlete, Mc.Laughlan was somewhat late in flowering, having reached
+the age of twenty-six before he accomplished any feat worthy of record. In
+1817, he put in his first public appearance at Carlisle, at the wrestling
+in Shearer's Circus. Here he managed to mow down all competitors, including
+Tom Todd of Knarsdale, James Robinson, the gamekeeper, and, finally, his
+friend and neighbour, John Liddle of Bothel. About this date he was "a
+lang, thin, strip iv a chap, like a ladder; hed a varra laddish like leuk;
+a fe�t gaily nar as lang's a fender; an' was rayder wake aboot the knees."
+Or, to change the simile--as a native of Cartmelfell once aptly phrased it:
+"Big an' be�ny as he was, he was nobbut like a splinter blown off a man!"
+
+After his temporary success at Carlisle, fortune seems to have deserted him
+for many years. In 1819, he suffered his most memorable defeat at the hands
+of William Wilson of Ambleside, in the Keswick ring, who carried him off
+with a sweeping hipe. In 1824, he appeared at Wigton sports, and was thrown
+in the third round by Thomas Hodgson, the police-constable; and again in
+the third round of the second day, by James Graham of Kirklinton. In
+August, 1825, however, Clattan carried off the head prize at Whitehaven;
+Jonathan Watson being second.
+
+We are not aware that he wrestled in any ring from the last date mentioned,
+until his return in the year 1828, when he had grown amazingly in bulk,
+being then about twenty-two stone weight. At that time he was considered to
+be the most powerful man in Cumberland, and as an athlete had no rival, if
+we except Weightman of Hayton. It was an exaggerated, but nevertheless a
+very common saying, that he could lift a cottage house with ease, and carry
+it away with him on his back!
+
+The year 1828--with its curious winding-up scene--was the most noteworthy
+one in Clattan's wrestling career. In the month of August, he carried off
+the head prize at Workington races, with the greatest ease; George Irving
+of Boltongate being the second stander.
+
+At Keswick in September, almost the self-same scene was enacted, with
+Irving again second. Big men, like Cass of Loweswater, being, as it were,
+mere children in Clattan's arms.
+
+Following immediately in the rear of the Keswick races, came the annual
+gathering at Carlisle, where the Earl of Lonsdale still continued to give
+the sum of twenty guineas for prizes. Notwithstanding the morning on which
+the wrestling took place being gloomy and foreboding, hundreds and
+thousands poured into the old Border city from every available direction,
+and it was computed that at least 6,000 persons were gathered round the
+wrestling ring. Whilst ninety-two names were being enrolled for the head
+prize, including most of the crack men of the day, a group of itinerant
+ballad singers stood bawling to the assembled multitude, such home-spun
+staves as the following:--
+
+    "Now, Weightman, you must do your best
+      To bear the prize away;
+    For Clattan he is coming;
+      Don't let him win the day."
+
+We have reasons for saying that Weightman was _not_ at the wrestling on the
+Swifts that year. We believe he was engaged driving cattle at the time, at
+some considerable distance from Carlisle. His name was certainly entered by
+some person or other, and he was called out in the first round against
+Hutchinson of Featherstone Castle; but there being no response on
+Weightman's part, the ticket naturally fell to Hutchinson's lot.
+
+Having only to contend against men of ordinary calibre--the heaviest and
+tallest of whom would be fully six or seven stone deficient in weight, and
+about the same number of inches in height--Clattan, wearing a pair of
+Nankeen trousers, stalked through the Carlisle ring, in the most
+unobtrusive manner imaginable, and without making the least display of his
+giant strength. In the first round he was called against Rickerby of Old
+Wall, and Robinson of Renwick in the second. Despite some futile struggling
+on the part of these two men, he lifted them up and laid them down as
+easily as Gulliver would have done a couple of Lilliputians. In the third
+round, William Earl of Cumwhitton went to work with a will, and completely
+foiled Clattan by keeping well away from him. Not being able to gather Earl
+and hug him as he had done the previous ones, the tussle became an animated
+one, and for a time seemed to be of a doubtful character; but on improving
+his hold, the big man managed to twist Earl awkwardly to the ground by
+sheer strength. Next followed, in quick succession, the overthrow of Joseph
+Graham of Dufton, James Graham of Kirklinton, and Tom Richardson, the Dyer,
+at the hands of Clattan.
+
+Only two men were now left standing, namely, George Irving of Boltongate,
+and Clattan; and by Irving asking Clattan, as a favour, not to throw
+himself heavily on him, the result was understood to be a foregone
+conclusion. Good-naturedly acting upon this request, Clattan without more
+ado, whipped Irving off his feet, turned him smartly round, and then let
+go his hold, in order to avoid falling on his man. Meanwhile, Irving having
+cunningly retained _his_ hold, claimed the fall, which according to the
+rules of the game, was awarded to him by the umpires. The scene which
+followed baffles all description. The crowd danced, laughed, yelled, and
+ran wild with commotion. Clattan was completely nonplussed by the _ruse_,
+and bore the result for a time with Job-like patience; but at length his
+good nature fairly broke down. He fumed and tore about like one half
+crazed, ground his teeth, and swore he "wad russel him for fifty pund to a
+pund--for a hundred pund to a pund--for any amount he liket!" But Irving,
+having accomplished his ends, was far too wary a customer to be drawn into
+any further trial which meant defeat. Meanwhile, Irving's friends hoisted
+him shoulder high, and bore him away in triumph; and poor Clattan could
+only content himself with a final shot at his enemy by crying out: "If iver
+I git hod o' thee age�n, my lad, _I'll mak the' put thy tongue oot_!"
+
+After this mishap, the tide of popularity seems to have set in against
+Mc.Laughlan in all directions. At Dovenby races, held in June, 1829, he put
+in an appearance, but no sooner was his name called than it created much
+discontent among the competitors: one wrestler swearing that he was "as big
+as a hoose side," and another asking derisively for a ladder, "to clim' on
+t' top of his shooders wid!" In order to dispel this outburst of feeling,
+the stewards offered the giant a liberal sum if he would take the post of
+umpire, and give up contending; which proposal he accepted in the most
+cordial manner. The chief prize for wrestling (after the withdrawal of the
+big man,) was carried off by Jonathan Robinson of Allerby mill.
+
+A correspondent of the _Cumberland Pacquet_, in speaking of the Penrith
+races in 1829, says, he "cannot imagine upon what principle of justice the
+individuals acted, who brought a man fifty miles from home by an open
+advertisement, and then debarred him." The same correspondent, also,
+complains that Mc.Laughlan was excluded from the Carlisle ring of the same
+year, in the face of an advertisement which distinctly stated it was "open
+to any man."
+
+At the great gathering at Cockermouth in August, 1830, Clattan was allowed
+to enter his name without opposition in the first day's list, where he
+carried off the head prize, throwing James Little, George Murgatroyd, John
+Birket, and finally William Earl.
+
+In 1837, his last victory, we believe, was gained at Liverpool, after
+mowing down John Nichol of Bothel, Jonathan Thomlinson, and Thomas
+Armstrong of Carlisle, in the heavy weight prize.
+
+Clattan figured again in the Liverpool ring in 1840, at which date he would
+be about fifty years old; but the fates were against him. He was drawn
+against John Selkirk of Beckermet. It is worthy of remark, (says a report
+in the _Carlisle Journal_,) that Selkirk's father threw Mc.Laughlan
+twenty-six years ago; and Mc.Laughlan was overheard to say, it would be a
+shame to let both father and son throw him. But so it proved, for after a
+very severe struggle, in which Selkirk showed himself to be a wrestler of
+no ordinary ability, the first fall was given in as unfair, and they had to
+wrestle over again. In getting hold a second time, Mc.Laughlan put all his
+powers in requisition, but to no avail, for Selkirk threw him in a masterly
+manner.
+
+One incongruous element of Clattan's character has still to be mentioned,
+namely, his _weakness_ for sparring and boxing. His temperament was made up
+of too many good-natured components to allow of his ever degenerating into
+a mere prize-fighter. The big man, to the best of our knowledge, had a
+determined "set-to" once, and only once. It occurred at a Bridewain held in
+the Vale of Lorton. William Mackereth and Clattan--who had been close
+friends for years--fell out over some trifling affair, and a keenly
+contested fight was the result. After the struggle had continued some time,
+Mackereth succeeded in driving Clattan from one stand to another, until the
+giant finally gave in. Clattan threatened to "fettle him off when he com
+back frae sparring," with the professors of the noble art mentioned
+hereafter; but he proved to be far too good natured to attempt to carry
+any such threat into execution.
+
+Clattan's "experience with the bruising fraternity"--we quote from a clever
+notice, which appeared in the _Whitehaven News_--"was confined to
+travelling with the celebrated pugilists, Tom Molyneaux, the Black, (who
+twice contested the championship with Tom Cribb,) and Jack Carter, the
+latter of whom fought a terrible battle with Oliver at Gretna Green in
+1816.... With these heroes, John made a tour in the provinces and Scotland,
+extending over four or five years, in the course of which he gave and took
+more hard knocks, as an exhibition sparrer, from his formidable and
+dexterous colleagues, than would satisfy the ambition of most men; but, as
+we have said, the big man never acquired a taste for fighting. It was
+scarcely possible, under any circumstances, to surprise him out of one of
+the quietest dispositions and finest tempers with which giant was ever
+blessed; and the sole use he made of the hard schooling he received at the
+hands of Molyneaux and Carter, and the countless yokels, ambitious of
+fistic distinction, was to amuse a few of his patrons. The art and mystery
+of bruising was practised nowhere more extensively and industriously than
+by a chosen band of youths who frequented John's house in the Market-place,
+Whitehaven. To oblige these young gentlemen, and test their dexterity,
+'Clattan' has been known to sit down in a chair, to ensure something like
+equality of height, and 'set himself'; and very dexterous had young
+Whitehaven to be if it could hit and get away, even under these
+circumstances, without a counter tap, as from a playful steam hammer....
+Many wonderful tales are told of 'Clattan.' He could crack nuts with his
+thumb and forefinger as easily as a schoolboy could crush a gooseberry, and
+we forget the enormous weight he could suspend round his wrist while he
+wrote his name against the wall."
+
+Mc.Laughlan was an innkeeper in Whitehaven for a great number of years,
+being the landlord of "The Highlandman," or "Rising Sun," in the
+Market-place. Here he drove a flourishing trade, which resulted in a great
+measure from frequenters of his house always finding him to be civil and
+obliging.
+
+At Whitehaven, Clattan joined the town band formed by Mr. Heywood, clerk to
+the magistrates. In this capacity, he invariably marched first in
+processions, and did what he could to make sweet music out of the
+instrument he played, an immense trombone, his giant-like form towering
+above his fellows, like that of Goliath of Gath among the Gittites.
+
+Leaving Whitehaven about 1838 or 1839, he settled in Liverpool, where he
+was employed about the docks for several years. His wife, Betty, afterwards
+kept a lodging-house in Sparling-street; but more latterly they lived
+retired and in comfortable circumstances, principally through the kindness
+of one of his sons, the captain of a trading vessel.
+
+Mc.Laughlan died in Liverpool, in October, 1876, at the advanced age of
+eighty-five years.
+
+
+
+
+BULL BAITING.
+
+
+It must be exceedingly gratifying to all ranks of society throughout the
+United Kingdom, who take any interest in the social progress of the
+inhabitants, in the onward march from semi-barbarism to a higher state of
+civilization--from indulgence in brutal amusements, pursued with eager
+gratification during the eighteenth century--to note a gradual stamping out
+of vicious pursuits, and the growth of more harmless amusements.
+
+Amongst the lower order of our crowded towns and rural districts, amongst
+the middle classes of society, and even amongst the higher orders--the
+cream of society--the welcome change is strikingly evident. The lower
+orders were probably the most prone to indulge in the vile and degrading
+pursuits, which have in a great measure been rooted out, but they were by
+no means the only culpable parties. The higher and middle classes freely
+lent their countenance and support--lent their assistance not alone by
+being present at, but by liberal contributions aided in getting up, the
+horrible scenes witnessed at the bull-ring, the bear garden, the cock and
+rat pits, the boxing ring, and badger worrying. Even royalty, with its
+gorgeous trappings, and long list of titled favourites, smiled at and
+enjoyed the ferocious pastime.
+
+A laudable endeavour to abolish them was made in the year 1800. A bill was
+introduced by Sir W. Pulteney, into the House of Commons, for the abolition
+of bull baiting and other cruel sports; but Mr. Wyndham--the leader at that
+time of a powerful party of country gentlemen--opposed the bill on the
+ground that it attempted to suppress a national amusement, which was not
+more cruel than fox-hunting; a pastime so important that a clever writer
+has said, "You ruin the country as soon as you put an end to fox-hunting."
+Mr. Wyndham, on the one hand, was supported by Mr. Canning, and on the
+other hand opposed by Mr. Sheridan. Up to the year 1835, an agitation was
+fostered against brutal sports, and the time-honoured institutions of seven
+centuries were then, by Act of Parliament, for ever blotted out from the
+town and country pleasures of Great Britain and Ireland.
+
+The defunct pastimes, we have under consideration, were amongst the most
+exciting as well as brutal amusements of the eighteenth century, and to a
+record of them in the "good old times," this short article will be devoted.
+In nearly every town, and in most rural districts, there was the attractive
+bull ring. The gatherings never attained the gigantic and imposing
+dimensions of the Roman Coliseum and the Spanish Amphitheatre bull
+fights--institutions no better than a species of bull baiting, and attended
+with greater cruelty and bloodshed than the English bull ring. The national
+mind in our own country was never so thoroughly embued with the horrible
+pastime as the citizens of Rome and Madrid; but was sufficiently brutified
+as to be considered at the present time a disgrace to humanity. The sad
+sights, however, which gladdened the eye, and drew forth shouts of
+applause, from "good Queen Bess" and her followers, when she entertained
+the ambassadors from Continental courts, with a display of bear and bull
+baiting, are happily at an end.
+
+We shall now proceed to the more immediate object of our article, namely, a
+notice of bull baiting in our own country, and more particularly in the two
+northern counties of Cumberland and Westmorland. In England, the baiting
+was done, as our readers will doubtless be aware, with a breed of dogs
+peculiar to the country, called "bull" dogs. This breed, so famous in
+story, might probably have become extinct after bull baiting was abolished,
+had it not been for the numerous dog shows which have since taken place
+throughout the country, where prizes are given for purity of breed and
+excellence of form. Their principal characteristics are indomitable
+courage, and an instinctive propensity to pin their huge adversary by the
+nose. In order to effect this object, well bred dogs would rush furiously
+at the bull, and although they might be unsuccessful and stand a chance of
+being tossed high in the air, they never failed in returning again and
+again to the attack. Wonderful stories may be gleaned, in all parts of the
+kingdom, illustrative of their never dying resolute courage. In the quality
+of endurance, under punishment, they may be likened to the English game
+cock--the agonies of death even not being able to quench their fighting
+propensities.
+
+The following well authenticated anecdote, related by Bewick, the wood
+engraver, illustrates this point in a most barbarous and disgraceful
+manner. Many years ago, at a bull baiting in the North of England, a young
+man, confident of the courage of his dog, laid some trifling wager, that he
+would, at separate times, cut off all the four feet of his dog, and that,
+after each amputation, it would attack the bull. The cruel experiment was
+tried, and the gallant and courageous dog continued to rush at the bull,
+upon its four stumps, as eagerly as if it had been perfectly whole!
+
+Another anecdote of the bull dog has more of a ludicrous dash about it. A
+father and son, in a northern village, had a young pup, descended from a
+famous breed, out for exercise and training. The son accosted the rough old
+paterfamilias with: "Doon on ye'r knees, fadder, an' boo like a bull!" The
+"fadder" did as he was desired, and began "booin'." Before many "boos" had
+been repeated, however, the pup had seized the sham "booin'" bull firmly
+by the nose. Delighted at the ready tact displayed by the dog, young
+hopeful roared out: "Bide it, fadder! bide it! It'll be t' _makkin_' o' t'
+pup!"
+
+Carlisle is the first northern town at which we shall notice bull baiting.
+Our account has been gathered from tradition and from spectators of the
+scenes. The old bull ring stood in the market place, in close proximity to
+the "stocks," on that space of ground lying between the ancient cross and
+the front of the town hall. There, from time immemorial, was the savage
+pastime witnessed by generation after generation. If we cannot carry it
+back to the dim mystical times, when
+
+    Kinge Arthur lived in merry Carleile,
+      And seemely was to see,
+    And there with him Queene Genever,
+      That bride soe bright of blee--
+
+It requires but a limited stretch of the imagination to picture it in full
+swing at the time when the three brave foresters of Inglewood
+flourished,--Adam Bell, Clym o' the Clough, and William o' Cloudeslee,--and
+when the two former rescued the latter from the hangman's cart in the same
+market place.
+
+    And Cloudeslee lay ready there in a cart,
+      Ffast bound both foote and hande;
+    And a strong rope about his necke,
+      All readye ffor to hange.
+
+Men have been maimed for life, and even gored to death, in bull baiting
+frays, held in front of the Carlisle town hall. A large ferocious animal,
+known as the "Linstock bull," was baited no less than three times. It once
+broke loose from the ring; threw the multitude into wild disorder; knocked
+down several of the bystanders, who came in contact with its onward
+progress; and ran a butcher, named Gibbons, up against the wall! At this
+exciting moment a cry from the crowd rent the air, which appalled the
+bravest heart, but happily no material damage was done. For, curiously
+enough, the man's life was saved through the animal's horns growing far
+apart; the bull being one of the Lancashire long-horned breed, formerly
+very common throughout the north country.
+
+In old times, an aged woman, of coarse features and Amazonian strength,
+figured prominently in the Carlisle ring, and was invariably accompanied by
+a savage dog, called "Pincher." Her shrill voice was often heard, far above
+the hubbub of the crowd, with such exclamations as, "Weel done,
+Pincher!--good dog, Pincher!--stick till't, Pincher! Ha! ha! Pincher's
+gripp't it noo!" And then, all at once, up went the veritable Pincher,
+twenty feet in the air, turning "bully necks" three or four times, and
+falling on the ground with a heavy thud, stunned and bleeding.
+
+After prevailing at Carlisle for four or five centuries, and continuing as
+time rolled on without any abatement to the end, both vicious and brutal,
+bull baiting was finally suppressed _within_ the limits of the ancient
+border city, about the end of the eighteenth century.
+
+The last public bull baitings at Carlisle took place in the cattle market
+on the "Sands"--then _outside_ the city boundaries--in the months of August
+and September, 1824. Long before the time fixed to commence the proceedings
+on the first occasion, thousands of persons--many of them females--were
+assembled. The adjoining bridge was thronged, houses were covered, and
+every eminence densely packed with eager expectant human beings. All the
+scum and blackguardism of the old border city had quitted it. No such
+outpouring could be remembered to have taken place, except when the noted
+professors of pugilism, Carter and Oliver, contended at Gretna. The bull to
+be baited was of the black Galloway breed, and had been purchased under
+peculiar circumstances, by a few disreputable characters. In contending
+against its canine assailants, it laboured under the great disadvantage of
+being without horns.
+
+The primary cause of the baitings was owing to the fact of the animal
+having shown itself vicious, or in local phraseology, "man keen," by
+attacking its owner, Mr. Rome of Park-house farm, near Rose Castle.
+Suddenly turning round, in an open field, it tossed Mr. Rome over three
+"riggs," injuring him so much that recovery was for some time considered
+doubtful. It was supposed the bull had been irritated by a butcher's boy.
+This may have been the case; but too much reliance is often placed on the
+general docility of bulls. They are well known to be liable to sudden
+outbursts of passion. This dangerous element may be said to be wedded to
+their nature, and hence the deplorable accidents that sometimes happen. Due
+caution was wanting in this case. The Park-house bull had previously shewn
+symptoms of an unruly disposition, and yet Mr. Rome unguardedly entered the
+"bull copy" to drive away some cows. The attack was so sudden, that there
+was no chance of escape, and the owner would in all probability have been
+killed on the spot, but for the opportune assistance of two men servants,
+who succeeded in driving off the excited and furious beast with pitchforks.
+
+On two separate occasions, the unfortunate beast was bound to the stake on
+the Sands. It would have been, comparatively speaking, a merciful end to
+the animal's life to have killed it at once, without inflicting the torture
+of baiting, for the alleged purpose of rendering the beef tender. The bull
+was fastened by a heavy chain, some twenty yards long, sufficient to give
+it room to make play. At one time the conduct of the crowd was so confused
+and disorderly, that several persons were injured, by the frightened animal
+rushing about, and sweeping them off their feet with its chain. No one,
+however, received any serious injury.
+
+Several noted dogs were slipped at the bull. A yellow one, known in
+sporting circles as David Spedding's "Peace;" a dark brindled one, owned by
+Dan Sims, the publican; and a bitch, belonging to one Kirkpatrick; all
+seized the bull cleverly by the nose, and made "good work." The yellow dog
+especially had the knack of laying hold, and maintaining its grip to
+perfection. Its usual mode of attack was to run between the fore legs of
+the bull, fasten itself to the under lip, and then hang on like grim death.
+
+Much amusement was created, by an Irishman running fussing about, and
+shouting at the top of his voice: "Hould on there, hould on, till my dog
+saizes the big baiste!" Pat let go. His dog made a bold dash at the bull,
+and good sport was anticipated by the onlookers; but no sooner was the dog
+turned upon by the enraged animal, than it showed tail, and ran for safety.
+This "funking" on the part of the Irishman's dog, created loud laughter
+among the crowd, and was followed by such bantering remarks as, "Arrah,
+Pat, arrah! Ye'r dog's not game!"
+
+In the hubbub, a man named Robert Telford, an auctioneer, was knocked over
+by a sudden swerve of the ponderous chain which fastened the bull, and for
+some time lay sprawling helpless in the dirt. He had a narrow escape from
+being tossed in the air, boots uppermost, or else savagely gored.
+
+Scarcely had the barking and growling of the dogs subsided, or the yelling
+and shouting of the assembled rabble died away, when one of the onlookers,
+who had been somewhat disappointed in the scenes enacted, pronounced it to
+be but "a tamish sort of affair, after all!" A local celebrity,[13] also,
+on leaving the ground, delivered himself of the following opinion, in slow
+pompous tones: "Bad bait--bad bait! Bull too gross!"--the meaning of which
+was that the bull was too fat to display that ferocity and activity which
+some of the spectators had expected it would have done.
+
+So fagged and spiritless had the animal become after one of the baits, that
+a rough-spun butcher--a madcap of a fellow--had the temerity to leap
+astride its back, and to ride up Rickergate in that ungainly fashion; while
+the poor beast, now completely deadened to attack or viciousness of any
+kind, was being slowly lead in the direction of some shambles or
+outbuildings in East Tower street.
+
+A disaster which befel the comedian, Riley, a few years before Mr. Rome was
+nearly killed at Park-house farm, had a somewhat ludicrous termination. The
+author of the _Itinerant_, in professionally "starring" through the
+provinces, remained for some time in the neighbourhood of Furness Abbey,
+and was engaged to lend his assistance there. The entertainment going off
+very successfully, a "leetle" too much wine followed on the heels of it.
+This we presume, for the quantity imbibed by Mr. Riley rendered his
+perception not quite so clear as it might have been. The way to his
+quarters was by a footpath through some fields; and jogging along by the
+dimmish light of an obscured moon, he rambled off the path, and got into a
+field in which a pugnaciously inclined bull was kept. Snatches of song and
+other sounds arousing the brute from his night's slumber, he rose and
+prepared to attack the son of _Thespis_, and gave notice of his intentions
+by several long drawn "boos," which "boos" Mr. Riley attributed to some one
+coming after him from the concert. The bull followed up, and got nearer and
+nearer, with his "boo--boo--boo!" A collision suddenly took place close to
+the hedge, and in the twinkling of an eye the gentleman was tossed up, and
+landed secure, but prostrate, on the other side of the hedge, without any
+harm but a good shaking. Looking up, the astonished comedian exclaimed:
+"You are neither a musician nor a gentleman, by ----, if you are!"
+
+During the eighteenth century, and for thirty or forty years into the
+present one, farmers, small tradesmen, indeed, most families living in the
+country, who could afford it, at the fall of the year, salted and stored by
+as much beef as served the family through the winter. Hence bull
+baiting--until suppressed--prevailed in most of the northern towns and
+villages, in the month of November. The weather was then suitable for
+salting a supply of beef for winter use, and an extra quantity either of
+bull or heifer beef was quite saleable at that season of the year. An
+erroneous idea prevailed--had indeed become a settled conviction, that bull
+beef was much better--should not be used as food, in fact, without the
+animal had been subject to the usual barbarous baiting.
+
+In many places there prevailed a stringent regulation, that bulls should
+not be slaughtered, until they had passed the ordeal of baiting; and
+curious observances were enforced should the practice be omitted. In
+Kendal, for instance, a singular custom was to be observed when any butcher
+killed a bull, and attempted to dispose of the beef, without the animal
+having been fastened to the bull ring and baited. The seller of the carcass
+was obliged to have put up conspicuously, a large sign board, with the
+words "Bull Beef," painted in legible letters, and to have a lantern stuck
+up, with lighted candles burning in it, as long as the tabooed beef
+remained unsold. This singular regulation or custom continued in use, and
+was regularly observed as long as bull baiting was permitted in the town.
+
+The Kendal bull ring was fixed on a green at the High Beast Banks, and had
+been so fixed for generations. There the disgusting, demoralizing
+saturnalia, with all its ruffianly concomitants, was held before a yelling
+crowd of professedly civilized spectators. This brutal indulgence was
+continued to the mayoralty of Mr. William Dobson, in 1790, when the
+corporation interfered and put a final stop to it. We are surprised that in
+Kendal, where the Quaker element in the population was so strong, the
+odious "sport" should have been allowed to continue so long. The followers
+of George Fox, we feel assured, would consider any encouragement given to
+such degrading brutality as morally criminal.
+
+Great Dockray and Sandgate, in the pleasant and busy market town of
+Penrith, were the scenes of many uproarious bull baits. In one day, no less
+than five beasts have been tied to the stake, and unmercifully tortured.
+They would all be required, and many carcasses besides, at that season of
+the year when salt beef was prepared for winter consumption. At Penrith,
+the bull baitings were regularly attended by crowds of spectators, from all
+the surrounding country villages. The inhabitants of the town, too,
+deserted their quiet homes to witness the exciting but barbarous practice.
+In Penrith, as well as other places, the idea was rooted in the minds of
+the people that bulls intended for slaughter, and sold for human food,
+should be baited. If the carcass of a bull, in the shambles of a butcher,
+had not been subjected to the usual process of brutal cruelty, it would
+have been rejected. The village of Stainton, as well as Penrith, was noted
+for bull dogs of a pure and courageous breed. Those normal tribes of
+gipsies, tinkers, and potters, who roamed over Cumberland, Westmorland, and
+the borders of Scotland, during the latter part of the eighteenth century,
+were celebrated for breeding and training bull dogs of a superior
+description.
+
+The small but interesting market town of Keswick--highly celebrated at the
+present day, as the head quarters of numerous lake and mountain
+excursionists--likewise had its bull ring, to which, through a lengthened
+period of time, hundreds of unfortunate animals were tied and baited. No
+greater desecration can be imagined to one of the most attractive districts
+in Great Britain--revealing at every step scenes displaying vividly the
+sublime beauty and grandeur of God's choicest handiwork--than the mad
+uproar, the wild confusion, and gross brutality of a bull bait. The echoes
+of the surrounding hills were made to resound with the furious merriment of
+an excited multitude, in the full enjoyment of a cruel "sport." From the
+beautiful Vale of Saint John, from the lower slopes of Blencathra and
+Skiddaw, from the confines of the picturesque lake of Bassenthwaite, from
+the surroundings of the more imposing Derwentwater, from many scattered
+villages, like Borrowdale, crowds hastened to share in the gross enjoyment
+of a hideous outrage on humanity.
+
+The bull ring at Keswick,--as well as at Carlisle, Penrith, Wigton, Kendal,
+and other places in the Lake country--was frequently the means of starting
+a combat between some pugnaciously inclined Tom Crib, and any one who,
+through intimidation, could be drawn into a fight. "Shaking the bull ring"
+was tantamount to a challenge from some foolhardy individual, to "hev it
+oot" with any one inclined to step forward; and it rarely happened at
+"statute fairs" but that at least some two or three pugilistic encounters
+followed the "shaking."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[13] Mr. William Browne, who began life in Carlisle as a bookbinder, and
+ended as auctioneer, appraiser, and high-bailiff to the County Court.
+
+
+
+
+BADGERS AND BADGER BAITING.
+
+
+Baiting the badger differed from bull baiting in one respect, inasmuch as
+the former was generally practised in some room or yard, mostly attached to
+a public house. It was often a private affair, got up by some sporting
+landlord, for the purpose of drawing customers to his hostelry, as well as
+to have an opportunity of seeing the badger drawn; while bull baiting,
+except on great state occasions, was always a public affair.
+
+The badger, in former times called the "Grey," is a small animal, which at
+no remote period was, comparatively speaking, plentiful in Cumberland and
+Westmorland, and in various parts of the north of England. It abounded,
+too, in Scotland, and its cured skin was used in making the Highlander's
+hanging pouch. It measured about three feet from the snout to the end of
+the tail, and weighed from seventeen to thirty pounds. Few animals are
+better able to defend themselves, and fewer still of their own weight and
+size dare attack them, in their native haunts. When in good case, they are
+remarkably strong, fight with great resolution if brought to bay, can bite
+extremely hard, and inflict very severe wounds. It is strange that it
+should have been so persistently and ruthlessly hunted and destroyed, so
+as to lead to the almost entire extermination of the herd in this country.
+
+In _Reminiscences of West Cumberland_, (printed for private circulation, in
+1882,) William Dickinson gives the following account of the capture of some
+of these animals:--"On March 29, 1867, a badger was captured in a wood
+adjoining the river Derwent, by Mr. Stirling's gamekeeper. It was a full
+grown animal, in prime condition, and was secured without sustaining any
+injury. A few years before that a badger was caught near St. Bees. It was
+supposed to have escaped from captivity. Within my recollection, a badger
+was taken by a shepherd and his dogs, on Birker moor, and believed to be a
+wild one; and none had been known for many miles around by any one living.
+They are not now known to breed in Cumberland; but the late Mr. John Peel
+of Eskat, told me the brock or badger had a strong hold in Eskat woods, and
+that he once came so suddenly on a brock asleep, as it basked in the sun,
+that he struck it with his bill hook, and wounded it in the hind quarter.
+Its hole was so near that it crawled in and was lost. The place is still
+called the Brock-holes."
+
+An interesting experiment has been tried on the Naworth Castle estate, the
+Border residence of Mr. George Howard, a dozen miles or so from Carlisle.
+About the year 1877 or 1878, four healthy and well developed badgers were
+let off, some two miles eastward from the castle, near the side of the
+river Irthing, which flows through a wide sweep of charmingly diversified
+scenery. The place occupied by them is a piece of rough, woodland, "banky"
+ground, quiet and secluded, the soil being of a dry sandy nature. The
+badgers, in the first instance, were lodged in an old fox earth "bield,"
+part of which they have held in undisturbed possession ever since. They
+appeared to fall in naturally with their new quarters, and soon took to
+digging and making the hole, and its various ramifications, much larger and
+more capacious.
+
+Curiously enough, after the lapse of some years, the foxes returned to
+their old retreat, and for two successive seasons there has been a breed of
+young cubs reared in the same burrow with the badgers. Each species of
+animal has taken up a separate part or side-branch of the hole for its own
+particular use and abode; and, so far as appearance goes, the two families
+have lived together happy and contented for the time being.
+
+A similar illustration of foxes fraternising with badgers is amply borne
+out in a valuable communication to _The Times_, of October 24th, 1877, by
+Mr. Alfred Ellis of Loughborough, who, after some difficulty, introduced a
+breed of badgers, in semi-wild state, to a covert within fifty yards of his
+own residence. Mr. Ellis says, "The fox and the badger are not unfriendly,
+and last spring a litter of cubs was brought forth very near the badgers;
+but their mother removed them after they had grown familiar, as she
+probably thought they were showing themselves more than was prudent."
+
+The neighbouring dogs are not known to have molested the Naworth badgers in
+any way, and it is now supposed the estate can number about a dozen in
+numerical strength. The nocturnal habits, natural to badgers, make it very
+difficult to study their actions and mode of life, with any amount of close
+observancy, as they rarely leave their holes till near nightfall, and are
+back again generally by daybreak.
+
+There is not much which properly comes under the game laws near the
+badgers' place of rendezvous, but Mr. Brown, the head keeper, is under the
+impression that they are destructive to some kinds of game; in fact, he
+says, they take anything they can lay hold of in the shape of eggs or young
+birds. They dig a good deal for fern roots, and feed upon them, turning up
+the ground in the same way that a pig does. It would appear also that they
+are very fond of moles. Any of these animals left dead by the keepers or
+foresters, in the vicinity of their haunts, invariably disappear quickly
+and are no more seen.
+
+Shy, reserved, and alert as the badgers are, they may be come upon
+sometimes, by chance or accident, on the banks of the Irthing; and when
+seen in the dusky twilight of a summer evening, "scufterin'" along through
+the long grass or "bracken" beds, they might be easily mistaken for a
+litter of young pigs.
+
+In addition to the food incidentally mentioned, the badger lives upon
+frogs, insects, wasps' nests, fruit, grass, and a great variety of other
+things. Its habits are perfectly harmless in a wild state; and yet few
+animals have suffered so much cruel torture, in consequence of vulgar
+prejudice. The hams, as food, were esteemed superior in delicacy of flavour
+to the domestic pig or wild hog. In this country, the hind quarters only
+were used for food; while in some parts of Europe and in China, the whole
+carcass was held in high esteem, and considered to be very nutritious.
+
+In hunting and capturing them, the usual plan was to dig a hole in the
+ground, across some path which they were known to frequent, covering the
+pit lightly over with sticks and leaves. Another mode of catching them was
+by means of a sack being carefully fitted to the entrance of their burrows.
+When supposed to be out feeding, two or three dogs were set to hunt the
+adjoining grounds, and the badger was thus driven homewards, and safely
+secured in the sack.
+
+The mode of baiting was generally pursued as follows. Sometimes, according
+to choice, the animal was put into a barrel; while at other times, a trench
+was dug in the ground, fourteen inches deep and of the same width, and
+covered over with a board. But the plan most frequently adopted was to have
+a square drain-like box constructed, in the form of a capital letter L.
+The longer part measured something like six feet in length, and the
+shorter part four feet. The box was throughout thirteen or fourteen inches
+square, with only one entrance way. When a batting display took place, the
+badger was placed inside the box at the far end of the shorter compartment.
+It will be apparent, from being so placed, that it had some advantage over
+any dog attacking in front. The dog had to proceed up the longer leg of the
+box, and then turning sharp round, found the object of its search
+cautiously crouching, and on the watch for any advancing foe.
+
+A strong fresh badger was never unprepared for fight, and, by being thus on
+the alert, had the opportunity of inflicting a fearful bite at the outset;
+so severe, indeed, that any currish inclined dog at once made the best of
+his way out, howling with pain, and thoroughly discomfited. And no coaxing,
+no inducement in the world, could make the craven-hearted brute attempt a
+second attack.
+
+On the contrary, one of the right sort rushed immediately into close
+quarters, seized the badger with as little delay as might be, and
+endeavoured to drag it forth into open daylight. It required a dog of rare
+pluck and courage, however, to accomplish this feat--one, in fact,
+insensible to punishment; and few could be found willing to face and endure
+hard biting, and force the badger from its lair. Pure bred bull dogs will
+naturally go in and face anything, but it is in very few instances that
+they make any attempt to draw. Long experience showed that the best and
+truest that could be produced, were a cross between a well bred bull dog
+and a terrier, commonly known as bull terriers. Sufficiently powerful and
+courageous dogs were, also, to some extent, to be found amongst rough wiry
+haired terriers--the Charlieshope Pepper and Mustard breed of Dandie
+Dinmonts--which "fear naething that ever cam wi' a hairy skin on't;" and
+the handsome, smooth, glossy-coated black and tan dog, "fell chield at the
+varmin," which would buckle either "tods or brocks." Bedlington
+terriers,--a distinct breed of Northumbrian origin, long known and esteemed
+in Cumberland and other northern counties--have frequently proved
+themselves admirable adepts at drawing the badger. These dogs, properly
+speaking, are more "fluffy" coated than wiry--have greater length of leg
+than the Dandie Dinmonts--are full of spirit and stamina--remarkably active
+and alert--and very fierce and resolute when called into action.
+
+The badger is not often much hurt in the drawing, the thickness of their
+skin being sufficient to prevent them from taking any great harm. The
+looseness of the skin is such that they can turn easily, and, moreover,
+they are so quick in moving about, that the dogs are often desperately
+wounded in the first assault, and compelled to give up the contest.
+
+To give an idea of the extreme sensitiveness for cleanliness which
+characterize the habits of the badger, let the following example be taken.
+On being drawn from its barrel by the dog, it not unfrequently happens in
+the scuffle which ensues, that the animal is rolled over and over, among
+the mire of the road, or the dirt of some neighbouring dunghill. Should the
+badger, however, be able to escape to its place of refuge in the barrel,
+even for a minute or two, the onlooker is surprised to find it turn out
+again as "snod" and clean, as if the dragging process through the dirt had
+never been undergone.
+
+Several proverbial sayings are current, which have been drawn from the
+nature and habits of this animal. For instance, a man of much and long
+continued endurance, is said to be "as hard as a brock;" and any one, upon
+whom age is creeping, and whose hair has lost a good deal of its original
+brightness, is said to be "as grey as a badger." Relph of Sebergham, in
+detailing in his native patois, the woes of a young and lusty love-sick
+swain, gives an illustration of one of the modes of hunting the animal:--
+
+    Nae mair i' th' neets thro' woods he leads,
+      To treace the wand'rin' _brock_;
+    But sits i' th' nuik, an' nowt else heeds,
+      But Jenny an' her rock.
+
+In addition to the haunts of the badger incidentally mentioned,
+Brock-stones, in Kentmere; Brock-holes, at the foot of Tebay Fells;
+Graythwaite woods, in Furness Fells; Greystoke forest, near Penrith;
+Brockley-moor, in Inglewood forest; Brock-hills, near Hesket Newmarket; and
+Brocklebank, on the east side of Derwentwater;--these and many other like
+coverts in the Lake Country, (as their names indicate,) were all
+strongholds and places of much resort for these animals, in the olden time.
+
+Within the memory of living man, badgers have burrowed in the sand hills on
+Brocklebank, where it was not uncustomary for the tag-rag and bob-tail
+fraternity of Keswick, to hunt and capture them for the purpose of baiting.
+
+About the year 1823, Tom Wilson, a shoemaker--reared at The Woodman inn,
+Keswick--remembers one being caught in a sack at the foot of Brockle-beck,
+when a novel but extremely foolish experiment was tried in the way of
+hunting it. It was let off in the midst of a gang of rough men, half-grown
+lads, and dogs, in deep water, near Lord's Island on Derwent Lake, and the
+chances are that the poor animal perished by drowning. At all events, it
+soon disappeared under the surface, and was never seen again by man or dog.
+
+A husbandman, named Jonathan Gill, captured another on Great How, a steep
+wooded mountain which rises on the east side of Thirlmere lake. These are
+the two last badgers in the Keswick locality, of which we have any tidings.
+It is more than probable that the Brocklebank herd became dispersed or
+extinct about this period.
+
+
+
+
+ADDENDA
+
+MIDNIGHT CHASE OF A BULL BY PROFESSOR WILSON.
+
+THOMAS DE QUINCEY.
+
+
+Represent to yourself the earliest dawn of a fine summer's morning, time
+about half-past two o'clock. A young man, anxious for an introduction to
+Mr. Wilson, and as yet pretty nearly a stranger to the country, has taken
+up his abode in Grasmere, and has strolled out at this early hour to that
+rocky and moorish common (called the White Moss) which overhangs the Vale
+of Rydal, dividing it from Grasmere. Looking southwards in the direction of
+Rydal, suddenly he becomes aware of a huge beast advancing at a long trot,
+with the heavy and thundering tread of a hippopotamus, along the public
+road. The creature is soon arrived within half a mile of his station; and
+by the grey light of morning is at length made out to be a bull, apparently
+flying from some unseen enemy in his rear. As yet, however, all is mystery;
+but suddenly three horsemen double a turn in the road, and come flying into
+sight with the speed of a hurricane, manifestly in pursuit of the fugitive
+bull. The bull labours to navigate his huge bulk to the moor, which he
+reaches, and then pauses panting and blowing out clouds of smoke from his
+nostrils, to look back from his station amongst rocks and slippery crags
+upon his hunters. If he had conceited that the rockiness of the ground had
+secured his repose, the foolish bull is soon undeceived; the horsemen,
+scarcely relaxing their speed, charge up the hill, and speedily gaining the
+rear of the bull, drive him at a gallop over the worst part of that
+impracticable ground down to the level ground below. At this point of time
+the stranger perceives by the increasing light of the morning that the
+hunters are armed with immense spears fourteen feet long. With these the
+bull is soon dislodged, and scouring down to the plain below, he and the
+hunters at his tail take to the common at the head of the lake, and all, in
+the madness of the chase, are soon half engulphed in the swamp of the
+morass. After plunging together for about ten or fifteen minutes all
+suddenly regain the _terra firma_, and the bull again makes for the rocks.
+Up to this moment, there had been the silence of ghosts; and the stranger
+had doubted whether the spectacle were not a pageant of a�rial
+spectres--ghostly huntsmen, ghostly lances, and a ghostly bull. But just at
+this crisis, a voice (it was the voice of Mr. Wilson) shouted aloud, "Turn
+the villain! turn that villain! or he will take to Cumberland." The young
+stranger did the service required; the villain was turned, and fled
+southwards; the hunters, lance in rest, rushed after him; all bowed their
+thanks as they fled past; the fleet cavalcade again took the high road;
+they doubled the cape which shut them out of sight; and in a moment all had
+disappeared, and left the quiet valley to its original silence, whilst the
+young stranger, and two grave Westmorland "statesmen," (who by this time
+had come into sight upon some accident or other) stood wondering in
+silence, and saying to themselves, perhaps,
+
+    "The earth hath bubbles as the water hath;
+      And these are of them."
+
+But they were no bubbles; the bull was a substantial bull, and took no harm
+at all from being turned out occasionally at midnight for a chase of
+fifteen or eighteen miles. The bull, no doubt, used to wonder at this
+nightly visitation; and the owner of the bull must sometimes have pondered
+a little on the draggled state in which the swamps would now and then leave
+his beast; but no other harm came of it.
+
+
+
+
+INDEX.
+
+
+Abbot, Joseph, Bampton, and Tom "Dyer," 165,
+  and Weightman, 190, 198
+
+"A bit iv a lad stept oot of a corner o' the ring," 202
+
+Alston town, description of, 135
+
+" wrestlers, 135
+
+Arlecdon moor wrestling meetings, 68
+
+Armstrong, "Solid Yak," 131, 143, 151
+
+Armstrong, Jacob, thrown by Weightman, 199
+
+Ashburner, Tom, Grasmere, and Roan Long, 92
+
+Atkinson, Robert, Sleagill giant, 8
+
+
+BADGERS AND BADGER BAITING, 235
+
+" at Naworth, 236
+
+Balmer, John, nearly drowned in Windermere, 78
+
+Bateman, William, Yottenfews, 176
+
+Barrow, John, Windermere, 77
+
+Bedlington terriers, 241
+
+Best, George, Yarrow, xliv
+
+Bewick, Thomas, and his Ainstable cousin, 14,
+  bull baiting, 222
+
+Bigg, John Stanyan, quotation from, 134
+
+Bird, George, Langwathby, 33
+
+" Joseph, Holme Wrangle, 66, 71, 72
+
+Border wrestling at Miles end, xlv
+
+Bowstead, John, brother to Bishop of Lichfield, 32
+
+Bridewain or Bidden Weddings, 15
+
+Brown, Rev. Abraham, wrestler, 63
+
+Brunskill, George, and William Wilson, 185
+
+BULL BAITING, 219
+
+Bull-dogs and Bull-terriers, 240
+
+Burns, Arthur, Ullater, and Roan Long, 92, 175
+
+
+Caldbeck, familiar name at, 157
+
+Carlisle wrestling, list of men who contended at first annual meeting, 107
+
+Cass, William, and Tom Todd, 171,
+  and Weightman, 184, 203, 204
+
+Casson, Robert, Oxenpark, 177
+
+Chapman, Richard, 33, 146, 167
+
+Christopherson, Brian, Oxenpark, 176
+
+Clark, William, Hesket-new-market, 153, 160
+
+"Clattan," (_see_ Mc.Laughlan)
+
+Cock-fighting prohibited by the Puritans, xxvii
+
+Cock-fighting at Elleray and Alston, 142
+
+"Cork lad of Kentmere," 3
+
+Cornish wrestling, xxv, xxviii
+
+Cromwell, Oliver, at a wrestling meeting, xxvii
+
+Crow park, Keswick, 179
+
+CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORLAND WRESTLING, ANCIENT, 1
+
+
+Dandie Dinmont terriers, 241
+
+DENNISON, GEORGE, 141
+
+" thrown by William Dickinson, 140,
+  sets a dislocated shoulder in the Carlisle ring, 144
+
+Devonshire wrestling, xxv, xxviii
+
+DICKINSON, WILLIAM, 135
+
+DIXON, MILES, 74
+
+" JAMES, 84-103
+
+" George, "aw t' Dixons errant doon yet," 85
+
+"Dixon's three jumps," 13
+
+Dobson, John, Cliburn, 24, 163
+
+Dodd, Adam, Langwathby, 24, 28, 32, 64
+
+Dodd, Robert, Brough, 7
+
+"Doon on ye'r knees, fadder, an' boo like a bull," 222
+
+
+Eals, Sarah, Alston, a shrew, 140
+
+Earl, John, Cumwhitton, 120, 160
+
+Earl, William, and "Clattan," 212, 214
+
+ENGLISH WRESTLING, OLD, xxiv
+
+
+Faulds Brow sports, 56
+
+FAWCETT, JAMES, 36-24
+
+Fearon, John, Gilcrux, 171, 172
+
+Fidler, John, Wythop hall, 67
+
+Ford, T., Ravenglass, 56, and Weightman, 189, 190
+
+Forster Brothers, the, of Penton, 168, 193
+
+Foxes and Badgers fraternising, 237
+
+"Fwok sud aye be menseful, an' menseful amang fwok," 206
+
+
+"Gwordie Maut" and Weightman, 192
+
+Gibson, Alexander Craig, "Folk Speech of Cumberland," 97
+
+Golightly, Thomas, Alston, 24, 129
+
+Graham, Sir James--black mare, 187
+
+Graham, James, and Weightman, 193, 199,
+  throws "Clattan," 210
+
+GRAHAM, HARRY, 116-66
+
+Grecian wrestling, ancient, ix
+
+Gretna fight, the--Carter and Oliver, 173
+
+
+Harrison, Thomas, Blencow, 10
+
+" John, New Church, 54, 143
+
+" John, Lowick, "Checky," 175
+
+Herdwick sheep, 58
+
+High street mountain, sports on, 11
+
+Hodgson, Tom,--quarrel with Weightman, 197,
+  throws "Clattan," 210
+
+Hogg, James, Ettrick Shepherd, xxxviii
+
+Holmes, John, King of Mardale, 32
+
+Holmes, John, tailor, 93
+
+"Hoo 'at thoo let him hipe the' i' that stupid fashion?" 183
+
+Howard, Mr. Philip, Corby Castle, and Weightman, 197
+
+Howell, Edward, Greystoke, 184
+
+Huddleston, Mr. Andrew, 10
+
+
+"If thoo says Clattan isn't a gud russler," 182
+
+Indian wrestling, xviii
+
+Irish wrestling, xlvi
+
+Irishmen, two, and Tom Nicholson, 111
+
+Irving, George, 204, 210, 212
+
+"I's nobbut shy--I's nobbut varra shy," 206
+
+
+Jackson, Joseph, sickle maker, 176
+
+Jameson, Samuel, Penrith, 54, 145, 159
+
+" William, 34
+
+Japanese wrestling, xii,
+  contrasted with Northern English, xvii
+
+Jordan, John, Great Salkeld, 117
+
+"Jwohn Barleycworn's ruin't mony a gud heart," 206
+
+
+"Keg," the Keswick bully, 111
+
+
+LANGWATHBY ROUNDS, 27
+
+Liddle, John, Bothel, 171, 209
+
+LITT, WILLIAM, 61;
+  and William Richardson, 50,
+  and Miles Dixon, 83,
+  describes Weightman, 195
+
+_Little_, John, facetious letter on Carlisle ring, 196
+
+LONG, ROWLAND, 90-51, 179
+
+LONG JOHN, 96
+  --throws Tom Nicholson, 104
+
+Longmire, Thomas, 93
+
+Lonsdale, Earl of, patronizes the wrestling ring, 149
+
+Lowthian, Isaac, Plumpton, 34
+
+Lowden, Charles, challenged, 58
+
+" John, Keswick, 67, 96, 104, 138, 145
+
+
+MACKERETH, WILLIAM, 115-96,
+  and "Clattan," 215
+
+"Marcy, Jwohn! is that thee?" 173
+
+Marshall, the forgeman, at Sparkbridge, 176, 177
+
+Mason, Isaac, Croglin, 29, 32, 182
+
+Maughan, Isaac, Alston, 25
+
+Mc.Donald, Anthony, Appleby, 33, 34
+
+MC.LAUGHLAN, JOHN, 208-110, 153,
+  and William Wilson, 181,
+  and Weightman, 203
+
+MELMERBY ROUNDS, 20
+
+Michie, Robert, Hawick, xliii
+
+Miles End athletic Border games, xlv
+
+Morton, Thomas, Gale, 25, 33
+
+" Joseph, Gale, 26
+
+Mulcaster, Richard, on the art of "wrastling," 5
+
+Muncaster bridge, "built by men from Grasmere," 86
+
+
+Nanny, Louis, Haltwhistle, 171
+
+Nicholson, Matthias, Penruddock, 11
+
+NICHOLSON, THOMAS, 99
+  --thrown by Miles Dixon, 83,
+  match with Harry Graham, 117
+
+Nicholson, John, 46, 100, 109
+
+"Noo, lads, I've clear'd rooad for yee," 92
+
+
+Olympic games, ix
+
+"Owther the coo back, or the brass to pay for't," 205
+
+
+Parker, John, Sparkgate, 54
+
+" Joseph, Crooklands, 75
+
+Parkyns, Sir Thomas, treatise on wrestling, xxviii,
+  rules and conditions, xxxii
+
+Parkyns, Sir Thomas.
+  Some account of his life, xxxiii
+
+" and Professor Wilson, similarity between, xxxvii
+
+Pearson, Henry, great upholder of wrestling, 106, 161, 199
+
+Pearson, Shepherd--a curious bet, 49
+
+Peart, Cuthbert, and Jemmy Fawcett, 40
+
+Peat, Thomas, Blencow, 24, 32, 194
+
+Pocklington, Mr., and Keswick regatta, 179
+
+Pooley, Ralph, Longlands, 35
+
+Powley, Miss, "Echoes of Old Cumberland," 20, 27, 155
+
+Puritan anathema against Cumberland and Westmorland, 2
+
+Pythian games, ix
+
+
+Relph, Rev. Josiah, quotation from, 242
+
+Reminiscences of West Cumberland, by William Dickinson, 236
+
+Richardson, John, Staffield hall, 130
+
+Richardson, John, Caldbeck, and Scotch rebels, 158
+
+Richardson, Lady, Lancrigg, 87
+
+RICHARDSON, THOMAS, "THE DYER," 156
+  " and Tom Todd, 168, 169,
+  and William Wilson, 180
+
+RICHARDSON, WILLIAM, Caldbeck, 43
+
+" 118, and Dennison, 147,
+  and William Wilson, 183
+
+Ridley, Tom, "the glutton," and Tom Nicholson, 112, 138,
+  and Weightman, 191
+
+Robinsons of Cunsey, and Roan Long, 94
+
+ROBINSON, JAMES, 149-195, 209
+
+Robinson of Renwick, 212
+
+" Jonathan, Allerby, 214
+
+Robley, John, Scarrowmannock, 24
+
+" Joseph, Scarrowmannock, 56
+
+Rodgers, Jonathan, Brotherelkeld, 75
+
+Routledge of "Clockymill," 189
+
+ROWANTREE, ROBERT, 126-54
+
+
+Salmon poaching in the Derwent, 113
+
+Savage of Bolton, 143
+
+Scotland, wrestling in, xxxviii
+
+Scott, Sir Walter, at St. Ronans games, xxxviii
+
+SCOTT, JAMES, Canonbie, 119
+
+Scougal, George, Innerleithen, xl
+
+Selkirk, John, Beckermet, throws "Clattan," 215
+
+Skulls of Calgarth, 97
+
+Slee, William, Dacre, 139, 152, 159
+
+Snow storm of 1807, great, 133
+
+Spedding, John, Egremont, 147
+
+Stagg, John, blind bard, 15
+
+Stamper, George, Underskiddaw, 110
+
+"Standback," assumed name for trail hounds, 172
+
+"Stangings" at Langwathby, 30
+
+Steadman, George, Drybeck, 35
+
+Stephenson, Thomas, and Jemmy Fawcett, 41
+
+Stone Carr, ancient sports at, 8
+
+
+Taylor, Benjamin, bone setter, 141
+
+Thompson, Joseph, Caldbeck, 33
+
+Thompson, Teasdale, High Rotherup, 23
+
+Thwaites, William, and Professor Wilson, 177
+
+Tinling, Dr., Warwick bridge, 189
+
+Tinnian, Job, Holme Cultram, 47
+
+Todd, "Brandy," Wigton, 48
+
+TODD, TOM, Knarsdale, 167-160, 161
+
+Trail Hounds, 172
+
+Turkey, wrestling match in, xxi
+
+
+Ward, William, North Tyne, 128
+
+Watson, Jonathan, 184, 193, 194, 210
+
+Weardale wrestlers, 136
+
+WEIGHTMAN, JOHN, 186-160, 171
+
+" and Tom "Dyer," 165,
+  and William Wilson, 184,
+  and "Clattan," 211
+
+WESTMORLAND AND CUMBERLAND WRESTLING, ANCIENT, 1
+
+"What's t'e gaen to mak' o' yon 'an, Tom?" 166
+
+"When a bit iv a tailyer can thra' me," 93
+
+Whitfield, "Pakin," 38
+
+WILSON, WILLIAM, 175-55, 88, 163
+
+Wilson, William, "Wicked Will" of Grasmere, 177
+
+Wilson, Professor, and Sir Thos. Parkyns, similarity between, xxxvii
+
+" on the wrestling at Carlisle, 18,
+  fracas with Tom Nicholson, 104
+
+" Midnight chase of a bull, 244
+
+" 78, 81, 83
+
+Windermere lake, wrestling on frozen surface of, 14
+
+Woodall, John, Gosforth, 8
+
+Wrestling on St. Bartholomew's day, xxv
+
+" and riots near the Hospitall of Matilde, xxvi
+
+Wrestling match for �1000, xxviii
+
+" not a Scotch game, xliv
+
+Wright, Wilfrid, and Tom "Dyer," 166
+
+"Wully! we sud be�th been weel bray't," 148
+
+
+G. AND T. COWARD, PRINTERS, CARLISLE.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Wrestling and Wrestlers:, by 
+Jacob Robinson and Sidney Gilpin
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WRESTLING AND WRESTLERS: ***
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Wrestling and Wrestlers:, by 
+Jacob Robinson and Sidney Gilpin
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Wrestling and Wrestlers:
+       Biographical Sketches of Celebrated Athletes of the Northern
+              Ring; to Which is Added Notes on Bull and Badger Baiting
+
+Author: Jacob Robinson
+        Sidney Gilpin
+
+Release Date: September 29, 2011 [EBook #37562]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WRESTLING AND WRESTLERS: ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Roberta Staehlin, David Garcia, Josephine
+Paolucci and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+https://www.pgdp.net. (This file was produced from images
+generously made available by The Internet Archive/American
+Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+<h1><i>NORTH COUNTRY SPORTS AND PASTIMES.</i></h1>
+
+<h2>Wrestling and Wrestlers:</h2>
+
+<h2><span class="smcap">Biographical Sketches of Celebrated Athletes of the Northern Ring</span>;</h2>
+
+<h3>TO WHICH IS ADDED</h3>
+
+<h2><i>Notes on Bull and Badger Baiting</i>.</h2>
+
+<h3>BY</h3>
+
+<h2>JACOB ROBINSON</h2>
+
+<h4>AND</h4>
+
+<h2>SIDNEY GILPIN.</h2>
+
+<p class="center">Of all the athletic amusements of the people, Wrestling is beyond doubt the
+best.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Christopher North.</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+LONDON: BEMROSE &amp; SONS.<br />
+CARLISLE: THE WORDSWORTH PRESS,<br />
+75 <span class="smcap">Scotch Street</span>.<br />
+<br />
+MDCCCXCIII.<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+TO THE MEMORY<br />
+OF<br />
+JACOB ROBINSON,<br />
+<br />
+THESE PAGES ARE<br />
+<i>GRATEFULLY DEDICATED</i>,<br />
+BY<br />
+HIS FELLOW-WORKER,<br />
+<br />
+SIDNEY GILPIN.<br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span></p>
+<h2>PREFACE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Every dale and valley, every nook and corner, throughout Cumberland,
+Westmorland, and North Lancashire, at all likely to yield materials, has
+been ransacked and laid under subservience in the compilation of this
+volume; and it now becomes the pleasant duty to record the fact, that not a
+single instance of unwillingness was met with, on the part of the multitude
+of narrators, who supplied the items of the various events chronicled.</p>
+
+<p>The local newspaper files have materially aided our labours, in a variety
+of ways. Besides supplying many passing incidents, we have found them, in
+some instances, exceedingly useful in the way of verifying and correcting
+dates.</p>
+
+<p>A brief description of Swiss Wrestling was promised, for the introductory
+chapter, by a native of that country resident in London. This promise
+yielded no fruit at the time, and it is a matter of regret that it still
+remains unfulfilled.</p>
+
+<p>Of Wrestling in France, we have not been able to glean much information,
+although enquiries were set on foot through the columns of <i>Notes and
+Queries</i> and <i>Bell's Life in London</i>.</p>
+
+<p>For much information contained in the article<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span> on Wrestling in Scotland, we
+are indebted to Mr. Walter Scott of Innerleithen; and for a few other items
+we have to thank Mr. Robert Murray of Hawick.</p>
+
+<p>While the feats of many well known wrestlers are to be found in these
+pages, the names of others equally well known are necessarily omitted; but
+we may be able to publish a record of their achievements at some future
+time.</p>
+
+<p>With a full consciousness of many imperfections, we now leave our work to
+the judgment of those impartial readers, who may honour it with a perusal.</p>
+
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Local Works on the Subject.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Wrestliana: an Historical Account of Ancient and
+Modern Wrestling.</i> By William Litt. Whitehaven: R.
+Gibson, 1823.</p>
+
+<p>Second Edition of the above, (reprinted from the
+"Whitehaven News,") by Michael and William Alsop, 1860.</p>
+
+<p><i>Wrestliana: a Chronicle of the Cumberland and
+Westmorland Wrestlings in London, since the year 1824.</i>
+By Walter Armstrong. London: Simpkin, Marshall &amp; Co.,
+1870.</p>
+
+<p><i>Famous Athletic Contests, Ancient and Modern</i>,
+compiled by Members of the Cumberland and Westmorland
+Wrestling Society. (Reprinted from the Best
+Authorities.) London: F. A. Hancock, 1871.</p>
+
+<p><i>Great Book of Wrestling References, giving about 2000
+different Prizes, from 1838 to the present day.</i> By
+Isaac Gate, Twenty-five Years Public Wrestling Judge.
+Carlisle: Steel Brothers, 1874.</p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>
+<span class="smcap">Introduction</span>:                        <span class="tocnum">Page</span><br />
+<br />
+Ancient Grecian Wrestling                       <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_ix">ix</a>.</span><br />
+<br />
+Wrestling in Japan                             <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_xii">xii</a>.</span><br />
+<br />
+Indian Wrestling                              <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_xviii">xviii</a>.</span><br />
+<br />
+Wrestling Match in Turkey                       <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_xxi">xxi</a>.</span><br />
+<br />
+Old English Wrestling                          <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_xxiv">xxiv</a>.</span><br />
+<br />
+Wrestling in Scotland                       <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_xxxviii">xxxviii</a>.</span><br />
+<br />
+Irish Wrestling                                <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_xlvi">xlvi</a>.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling</span>     <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_1'>1</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Melmerby Rounds</span>                         <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_20'>20</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Langwathby Rounds</span>                       <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_27'>27</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">James Fawcett</span>, Nenthead                 <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_36'>36</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">William Richardson</span>, Caldbeck            <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_43'>43</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">William Litt</span>, Bowthorn                  <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_61'>61</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Miles and James Dixon</span>, Grasmere         <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_74'>74</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[Pg viii]</a></span><span class="smcap">Rowland and John Long</span>, Ambleside        <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_90'>90</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Tom Nicholson</span>, Threlkeld                <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_99'>99</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">William Mackereth</span>, Cockermouth         <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_115'>115</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Harry Graham</span>, Brigham                  <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_116'>116</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">James Scott</span>, Canonbie                  <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_119'>119</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Robert Rowantree</span>, Kingwater            <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_126'>126</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">William Dickinson</span>, Alston              <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_135'>135</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">George Dennison</span>, Penrith               <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_141'>141</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">James Robinson</span>, Hackthorpe             <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_149'>149</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Thomas Richardson</span>, Hesket-New-Market   <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_156'>156</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Tom Todd</span>, Knarsdale                    <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_167'>167</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">William Wilson</span>, Ambleside              <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_175'>175</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">John Weightman</span>, Hayton                 <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_186'>186</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">John Mc.Laughlan</span>, Dovenby              <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_208'>208</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Bull Baiting</span>                           <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_219'>219</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Badgers and Badger Baiting</span>             <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_235'>235</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Addenda</span>                                <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_244'>244</a></span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[Pg ix]</a></span></p>
+<h2>INTRODUCTION.</h2>
+
+
+<h3>ANCIENT GRECIAN WRESTLING.</h3>
+
+<p>The ancient Grecians were passionately fond of festivals and games. In
+every particular State such institutions were occasionally celebrated for
+the amusement of the people; but these were far less interesting than the
+four public games frequented by multitudes from all the districts of
+Greece. The Pythian Games were celebrated at Delphi; the Isthmian at
+Corinth; the Nem&aelig;an at Nem&aelig;a in Argolis; and the Olympic at Olympia, near
+Elis. We propose to give a brief account of the Olympic games only, as
+being by far the most splendid, and in which victory was reputed to be the
+most honourable. The celebrity of these games was extended for many
+centuries after the extinction of Greek freedom, and their final abolition
+did not occur until after they had flourished for more than eleven hundred
+years.</p>
+
+<p>The games were held in summer when the heat was excessive; and to add to
+the difficulty and fatigue experienced, the more violent exercises were
+performed in the afternoon, when even the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">[Pg x]</a></span> spectators were scarcely able to
+remain exposed to the sun. To prevent the competition of such as were
+unskilful, the candidates were required to swear that for ten months before
+the commencement of the games they had made it their constant study to
+prepare for the contest; and during the last thirty days they were obliged
+to reside at Elis, and had to practise daily under the inspection of the
+judges. Hence, the permission to contend at Olympia was regarded as no
+inconsiderable honour, and served in some degree as a consolation to the
+vanquished.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately before the commencement of the different exercises, a herald
+led every candidate separately through the assembly, and demanded if any
+one knew him to be a man of profligate character, or to have been guilty of
+any notorious crime. As numbers were present from every state in Greece&mdash;to
+some of whom each of the combatants was known&mdash;it rarely happened that any
+suspicious character chose to expose himself to such a scrutiny. The
+candidates were required to make a solemn declaration that they would not
+endeavour to gain the victory by bribing their adversaries, or by a
+violation of the laws regulating the different contests; and any person
+guilty of a breach of this promise was not merely deprived of the olive
+crown,<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">[Pg xi]</a></span> was fined by the judges, and could never after contend at
+the games. These regulations seem to have accomplished the purpose for
+which they were intended, since, during several hundred years, only five
+instances occurred in which any improper artifice was known to be employed
+by the competitors in the games.</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Daikl&egrave;s, the Messenian, was the first who had the honour of
+being crowned with the simple wreath woven from the sacred olive-tree near
+Olympia, for his victory in the Stadium.</p></div>
+
+<p>The Greeks held the exercise of <span class="smcap">Wrestling</span> in high estimation, which, in
+point of antiquity, stood next to the foot race. The object of the wrestler
+was to throw his adversary to the ground: but it was not till this had been
+thrice repeated, that he obtained the victory. Like all who contended in
+the games, the Wrestlers were accustomed to rub their bodies with oil,
+partly to check the excessive perspiration occasioned by the heat and the
+violence of the exercises, and partly from an opinion that the oil gave the
+limbs a greater degree of pliancy and agility. As the smoothness occasioned
+by the oil would have prevented the combatants from grasping each other
+with firmness, it was customary for them, after being anointed, to roll
+themselves in the dust of the Stadium, or to be sprinkled with a fine sand
+kept for that purpose at Olympia. If in falling, one of the Wrestlers
+dragged his adversary along with him, the combat was continued on the
+ground, till one of the parties had forced the other to yield the victory.</p>
+
+<p>The inhabitants of Hindostan, and of the countries constituting the ancient
+kingdom of Assyria,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii">[Pg xii]</a></span> have undergone a variety of revolutions; but
+inactivity has always formed the leading feature in their character. In
+every age they have fallen an easy prey to invaders; nor have the repeated
+instances of oppression to which they have been exposed, ever roused them
+to limit the exorbitant power of their sovereigns. The Greeks, living in a
+climate nearly as sultry as that of Asia, would probably have fallen
+victims to the same indolence, had not their early legislators perceived
+this danger, and employed the most judicious efforts to avert it. Among the
+means devised to accomplish this end, none seem to have been so effectual
+as the public games. It was not by any occasional effort that a victory
+could be gained at Olympia. Success could be obtained only by those who
+were inured to hardship; who had been accustomed to practise the athletic
+exercises while exposed to the scorching heat of the sun, and who had
+abstained from every pleasure which had a tendency to debilitate the
+constitution and lessen the power of exertion.<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Hill's Essays.</p></div>
+
+
+<h3>WRESTLING IN JAPAN.</h3>
+
+<p>In Japan wrestling appears to be an institution of greater importance than
+even in our own country. The meetings for its exhibition before the public
+are made quite important affairs. They are mapped out and arranged annually
+by the ruling authorities.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xiii" id="Page_xiii">[Pg xiii]</a></span> A distinct race selected from the native
+population are brought up and trained in the practice from their youth.
+This tribe profess to trace back their wrestlings long before the Greeks
+held their Olympic games on the banks of the Alpheus. At the present day it
+is asserted that their Mikado or Emperor, near seven hundred years before
+Christ, encouraged wrestling; and during this long period&mdash;century after
+century&mdash;it has been one of the most popular amusements of this strange
+people. It might not have continued to flourish so long had not the
+government assisted in keeping the game alive by introducing it into and
+regulating the proceedings in all towns of any size. A large staff of
+professionals is kept solely for this purpose, and outsiders cannot enter
+and compete as is done in this country.</p>
+
+<p>The Japanese, from all we can glean, do not appear a race likely to be
+devoted to athletics. Lighter amusements&mdash;more suitable to their climate,
+requiring less violent bodily exertion&mdash;it may be inferred, would be more
+to their taste or inclination. Their mode of wrestling, however, has this
+advantage, that it does not necessitate active preparation. Weight and bulk
+appear great, if not absolute, requisites in the wrestling ring. To
+accomplish these requirements, a fattening process is resorted to in lieu
+of hard work training. Ordinarily the male Japanese are not more than five
+feet five or six inches in height. It is a remarkable fact, however, that
+in the wrestling class there are many six<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xiv" id="Page_xiv">[Pg xiv]</a></span> feet men weighing fourteen
+stones and upwards, some few eighteen or twenty stones. "I have never
+anywhere," says Lindau, "seen men so large and stout as these Japanese
+wrestlers. They are veritable giants."</p>
+
+<p>A concise description of one of their wrestling meetings may not be
+altogether without interest. A special department of the government is
+entrusted with the duty of carrying out arrangements for holding a series
+of meetings in all the principal towns. A programme is annually issued, so
+that any town set down for visitation has sufficient time to make all
+needful preparations. A large plot of ground for forming the ring is
+selected, and enclosed with bamboos. Stages with seats are fitted up for
+the aristocracy and richer classes, and a small charge is made for
+admission. The ring is sure to be well filled, one half frequently being
+females gaily dressed for the occasion. The loud beating of a drum gives
+notice that proceedings are about to commence, and a dead silence reigns
+throughout the great crowd. An official comes forward and gives out, with a
+loud voice, the names of those about to contend; and announces, too, a list
+of places at which the fortunate ones have been successful. The drum again
+sounds, and all those appointed to wrestle enter and march round the ring,
+appearing as if duly impressed with the importance of the pending struggle.
+All are naked, with the exception of a gaudy silk girdle round the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xv" id="Page_xv">[Pg xv]</a></span> loins.
+After parading round the enclosure, the combatants divide themselves into
+two equal sides, and squat down upon their heels. A stage is erected on
+four pillars in the middle of the ring, and raised about half a yard. The
+manager calls out the names of the first pair to contend, one from each
+side, and at the same time announces his opinion how the betting should
+run. These preliminary proceedings concluded, the two called on step out
+and are greeted with cheers from all sides. They sprinkle the ring with
+rice and water before the more serious work begins; rub rice between their
+hands, and drink salt and water. These curious proceedings take place in
+order, according to a prevalent superstitious notion, to bespeak the favour
+of the god who rules gladiatorial contests.</p>
+
+<p>Four umpires, grave looking personages, are appointed, and stationed, pipe
+in mouth, at each pillar of the raised stage. A signal is given, and the
+two wrestlers uttering loud defiant shouts, and crowing like cocks, make a
+rush at each other, with all the fury and violence of two rival tups in the
+breeding season. The shock and noise of two such weighty bodies meeting
+resound all over the ring, and the spectators after a momentary holding of
+their breath, give expression to their pent-up feelings by ringing shouts
+of admiration. Blood, in almost all cases, is seen to flow from both
+competitors as they separate with the rebound, and slowly fall back. Again
+and again they meet, each endeavouring with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xvi" id="Page_xvi">[Pg xvi]</a></span> his utmost power, to drive his
+antagonist off the stage. After several rounds contested with the like
+violence and determination, they for a moment pause, and resort to a trial
+of a different sort.</p>
+
+<p>They rush together and seize each other anywhere about the body or arms,
+incited and cheered on by the vociferous applause of the spectators. The
+fiercely contested struggle becomes intensely exciting, as the athletes
+close, and, locked together breast to breast and shoulder to shoulder,
+continue the conflict, each endeavouring to grasp the other round the
+waist. This is effected, after pushing and wriggling about for some time,
+by one or other of the wrestlers. After securing a firm grip, shaking his
+opponent, fixing his legs in position, and gathering himself up for a final
+superhuman effort, he lifts his now doomed foe high up in the air, and with
+what Cornishmen would call a "forward heave," hurls him clean off the
+stage, where he lies for some time enduring a fire of bantering, and then
+walks quietly off. Breathless, blood-stained, and perspiring from every
+pore, the victor looks proudly about and is greeted with cheers renewed
+over and over again. After parading round the ring, with uplifted
+outstretched arms, he makes a respectful acknowledgment, and walks off to
+his comrades.</p>
+
+<p>The manager again comes pompously forward and summons another pair. Fresh
+animated betting goes on while they prepare for the onset; and it may be
+this fondness for gambling&mdash;common to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xvii" id="Page_xvii">[Pg xvii]</a></span> most eastern countries&mdash;which helps
+to keep up the popularity of wrestling. The second couple go to work
+precisely as the first; then another and another, till finally the champion
+of the day is proclaimed, and greeted with cheers that continue for some
+time. Generally he is presented with a decorated belt, and, with it
+fastened round the waist, goes about the observed of all observers.</p>
+
+<p>And this, as detailed, is Japanese wrestling. We can hardly accord it the
+term as understood amongst us, and cannot deem it entitled to be classed
+with the honoured back-hold pastime of northern England, worthy of eulogy
+from the most fastidious-minded. Christopher North would not applaud a Yedo
+meeting with the hearty praise he gives to Cumberland and Westmorland
+wrestling on the banks of Windermere; neither would Charles Dickens have
+gone away from the Ferry so delighted, if the contests he witnessed had
+been such as the Japanese delight in. Indeed, our readers generally will,
+we imagine, be apt to consider the Eastern wrestling amusement no better
+than something akin to our medi&aelig;val barbarism. Certainly, nothing in
+athletics can be considered more strikingly different, than one of our
+quick scientific harmless bouts, as distinguished from the butting or
+tupping, the pushing and hauling, the rough tumbling about, and clumsy
+finale, in which victory is mainly due to overpowering strength and
+weight.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xviii" id="Page_xviii">[Pg xviii]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>INDIAN WRESTLING.</h3>
+
+<p>There is a great similarity in the wrestling in India, and the same pastime
+in Japan. This similitude is so close, that after a description of the
+latter, there need not be much space devoted to a narrative of the sport in
+our great Eastern Empire. The public exhibition of the sport is, in a great
+measure, confined to the soldiers of the native regiments of infantry.
+Sometimes matches are made and come off which create wide-spread interest,
+by men who do not belong the service. So great is the interest taken in the
+contests, that they often continue for the best part of a day; and during
+the whole time couple after couple enter the ring, and continue to exhibit
+their skill. There can be no doubt, the encouragement of such pastimes will
+exercise a powerful influence in making them better soldiers, and more
+attached to the service.</p>
+
+<p>The wrestlers are lithe active young fellows, and enter the ring in
+exuberant spirits. Before the actual commencement of the struggle at close
+quarters, each resorts to a ridiculous ceremony, in order to propitiate
+some powerful deity to whom they look for assistance to achieve success.
+The act consists in simply touching the forehead with a small portion of
+earth picked from the ground. On the conclusion of this preparatory
+proceeding, they return to the edge of the ring, and go through a series of
+man&oelig;uvres, which a stranger would look<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xix" id="Page_xix">[Pg xix]</a></span> at with astonishment, and which
+in reality can exercise no influence on the struggle. They jump about,
+first on one leg, then the other, bounding backwards and forwards
+repeatedly, with great agility. Loud bangs on the body follow, inflicted by
+the hands with such violence as to make a noise that resounds all over the
+ring. This is the opening play, followed by sham attacks, till an
+opportunity presents for close work. With surprising quickness, the arms
+are grasped high up towards the shoulders, and followed by violent butting
+of head against head, accompanied by twisting and wrenching. Meanwhile one
+of the two is thrown to the ground, where the struggle is continued amid
+excited cheering, till one of the tawny coloured competitors is forced on
+his back and securely held. This is seldom successful, until three or four
+bouts have been fought out, and a clear back fall gained.</p>
+
+<p>The following account of a great wrestling match between the Mysore hero
+and the Punjaubee champion, was written by an Englishman in Madras:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The Punjaubee champion is from North India. The Mysore
+man has lately won a great match, and was highly elated
+in consequence; while the Punjaubee had such confidence
+in his powers, that he pledged himself to give up the
+Sikh religion and turn Mahomedan if he lost the
+match.... After waiting a few minutes the Punjaubee was
+the first to put in an appearance; he walked up amidst
+scrutinising glances and stood "within the ring." He
+was a great big fellow, beautifully built, and
+splendidly developed, with muscles standing out in
+knots on the arms and legs.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xx" id="Page_xx">[Pg xx]</a></span> He was the same colour as
+most Punjaubees&mdash;light brown; taken on the whole, he
+was rather a handsome man.... His opponent was not long
+in following him; he stood up, stripped, and stepped
+into the sand. He, too, was remarkably well built, but
+nearly black, and villainously ugly. He was not quite
+up to the Punjaubee. His muscles were large, and he
+looked the more wiry and active of the two; but the
+Punjaubee was the bigger and looked the stronger.</p>
+
+<p>They began by standing two or three yards apart, in an
+inclined position, stooping towards each other, and
+advancing as stealthily as cats, suddenly making a
+snatch at each other's wrists and hands, and then
+drawing back with inconceivable rapidity.</p>
+
+<p>The neck was the great object of attack, and many
+attempts were made by the native of Mysore to get hold
+of his antagonist's neck, while the Punjaubee made
+desperate efforts to clutch his adversary by the neck,
+and force his head down into chancery. After a good
+deal of dodging, and advances and retreats, clutches at
+neck, head, and wrists, the Punjaubee, who seemed the
+most eager of the two to finish the job at once, and
+had been acting more on the offensive than the
+defensive, suddenly made a rush in, tried to close and
+trip. Quick as he was, his antagonist was quicker, and
+the Punjaubee hero was foiled. Then time was called,
+and a short interval allowed for breathing.</p>
+
+<p>Round, number two, began in right good earnest; each
+man seemed thoroughly buckled to his work, and in a few
+seconds the Punjaubee, who was in rare fettle, threw
+the Mysore man on to his knees; but the latter giving
+him a sudden and well directed push, nearly caused him
+to change his religion. Both men recovered themselves
+with marvellous dexterity, and grasping each other,
+they struggled up together, the Mysore champion getting
+upright a little the first; but almost immediately the
+Punjaubee gave his man a clean throw forwards, and the
+native of Mysore was discovered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxi" id="Page_xxi">[Pg xxi]</a></span> lying full length on
+his chest, with the Punjaubee kneeling on his back.</p>
+
+<p>From this time the contest resembled nothing so much as
+a "grovel" behind goals for a touch down. For a time
+the struggles of both men were intense, the Punjaubee
+having to do all he knew to keep his man down at all;
+and it seemed quite possible that, if the Mysore native
+could not get up himself, he would pull his opponent
+down, when the latter tried to roll him over. Presently
+came a pause, which the Punjaubee used to advantage, by
+covering his fallen foe with sand, so as to get the
+better grip. Skilful as the Mysore champion was, he
+could in no way retaliate when in this distressing
+position. However, he continually made clever attempts
+to regain his feet, and still cleverer ones to pull
+down the Punjaubee when he was endeavouring to turn him
+over. But finally the contest ended by the Mysore
+champion mistaking his chance to get to his feet, and
+after a grand struggle up to the very last moment, the
+muscular Punjaubee turned him flat over, so that there
+remained not the slightest doubt in the minds of all
+the spectators that both his shoulders were resting on
+the ground, the one throw was given, and the battle was
+won.</p></div>
+
+
+<h3>WRESTLING MATCH IN TURKEY.</h3>
+
+<p>The following account of a modern Wrestling Match in Turkey, is so
+graphically related that we feel confident it will be perused with interest
+by most readers. We may remark by the way, that the gipsies who figure in
+the match are of the same race as their namesakes in England and other
+parts of Europe; but they preserve in Turkey more of their Oriental
+appearance and character. The writer is Lieut.-Colonel James Baker of the
+Auxiliary<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxii" id="Page_xxii">[Pg xxii]</a></span> Forces, who published a book on <i>Turkey-in-Europe</i>, in 1877.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I passed through a fine town called Barakli-Djumaa, in
+the middle of the plain [of Seres], and inhabited
+principally by Christian Bulgarians. A great wrestling
+match was going on just outside the town, and I stopped
+to witness the sport. A circle about thirty yards in
+diameter was formed by the men, women, and
+children,&mdash;Turks, Bulgarians, and a plentiful supply of
+gipsies&mdash;all sitting closely packed together round the
+circumference. There was the usual accompaniment of a
+gipsy band, composed of a drum and a clarionet, which
+was kept going continuously.</p>
+
+<p>A competitor, stripped to the waist, steps into the
+ring and walks round with a grand air as he displays
+his muscular frame to the admiring gaze of the
+bystanders. Presently his antagonist enters the ring,
+and both competitors shake hands in a good natured way,
+and a little laughing and chaffing goes on. They then
+commence walking round, every now and then turning in
+to shake hands again, until suddenly one pounces upon
+the other to get the "catch," and the struggle
+commences. No kicking is allowed, and the throw must
+lay the vanquished man upon his back, so that both
+shoulder-blades touch the ground at the same time. The
+champion was a burly Bulgarian of herculean strength,
+when at the invitation of some black-eyed gipsy girls,
+a fine but slim young fellow of their tribe entered the
+lists against him; but, although considering his youth
+he made a gallant struggle, a quick throw laid him
+sprawling on his back, to the evident chagrin and
+disappointment of the gipsy women. Their eyes flashed
+with anger as they now held a hurried consultation,
+when off started a very pretty girl evidently bound
+upon some errand. She soon returned with one of the
+most splendid specimens of humanity I ever saw. If, as
+is asserted, there were princes and dukes amongst the
+ancient tribe of gipsies who emigrated to Europe, this
+must certainly have been a descendant of one of them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxiii" id="Page_xxiii">[Pg xxiii]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>His fair escort pushed him into the ring with an air of
+pride and confidence, as much as to say, "Now, you
+shall see what a gipsy can do." The young man was about
+twenty-five years of age, and nearly six feet high,
+with a handsome, aristocratic, and cheery countenance;
+and as he took off his jacket and handed it to his fair
+one, and thus stood stripped to the waist, there was a
+buzz of admiration from the whole crowd. He was
+slightly made, but all was sinew. Laughingly, and half
+modestly, he shook his powerful antagonist by the hand,
+and then the walk round commenced, the young gipsy
+talking and laughing all the time. It seemed as though
+neither liked to be the first to begin; when suddenly
+the Bulgarian turned sharp upon his antagonist, and
+tried a favourite catch, but quick as lightning the
+lithe figure of the gipsy eluded the grasp, and a sigh
+of relief went up from his clan. The excitement was now
+intense, and the young girl perfectly quivered with
+nervous anxiety as she watched every movement of her
+swain. She would have made a splendid picture! They
+were still walking round, and it seemed as though the
+struggle would never begin, when, lo! a simultaneous
+cry went forth from the whole crowd, as the great
+Bulgarian lay sprawling, and half stunned, upon the
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>The movements of the gipsy had been so quick, that it
+was impossible to say how the throw was done, but the
+Bulgarian was turned almost a somersault in the air,
+and came down with a heavy thud. The young champion
+shook him by the hand, lifted the heavy man high into
+the air, and then set him on his feet. The face of the
+young girl, as she handed back her hero his jacket, was
+pleasant to look upon. Lucky man! As she took him by
+the hand, and led him away to wherever he came from, I
+began to think there might be a worse fate than being a
+gipsy....</p>
+
+<p>I was so attracted by the wrestling scene at
+Barakli-Djumaa, that I lost much time, and had to push
+on quickly, in order that we might reach a khan,
+perched up in a small village amongst the mountains
+which lay between us and Salonica.</p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxiv" id="Page_xxiv">[Pg xxiv]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>OLD ENGLISH WRESTLING.</h3>
+
+<p>Our acquaintance or familiarity with Old English wrestling is, as may be
+surmised, circumscribed. We have therefore endeavoured, in part, to
+introduce the southern ring in the introductory chapter. In carrying out
+the attempt, considerable and important assistance has been derived from
+having the benefit of referring to a rare and curious work by Sir Thomas
+Parkyns, a distinguished wrestler and writer in the early part of the
+eighteenth century. According to Dr. Deering, in his <i>History of
+Nottingham</i>, a copy of Sir Thomas's work was forwarded to His Majesty
+George I., with a manuscript dedication. Sir Thomas further intimates: "I
+invite <i>all</i> Persons, however Dignifi'd or Distinguish'd, to read my Book."
+So say we,&mdash;for a more thorough-going and candid book we do not know; a
+book containing many curious home-thrusts and quaint sayings, bearing upon
+the art and mystery of wrestling. We can fully endorse the words of the
+Nottinghamshire baronet, when he says: "For my own part, I transcribe after
+no Man, having practical Experience for my Guide in this whole Art, and
+intirely rely on Observations made with the utmost Accuracy."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxv" id="Page_xxv">[Pg xxv]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The art of wrestling in the present day is chiefly confined to the lower
+classes of the people. This is more especially the case in the south of
+Lancashire. In the north, yeomen's sons and farmers' sons are often
+exceedingly clever in the wrestling ring. The sport was, however, more
+highly esteemed by all classes of the ancients, and made considerable
+figure among the Olympic games. In the ages of chivalry, too, to wrestle
+well was accounted one of the accomplishments which a hero ought to
+possess.</p>
+
+<p>The inhabitants of Cornwall and Devonshire, we are well assured, from time
+immemorial have been celebrated for their expertness in this pastime, and
+are universally said to be, in their style, the best wrestlers in the
+kingdom. To give a Cornish hug, used to be a proverbial expression. "The
+Cornish," says Fuller, "are masters of the art of wrestling, so that, if
+the Olympic games were now in fashion, they would come away with the
+victory. Their hug is a cunning close with their combatants, the fruit
+whereof is his fair fall or foil at the least." They learned the art at an
+early period of life, "for you shall hardly find," says Carew, in his
+Survey of Cornwall, 1602, "an assembly of boys in Devon and Cornwall, where
+the most untowardly amongst them, will not as readily give you a muster (or
+trial) of this exercise as you are prone to require it."</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"In old times," says Stow (in his Survey of London),
+"wrestling was more used than has been of later years.
+In the month of August about the feast of St.
+Bartholomew,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxvi" id="Page_xxvi">[Pg xxvi]</a></span> adds this very accurate historian,
+"there were divers days spent in wrestling. The Lord
+Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriffs being present in a large
+tent pitched for that purpose near Clerkenwell.... But
+of late years the wrestling is only practised in the
+afternoon of St. Bartholomew's day." The ceremony is
+thus described by a foreign writer, who was an
+eye-witness of the performance. "When," says he, "the
+Mayor goes out of the precincts of the city, a sceptre,
+a sword, and a cap, are borne before him, and he is
+followed by the principal Aldermen in scarlet gowns
+with golden chains; and himself and they on horseback.
+Upon their arrival at the place appointed for that
+purpose, where a tent is pitched for their reception,
+the mob begins to wrestle before them two at a
+time."<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a></p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Strutt's Sports and Pastimes.</p></div>
+
+<p>The following quaint and curious description of the row, and destruction of
+property after the wrestling, at the "Hospitall of Matilde"&mdash;so different
+from our peacably conducted northern rings&mdash;copied literally from <i>Stow's
+Annals of England</i>, will, we opine, be interesting to our readers.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>In the year 1222&mdash;Henry the III. reign, on St. James
+daie,&mdash;the citizens of London kept games of defence and
+wrestling, neare unto the Hospitall of Matilde, where
+they gotte the masterie of the men of the Suburbes. The
+Bailiffe of Westminster devising to be revenged,
+proclaims a game to be at Westminster, upon Lammas day;
+whereunto the citizens of London repaired; when they
+had plaid a while the Bailie with the men of the
+Suberbesses, harnessed themselves and fell to fighting,
+that the citizens being foullie wounded, were forced to
+runne into the Citie, where they rang the common Bell,
+and assembled the Citizens in great numbers; and when
+the matter was declared everie man wished to revenge
+the fact. The maior of the citie,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxvii" id="Page_xxvii">[Pg xxvii]</a></span> being a wise man and
+a quiet, willed them first to move the <i>Abbot of
+Westminster</i> of the matter, and if he woulde promise to
+see amends made, it was sufficient. But a certaine
+Citizen named Constantine Fitz Arnulph, willed that all
+Houses of the Abbot and Bayliffe should be pulled
+doune, which wordes being once spoken, the common
+people issued out of the Citie, without anie order, and
+fought a civill battaile, and pulled doune manie
+houses.</p></div>
+
+<p>On March 31st, 1654, the Puritan parliament passed "An Ordinance
+Prohibiting Cock Matches"&mdash;(i.e., cock-fightings)&mdash;and likewise issued
+excommunications against well-nigh all classes of sports and pastimes;
+nevertheless, we find that Cromwell relaxed the strung bow by times, and
+indulged himself in witnessing some Hurling and Wrestling matches in Hyde
+Park, as the following quotation from the Commonwealth newspaper, <i>The
+Moderate Intelligencer</i>, amply testifies:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Hyde-Park, May 1, [1654.] This day there was a hurling
+of a great ball, by fifty Cornish gentlemen on the one
+side, and fifty on the other: one party played in red
+caps and the other in white. There was present <span class="smcap">His
+Highness the Lord Protector</span>, many of his privy council,
+and divers eminent gentlemen, to whose view was
+presented great agility of body and most neat and
+exquisite <i>wrestling</i> at every meeting of one with the
+other, which was ordered with such dexterity, that it
+was to show more the strength, vigour, and nimbleness
+of their bodies, than to endanger their persons. The
+ball they played with was silver, and designed for the
+party that won the goal.</p>
+
+<p>The same newspaper continues: This day was more
+observed by people's going a <i>maying</i> than for divers
+years past, and indeed much sin committed by wicked
+meetings with fiddlers, drunkenness, ribaldry, and the
+like: great<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxviii" id="Page_xxviii">[Pg xxviii]</a></span> resort came to Hyde-Park, many hundred of
+rich coaches, and gallants in rich attire, but most
+shameful powdered-hair men, and painted and spotted
+women; some men played with a silver ball, and some
+took other recreation.</p></div>
+
+<p>Later on John Evelyn's <i>Diary</i> furnishes us with a view of wrestling for
+fabulous sums. We think a hundred pounds, given at a meeting in the present
+day, a large and tempting amount. The following, however, taking into
+consideration the value of money upwards of two hundred years ago, does
+seem astounding: "1669&mdash;19 Feb.&mdash;I saw a comedy acted at Court. In the
+afternoon, I saw a wrestling match for &pound;1000, in St. James Park, before His
+Majesty, a world of lords and other spectators; 'twixt the Western and
+Northern men; Mr. Secretary Morice and Lo. Gerard being the Judges. The
+Western Men won. Many great sums were betted."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>After the foregoing brief notice of ancient wrestling, we shall proceed to
+crave the reader's attention to a similar pastime after the style practised
+in the counties of Devon and Cornwall. In doing so, we are fortunately
+enabled to gather important information from a rare and interesting old
+book, by Sir Thomas Parkyns, previously referred to, and first published in
+the year 1713. This work was held in such high estimation, that in 1727, a
+third edition had to be printed; and as the circulation would, in a great
+measure, be confined to the southern parts of the kingdom, such a rapid
+and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxix" id="Page_xxix">[Pg xxix]</a></span> numerous sale must be taken to indicate extraordinary popularity. It
+will be gathered, the manner of wrestling differs materially from the
+scientific, manly, back-hold Cumbrian method. The space, however, devoted
+to the "Cornish Hugg," even in a work professedly devoted to northern
+sports, will it is confidently presumed prove acceptable, particularly to
+readers who admire the "Art of Wrestling," which the Nottinghamshire
+baronet designates as "most Useful and Diverting to Mankind," and
+"Diverting, Healthful Studies and Exercises." Such are the means by which
+he avers "You will restore Posterity, to the Vigour, Activity, and Health
+of their Ancestors; and the setting up of one Pal&aelig;stra in every Town, will
+be the pulling down of treble its Number of <i>Apothecaries' Shops</i>."</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Thus were our <i>Britons</i>, in the Days of Old,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">By Sports made hardy, and by Action bold,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And were they, now, inur'd to exercise,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And all their Strugglings were for Virtue's Prize.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0"><i>Man</i> against <i>Man</i>, would not for Power contend,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">No Lust of Wealth would <i>Hugg</i> a private End,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Nor <i>Each</i> would <i>Wrestle</i> to supplant his Friend."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">W. T., on <i>Inn-Play, or the Cornish-Hugg</i>.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Not content with this glowing eulogium on a sport long dear to Cumberland
+and Westmorland, and as emphatic as any ever uttered on the Swifts at
+Carlisle, the enthusiastic baronet goes on to say:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"No doubt but Wrestling, which does not only employ and
+exercise the Hands, Feet, and all other Parts of human<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxx" id="Page_xxx">[Pg xxx]</a></span>
+Frame, may well be stiled both an <i>Art</i> and <i>Science</i>;
+however, I will do my endeavour, both <i>Hip</i> and
+<i>Thigh</i>, that Wrestling shall be no more look'd upon by
+the Diligent as a Mystery."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Thomas finds "Wrestling was one of the five
+Olympick Games, and that they oil'd their Bodies, not
+only to make their Joints more Supple and Plyable; but
+that their Antagonist might be less capable to take
+fast hold of them....</p>
+
+<p>"I advise all my Scholars ne'er to Exercise upon a full
+Stomach, but to take light Liquids of easy Digestion,
+to support Nature, and maintain Strength only. Whilst
+at Westminster, I could not learn any Thing, from their
+Irregular and Rude Certamina, or Struggles; and when I
+went to Cambridge, I then, as a Spectator, only
+observ'd the vast Difference betwixt the Norfolk
+Out-Players and the Cornish-Huggers, and that the
+latter could throw the other when they pleas'd.... The
+Use and Application of the Mathematicks here in
+Wrestling, I owe to Dr. Bathurst, my Tutor, and Sir
+Isaac Newton, Mathematick Professor, both of Trinity
+College in Cambridge."</p>
+
+<p>He goes on to say: "I advise you to be no Smatterer,
+but a thorough-pac'd Wrestler, Perfect and Quick, in
+breaking and taking all Holds; otherwise whene'er you
+break a Hold, if you don't proceed sharply to give your
+Adversary a Fall, according to the several following
+Paragraphs, you're not better than one engag'd at
+Sharps, who only parries his Adversary, but does not
+pursue him with a binding and home Thrust."</p>
+
+<p>The following warnings are especially worthy a
+wrestler's attention: "Whoever would be a compleat
+Wrestler, must avoid being overtaken in Drink, which
+very much enervates, or being in a Passion at the sight
+of his Adversary, or having receiv'd a Fall, in such
+Cases he's bereav'd of his Senses, not being Master of
+himself, is less of his Art, but sheweth too much Play,
+or none at all, or rather pulleth, kicketh, and
+ventureth beyond all Reason and his Judgment, when
+himself.</p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxxi" id="Page_xxxi">[Pg xxxi]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><i>F&oelig;cundi calices quam non fecere Misellum.</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That Man's a Fool that hopes for Good,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">From flowing Bowls and fev'rish Blood."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>He goes on to remark that sticking to these observations will enable a good
+wrestler to "stand Champion longer for the Country, as appears by my Friend
+Richard Allen of Hucknall, alias Green, (from his Grandfather, who educated
+him) who has wore the Bays, and frequently won most Prizes, besides other
+By-Matches, reign'd Champion of Nottinghamshire, and the Neighbouring
+Counties for twenty Years at least, and about 8 Months before this was
+Printed, he Wrestled for a small Prize, where at least twelve Couples were
+Competitors, and without much Fatigue won it. Whoever understands
+Wrestling, will ne'er call the Out-Play a safe and secure Play; besides the
+Inn-Play will sooner secure a Man's Person, when Playing at Sharps, than
+the Out, which ought to encourage Gentlemen to learn to wrestle."</p>
+
+<p>In this learning to Wrestle our ingenious author&mdash;turned trainer&mdash;will
+"admit no Hereditary Gouts, or Scrofulous Tumours; yet I'll readily accept
+of Scorbutick Rheumatisms, because the Persons labouring under those
+Maladies are generally strong and able to undergo the Exercise of
+Wrestling. I am so curious in my Admission, I'll not hear of one Hipp'd and
+out of Joint, a Valetudinarian is my Aversion, for I affirm, Martial (Lib.
+vi. Ep. 54) is in the Right on't, <i>Non est vivere sed valere vita</i>: I
+receive no Limberhams, no Darling Sucking-Bottles, who must not rise at
+Midsummer, till eleven of the Clock, and that the Fire has air'd his Room
+and Cloaths of his Colliquative Sweats, rais'd by high Sauces, and Spicy
+forc'd Meats, where the Cook does the Office of the Stomach with the
+Emetick Tea-Table, set out with Bread and Butter for's Breakfast: I'll
+scarce admit a Sheep-Biter, none but Beef-Eaters will go down with me, who
+have Robust, Healthy and Sound Bodies. This may serve as a Sketch of that
+Person fit to make a Wrestler, by him who only desires a Place in your
+Friendship."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxxii" id="Page_xxxii">[Pg xxxii]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The baronet's beau ideal of a Wrestler's bodily formation is just such as
+we like to see in a northern ring. He "must be of a middle Size, Athletic,
+full-breasted and broad shoulder'd, for Wind and Strength; Brawny-Leg'd and
+Arm'd, yet clear-limb'd."</p>
+
+<p>The following rules and regulations are&mdash;some of them especially&mdash;worthy
+the consideration of those who are managers in our northern rings, at the
+present time.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Rules and Conditions, which were to be observ'd and
+perform'd by all and every Gamester, who Wrestled for a
+Hat of twenty-two Shillings Price; a free Prize, which
+was given by Sir Thomas Parkyns of Bunny, Bart., for
+fifteen Years successively. The Gamesters which were
+allow'd to Wrestle for the aforesaid Prize, were to
+have it, if fairly won, according to the following
+Rules.</i></p>
+
+<p>1. The two Gamesters that Wrestle together, shall be
+fairly chosen by Lot, or Scrutiny, according to the
+usual Practice.</p>
+
+<p>2. The said two Gamesters shall Wrestle till one of
+them be thrown three Falls, and he that is first thrown
+three Falls shall go out, and not be allow'd to Wrestle
+again for this Prize: And it is hereby ordered and
+agreed, that he who first comes with two Joynts at once
+to the Ground, (as Joynts are commonly reckon'd in
+Wrestling) shall be reputed to be thrown a Fall.</p>
+
+<p>3. No Gamester shall hire another to yield to him upon
+any condition whatsoever; and if any such Practice be
+discovered, neither of them shall be capable of the
+Prize.</p>
+
+<p>4. But he that stands the longest and is not thrown out
+by any one, shall have the Prize, provided he does not
+forfeit his right, by breach of these Rules; if he do,
+the Gamester that stands the longest, and observes
+these Rules, shall have it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxxiii" id="Page_xxxiii">[Pg xxxiii]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>5. If any Differences shall happen concerning the
+Wrestling, they shall be determined by two Men, which
+shall be chosen by the most Voices of the Gamesters,
+before they begin to Wrestle; and in case they can't
+decide such Differences, then they shall be referr'd
+solely to the Decision of the said Sir Thomas Parkyns
+as UMPIRE.</p>
+
+<p>6. He that Wins the Prize and Sells it, shall be
+uncapable of Wrestling here any more.</p>
+
+<p>7. That none shall have the Prize, that Wrestle with
+Shoes that have any sort of Nails of Iron or Brass in
+them.</p>
+
+<p>8. He also that Winneth the Prize one Year, shall be
+Excluded from Wrestling for it the Year following, but
+the next year after that, viz. the third inclusive the
+first, he may put in and Wrestle for the Prize again;
+and ever after that, unless he shall Win a second
+Prize, and from that time ever after Excluded.</p></div>
+
+<p>Sir Thomas Parkyns, Bart, of Bunny Park, Nottinghamshire, the author of the
+ingenious and singular work before us&mdash;from which we have quoted
+largely&mdash;upon the Cornish Hugg, or Inn-Play Wrestling, was a man who did
+not content himself with a mere theoretical knowledge of the art which he
+professed mathematically to teach. There was scarcely a sinewy and
+dangerous problem in his treatise, which he had not worked with his own
+limbs upon the Nottinghamshire peasantry of 1705&mdash;when he was young, lusty,
+and learned, and could throw a tenant, combat a paradox, quote Martial, or
+sign a mittimus, with any man of his own age or country. He was, it will be
+allowed, a skilful wrestler, a subtle disputant, and a fair scholar,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxxiv" id="Page_xxxiv">[Pg xxxiv]</a></span> with
+certain eccentricities which he could afford to indulge in. He passed a
+very reputable life; doing all the good he could to the peasantry of his
+neighbourhood, both in body and mind; at once showing how to be strong and
+enabling them to be happy.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Thomas Parkyns was born about the year 1678&mdash;whether at his paternal
+seat, Bunny Park, Nottinghamshire, or in London, we are unable to
+collect&mdash;probably in London, as we find him early at Westminster school,
+wrestling his way through the classics, under the celebrated Dr. Bushby.
+The epigrams of Martial appear, first, to have led him to turn serious
+thoughts towards wrestling&mdash;and he does not relish the poet the less for
+finding that he himself practised this healthy art after his daily prayer
+and family business.</p>
+
+<p>From Westminster, Sir Thomas after a due course of little-to-do and Bushby,
+went to Trinity College, Cambridge, and studied mathematics as we gather
+afterwards for the chief purpose of making himself an accomplished
+scientific wrestler. At the then celebrated place of learning, "Students,"
+he says, "even at the Universities, give the Exercise of Wrestling, and lie
+under a pecuniary Mulct for not appearing in the Summer evenings appointed
+for that Exercise."</p>
+
+<p>Happy and long was the life which Sir Thomas led at Bunny Park. A "bold
+peasantry, its country's pride," by his advice and example grew up
+gallantly around him. He gave prizes of small value, but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxxv" id="Page_xxxv">[Pg xxxv]</a></span> large honour, to
+be wrestled for on sweet midsummer eves upon the green levels of
+Nottinghamshire, and he never felt so gratified with the scene as when he
+saw one of his manly tenantry and the evening sun go down together. He
+himself was no idle patron of these amusements&mdash;no delicate and timid
+superintendent of popular sports, as our modern wealthy men for the most
+part are; for he never objected to take the most sinewy man by the loins,
+and try a fall for the gold-laced hat he himself contributed. His servants
+were all upright, muscular, fine young fellows&mdash;civil but sinewy;
+respectful at the proper hours, but yet capable also at the proper hour of
+wrestling with Sir Thomas for the mastery; and never so happy or so well
+approved as when one of them saw his master's two brawny legs going
+handsomely over his head. Sir Thomas prided himself, indeed, in having his
+coachman and footman lusty young fellows, that had brought good characters
+for sobriety from their last places, and had laid him on his spine.<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a></p>
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> Retrospective Review.</p></div>
+
+<p>Lord Thomas Manners, who learned the art of Broad-Sword exercise from Sir
+Thomas Parkyns, thus addresses his master, on May 21st, 1720, from
+Belvoir:&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Happy is it for us that we have in this effeminate,
+weak Age of powder'd Essence-Bottles, and Curled
+Coxcombs, a Person of rough Manners, and a robust
+Constitution; one that can stand upon his own Legs,
+after Droves of those modern waxen Things have fallen
+before him; one that instructs<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxxvi" id="Page_xxxvi">[Pg xxxvi]</a></span> Englishmen to deserve
+the Title, and teaches 'em to make their Broad-Swords
+the Terror of all Europe. Men like you liv'd, when
+Greece knew her happiest Days. It was a Spirit like
+your's that instituted and supported the Olympic Games.
+But when their luxurious Neighbours once taught 'em to
+sleep till Twelve o' the Day, to pin up their Locks in
+Papers, to come from the Boxes of their Chariots into
+the Insides of 'em; to use Almond-Paste, and
+Rose-Water; in short, to quit Roast-Beef, and Hasty
+Pudding, for Soups and Ragouts; the Empire of the World
+was taken from them, and translated to the tough,
+sinewy Romans; and when they ceas'd to merit these
+Epithets, their Eagle drooped her Wings, and the Brawny
+Britons were the Favourites of Mars."</p></div>
+
+<p>A fitting conclusion to the preceding notice of the much esteemed Bunny
+Park baronet, will be come to by bestowing a passing notice on the
+monumental memorial erected to his memory, in Broadmore church,
+Nottinghamshire. The "ruling passion" is made apparent, even after death
+had given Sir Thomas the last "Hugg." On one side of the monument he is
+represented in wrestling attitude; on another he appears thrown a back fall
+by Time. The following is a free translation of the Latin inscription:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Here lies, O Time! the victim of thy hand,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The noblest Wrestler on the British strand;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">His nervous arm each bold opposer quell'd,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In feats of strength by none but thee excell'd;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Till springing up at the last trumpet's call,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He conquers thee, who, will have conquer'd all."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The inscription further depicts him as an estimable landlord; for it is
+recorded on the tablet, that with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxxvii" id="Page_xxxvii">[Pg xxxvii]</a></span> his wife's fortune he purchased estates,
+and erected for the tenants new farm houses.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Thomas Parkyns died in 1751.</p>
+
+<p>In his will there is bequeathed a guinea a year to be wrestled for every
+midsummer day at Broadmore.</p>
+
+<p>We venture to surmise that our north country readers&mdash;more especially those
+interested in the sport half a century ago&mdash;will be struck with a
+similarity in the wrestling career and character of Sir Thomas Parkyns, and
+one of the great ornaments and enthusiastic advocates of the northern ring,
+namely, Professor Wilson. To us it appears there is a striking similitude.
+One, like the other, ranks amongst the cleverest and most scientific in
+their different modes of wrestling; one, like the other, had about the same
+social standing; one, like the other, somewhat eccentric in early life. One
+delighted with encouraging and upholding his favourite amusement in Bunny
+Park; the other happy when he could get together a goodly muster of
+athletes from the villages, the valleys, and mountain sides of the Lake
+district, at Bowness, Low Wood, or Ambleside&mdash;all within easy walking
+distance of Elleray, his beautifully situate Windermere mansion.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxxviii" id="Page_xxxviii">[Pg xxxviii]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>WRESTLING IN SCOTLAND.</h3>
+
+<p>In the year 1827, a society styled the "Saint Ronan's Border Club," was
+established at Innerleithen, near Peebles, the object of which was to
+revive the old martial spirit of the Borders, to encourage the practice of
+out-door sports and pastimes, and to yield amusement to the visitors of
+this sequestered watering place. Lockhart, in his life of Sir Walter Scott,
+(after giving an account of the publication of the novel of <i>St. Ronan's
+Well</i>, in 1823,) thus proceeds to describe the establishment of the annual
+gathering at Innerleithen:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Among other consequences of the revived fame of the
+place, a yearly festival was instituted for the
+celebration of <i>The St. Ronan's Border Games</i>. A club
+of <i>Bowmen of the Border</i>, arrayed in doublets of
+Lincoln green, with broad blue bonnets, and having the
+Ettrick Shepherd for Captain, assumed the principal
+management of this exhibition; and Sir Walter was well
+pleased to be enrolled among them, and during several
+years was a regular attendant, both on the Meadow,
+where (besides archery) leaping, racing, wrestling,
+stone-heaving, and hammer-throwing, went on opposite to
+the noble old Castle of Traquair, and at the subsequent
+banquet, where Hogg, in full costume, always presided
+as master of the ceremonies. In fact, a gayer spectacle
+than that of the <i>St. Ronan's Games</i>, in those days,
+could not well have been desired. The Shepherd, even
+when on the verge<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxxix" id="Page_xxxix">[Pg xxxix]</a></span> of threescore, exerted himself
+lustily in the field, and seldom failed to carry off
+some of the prizes, to the astonishment of his
+vanquished juniors; and the <i>bon-vivants</i> of Edinburgh
+mustered strong among the gentry and yeomanry of
+Tweeddale to see him afterwards in his glory filling
+the president's chair with eminent success, and
+commonly supported on this&mdash;which was in fact the
+grandest evening of his year&mdash;by Sir Walter Scott,
+Professor Wilson, Sir Adam Ferguson, and <i>Peter</i>
+Robertson.</p></div>
+
+<p>The Earl of Traquair was patron of the club, and among the members not
+mentioned by Lockhart, occur the names of the Duke of Buccleuch, Lord
+Napier, Robert Gladstone of Liverpool, William Blackwood, James Ballantyne,
+and Adam Wilson, captain of the Six-Feet Club.<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> At a later date,
+Glassford Bell, sheriff of Lanarkshire, took great interest in these
+sports.</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> Professor Wilson was anxious to get enrolled in the Six-Feet
+Club, but could not manage it. He was just half-an-inch too short.</p></div>
+
+<p>The games continued to be celebrated yearly in the early autumn, and lasted
+two days, the second day being mostly devoted to archery. Among the various
+athletes who entered the lists, the following are probably the most
+noteworthy. Professor Wilson (Christopher North,) threw the hammer; James
+Hogg tried his hand at the bow and the rifle, but yet&mdash;in despite of
+Lockhart's praise&mdash;the Shepherd did more doughty deeds with the grey-goose
+quill than with either of those weapons. Robert Bell, from Jed Water, was
+the champion<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xl" id="Page_xl">[Pg xl]</a></span> "putter" of the stone, and could have been matched against
+any man in the three kingdoms, in throwing the sixteen or twenty-one pound
+ball&mdash;he upon his knees, and his opponent on his feet. An advertisement
+appeared in a leading newspaper, to back him for &pound;100 against all comers,
+the challenge to hold good for twelve months, but there was no one to take
+it up. The Harper brothers, farmers near Innerleithen, held several prizes
+for throwing the hammer; and Leyden of Denholme, the champion leaper, could
+spring thirty-two feet, at three standing leaps, including the backward and
+forward leaps over the same ground.</p>
+
+<p>The first competition was held at Innerleithen on the 26th of September,
+1827; and among other prizes competed for, the Six-Feet Club of Edinburgh
+gave a silver medal to the best wrestler in the back-hold style, as
+practised in Cumberland and Westmorland. The introduction of this mode of
+wrestling into Scotland, may probably be attributed to the great interest
+which Professor Wilson took in the formation of these games. The prize in
+1827, was gained by George Scougal, a native of Innerleithen. On one side
+of the medal was the following inscription:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Presented by the Six-Feet Club, to the St. Ronan's
+Border Club, to be awarded to the best Wrestler, at
+their first Gymnastic Competition, at Innerleithen,
+26th September, 1827."</p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xli" id="Page_xli">[Pg xli]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>And on the reverse side, the following quotation from Waller:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Great Julius, on the mountain bred,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A flock perchance or herd had led:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He who subdued the world had been<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But the best Wrestler on the green."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Gained by <span class="smcap">George Scougal</span>, Innerleithen.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Thirty-two competitors.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Scougal carried off, also, the head prize for Wrestling, at the St. Ronan's
+Games, for the years 1828 and 1829. After performing these feats, he was
+"outlawed"&mdash;that is, he was excluded from contending again in the same
+arena, for the three years which followed. When past the prime of life, he
+was induced to enter the wrestling ring again, which he very unwillingly
+did, after much persuasion, and once more succeeded in bearing off first
+honours.</p>
+
+<p>In his day, Scougal was looked upon as the champion wrestler on the
+Scottish side of the Borders. At the St. Ronan's Games, he gained six
+medals for wrestling and throwing the hammer; and, likewise, a considerable
+number of trophies at other local meetings. A stout massive built man, he
+stood five feet eleven inches high, and weighed from fifteen to sixteen
+stones. With little or no knowledge of scientific wrestling, he
+nevertheless proved more than a match for all comers, by the herculean
+amount of power he possessed in the shoulders and arms.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xlii" id="Page_xlii">[Pg xlii]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>His usual mode of attack was to gather an opponent well to his breast, and
+then by sheer strength keep him there until a favourable opportunity
+presented itself to rush him upon his back. When excited or ruffled in
+temper, he gripped his man quickly and firmly, and then, in spite of all
+struggles or clicks, threw him over his hip. These movements were the
+nearest approach to science known to Scougal.</p>
+
+<p>Scougal was a butcher by trade, and is thus referred to in the <i>Noctes
+Ambrosiana</i>, in the Shepherd's parlance: "Geordie Scougal slauchered a
+beast last market day at Innerleithen, and his meat's aye prime." On one
+occasion, he actually felled a bullock with a blow from his fist; and in
+the smithy, which adjoined his slaughter-house, he not unfrequently
+exhibited feats of surpassing strength, one of which was to lift a waggon
+axle and two wheels, with a heavy man seated at each end of the axle. His
+skill in throwing the hammer was well known, and during his early manhood
+he carried off most of the leading prizes. At several meetings, the Harpers
+came into competition with him, but never approached any nearer than second
+to the dual Border champion of wrestling and throwing the hammer. Old
+people, who remember Scougal's earliest efforts, describe him as a
+veritable Goliath of Gath in strength, but&mdash;unless unduly excited&mdash;as
+gentle as a woman in manner and bearing.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xliii" id="Page_xliii">[Pg xliii]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>After Scougal's three years had elapsed, Robert Michie of Hawick, came to
+the fore as amateur wrestler. Michie took the belt at St. Ronan's, and kept
+it about two years. He was present at most of the gymnastic gatherings on
+the Borders, and carried off many prizes for wrestling and hammer throwing.
+At the Hawick Border Games in 1831, he threw Thomas Emmerson, from the
+neighbourhood of Carlisle,<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> after an exciting contest of some duration.
+His hammer throwing at St. Ronan's was inimitable, and has been described
+by the Ettrick Shepherd in the "Bridal of Polmood."</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> Emmerson was a powerful built man, a mason by trade, who
+wrestled for several years in the Carlisle and other rings, with moderate
+success. He won the head prize at Hawick in 1835.</p></div>
+<p>Michie is introduced anachronically into the "Royal Bridal," in Wilson's
+<i>Tales of the Borders</i>, after the following fashion:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>At a distance from the pavilion,... was a crowd
+composed of some seven or eight hundred peasantry
+engaged in and witnessing the athletic games of the
+Borders. Among the competitors was one called Meikle
+Robin, or Robin Meikle. He was strength personified.
+His stature exceeded six feet; his shoulders were
+broad, his chest round, his limbs well and strongly put
+together. He was a man of prodigious bone and sinews.
+At throwing the hammer, at putting the stone, no man
+could stand before him. He distanced all who came
+against him, and, while he did so, he seemed to put
+forth not half his strength, while his skill appeared
+equal to the power of his arm.</p></div>
+
+<p>The following notice of the wrestling at Saint Ronan's, for 1831, is copied
+from the <i>Edinburgh Literary Journal</i>:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xliv" id="Page_xliv">[Pg xliv]</a></span>Wrestling is not a Scotch game, as will be conceded by
+every one who has been present at the Carlisle and
+Saint Ronan's games. There is strength enough among our
+peasantry, but it is the ore&mdash;it has never been moulded
+for a practical purpose. Men came forward on this
+occasion, who never would have dreamed of thrusting
+their noses into an English ring; and they set to work
+in a slovenly unhandsome way&mdash;some of them armed
+<i>cap-&agrave;-pi&egrave;</i>&mdash;hat, coat, and shoes. Still, amid the
+motley crew you might recognise men who knew both how
+to seize and to wield their antagonists. The art only
+needs encouragement; and we trust next meeting will
+witness a better turn-out.</p></div>
+
+<p>There were other local athletes, who figured in the ring at Saint Ronan's,
+almost a match for Scougal. George Best of Yarrow, tailor, possessed far
+more science than the Innerleithen butcher, and was the holder of several
+prizes. Best, likewise, finds a niche in the <i>Noctes Ambrosiana</i> of
+October, 1828, where the Shepherd is made to exclaim:&mdash;"Tibbie's married.
+The tailor carried her aff frae them a'&mdash;the flyin' tailor o' Ettrick,
+sir&mdash;him that can do fifteen yards, at hap-step-and-loup, back and forward
+on level grun'&mdash;stood second ae year in the ring at Carlisle&mdash;can put a
+stane within a foot o' Jedburgh Bell himsell, and fling the hammer neist
+best ower a' the border to Geordie Scougal o' Innerleithen."</p>
+
+<p>In which year of grace, we wonder, did Best stand second in the Carlisle
+ring? Wilson's memory must have proved treacherous when he penned this
+sentence. At all events, if Best <i>did</i> wrestle second,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xlv" id="Page_xlv">[Pg xlv]</a></span> "ae year in the
+ring at Carlisle," it must have been for some minor prize, long since
+forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>Abraham Clark of Calzie, farmer, a man of powerful frame, entered the ring
+after Scougal was "outlawed," and did some noteworthy feats.</p>
+
+<p>Another man, also remembered as a prize taker in the ring at Saint Ronan's,
+was Walter Scott of Selkirk, carrier.</p>
+
+<p>At Miles End, in Northumberland, athletic games were kept up until
+recently. Young men from both sides of the Borders entered keenly into
+these contests; and one noteworthy peculiarity of them was, that of keeping
+up the old national characteristic of Englishmen being pitted against
+Scotchmen, and Scotchmen against Englishmen. This mode of contesting was
+the means of producing many splendid feats of agility and prowess, but was
+apt to degenerate into mere exhibitions of warm blood, which too frequently
+ended in blows being exchanged by the rival combatants. Remnants of these
+contests may be witnessed to this day, at the annual fair at Stagshawbank,
+between the shepherds from the Reed, Liddle, Coquet, and Tyne, and those
+from the Slitrig, Jed, Oxmoor, Kail, and Teviot. Wrestling was always a
+leading sport at these gatherings; single-stick, tilting, leaping, and
+foot-racing, were also practised; and hence the devotion shown to these and
+similar athletic pastimes by the sturdy race of people living on both sides
+of the Cheviots.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xlvi" id="Page_xlvi">[Pg xlvi]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>IRISH WRESTLING.</h3>
+
+<p>The "collar and elbow" is the national style of wrestling in Ireland&mdash;that
+is, to take hold of an opponent's collar with one hand, and his elbow with
+the other. The fall is won if an opponent touches the ground with his hand,
+knee, back, or side, as in the Cumberland and Westmorland style.</p>
+
+<p>A wrestling match was witnessed in Ph&oelig;nix Park, Dublin, in the autumn of
+1876, which may serve to illustrate to some extent the manner of
+proceeding. A ring was formed, around which seven or eight thousand people
+gathered, and two coats laid in the centre of the ring. Presently a
+wrestler enters, and dons one of the coats, which was a challenge for any
+man to take up the other coat. Another wrestler shortly after enters, and
+then, when due preliminaries are gone through, the tussle commenced in
+earnest. But how it proceeded, or how it ended&mdash;whether the struggle was an
+arduous one, or the victory an easy one&mdash;our informant could not tell.</p>
+
+<p>At the termination of the Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling held at the
+British Lion, Redcross Street, London, on August 21st, 1844, one Kelly, an
+Irishman, challenged any native of either of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xlvii" id="Page_xlvii">[Pg xlvii]</a></span> above counties, to
+wrestle for a sovereign, in the collar and elbow style, the gainer of the
+first three falls, out of five, to be the winner. This offer was accepted
+by Edward Stainton, a native of Westmorland. And after three-quarters of an
+hour's good play, Stainton had floored his man three times in succession.
+Kelly was second in the leaping match at the same sports.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Note.</span>&mdash;We regret exceedingly the great paucity of our
+information on the subject of Irish Wrestling.
+Enquiries were made in many and various ways, without
+success. Any information respecting two or three of the
+representative wrestlers of the Green Isle, addressed
+to the <i>local</i> publishers, will be very acceptable.]</p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 550px;">
+<img src="images/dec1.jpg" width="550" height="92" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+<h2>CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORLAND WRESTLING.</h2>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Wrestlers of Cumberland,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Good fellows all;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Wrestlers of Westmorland,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Stout lads and tall:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Ye who are thrown to-day,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Rise more alert and gay,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Next year make the play,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Good fellows all.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4"><i>King Arthur's Round Table Ballad</i>, 1824.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<div class="drop">
+<img src="images/w.jpg" width="125" height="126" alt="W" class="cap" />
+<p class="cap_1">Wrestling, as a matter of course, occupies a prominent position in our
+review of Northern Pastimes, more especially from the commencement to the
+end of the time to which our notices extend. Some of the other sports are
+now remembered only as illustrating the habits of a byegone period. In this
+last are to be classed Bull-baiting and Cock-fighting: condemned now as
+cruel and torturing by all classes, but deserving of record from their
+encouragement and popularity in times past. Others of a less objectionable<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span>
+type are extinct as well. That almost all were looked upon with disfavour
+by a considerable portion of the community, in the old Puritan times of
+Cromwell, the following curious extract will abundantly testify. It is
+quoted from <span class="smcap">The Agreement of the Associated Ministers and Churches of the
+Counties of Cumberland and Westmerland</span>. <i>London: Printed by T. L. for Simon
+Waterson, and are sold at the sign of the Globe in Paul's Churchyard, and
+by Richard Scot, Bookseller in Carlisle, 1656.</i></p></div>
+
+<p>"All scandalous persons hereafter mentioned are to be suspended from the
+Sacrament of the Lord's Supper: this is to say ... any person that shall
+upon the Lord's Day use any dancing, playing at dice, or cards, or any
+other game, masking, wakes, shooting, playing, playing at football, stool
+ball, <i>Wrestling</i>; or that shall make resort to any Playes, interludes,
+fencing, bull baiting, bear baiting; or that shall use hawking, hunting, or
+coursing, fishing or fowling; or that shall publikely expose any wares to
+sale otherwise than is provided by an Ordinance of Parliament of the sixth
+of April, 1649.... These Counties of Cumberland and Westmerland have been
+hitherto as a Proverb and a by-word in respect of ignorance and
+prophaneness; Men were ready to say of them as the Jews of Nazareth, Can
+any good thing come out of them?"</p>
+
+<p>This intolerant anathema did not put a stop to the practice of Wrestling,
+on fine summer evenings, at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> nearly all the villages of Cumberland and
+Westmorland&mdash;a practice, we opine, less detrimental to the formation of a
+good rural peasantry than loitering about or brawling in village
+ale-houses. It was, however, upwards of a century and a half after, before
+back-hold wrestling assumed the importance it has attained. A passing
+notice of doings in the ring, in a long ago period, may nevertheless be
+interesting.</p>
+
+<p>In King Edward the Sixth's time, somewhere between 1547 and 1553, a
+gigantic youth of great strength and in wrestling practice, resided at
+Troutbeck, near Windermere. His name was Gilpin, or Herd. His mother was
+driven away from Furness with child&mdash;generally asserted in the
+neighbourhood&mdash;to one of the monks of Furness Abbey. The mother afterwards
+led a tramping and begging sort of life, and drew to a house in Troutbeck
+belonging to the Crown. The house and some adjoining land were conferred by
+the king on a retainer, who on attempting to take possession, met with
+determined opposition from the desperate woman, and her wild son Gilpin,
+or, as he was familiarly called, the "Cork Lad of Kentmere." This led to
+the "Lad"&mdash;then about twenty years old&mdash;being summoned to London. He set
+off on foot, in a home-spun dress, and after many strange adventures and
+shifty expedients, reached the end of his long journey. Soon after
+arriving, the king held a meeting for athletic contests. The wild-looking
+northerner was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> present, and ascended the stage to contend with the
+champion wrestler. He easily won the first fall. In the second, he threw
+the champion clear off the stage. After astonishing the spectators by
+several other muscular performances, the king sent for him, and enquired
+who and what he was, and where he came from. He told the king he did not
+know his own name, but "folk commonly co' me the Cork Lad o' Kentmere!" The
+king desiring to know the sort of food he lived on at home, received this
+quaint reply, "Thick porridge an' milk that a mouse might walk on dry shod,
+to my breakfast; an' the sunny side of a wedder to my dinner, when I can
+get it." Being acknowledged champion, the king wished to confer some reward
+as a distinction, and asked him to state what he wished. He begged to have
+the house he lived in at Troutbeck, and land adjacent to get peat off, and
+wood from Troutbeck Park for fire. These were soon made over to him. He did
+not enjoy the generous gift for any lengthened period; for at the age of
+forty-two, he got so injured in attempting to pull up a tree by the roots,
+that he died from the effects. Leaving no children or will, the estate
+reverted to the Crown, and King Charles the First granted it to Huddleston
+Philipson of Calgarth.</p>
+
+<p>It appears that Kentmere Hall in Kentmere&mdash;a secluded pastoral dale, some
+dozen miles north of Kendal, and running in another dozen miles up to the
+steep sides of Hill Bell, Nan Beild, and High<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> Street&mdash;was built at the
+time the "Cork Lad" was in the valley. During the building, he performed a
+surprising feat of strength, by placing, without any assistance, a huge
+beam on the walls. On a Mr. Birkett being applied to by James Clarke, the
+author of the "Survey of the Lakes," for particulars respecting the well
+nigh incredible feat, he replied in the following sensible letter:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I have taken dimensions of the beam at Kentmere Hall, which is thirty feet
+in length and thirteen inches by twelve-and-a-half in thickness. There is
+no inscription on it, as you mentioned. I shall inform you what has been
+given by tradition, (and I had it from a man that was <i>one hundred and four
+years old</i> when he died). When the Hall was building, and the workmen gone
+to dinner, this man, whose name was Herd, happened to be there, and while
+they were at dinner, laid it up himself. At that time the Scots made
+frequent incursions into England. He with his bow and arrows killed many of
+them in coming off the mountains, at a place which still retains the name
+of 'Scot's Rake,' which is about a mile from where he lived."</p>
+
+<p>In the days of brave Queen Bess, lived Richard Mulcaster, whose father
+represented the city of Carlisle in Parliament. "By ancient parentage and
+lininal discent," Mulcaster was "an esquier borne; by the most famous Queen
+Elizabeth's prerogative gift," parson of Stanford Rivers church, in Essex.
+Being an earnest student, he became not only<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> proficient in the Greek and
+Oriental languages, but also an expert archer, and thought it not
+unbecoming to his cloth to shoot by times, at "the targets for glory at
+Mile End Green." This good old clergyman loved athletic exercises so well,
+that among other learned treatises, he issued one in 1581 entitled
+"Positions; wherein those Primitive Circumstances be examined, which are
+necessarie for the training up of Children, either for Skill in their
+Booke, or Healthe in their Bodie," which was dedicated to his patron, Queen
+Elizabeth. In this quaint old quarto volume, the author discourses on the
+ancient art of "wrastling" as becometh one reared on Cumbrian soil.
+"Clemens Alexandrinus," says he, "which lived at Rome in Galenus' time, in
+the third book of his 'Pedagogue or Training Maister,' in the title of
+exercise, rejecting most kinds of wrastling, yet reserveth one as well
+beseemeing a civill trained man, whom both seemeliness for grace and
+profitableness for goode healthe do seeme to recommende. Then an exercise
+it is, and healthfully it may be used; if discretion overlook it, our
+countrey will allow it. Let us, therefore, use it as Clemens of Alexandria
+commendes it for, and make choice in our market. Wherefore not to deale
+with the catching pancratical kind of wrastling which used all kindes of
+hould to cast and overcome his adversarie, nor any other of that sorte
+which continuance hath rejected and custome hath refused, I have picked out
+two which be both civill for use,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> and in the using upright, without any
+great stouping. It is a friend to the head, bettereth the bulke, and
+strengtheneth the sinews. Thus much for wrastling, wherein, as in all other
+exercises, the training maister must be both cunning to judge of the thing,
+and himself present to prevente harme when the exercise is in hand."</p>
+
+<p>Leaving this loyal old parson to demonstrate still further his "Positions"
+to the boys of the Merchant Tailors' and St. Paul's, of both of which
+schools he was head master, we come across another worthy, Robert Dodd,
+commonly called "Miller Robin," who lived some years at Brough in
+Westmorland. He was possessed of such bodily strength as to be able to take
+a bushel of wheat, (a Carlisle bushel of ninety-six quarts,) between his
+teeth, and toss it over his shoulder. He would also lie down, and with six
+bushels of wheat placed on his back, weighing something like nine hundred
+and fifty pounds, rise up with apparently little exertion. He was also an
+expert wrestler, and very few who knew the man would contend with him for
+the annual prize belts. The following Epitaph on a Wrestler, from
+Miscellaneous Poems, by Ewan Clark of Standing Stone, near Wigton, 1779, is
+applicable to "Miller Robin."</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Here lies the man beneath this stone,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Who often threw, but ne'er was thrown:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Before him his antagonists fell,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">As many a broken bone can tell;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Death cry'd, "I'll try this man of strength!"<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And laid him here at his full length.<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></div></div>
+
+<p>Soon after Robin had succumbed, there came out a Herculean wrestler, named
+John Woodall, a small statesman, and a native of Gosforth in West
+Cumberland. At Egremont sports, he came against one Carr, a shoemaker. Carr
+gained the fall, and at the King's Arms in the evening, began chaffing
+Woodall, who in a fit of momentary excitement, caught hold of his
+antagonist, and held him up to the ceiling of the room; and, by the
+waistband of his breeches, hung him dangling and struggling to a strong
+crook. We have alluded elsewhere to a wonderful feat of bodily strength, by
+Robert Atkinson, the Sleagill giant, in carrying a conveyance called a
+"carr" out of a dyke-back, on to the turnpike road, near Kendal. This
+unlucky vehicle had defied the efforts of three or four persons to drag it
+out, by tugging at the shafts and wheels. Very big men, since Atkinson's
+time, have somehow ceased to be wrestlers.</p>
+
+<p>Two stalwart Cumbrians will, however, be brought under the notice of our
+readers in the following description of Ancient Sports upon Stone Carr,
+near Greystoke. This particular, and, at the time, highly popular meeting,
+is introduced to show the description of sports that prevailed in numerous
+villages throughout the two Northern Counties at the latter part of last
+and the beginning of the present century. No doubt, the reader will be
+struck with the wide difference in the value of the prizes, as compared
+with those given in the present day, when the two<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> Pooleys would get over
+forty pounds in money and cups, at the Burgh Barony Races of 1877. Stone
+Carr Sports had been held for many years previous to 1787, and a similar
+list of prizes given annually to these enumerated; and they seemed to give
+entire satisfaction to the crowds who assembled from Penrith, Keswick, and
+all the neighbouring villages.</p>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'>For the Horses</td><td align='left'>&mdash;1st, a Bridle, value&pound;1 6s.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Do.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;do.</td><td align='left'>&mdash;2nd, a pair of Spurs0 6s.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>For the Wrestlers</td><td align='left'>A Leathern Belt</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>For the Leapers</td><td align='left'>A pair of Gloves</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>For the Foot Racers</td><td align='left'>A Handkerchief</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>For the Dog Coursers</td><td align='left'>A Pewter Quart Pot</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<p>Many other small prizes were given, and they brought out a strong
+determined spirit of contention amongst the competitors. The one who had
+finally&mdash;after many sturdy contests&mdash;the belt placed over his shoulders,
+was regarded as quite a distinguished individual. If there were a dance in
+the evening, it of course made him a personage of no small account. Old and
+young regarded wrestling science, wrestling distinction and strength, with
+keen relish. The Sunday following victory, the champion might be seen
+marching to church, decorated with the belt, and on the Sunday following
+showing off at another neighbouring church. And this was not the only
+distinction: the lasses, one and all, looked on him favourably. He had no
+difficulty in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> getting a sweetheart, and matrimonial engagements frequently
+followed the prize winning; for amongst rustics, as well as in the higher
+classes, distinction is invariably looked on as a pretty good passport to a
+lady's favour.</p>
+
+<p>Sometimes disputes would arise&mdash;for northern blood at sports and fairs is
+soon up&mdash;and then probably a punishing fight ensues. This, however, rarely
+happens. When it does take place, it is a fair stand up fisty-cuff fight. A
+very severe contest occurred at the Stone Carr meeting, which from the
+amazing stature and strength of the combatants, is deserving of record. Mr.
+Andrew Huddleston&mdash;an enthusiastic admirer of rustic sports&mdash;threw up the
+belt as a competitor. The country people for miles round about his own
+neighbourhood gave him the <i>sobriquet</i> of "Girt Andrew," from his
+giant-like stature and great strength. He came against one Thomas Harrison
+of Blencow, another Titanic specimen of humanity. Probably no two of like
+Herculean proportions ever stood together to take hold. "Girt Andrew" got
+grassed with a tremendous thud, and directly offered to fight his opponent.
+Harrison, no ways backward, accepted the challenge, and both prepared for a
+set-to. An unexpected interference occurred. A Presbyterian preacher, then
+stationed at Penruddock, persuaded them to desist, and apparently seemed to
+have got the burly combatants to depart home peaceably without a resort to
+blows. The feud,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> however, proved to be glossed over, and not healed, for
+even after jointly partaking of a friendly glass, Mr. Huddleston again
+threw down the gauntlet, and again it was taken up. The fight was obstinate
+and terrific, both receiving fearful punishment. In the end Harrison
+triumphed. In after years they continued good neighbours, without any
+manifestation of ill feeling.</p>
+
+<p>Thomas Harrison had a brother named Launcelot, residing at Penruddock, who
+followed the occupation of a blacksmith. This man also possessed amazing
+strength, and was of gigantic stature. When dead, his remains were taken to
+Greystoke, and buried there. Some years after, the grave digger, in making
+another grave, dug into Launcelot's. He took out the jaw bone, and it
+proved to be half as big again as the sexton's, who was a stout six feet
+man.<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a></p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> Clarke's Survey.</p></div>
+
+<p>Another Penruddock champion died in 1791, at the age of four score and six
+years, who was styled at that date, "the last of the northern giants." This
+was Matthias Nicholson, who, through a lengthened period, stood unrivalled
+at all the wrestlings and other athletic exercises and manly sports, which
+took place in the neighbourhood. His height was six feet two inches, and
+his bulk in proportion.</p>
+
+<p>The top of High Street, a mountain near Haweswater, in Westmorland, seems a
+strange situation for holding Wrestlings, Jumpings, Horse Races, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> other
+sports. This mountain is 2,700 feet above the level of the sea&mdash;a breezy
+elevation, forsooth, for such pastimes. Nevertheless, they were held
+annually on the 10th of July for many years, and long continued to be a
+flourishing institution. The primary object of the gathering was this:&mdash;On
+the heaves or pastures of mountain sheep farms, stray sheep are kept and
+cared for. The shepherds, on the day appointed, drive them to the place of
+meeting, and give them up to the rightful owners, who identify them by
+certain marks. After this important business has been gone through, a
+dinner is set out, and washed down with libations of ale or spirits, and,
+by the time keen appetites are satisfied, numerous additions have increased
+the assemblage, and then commence the wrestling, &amp;c. It forcibly
+illustrates the deep hold these pastimes have in the minds of the rural
+population, when they are indulged in at such meetings and in such
+situations. From information which has been gathered from an aged native of
+Kentmere, it appears that the High Street gatherings fell into neglect, and
+were discontinued about sixty years since. They have been supplemented by
+similar ones&mdash;minus the races and wrestlings&mdash;held annually in November at
+the little road side hostelry on Kirkstone, and at the "Dun Bull" in
+Mardale, where sports and wrestlings are held annually on Whit-Monday.
+Mardale is at other times a lonely, little frequented dale, at the head of
+Haweswater. On one occasion the landlady<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> of the "Dun Bull," on being
+remonstrated with for supplying sour porter in June, excused herself by
+saying: "Why, that's varra queer! It <i>was</i> freysh enuff last grouse time!"</p>
+
+<p>Other places&mdash;situate advantageously for holding them&mdash;have now their
+shepherd's gatherings. At the High Street meetings a fox hunt was mostly an
+important part of the day's proceedings. The following fearful incident
+happened during a hot chase. Blea Water Cragg is doubtless well known to
+many summer tourists. It has a sheer fall of about three hundred yards, and
+the rock in many places appears to jut out even with the bottom. A man
+named Dixon, from Kentmere, was following a hard run fox, when he slipped
+and fell from the top of the rocks to the bottom. He was carried home, with
+no broken bones, but bruised and battered in a shocking manner; nearly all
+the skin and hair of his head cut off by the sharp-edged rocks&mdash;scalped, in
+fact. In falling, he struck against the rocks many times, and yet, strange
+to say, by his own account, he did not feel the shocks from first falling
+over to finally landing at the bottom of the perilous descent. Dizzy,
+stunned, and unable to stand, he had the chase uppermost in his mind,
+shouting as well as he was able to the first that got to him: "Lads! lads!
+t' fox is gane oot at t' hee end! Lig t' dogs on, an' I'll cum seun!"
+Insensibility soon followed this exhortation, and he was carried home, but
+recovered ultimately. The rocks have since been known by the name of
+"Dixon's three jumps."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Wrestling on High Street seems strange, but stranger still is wrestling on
+the frozen surface of Windermere lake. The one we have to record happened
+in 1785, during an excessively severe frost. When the ice had attained
+great thickness, a project was started for roasting a large ox on it. All
+preparations being made, "Rawlinson's Nab" was fixed upon as the locality
+for carrying on operations. The eventful day arrived without any break in
+the frost, and a vast concourse from all parts of the surrounding country
+assembled to enjoy the unusual sight. Creature comforts, in the shape of
+eatables and lots of beer, were not wanting. The enlivening strains of a
+band of music from Kendal, too, gave animation to the scene. The wrestling
+was in clogs, such as country people at that time generally wore. These
+primitive coverings for the feet, though well adapted for sliding on the
+ice, were clumsy to wrestle in; nevertheless, the falls were eagerly
+contested, and delighted the throng of spectators. The final victor
+received a belt.</p>
+
+<p>From the interesting autobiography of Thomas Bewick, the celebrated wood
+engraver, who visited an uncle at Ainstable about the year 1776, we learn
+the following particulars respecting the feats of one of his cousins in the
+wrestling ring:&mdash;"I remained at Ainstable about a week, during which time I
+rambled about the neighbourhood, visited my friends at Kirkoswald and
+elsewhere, and spent what time<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> I could spare in fishing for trout in the
+Croglin.... I began to think of moving abroad; and my cousin having
+occasion to go to Carlisle, I went with him there, where we parted.... At
+Langholm, my landlord who was a Cumberland man and knew my relatives there,
+was very kind to me; and among other matters concerning them, told me that
+my cousin who had accompanied me to Carlisle had won nine belts in his
+wrestling matches in that county."</p>
+
+<p>We next come to a curious, remarkable, and noteworthy old custom at which,
+towards the latter end of the eighteenth century, and the early part of the
+nineteenth, wrestlings, and a variety of other sports, were much
+patronised. The celebration of <span class="smcap">Bridewains</span> or <span class="smcap">Bidden Weddings</span> were extremely
+popular in Cumberland. All the people of the country side were invited. For
+the amusement of the spectators assembled, prizes were given for sports of
+various kinds, as will be found described in the graphic dialect poem of
+John Stagg, the blind bard.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Some for a par o' mittens loup't,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Some wrustl'd for a belt;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Some play'd at pennice-steans for brass;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And some amaist gat fell't.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Hitch-step-an'-loup some tried for spwort,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Wi' mony a sair exertion;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Others for bits o' 'bacca gurn'd,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">An' sec like daft devarshon<br /></span>
+<span class="i24">Put owre that day.<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></div></div>
+
+<p>If any reader wishes for a full description of the various incidents and
+details connected with this old wedding custom, he is recommended to
+consult Stagg's poem of <i>The Bridewain</i>, from which the preceding lines are
+quoted.</p>
+
+<p>The people of the district were generally invited to these weddings by
+public advertisement, specimens of which still exist in the files of one or
+two of the earliest local newspapers. The following is given as a curiosity
+in its way from the <i>Cumberland Pacquet</i>.</p>
+
+
+<h3>BIDDEN WEDDINGS.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Suspend for one Day all your cares and your labours,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And come to this Wedding, kind friends and good Neighbours.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Notice is hereby given</span>, That the Marriage of Isaac
+Pearson with Frances Atkinson, will be solemnized in
+due form in the Parish Church of Lamplugh, on Monday
+next, the 30th of May, instant&mdash;immediately after which
+the Bride and Bridegroom, with their attendants, will
+proceed to Lonefoot, in the said Parish, where the
+Nuptials will be celebrated by a variety of Rural
+entertainments.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i14">Then come one and all,<br /></span>
+<span class="i14">At Hymen's soft call,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">From Whitehaven, Workington, Harrington, Dean,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Haile, Ponsonby, Blaing, and all places between;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">From Egremont, Cockermouth, Parton, Saint Bees,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Dint, Kinneyside, Calder, and parts joining these;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And the country at large may flock if they please.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Such sports there will be as have seldom been seen&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Such Wrestling, and Fencing, and Dancing between;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And Races for Prizes, and Frolic and Fun,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">By Horses, by Asses, and Dogs will be run:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And you'll all go home happy&mdash;as sure as a gun.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In a word&mdash;such a Wedding can ne'er fail to please,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For the Sports of Olympus were trifles to these.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2"><i>Nota Bene</i>&mdash;You'll please to observe that the Day<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Of this grand Bridal Pomp is the thirtieth of May;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">When 'tis hop'd that the sun to enliven the sight,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Like the Flambeau of Hymen, will deign to burn bright.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class="right">Lamplugh, May 20th, 1786.</p></div>
+
+<p>The next one which we shall quote, contents itself with a plain prose
+description of the various attractions.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Richard and Ann Allason present their compliments to
+their Friends and the Public in general, and beg leave
+to inform them that they intend to have a <span class="smcap">Bridewain</span> at
+Southwaite, in the Parish of Brigham, on Thursday, the
+25th day of May, instant. There will be the following
+Sports&mdash;such as Horse Races, Dog Races, Wrestling,
+Jumping, and Foot Races, &amp;c., &amp;c., &amp;c., and various
+other amusements too tedious to mention, to entertain
+them; and they will think themselves happy with their
+attendance.</p>
+
+<p class="right">Southwaite, 1st May, 1809.</p></div>
+
+<p>The last Bridewain notice we shall give celebrates the marriage of Henry
+and Sarah Robinson of High Lorton, near Cockermouth, on June 6th, 1811.
+This advertisement flows into sprightly verse as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">'Tis Love, immortal Power! gives birth<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To healthful Sports and Sprightliest Mirth.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Awhile your Drudgery and Pains<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Forego, ye jocund Nymphs and Swains.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">We think it only Right to acquaint ye,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That each sort may get Sweethearts plenty!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For those who Pastime love and Fun,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">We've Horses, Dogs, and Men to Run;<br /></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>
+<span class="i0">Athletic Sports we'll set before ye,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And Heats renown'd in Ancient Story;&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Leaping and Wrestling for the Strong,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Enough to please you&mdash;<i>Come Along!</i><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Professor Wilson&mdash;himself a proficient in the noble pastime, and whose
+great literary attainments assisted materially to elevate <i>Blackwood's
+Magazine</i> to the proud eminence it attained in his time,&mdash;pays in its pages
+the following eloquent tribute to Wrestling, which was, in his younger
+days, the principal athletic exercise in the North of England.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>It is impossible to conceive the intense and passionate
+interest taken by the whole northern population in this
+most rural and muscular amusement. For weeks before the
+great Carlisle annual contest, nothing else is talked
+of on road, field, flood, foot or horseback; we fear it
+is thought of even in church, which we regret and
+condemn; and in every little comfortable public within
+a circle of thirty miles diameter, the home-brewed
+quivers in the glasses on the oaken tables to knuckles
+smiting the boards in corroboration of the claims to
+the championship of Grahame, a Cass, a Laughlin, Solid
+Yak, a Wilson, or a Weightman. A political friend of
+ours&mdash;a staunch fellow&mdash;in passing through the lakes
+last autumn, heard of nothing but the contest for the
+county, which he had understood would be between Lord
+Lowther (the sitting member) and Mr. Brougham. But to
+his sore perplexity, he heard the claims of new
+candidates, to him hitherto unknown; and on meeting us
+at that best of inns, the White Lion, Bowness, he told
+us with a downcast and serious countenance that Lord
+Lowther would be ousted, for that the struggle, as far
+as he could learn, would ultimately be between Thomas
+Ford of Egremont, and William Richardson of Caldbeck,
+men of no landed property, and probably Radicals.... It
+is, in our opinion, and according to our taste,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> not
+easy, to the most poetical and picturesque imagination,
+to create for itself a more beautiful sight than the
+ring at Carlisle.... Fifteen thousand people, perhaps,
+are there, all gazing anxiously on the candidates for
+the county. Down goes Cass, Weightman is the standing
+member; and the agitation of a thousand passions, a
+suppressed shudder and an under-growl, moves the mighty
+multitude like an earthquake. No savage anger, no
+boiling rage of ruined blacklegs, no leering laughter
+of mercenary swells&mdash;sights and sounds which we must
+confess do sicken the sense at Newmarket and
+Moulsey&mdash;but the visible and audible movements of calm,
+strong, temperate English hearts, free from all fear of
+ferocity, and swayed for a few moments of sublime
+pathos by the power of nature working in victory or
+defeat.</p></div>
+
+<p>We may be allowed to supplement the foregoing with a remark, that there are
+two things which natives of the Lake Country, and the rural parts of
+Cumberland and Westmorland, who have migrated southwards, often in their
+absence sigh for. The one is "a good stiff clim' amang t' fells;" and the
+other, "a snug seat aroond some russlin' ring."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/dec2.jpg" width="450" height="463" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2>MELMERBY ROUNDS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Melmerby is one of the finest types of a fell-side rural village left in
+Cumberland, with its cheerful dwellings scattered here and there&mdash;single or
+in groups,&mdash;its old manor hall and miniature church, and its spacious green
+spreading over fully fourteen acres of land. The village nestles close
+under Hartside, one of the Crossfell range of mountains, on the direct road
+from Penrith to Alston, over which the pack-horse bell continued to tinkle,
+clear and loud, to a much more recent period than it did on the great
+highways of commerce. This interesting fact has not been overlooked by Miss
+Powley, in her <i>Echoes of Old Cumberland</i>.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">When the staunch pack-horse gang of yore<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The Fell's unbroken rigours faced,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With stores for miners 'mid the moor,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The Dane's stronghold at ten miles passed;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Then up the steeps their burden bore,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">For trackless, treeless, ten miles more.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i14">*....*....*....*<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">When the staunch troop, with travel sore,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Passed up within the Helm-cloud's veil,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And 'scaped the blast&mdash;yet heard it roar<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Below in many a western dale;&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">When they, to crown the march severe,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Defiled through summits bleak and brown;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With sudden speed, and louder cheer,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Came clattering down to Alston town,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Round which the wide fells darkly peer,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And grasping winter cheats the year.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The Melmerby folk to this day are pastoral in occupation, intercourse, and
+habits. Their conversation, running for the most part on rural topics, is
+plentifully interlarded with such expressions as "Fetchin' t' kye he&agrave;m,"
+"Fodderin' t' sheep," and "Takin' t' nag to t' smiddy." Occasionally, the
+blood runs warmer with excitement and curiosity, when a shrill cry like the
+following rings through the village streets, "Run wid t' r&egrave;apes, lad! A
+coo's i' t' mire!"</p>
+
+<p>At the Gale, within a mile of the village, where the land rests principally
+on a limestone bottom, the produce of cream is not of that dubious quality
+known to pent-up city dames, but so rich and thick that a spoon will almost
+stand upright in it. The cream of this dairy has frequently been tested
+with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> one of the old copper pennies of George the Third coinage, which
+formidable weight it always bore triumphantly on the top.</p>
+
+<p>For fully a century, and probably a much longer period, Melmerby has been
+known as a noted place for upholding the manly back-hold wrestling of the
+North. On Old Midsummer Day&mdash;that is, on the 5th of July of each year&mdash;this
+village commenced its annual two-days' sports, which consisted of prizes
+for wrestling, leaping, foot-racing, dog-trailing, etc. The wrestling took
+place on that part of the green known as the cock-pit, where many a doughty
+champion has been sent sprawling at full length on his back. Although the
+amount given in prizes was small,<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> the entry of names was always large,
+from sixty to seventy being the average number; while more than four-score
+men have contended at various times. By being held at the season of the
+year when the days were longest, and when they wore their sunniest aspect,
+Melmerby Rounds were invariably attended by vast concourses of spectators.
+The Alstonians used to muster remarkably strong; the miners and others
+coming over Hartside in considerable droves from that town, and the
+neighbouring villages of Nenthead and Garrigill-gates. So great became the
+celebrity of the Melmerby ring, that first-rate wrestlers have frequently
+travelled as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> far as thirty and forty miles to throw and be thrown upon its
+village green. Buying and selling was a thing unknown. One friend might
+give way to another sometimes; but, as a rule, it was purely the honour of
+becoming victor, for the time being, that emulated most of the competitors.</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> "Melmerby Annual Sports will take place on Monday, the 6th day
+of July, 1846, when the following Prizes will be given to contend for:&mdash;&pound;2
+to Wrestle for; &pound;2 for a Hound Race; and handsome prizes for Running,
+Leaping, and other amusements, as usual."&mdash;[<i>Advertisement.</i>]</p></div>
+
+<p>A veritable giant in height and strength, who was in his prime about 1805,
+being ambitious to excel as an athlete, attended these sports for several
+years, but never succeeded in carrying off a single prize. This was
+Teasdale Thompson of High Rotherup, near Alston, whose height exceeded six
+feet two inches, and whose weight was in proportion to his height. Among
+well-known men who attended these meetings, but failed to achieve success,
+may be mentioned Robinson of Renwick, and William Earl of Cumwhitton, the
+former of whom figured several times.</p>
+
+<p>About a quarter of a century ago, the squire of Melmerby Hall interested
+himself a good deal in establishing spring and "back-end" fairs in the
+village, for the sale of cattle, sheep, &amp;c.; and on this account it was
+thought better to abolish the annual Rounds. Accordingly this ancient
+gathering came to a sudden and unexpected collapse, about the year 1850,
+after having existed in an unbroken link for fully a century.</p>
+
+<p>The following is as complete a list of the winners of the wrestling at
+Melmerby Rounds, as we have been able to collect. The local newspapers
+were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> carefully ransacked for intelligence, but being found singularly
+barren in this respect, our information had to be gathered in almost every
+instance from aged fell-side chroniclers, who had either been frequent or
+occasional attenders at these meetings, the principal of whom was Mr. John
+Dodd of Broadmeadows, Melmerby.</p>
+
+<p>About 1788 Adam Dodd of Langwathby Mill, won <i>several</i> years.</p>
+
+<p>
+About 1798, James Fawcett, miner, Nenthead.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1799,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  "</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1800,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  "</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1801,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  "</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1802,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  "</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1803,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  "</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1804,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  "</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1809, Thomas Golightly, miner, Alston.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>This wrestler afterwards removed to the West Cumberland mining district;
+and in February, 1819, was killed by the fall of part of a roof in one of
+the Whitehaven coal pits.</p>
+
+<p>
+About 1810, Robert Rowantree, shepherd, Kingwater.<br />
+About 1815, Andrew Armstrong, farmer, Sowerby Hall.<br />
+About 1816, Thomas Peat, farmer's son, Blencow.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1817, John Dobson, Cliburn.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1818, John Robley, Scarrowmannock.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1819,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; "</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Robley emigrated to America several years after this date.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>
+About 1820, Isaac Maughan, Alston.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1821,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; "</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Maughan settled in Newcastle-on-Tyne, where he died during the cholera of
+1832.</p>
+
+<p>
+About 1823, J. Spottiswoode, miner, Alston.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1825, John Weightman, husbandman, Hayton.</span><br />
+About 1826, John Weightman, husbandman, Hayton.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Weightman won two years, and received a guinea and the belt each time,
+these being the usual awards to the victor at that date.</p>
+
+<p>1828, Thomas Armstrong, Carlisle; Elliot (perhaps of Cumrew) wrestled
+second. Bowman, of the Gale, won the second day's wrestling.</p>
+
+<p>About 1830, Joseph Graham, Dufton Wood, Appleby.</p>
+
+<p>About 1833, Jonathan Woodmas, Alston.</p>
+
+<p>1838, Thomas Morton, farmer, The Gale, 1st; Isaac Farlam,
+Bowness-on-Solway, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p>About 1839, Thomas Morton, farmer, The Gale.</p>
+
+<p>On one occasion Morton wrestled through the ring without taking his coat
+off.</p>
+
+<p>About 1841, John Salkeld, land-surveyor, Huddlesceugh.</p>
+
+<p>1844, <i>First day</i>: Joseph Elliot, Croglin, 1st; Thomas Teasdale, Ousby,
+2nd. (Sixty-five names entered, including John Buck, John Milburn, and
+Joseph Morton.) <i>Second day</i>: John Nixon, Langwathby, 1st; John Slee,
+Blencow, 2nd.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>About 1845, Joseph Shepherd, Crewgarth, Melmerby.</p>
+
+<p>1847, Joseph Morton, farmer, The Gale, 1st; John Milburn, Weardale, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p>Joseph Morton also won once or twice on the second day. John Milburn
+stopped at Melmerby on his way home from the Carlisle meeting, at which
+latter place he carried off the head prize the two following years.</p>
+
+<p>About 1850, Joseph Morton, farmer, The Gale.</p>
+
+<p>Morton threw Halliwell of Penrith, and, we believe, Anthony Mc.Donald of
+Appleby wrestled up with him. This was the last Round held at Melmerby.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p>
+<h2>LANGWATHBY ROUNDS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Langwathby, like its twin-sister Melmerby, is strictly a rural village,
+made up of snug homesteads, dropped here and there in picturesque
+confusion. Crossing the bridge from the Penrith side, and coming in sight
+of its modest church and spacious green, the most familiar sounds which
+formerly fell upon the ear were the lowing of cattle, the bleating of
+sheep, and the barking of dogs. The pastoral stillness which once
+prevailed, however, is now abruptly broken by the shrill whistle of the
+passing train, the snorting and screeching of engines, and the heavy thuds
+which resound from the "shunting" and reloading of railway waggons
+immediately above.</p>
+
+<p>This old-world village, with few chances and changes to record, has found a
+native bard to plead feelingly for the obscurity which the dim past has
+wrapped around its history.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">O! spot of all the land alone<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Unsung, unheard of, and unknown;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Dim background of life's busy stage,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Scarce named in local history's page.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span><br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Neglected spot! what hast thou done,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That, ever since the world begun,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thy name proscribed hath seemed to be,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In legend, tale, or minstrelsy?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That e'en no rustic bard hath owned thee,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And thrown a wreath of song around thee?<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>However much the paucity of general incidents may be felt in reviewing the
+past history of this Cumberland village, it is pleasing to note that
+Langwathby and Melmerby vie with each other in antiquity as promoters or
+"handers down" of local athletic pastimes.</p>
+
+<p>The famous Adam Dodd, "the Cock of the North," lived and died at Langwathby
+Mill, which place is still&mdash;or was recently&mdash;inhabited and owned by the
+same family. The last Adam Dodd of that ilk, was killed half a century
+after the death of the first Adam, on his homeward journey with horse and
+cart from Alston, while turning a sharp angle of the road a little above
+Melmerby.</p>
+
+<p>Langwathby Rounds, unlike those at Melmerby, were held annually in the
+midst of "winter and cold weather"&mdash;that is to say, on New Year's Day and
+the day following. Wrestling formed by far the greatest attraction of these
+primitive gatherings; the yeomen, farmers, and husbandmen from the
+neighbouring hamlets being the principal competitors. The sports took
+place, as a general rule, in a field close to the village which belongs to
+Mr. John Hodgson; but on some few occasions they were held on the opposite
+or western side of the river<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> Eden. The prizes given were of small value,
+but great honour. During the latter part of the last century, a narrow
+leathern belt of meagre appearance, or a pair of buckskin breeches, was
+almost the only trophy given for wrestling. In the year 1816, when James
+Robinson won, a couple of guineas was the full amount offered; and this
+sum, we suppose, was never exceeded till many years after the King of
+Mardale and the Bishop of Lichfield's brother had carried off the principal
+prizes.</p>
+
+<p>About the year 1820, on New Year's Day, the ground was covered with a
+coating of snow three or four inches deep, when a curious scene took place
+during the wrestling. It so happened that Isaac Mason of Croglin, was drawn
+against Isaac Westmorland of Ousby. Mason&mdash;well known for his smuggling
+adventures and his numerous eccentricities&mdash;entered the ring wearing an old
+home-spun overcoat, so thick and patched that it set at nought all
+Westmorland's attempts to clasp his arms around it. No persuasion could
+induce Mason to try and accommodate matters by stripping. He would not move
+a jot; and in the meantime his opponent was becoming quite numb and frigid
+with cold. At length Mason showed signs of relenting, and ultimately took
+off the obnoxious overcoat. Still Westmorland's arms were found to be too
+short, and refused to meet. Continuing therefore to "doff" what was most
+cumbersome&mdash;off went the coat, then the waistcoat, and finally Mason stood
+stripped<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> to his "sark" in the snow, with nothing on but his trousers,
+where his opponent managed to keep him standing until he, in his turn, was
+nearly starved to death!</p>
+
+<p>Among other minor prizes at Langwathby, a pair of garters was given to the
+boy who proved himself to be the fleetest runner. About forty years since
+this prize was carried off by a youth of the village, who afterwards became
+a successful rower, and, as one of the athletes of Queen's College, Oxford,
+won the silver oar twice in succession.</p>
+
+<p>A dance on the green among the village girls of four or five years old,
+formed a pretty rural sight, even when witnessed amid the cheerless snow.
+At the conclusion of these jocund rounds, each little maiden was presented
+with a bright ribbon&mdash;such mementoes being popularly spoken of as
+<i>fancies</i>. And while the procession of fiddlers and villagers were
+marshalling in order, it was no unusual thing to hear an aged dame calling
+from her cottage door: "Noo, honies, run an' git ye're <i>fancies</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>The boys' race and the leaping usually succeeded the dancing on the green;
+and by the time these pastimes were concluded, daylight had either gone or
+was fast fading away. Owing to darkness setting in thus early, lanterns
+were frequently in great request among the rough-spun frequenters of the
+wrestling ring.</p>
+
+<p>Following close in the rear of the New Year's pastimes, came the ancient
+custom of <i>stanging</i> on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> the Twelfth Night. A procession of young
+fellows&mdash;dressed in fantastic garbs as clowns, accompanied by one in
+woman's attire, and preceded by a couple of fiddlers&mdash;paraded the village
+streets. Calling in rotation at the various houses on their way, the
+"woman" commenced operations by sweeping up the fireside with a besom,
+which she carried for that purpose, and then the leading clown delivered a
+ludicrous speech to the inmates of the house. One Brunskill, shoemaker and
+rustic humourist, is still remembered as being by far the cleverest clown
+who figured at these Stangings. To his credit let it be mentioned that his
+mirth was always kept well within the limits of decorum and decency.</p>
+
+<p>The Langwathby Rounds continued to flourish after the Melmerby ones had
+passed away, being kept up for full twenty years longer, and consequently
+extended over a still greater period of time. The more intelligent dwellers
+at this hamlet give it as their opinion, that so long as the Rounds
+continued to be of a secluded character, and were almost entirely taken
+part in by the villagers and the rural population, living under the shadow
+of Crossfell or Hartside, things generally went well and smoothly; and that
+it was reserved for these latter days to open up new roads, offer larger
+prizes, and introduce a greater influx of "riff-raff" and unruly characters
+from the towns, after which period the annual gatherings became more and
+more degraded by tolerating unseemly abuses. About the year<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> 1870, having
+sunk in social status, these Rounds were finally given up, lest some riot
+or other unpleasant circumstance might crop up, as did at Armathwaite,
+between the English and Irish navvies, employed in cutting the extension of
+the Midland line of railway from Settle to Carlisle.</p>
+
+<p>The following is as full a list of the winners of the wrestling at the
+Langwathby Rounds as we have been able to collect together, from a variety
+of out-of-the-way and other sources.</p>
+
+<p>About 1788, Adam Dodd of Langwathby Mill, won <i>several</i> years.</p>
+
+<p>About 1809, Paul Gedling, Culgaith, 1st; Isaac Dodd, Langwathby Mill, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p>Dodd broke a blood vessel in the wrestle up, owing to which both men left
+loose; the prize, of course, being awarded to Gedling. Isaac Dodd farmed
+Barrock Gill, near Carlisle, for many years after this event.</p>
+
+<p>1816, James Robinson, gamekeeper, Hackthorpe.</p>
+
+<p>1817, Thomas Peat, Blencow, 1st; George Robinson, Langwathby, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p>Robinson of Hackthorpe, and Joe Abbot of Thornthwaite, also wrestled.</p>
+
+<p>1818, Thomas Richardson, Hesket-New-Market, known as "The Dyer," 1st; John
+Dobson, Cliburn, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p>About 1820, Isaac Mason, Croglin.</p>
+
+<p>About 1824, John Holmes, King of Mardale.</p>
+
+<p>About 1826, John Bowstead, yeoman, Beckbank.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Bowstead was one of the Bishop of Lichfield's younger brothers.</p>
+
+<p>1829, Joseph Thompson, Caldbeck, 1st;&mdash;Milburn, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p>Thompson was only an eleven stone man; while Milburn stood six feet two
+inches, and weighed nearly sixteen stones. Thompson also distinguished
+himself by throwing Ireland and Bird, both good wrestlers.</p>
+
+<p>About 1830, Matthew Dixon, Penrith.</p>
+
+<p>About 1831, George Bird, farmer, Langwathby.</p>
+
+<p>1832, <i>First day</i>: Thomas Dobson, Sleagill. <i>Second day</i>: William Warwick,
+Eamont Bridge.</p>
+
+<p>About 1833, Richard Chapman, Patterdale, 1st; Benson of Hunsanby, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p>
+About 1834, Richard Chapman, Patterdale.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1835, George Bird, farmer, Langwathby.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1836, Robt. Gordon, husbandman, Plumpton.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1837, George Bird, farmer, Langwathby.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1838,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  "</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1839, &mdash;&mdash; Moore, shoemaker, Melmerby.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1840, Thomas Morton, The Gale, Melmerby.</span><br />
+About 1841, John Spedding, husbandman, Skirwith.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1842, Thomas Morton, The Gale, Melmerby.</span><br />
+About 1843, Anthony Mc.Donald, Appleby.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&nbsp;  1844,&nbsp; &nbsp; "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  "</span><br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>1845, <i>First day</i>: J. Shadwick, Lazonby, 1st; John Robinson, Langwathby,
+2nd. <i>Second day</i>: William Buck, Temple Sowerby, 1st; John Buck Temple
+Sowerby, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p>About 1846, Anthony Mc.Donald, Appleby.</p>
+
+<p>1847, <i>First day</i>: Anthony Mc.Donald, Appleby, 1st; John Shadwick, 2nd.
+<i>Second day</i>: Joseph Halliwell, Penrith, 1st; John Shadwick, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p>About 1848, Joseph Halliwell, Penrith.</p>
+
+<p>1849, William Buck, Temple Sowerby, 1st; John Shadwick, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p>
+About 1850, Anthony Mc.Donald, Appleby.<br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 1851, &nbsp; &nbsp; "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  "</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 1852, &nbsp; &nbsp; "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  "</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Anthony Mc.Donald won seven times in all, some of which were second day's
+prizes.</p>
+
+<p>About 1861, <i>First day</i>: John Wilkinson, Little Strickland, 1st; John
+Salkeld, Melmerby, 2nd. <i>Second day</i>: Thomas Threlkeld, Langwathby, 1st;
+Isaac Dodd, Langwathby Mill, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p>1862, <i>First day</i>: William Jameson, Penrith, 1st; T. Salkeld, Great
+Salkeld, 2nd. <i>Second day</i>: J. Brunskill, Penrith, 1st; W. Watson,
+Winskill, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p>About 1863, William Jameson, Penrith.</p>
+
+<p>" 1864, <i>First day</i>: John Wilkinson, Little Strickland, 1st; John Atkinson,
+Little Salkeld, 2nd. <i>Second day</i>: Isaac Lowthian, Plumpton, 1st; Philip
+Lowthian, Plumpton, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p>About 1865, <i>First day</i>: Isaac Lowthian, Plumpton, 1st; Thomas Sisson,
+Temple Sowerby, 2nd.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> <i>Second day</i>: John Howe, Ousby, 1st; William
+Cheesebrough, Langwathby Hall, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p>About 1866, <i>First day</i>: Andrew Armstrong, Plumpton, 1st; Isaac Lowthian,
+Plumpton, 2nd. <i>Second day</i>: Adam Slack, Skirwith Hall, 1st; James
+Errington, Aiketgate, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p>1867, <i>First day</i>: Adam Slack, Skirwith Hall, 1st; John Cheesebrough,
+Langwathby Hall, 2nd. <i>Second day</i>: George Steadman, Drybeck, 1st; Ralph
+Pooley, Longlands, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p>About 1868, <i>First day</i>: Ralph Pooley, Longlands, 1st; William
+Cheesebrough, Langwathby, 2nd. <i>Second day</i>: Ralph Pooley, 1st; John
+Cheesebrough, Langwathby, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p><i>Nine-and-a-half stone prize</i>: Joseph Hodgson, Langwathby, 1st; John
+Errington, Aiketgate, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p>1869, <i>First day</i>: Joseph Hodgson, 1st; William Cheesebrough, 2nd. <i>Second
+day</i>: Saunders Gedling, 1st; William Cheesebrough, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p><i>Ten stone prize</i>: Robert Mc.Crone, 1st; Thomas Holmes, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p>1870, George Steadman, Drybeck, 1st; William Pigg, Sceugh Dyke, 2nd.</p>
+
+<p><i>Ten stone prize:</i> Samuel Brownrigg, Clifton, 1st; Robert Gordon, Plumpton,
+2nd.</p>
+
+<p>This was the last Round held at Langwathby. There was only one day's
+sports.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 550px;">
+<img src="images/dec3.jpg" width="550" height="316" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2>JAMES FAWCETT</h2>
+
+<h3>OF NENTHEAD.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The following brief memoir of <span class="smcap">James Fawcett</span> of Nenthead&mdash;one of the most
+accomplished wrestlers on record&mdash;will carry the reader back to a byegone
+period, when wrestling and various other amusements, which filled up the
+day's programme, were far more a <i>rural</i> following than at present; when
+"Rounds" like Melmerby and Langwathby, when West Cumberland "Bridewains,"
+when country meetings like Stone Carr, near Greystoke, produced at stated
+periods an exciting animation in almost all northern villages, and afforded
+a brief holiday to a numerous body of small "statesmen" and farmers, their
+sons, and servants. Such gatherings are now, however, nearly all given
+up&mdash;are only "lang syne" remembrances, and wrestling meetings are held
+mostly in the large towns, and considerable sums offered to contend for. In
+many cases they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> are got up by innkeepers, who depend on "gate money" to
+recoup the outlay. Whether this change conduces to fair, manly, unbought
+wrestling, is a matter of grave doubt. Wrestlings, we are afraid, will
+never again be contests, like those of ancient Greece and Rome&mdash;<i>for honour
+and fame</i>. We cannot look on this change otherwise than as unfortunate for
+the rural population of the northern counties, who may justly asseverate&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">There never was a game like the old English game,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">That's played 'twixt the knee and the tee;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">You may roam the world o'er, but the game at your door<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Is the very best game you will see.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>We regret being unable to furnish anything like a detailed account of Jemmy
+Fawcett's feats in the ring, or more than a meagre outline of the general
+particulars of his life. But what we do know of his career is so important
+in wrestling annals, that we are inclined to believe it would be considered
+injudicious to omit all notice of such a high class athlete. Most of his
+achievements have become well nigh traditionary, and yet, in many respects,
+his memory is as green as ever it was in the northern counties, and
+particularly so in a wide circuit round Alston Moor.</p>
+
+<p>Fawcett lived at Greengill, Nenthead, a mining village in East Cumberland,
+four or five miles from Alston town, where he worked at his daily
+occupation, in what is called a "hush," connected with the mines. His
+height was five feet seven inches,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> and his general wrestling weight from
+ten to ten and a half stone. His modes of attack and defence, and manner of
+disposing of his opponents, seem to have been innumerable; in fact, he
+appears to have been an adept in turning the most unlikely emergencies to
+account. He was as active as an eel, could twist and wriggle like one, and
+was nearly as difficult to hold. When an opening presented itself, he was
+partial to getting his left side into play, and then immediately ensued a
+decisive onslaught. Robert Rowantree, a big six foot, fifteen-stone man,
+who practised a slaughtering cross-buttock, used to say that no man could
+so effectually stop it as Jemmy Fawcett. Litt designates him, as "the very
+best wrestler of his weight Cumberland, or indeed the United Kingdom, ever
+produced." And again, "Jemmy must have been the most wonderful wrestler of
+his own or any other time."</p>
+
+<p>It was about the beginning of the present century that Fawcett attained his
+prime. His wonderful success in carrying off the head prize at the Melmerby
+"Rounds" for seven consecutive years, added considerable celebrity to his
+other achievements. On one of these occasions, he went to Melmerby in
+company with his friend, John Woodmas of Alston, with a full determination
+of winning. A great stumbling block in the way to victory, presented itself
+in the person of one "Pakin" Whitfield, who weighed from sixteen to
+seventeen stones, and who had the reputation of being, at that time, the
+strongest man in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> Cumberland. All went well and smoothly through several
+rounds, until Fawcett and Woodmas were drawn together. What was to be done?
+Woodmas, who weighed at least three stone heavier, argued thus: "Noo,
+Jemmy, my man, what! thoo can de&#257; nowte wid greit Pakin. Thoo's niver
+fit to mannish him. Thoo'll just hev to lig doon to me!" "Nay, nay," was
+the determined reply, "I'll lig nin doon to thee, ner ne&agrave;body else. I can
+throw him weel ene&ugrave;f, I know I can." When "Pakin" and Fawcett came together
+in the next round, Woodmas used to say afterwards: "Sist'e! I fair trimmelt
+age&agrave;n for t' lile fellow. I thowt nowt but t' varra life wad be crush't oot
+on him!" Standing side by side in the ring, the contrast appeared so great,
+that it looked as if the struggle was to take place between a giant and a
+pigmy. When the little man tried to span the back of the big man, and
+failed to do so, derisive peals of laughter broke out in various parts of
+the ring; and when the novel spectacle was presented of the little one
+lengthening his reach by the aid of a pocket handkerchief, the risible
+propensities of the spectators were tickled to a still greater extent.
+Getting fairly into holds, the tussle, however, was not one of long
+duration. "Pakin" commenced operations by making two or three futile
+attempts to draw Fawcett up, so that he could hold him more firmly; but the
+latter being fully prepared for any emergency, skipped about nimbly, and
+evaded all the attempts made to grip<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> him; then he suddenly slipped under
+the big-one's chest with his left side, "gat in amang his legs, an' browte
+him neck ower heels." No sooner was the immense mass of humanity rolled out
+on the green sward, than the crowd went wild with excitement, and "varra
+nar split Crossfell wid shootin' an' hurrain'!"</p>
+
+<p>The annual Easter sports, held at Lowbyre, Alston, continued for many years
+to be a centre for wrestlers to congregate, from the districts round
+Weardale, Harewood, Knarsdale, Nenthead, and Garrigill. To one of these
+meetings, came Cuthbert Peart from Weardale, a powerful well built man,
+weighing sixteen stones nine pounds. Being drawn against Fawcett in one of
+the rounds, Peart lifted him like a child, and while holding him dangling
+in the air, asked, in a swaggering manner, where he would like to be laid.
+Jemmy, however, "mannish't to bit on his feet, like a cat;" and then, quick
+as lightning, down went the Weardale man, like a shot, from the effects of
+one of Jemmy's deadliest chips. "Noo," said Fawcett, with mock gravity,
+while stooping over the prostrate figure of Peart, "thoo can lig me
+whoariver thoo likes!"</p>
+
+<p>The brilliant manner displayed in carrying off Peart, filled the fallen man
+with so much wonder and amazement, that he declared Fawcett to be the
+cleverest wrestler in Britain, and forthwith took him over to Blanchland,
+on the borders of Northumberland and Durham. At that place he wrestled a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>
+match, with a sixteen-and-a-half-stone man, for a pair of leather breeches,
+and won easily. On this occasion he had again to resort to the use of a
+handkerchief.</p>
+
+<p>Another fall, similar in some respects to the one with Peart, occurred at
+Nentberry sports, about three miles from Alston, with one Thomas
+Stephenson, a man of considerable stature and bulk, who was accounted a
+good wrestler in his day and generation. On going into the ring for the
+final fall, Stephenson repeated again and again, with much confidence: "The
+little man <i>must</i> go down&mdash;the little man <i>must</i> go down, this time!" When
+hold had been obtained, the big one led off very briskly with the swing,
+but failing signally, Fawcett at once introduced the buttock, and brought
+him over so quickly and effectually, that as soon as Stephenson had
+recovered from his surprise, he burst out into passionate language,
+exclaiming: "Jemmy Fawcett's n&#363;t a man, at aw! He's a <i>divel</i>&mdash;a fair
+<span class="smcap">divel</span>! an' ne&agrave;body 'ill convince me to th' contrary!"</p>
+
+<p>Jemmy continued to wrestle occasionally till he was nearly fifty years old.
+Litt speaks of him figuring at Smaledale in Yorkshire, where he resided
+about 1823.</p>
+
+<p>During a lengthened career, Fawcett continued a great enthusiast in
+wrestling matters. When lying on his death bed, while wrestling with a foe
+sure to triumph in the end, the "ruling passion" exercised<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> a strange
+influence over him. He actually induced his son and daughter to take hold
+in the room, for a tussle, in order that the son might be benefitted by his
+instructions, relative to certain favourite chips. This anecdote is well
+authenticated.</p>
+
+<p>Fawcett died at Nenthall, near Alston, aged fifty-five or fifty-six years,
+about 1830.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p>
+<h2>WILLIAM RICHARDSON</h2>
+
+<h3>OF CALDBECK.</h3>
+
+<h3>"<i>BELTED WILL.</i>"</h3>
+
+
+<p>When Professor Wilson wrote a review of William Litt's popular
+"Wrestliana," for <i>Blackwood's Magazine</i>, he stated that <span class="smcap">William Richardson</span>
+of Caldbeck, the winner of two hundred and forty wrestling trophies or
+"belts," was "better entitled than old Howard of Castle Dacre himself to
+the cognomen of 'Belted Will.'" From this sweeping dictum of the presiding
+spirit of old Maga, we are inclined to dissent. William Richardson
+doubtless gained his formidable list of prize "belts" mostly in well
+contested but harmless fields of strife, and is fully entitled to the proud
+distinction of having his familiar Caldbeck patronymic, "Will Ritson,"
+elevated into "Belted Will." How, however, he is "better entitled" than the
+grand border chieftain of the Howards&mdash;one of the most celebrated heroes
+that shone in the long and deadly feuds which prevailed for generations
+between the rival border houses of Scotland and England&mdash;we are at a loss<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>
+to conceive. Besides, they earned a similar designation in such different
+fields. One is rendered for ever famous as one of the most renowned actors
+in the fierce border raids that were wont to arise between England and
+Scotland&mdash;a historic celebrity handed down to all time; and whose sword and
+belt&mdash;still preserved amongst the Howard relics&mdash;astonish everyone
+attempting to handle them. It is inconceivable that any one ever existed
+with sufficient strength to wield such formidable weapons, without we fall
+back to that giant of a "long time ago," yclept Samson, or to the other
+strong man of heathen mythology, Hercules. Richardson, holding a high place
+in the wrestling arenas of the north, and formidable from his overpowering
+strength, contended only in fields where, it is true, there was keen
+determined rivalry, but of an entirely harmless description to life or
+limb&mdash;plenty brought to grass in a rough, tumble-down, unwelcome manner,
+but not ending with the death-struggles of infuriate moss-troopers, hating
+each other with a savage bitterness almost inconceivable at the present
+day.</p>
+
+<p>William Richardson was born at Haltcliff, in Caldbeck parish, in March,
+1780. In the rural districts of Cumberland, families were frequently
+numerous. The Richardsons were of this description&mdash;the subject of our
+present memoir being the eldest but one of thirteen children. In his own
+neighbourhood, indeed almost throughout Cumberland, he became familiarly
+known as "Ritson," or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> "Rutson." In order to make his way in the world, he
+was brought up to the occupation of a joiner, and continued to follow the
+business for some years; but having a strong inclination for farming, and
+breeding Herdwick sheep, he gave it up, and settled on an estate called
+Netherrow, near Caldbeck. This farm was in the occupation of his father and
+himself for eighty years.</p>
+
+<p>Richardson measured in height, five feet nine-and-a-half inches, and
+weighed fully fourteen stones. He was a man well and strongly built from
+"top to toe;" slightly round shouldered and round backed; with a fine,
+broad, expansive chest; possessing tremendous strength of arm; and had a
+"neck like a bull." He lived till February, 1860, having attained his
+eightieth year; and it became a common remark that up to nearly the final
+shuffling off this mortal coil, he had the lightest foot, and was the
+"lishest" walker of any old man in the neighbourhood of Caldbeck. At Faulds
+Brow sports, when a hale hearty stager of more than three-score-and-ten
+years, he challenged to wrestle any man in England of his own age. We once
+witnessed, too, at Newcastle, in 1861, another septuagenarian, named Thomas
+Fawcett, from the neighbourhood of Kendal, challenge any man in England or
+Scotland of a like age. He stood six feet one inch, appeared uncommonly
+active, and straight as a maypole. Real "grit" these, our transatlantic
+cousins would say. Yes, it is such<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> men that make Cumberland and
+Westmorland athletes superior to all the world.</p>
+
+<p>The hype became Richardson's main chip; and a favourite method of stopping
+an opponent&mdash;at which he was allowed to be a great adept&mdash;was to give him a
+sudden click&mdash;"kind o' bear him off his feet"&mdash;and then lift and hype. If
+an opponent should attempt buttocking, his unrivalled strength of arm
+enabled him to gather his adversary up with a vice-like grip, anything but
+pleasant. Indeed, he never was buttocked but once, in the whole of a long
+career, and that once by John Nicholson of Threlkeld, in private practice
+one summer night in the neighbourhood of Ouse-bridge.</p>
+
+<p>"Will" scored his first prize when only eighteen years old, at Soukerry, in
+his native parish. The sports held there annually ranked amongst the oldest
+and best local gatherings in Cumberland, and being in the midst of a good
+wrestling country, several noted men attended yearly. From the manner in
+which the youngster disposed of all comers, he was pronounced to be a
+promising "colt" for future work. After gaining this, his first victorious
+effort, in a strong entry, Richardson wrestled with marked success through
+many rings&mdash;of course, like others, getting a "topple over" now and then.
+When about twenty-one years old, he entered into the spirit of the sport
+with wonderful enthusiasm, and determination not to be beaten. Two
+remarkable circumstances, in a prolonged<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> career, are worth relating. He
+was never "felled" a single fall, by any mortal man, between the age of
+twenty-one and twenty-eight; that is to say, from 1801 to 1808 or 1809,
+during which period he attended almost all the sports held between
+Calderbridge on the south-west, Pooley-bridge on the east, and all through
+the north to the Scottish borders. And he was never "felled" two falls
+together but once in his life, when a mere stripling, at Harrop sports,
+between Embleton and Lorton. Job Tinnian of Holme Cultram (one of a
+distinguished wrestling and fighting family, a good striker, and proficient
+with the buttock), and Richardson, were matched for a guinea, the best of
+three falls. Job got the two last, and his opponent the first. Tinnian&mdash;who
+measured six feet six inches in height&mdash;doffed his shirt, and had his back
+so thoroughly soaped, there was no holding him. Previous to the match,
+Richardson had thrown him for the head prize at the sports, and then again
+next day at a "Bridewain" at Southwaite, about two miles from Cockermouth,
+on the Lorton road. Job Tinnian had a daughter, who, we believe, grew to be
+such a giantess, that she was taken about as a show, and exhibited in the
+Blue Bell at Carlisle, and various other places.</p>
+
+<p>During the latter part of the last century, and in the early part of the
+present one, the head prizes at the various wrestling meetings were of a
+most primitive description, consisting either of a homely<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> leather
+"belt"&mdash;with an inscription, giving name of place, date, and name of
+winner&mdash;or a "brutches piece," a suitable length of buckskin or broadcloth,
+for making a pair of breeches; and occasionally, but very rarely, a silver
+cup. Unlike the present day, liberal money prizes did not tempt competitors
+on the village greens.</p>
+
+<p>While the century was still young, some enterprising individual announced
+that a "golden guinea"&mdash;the first ever given in Cumberland for a like
+purpose&mdash;would be presented to the winner of the head prize at Highmoor
+sports, near Wigton. The offering of such a gilded bait&mdash;quite a
+novelty&mdash;naturally drew together a strong field of active young athletes.
+William Richardson of Caldbeck, among the rest, put in an appearance. Much
+resolute wrestling occurred, as round after round passed over. When the
+ranks became thinner and thinner, the two last standers proved to be one
+Todd, a spirit merchant from Wigton, and Richardson. The former was
+familiarly spoken of in the neighbourhood as "Brandy Todd." He was a
+powerful built man, nearly six feet high, and a great enthusiast in
+wrestling, pedestrianism, and dog-trailing. The two men should have been
+matched on several previous occasions, and this being the first, indeed,
+the only time they ever met in any ring, the excitement became intense. The
+Wigtonians being in great numbers, "crowed very crouse." Some of the more
+boisterous ones tried<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> to banter and upset the self-possession of
+Richardson, by shouting in derision&mdash;"Browte up wid poddish an' kurn milk!
+what can <i>thoo</i> deu, I wad like to know? Go bon! Brandy 'ill fling thee oot
+o' t' ring, like a bag o' caff!" The men stood up ready for action. Holds
+were obtained, after some delay in fencing; a brief struggle ensued, and
+the huge spirit-merchant measured his full length on the green-sward. His
+friends were dumb-foundered at the sudden fall of their hero. The opposite
+party, highly elated, cried out, much to the discomfiture of poor
+Todd&mdash;"Ha! ha! Codbeck kurn't milk's str&#259;nger ner Wigton brandy&mdash;efter
+aw t' rattle!"</p>
+
+<p>When Richardson was in his prime, sports or races were held at the Beehive
+Inn, Deanscale, near Lamplugh. One Shepherd Pearson, from about Wythop,
+made a curious and, to look at the terms, foolish wager. He bet a ten pound
+note that he would find a man to win the wrestling; another to win the
+foot-race; and a hound to win the dog-trail, at the Beehive sports. Now, it
+is well known how very much odds increase on a double event, but here are
+evens to win <i>three</i> events. Exceedingly foolish! but nevertheless the bet
+was won. The chosen champion proved to be Richardson for the wrestling;
+John Todhunter of Mungrisdale, near Threlkeld, for the foot race; and
+"Towler," belonging to John Harrison of Caldbeck, for the dog-trail.
+Curiously enough, all three<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> nominations succeeded in winning the head
+prize in their respective entries; and Pearson carried off his risky wager
+with a triumphant flourish.</p>
+
+<p>A feud of long standing, it appears, had existed between William Litt and
+Richardson. This feud no doubt gave a colour to various statements, and
+places us on rather delicate ground in endeavouring to do justice to both
+parties. Our object, however, is to speak of each man truthfully and
+impartially&mdash;to let neither colour "the even tenor of our way." The couple
+had met at several sports in West Cumberland; and on one occasion, when
+drawn together, Richardson had succeeded in disposing of Litt. The latter,
+however, was, as he termed it, in his "novitiate." No doubt the fall was
+highly unpalatable to the loser, and at length resulted in a challenge
+being given and accepted. The meeting ended unsatisfactorily. Both men drew
+up to their posts at the appointed time, Litt shewing unmistakeable signs
+of being "fresh i' drink." When requested to make ready for the contest, he
+gave a point blank refusal, saying he "wad nowder strip nor russell!" Here
+was an awkward fix! What was to be done? After a considerable amount of
+"higgling" had been gone through, another match was made, for ten pounds a
+side, to come off at the Green Dragon, Workington&mdash;Litt being backed by his
+brother, a medical man of good standing. On the appointed day, Richardson
+and his friends were on the ground to the minute. For some reason or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>
+other, Litt did not put in an appearance. His brother&mdash;the doctor&mdash;went
+into the ring, and held his watch till the full time specified in the
+agreement had expired, and then very honourably handed the money over to
+Richardson, saying: "I can give no reason why my brother has not fulfilled
+the conditions of his engagement." In after years, when the bitterness of
+old feuds was nearly, if not altogether worn out, Litt expressed regret
+that he had treated Richardson's merits as a wrestler somewhat scurvily in
+<i>Wrestliana</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Rowland Long of Ambleside, an immense big, burly man, the winner, it was
+asserted, of nearly one hundred belts, issued a challenge, that he was open
+to wrestle any man in England. An enthusiastic Cumbrian, named Thomas Bell,
+residing at Goose Well, near Threlkeld, took up the challenge, not for
+himself, but with the understanding that he should produce a man at the
+appointed time and place. He first tried his neighbour, Tom Nicholson, but
+Tom "thowt hissel rayder ower slender" to engage such a giant as Rowland,
+and recommended William Richardson of Caldbeck. Bell set off, and after
+some trouble and delay, fell in with Richardson at Rosley Hill fair, on
+Whit-Monday. Without much ado the two agreed; got a conveyance, and drove
+off for Ambleside without further preparation: a long course of training
+never being thought of in those good old days. After reaching Ambleside,
+they took a boat, and rowed down to Bowness,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> where sports were held on the
+Tuesday. Richardson's name was entered for the wrestling, but being stiff
+and tired with the long ride from Rosley, he didn't, according to his own
+version of the affair, "git weel away wid his men." He succeeded, however,
+in working upwards till the final fall, and then encountered John Long, a
+brother of Rowland's. The two had a hard struggle for the prize, but in the
+end the Caldbeck hero proved victorious. Whether John Long considered the
+fall doubtful or unsatisfactory, cannot now be ascertained; but he said,
+tauntingly, to Richardson, after the tussle was over, "If thoo can du nowte
+ne&#257; better ner that, my man, thoo'll hev d&mdash;d lile chance wi' oor
+Roan, I can tell thee!"</p>
+
+<p>On Wednesday&mdash;the day following&mdash;the match with Rowland was appointed to
+come off on the bowling green of the Salutation Hotel, Ambleside, for, we
+believe, ten guineas a side, the best of three falls. Richardson, looking
+from a window of the hotel, got a first sight of his huge opponent, coming
+up the street. After an attentive survey, and noticing the awkward, heavy
+sort of rolling walk that Long had, a smile stole over the features of the
+Caldbeck man, who thought then he could win easily; setting it down in his
+own mind, that one so slow and ungainly would not be quick enough in his
+movements in the wrestling ring. This mental calculation proved correct;
+the two first falls settling<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> the match, and enabling the winner to walk
+away with the amount contended for.</p>
+
+<p>The two Cumbrians left Ambleside on Thursday, and drove back to Threlkeld.
+Wrestling and other sports were being held there the same day. The victor
+in the match of the previous day was greeted with hearty cheers, by a crowd
+collected on the village green. A score or more of clamorous voices were
+raised in pressing entreaties that he would enter his name for the
+wrestling. Tired with the three previous days' exertions, "an' n&#363;t
+feelin' hofe reet, wi' gittin' sups o' drink of aw maks," he didn't want to
+take any part in the proceedings. He was, however, very reluctantly
+persuaded to enter the ring, but "niver stripp'd nor doff'd a thing off."
+Notwithstanding these drawbacks, he again proved victorious, throwing in
+the course of the day, both Tom Nicholson and his brother John. On
+Friday&mdash;the following day&mdash;he won at Soukerry, in Caldbeck parish; and on
+Saturday gained the head prize at Hutton Roof, near Penrith; thus finishing
+a heavy week's work, by winning at four different places, and gaining an
+important match besides.</p>
+
+<p>On Ascension Day, at Kingmoor Races, Carlisle, in 1809, the subscription
+belt was won by William Richardson of Caldbeck; and the Mayor's belt by
+Joseph Stalker of Welton. At the first annual meeting on the Swifts,
+Carlisle, where there was a purse of five guineas to contend for,
+Richardson<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> was thrown, in the third round, by John Harrison of New Church,
+who wrestled second to Tom Nicholson. In the same year, at Penrith, in
+October, the three favourites were Tom Nicholson, William Richardson, and
+Harrison of New Church. All three champions went down; Richardson, after
+throwing John Oliphant, James Lancaster, and Joseph Brownrigg, was thrown
+in the fourth round by John Nicholson of Threlkeld.</p>
+
+<p>At Carlisle in 1810&mdash;Tom Nicholson's second year of winning&mdash;Richardson got
+capsized by a person of no note whatever; but succeeded in winning the
+second day's prize, Joseph Slack of Blencow being second. At Carlisle, in
+1812, the head prize was won by James Scott, Oarnlee, Canonbie, throwing in
+the final fall William Richardson. On the following day, the loser in the
+wrestle up proved victorious, throwing finally John Forster of Walton Rigg;
+William Mackereth of Cockermouth being third. The winner received four
+guineas, and the second two guineas. At Penrith, in October of the same
+year, ten guineas&mdash;a large sum to wrestle for in those days&mdash;was given to
+contend for, where Richardson was thrown by John Parker of Sparkgate, the
+winner.</p>
+
+<p>At Carlisle, in 1813, for the chief prize, the Caldbeck favourite threw
+William Waters, John Cowen, Walter Phillips, and Samuel Jameson of Penrith;
+and was thrown in the final fall by Robert Rowantree of Bewcastle, after
+one of the severest<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> struggles on record. Richardson's own account of the
+fall was this: after having lifted Rowantree to hype him, his foot slipped,
+owing to the wetness of the day, and consequent slipperiness of the ground;
+losing his balance, he fell clean backwards, thus throwing away the fall.
+He had met Rowantree on two or three previous occasions, and always threw
+him. At Keswick, in 1820, the Caldbeck champion was thrown by William
+Wilson of Ambleside, said by a high authority to be the best man
+Westmorland ever produced.</p>
+
+<p>On the revival of the Carlisle wrestling in 1821, after three years'
+cessation, Richardson, then forty-one years old, drove to the meeting in a
+conveyance with Tom "Dyer" and others. On leaving home he had no thoughts
+whatever of wrestling&mdash;"ower oald"&mdash;and withstood all the persuasions of
+his friends, till reaching Durdar village, where he consented once more to
+try. He wore at the time, a pair of old-fashioned knee-breeches, which held
+him too tight to wrestle in, and had therefore to borrow an easier pair
+before entering the ring. The gathering was an immense one. The numbers
+assembled on the Swifts were estimated at twenty thousand. A long array of
+highly respectable ladies, including the Countess of Lonsdale, were
+interested spectators. Sixty-four men entered, and nearly all were
+calculated to weigh fourteen stones or upwards. In the morning, when the
+Caldbeck party were at Durdar, Tom "Dyer"&mdash;one of the very best hypers<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> of
+his time, indeed, a first-class man altogether&mdash;was very full of winning.
+The first man called into the ring, and the first that went down, proved to
+be Tom, being thrown by one John Hetherington.</p>
+
+<p>It is very probable there never met on the Swifts as good a field of
+wrestlers. Richardson acknowledged afterwards that he stood most in awe of
+Joseph Robley of Scarrowmannick, from the exceeding clever manner in which
+he swung his opponents. Robley, by the way, has been credited with being
+the first introducer of the <i>swinging hype</i>. They met in the third round,
+and the Caldbeck veteran succeeded in disposing of the one he looked upon
+as his greatest bugbear. The third round also proved fatal to several other
+good wrestlers&mdash;Jonathan Watson, James Graham, and Joseph Abbot going down.
+Weightman&mdash;then twenty-two years old, all bone and muscle, standing six
+feet three inches high, and weighing fifteen-and-a-half stones&mdash;fell in the
+fourth round. Glendinning, (a rough tearing hand, from the neighbourhood of
+Penrith, compared to whom a bull in a china shop was as nothing,) fell in
+the fifth round; leaving Ford of Ravenglass&mdash;victor over Weightman at
+Egremont, weighing over fifteen stones, and measuring six feet two
+inches&mdash;for the final fall with Richardson. The latter succeeded in
+throwing the young, formidable West Cumbrian, and carried off the head
+prize amid much shouting and cheering.</p>
+
+<p>Richardson won the chief prize at Faulds Brow,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> near Caldbeck&mdash;where
+annually some of the best wrestling in Cumberland could be witnessed&mdash;for
+<i>nineteen</i> years in succession, a continued series of successes unequalled
+in wrestling annals. Flushed with victory crowning victory, he went with
+the full determination of carrying off the prize for the twentieth time, if
+possible, but the spell was broken: fate had ordained otherwise. A
+raw-boned rustic, unknown to fame, named Young, (afterwards a publican at
+Dalston,) sealed his fate. The stewards were inclined to bring the fall in
+a "snap," but the vanquished man very honourably declared himself to be
+fairly thrown. Nevertheless, he was so chagrined at the untoward event, so
+grievously disappointed at not having achieved this highly prized
+distinction, that it was asserted he fairly cried for vexation over it.</p>
+
+<p>The wrestling at Faulds Brow always&mdash;very injudiciously, we think&mdash;took
+place late in the evening. On the occasion of "Belted Will's" final
+discomfiture, it was not concluded till two or three o'clock, in the cold
+grey atmosphere of a July morning, many rounds being finished up by the aid
+of lighted candles.</p>
+
+<p>The following reply to a novel wrestling challenge, which appeared in the
+columns of a Whitehaven newspaper, explains itself without note or comment.
+It is dated October 16th, 1843, and, we believe, it proved to be the end of
+the matter:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Sir</span>,&mdash;A paragraph lately appeared in the <i>Whitehaven
+Herald</i>, stating that Charles Lowdon, of wrestling
+notoriety, who resides near Keswick, and is sixty years
+of age, would wrestle a match with any individual of
+the same age. The veteran William Richardson of
+Caldbeck, aged sixty-two years, will be happy to accept
+the challenge, and wrestle Mr. Lowdon, the best of five
+falls, for &pound;5 or &pound;10 a side. The friends of W. R. will
+be happy to meet the friends of his rival, at the house
+of Joseph Ray, of the Royal Oak inn, Cockermouth, on or
+before the 30th instant, to make the match, and to
+settle the other preliminaries usual on such
+occasions.&mdash;I am, Sir, yours, &amp;c.&mdash;J. M.</p></div>
+
+<p>During the last forty years of Richardson's life, he became noted as a good
+farmer on the Netherrow estate; and was remarkably successful in the
+breeding and rearing of Herdwick sheep, a class of animals peculiarly
+adapted to the mountainous districts of Cumberland and Westmorland, which
+are likewise held in high repute for the excellence of their mutton. He
+obtained many local prizes for different classes of fell sheep; and
+attended the tup fair at Keswick regularly; but though enthusiastic about
+his Herdwicks, his conversation, it is said, had at all times a tendency to
+"bristle o'er" with feats in the wrestling ring. A tale is told of him
+which illustrates this tendency. Arriving at Keswick, according to annual
+custom, to exhibit and sell tups, he happened to meet an old crony whom he
+had not seen for years. The two sat down, "cheek by jowl," and soon became
+absorbed in an animated conversation, in which "nowte but russlers an'
+russlin' was h'ard, amang aw t' chang;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> an' t' tips was niver yance thowt
+on, till t' fair was varra nar ower, an' theer was hardly sec a thing as a
+buyer to be fund."</p>
+
+<p>Richardson could be either a good friend or a good hater, as circumstances
+might call forth. One illustration of his kindly feeling and warmth of
+heart towards a struggling neighbour, may be mentioned. An industrious man,
+named Jeffreys&mdash;a blacksmith at the Caldbeck lead-mines&mdash;either occupied a
+field of lea grass, or had cut a few carts of peats, high up the fell-side.
+During a dreary wet season, when everything was spoiling, Richardson
+volunteered the use of a horse and cart to assist in clearing the field on
+the first fine day. From some unforeseen cause the horse took fright,
+galloped down the mountain brow, and either broke its leg by falling, or
+else was unfortunately killed. The accident placed the poor blacksmith in
+an awkward position, especially as the horse was a valuable one, estimated
+at that time to be worth thirty or forty guineas. He offered, however, to
+pay what money he had, and clear off the rest by instalments. "Nay, nay,"
+said Richardson, "it was as pure an accident as iver yan h'ard tell on, an'
+med ha' happen't to anybody. I'll tak nowte frae thee&mdash;n&#363;t a fardin'!"</p>
+
+<p>A fell-side rhymer, named Richard Nicholson, of Caldbeck, has done his best
+to embalm Richardson's memory in verse, something after the following
+fashion:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"When youth bloom't on him, few were as grand;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">His fame was spread through aw the land,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Wid active russlin' an' strang reet hand.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">At Faulds Brow reaces, 'twas his profession<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To run when young withoot intermission,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And prizes nineteen he won in succession!<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">The shipperds aroond med weel dred his name;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For Herdwick tips oft the prize he'd claim,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Till far an' wide was spread his fame,<br /></span>
+<span class="i26">As ye may read:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But noo i' the dust lies his noble frame:<br /></span>
+<span class="i26">Will Ritson's deid!"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p>
+<h2>WILLIAM LITT</h2>
+
+<h3>OF BOWTHORN.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The name prefixed to our present biographical notice, is that of a
+gentleman who, by his writings and conduct in the ring, has conferred
+greater lustre on, and added greater distinction to the "back-hold"
+wrestling of Cumberland and Westmorland, than any other individual. His
+historical account of ancient and modern wrestling&mdash;Litt's
+<i>Wrestliana</i>&mdash;was considered, in 1823, when <i>Blackwood's Magazine</i> was at
+the summit of its fame, worthy of a highly eulogistic notice from the pen
+of Christopher North. Litt's wrestling notices and anecdotes have reference
+to the existence of the noble pastime, and a record of its most famed
+heroes and their contests, from 1770, and for the fifty years following.</p>
+
+<p>Before this period, the names and places of abode; the various and
+noteworthy achievements; the distinctive excellencies of celebrated
+wrestlers; and the places where their triumphant contests occurred, were
+little known beyond their immediate locality; and the meagre information to
+be gathered&mdash;not invariably to be relied on&mdash;had been handed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> down, and
+circulated mostly as village gossip, or been derived from the tales of some
+one whose knowledge rested on hearsay, and not from actual observation.
+This arose in a great measure in consequence of the slight intercourse that
+existed, eighty or a hundred years ago, between places only fifty or sixty
+miles apart. At present&mdash;thanks to William Litt's research and literary
+labours&mdash;all the great contests from 1780 to 1822, are familiar to us, and
+can be resorted to, for furnishing those who take a delight in the manly
+pastime of our forefathers, with a perfectly reliable description of its
+heroes, and their several peculiar excellencies.</p>
+
+<p>The individual actors, too, in those great contests, have become familiar
+to all who take an interest in the northern wrestling ring. We are
+introduced, not alone to the name and doings of Tom Nicholson, and a host
+of remarkable wrestlers, his contemporaries, and the surprising manner in
+which they could, with consummate dexterity, grass an opponent; but we have
+graphic descriptions of many who, at an earlier period, became entitled to
+the distinction of champions, in many a hard contested ring&mdash;in rings where
+pecuniary prizes were rarely given, and if given at all, trifling in
+amount. The great incentives to successful competition were honour and
+fame, typified by a gilded leather belt, of no greater intrinsic value than
+the laurel crown of the ancient Greeks. Sometimes&mdash;on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> very particular and
+rare occasions&mdash;there was offered for the final victor a silver cup.</p>
+
+<p>From Litt's description, we are familiar with the best and most renowned
+men, whose stars were in the ascendant, from 1780 to 1820. From Adam Dodd,
+"the cock of the north," a prime favourite, possessing all the requisites
+that go to the formation of a first class wrestler; from the Rev. Abraham
+Brown, a clergyman at Egremont, and previously a Bampton scholar, to Tom
+Nicholson of Threlkeld, another prime favourite, whose scientific wrestling
+acquirements, and wonderful success in the ring, were patent to Litt from
+frequent observation. The above Abraham Brown&mdash;better known in his day and
+neighbourhood as "Parson Brown"&mdash;is the self-same individual that a well
+known "Professor of Moral Philosophy" designated, "the most celebrated
+wrestler that the north, perhaps, ever produced." This gentlemen had no
+objection to show his friends, or even a stranger, how easy it was for a
+parson to upset a layman. The professor cannot find the least fault for
+thus indulging in a friendly fall, and stigmatizes his detractors for so
+doing, as "prim mouthed Puritans," who may "purfle up their potato traps,"
+and hold their tongues till the arms of the athlete are encased in lawn
+sleeves, and he becomes a&mdash;"Bishop."</p>
+
+<p>Our readers, or a majority of them at least, are doubtless aware, from
+witnessing the brilliant falls resulting from a vigorously put in
+"buttock,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> that it is one of the most showy and effective chips that
+wrestlers bring into play. Nothing finer than one of those dashing
+somersaults, that were wont to electrify the opponents of James Little or
+John Ivison. To the Bampton scholar&mdash;Abraham Brown&mdash;before settling for
+life at Egremont, a remote West Cumberland market town, is due the credit
+of inventing and bringing "buttocking" into use. The two men, Adam Dodd and
+Abraham Brown, were certainly worthy representatives of the very best class
+of wrestlers in the "olden times." They were close upon six feet high, and
+fifteen stones weight; were especial favourites of the public, as well as
+the historian of early wrestling. Both were straight standers, ready at
+taking hold, good with either leg, and at work as quickly as possible,
+following up the first attack with such rapidity, that their opponents had
+but small chance of avoiding a final and fatal stroke.</p>
+
+<p>After all this deserved praise, however, we cannot class them much, if any,
+superior to William Litt; and if Adam Dodd was justly styled "Cock of the
+North," the other is almost equally deserving of being hailed "Star of the
+North." In all their contests, there is nothing to shock the most
+fastidious moralist; nothing to outrage the feelings of the most humane;
+nothing that the most delicate-minded need blush at. Unlike the scenes of
+violence and fearful punishment depicted in the records of the pugilistic
+ring&mdash;now all but abolished&mdash;they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> can be dwelt upon without any degrading
+associations. Compare the description in <i>Wrestliana</i>, of the fight between
+Carter and Oliver at Gretna Green&mdash;the head of the latter, in the fourth
+round, "terrifically hideous"&mdash;and the author's eleven bouts with Harry
+Graham, on Arlecdon Moor, and the reader will not find anything approaching
+to cruelty in one, while the other is indeed "hideous."</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">William Litt</span>, the author of <i>Wrestliana</i>, was born at Bowthorn, near
+Whitehaven, in November, 1785. His parents held a highly respectable
+position in society, and he received a liberal education, with the object
+of fitting him for a clergyman in the Church of England. This intention
+was, however, given up, in consequence of a manifest tendency to out-door
+sports, and a "loose" sort of life. The parents seeing that young Litt had
+rendered himself in some measure unfit for the Church, placed him with a
+neighbouring farmer to get an insight into practical, as well as
+theoretical, agricultural pursuits. On arriving at manhood, with a
+vacillation much regretted in after life, farming was neglected and
+abandoned.</p>
+
+<p>Christopher North, in old "Maga," says, "Mr. Litt is a person in a very
+respectable rank of life, and his character has, we know, been always
+consistent with his condition. He is in the best sense of the word a
+gentleman," was an "honest, upright, independent Englishman. We remember<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>
+Mr. Litt most distinctly: a tall, straight, handsome, respectable,
+mild-looking, well dressed man. If we mistake not, he wrestled in
+top-boots, a fashion we cannot approve of." Top-boots to contend in on the
+Swifts, at Carlisle, at the present day, when wrestlers make it a study to
+don a costume that gives the greatest facility to freedom of motion, both
+in the limbs and body, would undoubtedly be considered by the whole ring, a
+strange spectacle, and subject the wearer to no end of chaff.</p>
+
+<p>We will now proceed to give a few incidents that will establish Litt's
+undeniable claims to superiority in the wrestling ring. We are not aware
+that he ever contended in the Carlisle ring but twice&mdash;in the year 1811,
+and again a few years after that date, on both of which occasions he was
+unsuccessful. His appearance in 1811, was a foolish act, for according to
+his own statement, he had been unwell for some time&mdash;in fact, out of form
+for wrestling. After a keenly contested bout, Joseph Bird, a well known
+wrestler from Holm Wrangle, succeeded in throwing him. The same year a
+match&mdash;the best of eleven falls&mdash;was entered into with Harry Graham of
+Brigham, and arranged to come off, on Arlecdon Moor, for sixty guineas&mdash;at
+that time a larger sum than had ever been contended for in any wrestling
+ring. From the celebrity of the parties, too, and the great amount of the
+stake, the match created a greater interest in the wrestling world than any
+hitherto contested.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> Harry was considered one of the most active men that
+ever entered a ring; indeed, a first rate man in every respect, the
+favourite and pet of a large district. He had contested many matches with
+the best men going; one of which was with the celebrated Tom Nicholson, in
+which he gained five falls for the Threlkeld champion three.</p>
+
+<p>When Litt and Harry appeared in the ring, the former was desirous to
+postpone the contest, on account of ill health; but the Brighamites, with
+an absence of that good feeling generally displayed by wrestlers one to
+another, refused, and insisted that the match should go on then and there.
+Harry gained the three first falls, which so elated himself and friends,
+that they looked on the final issue as a foregone conclusion, and indulged
+in some unseemly chaff. The defeat, however, served to rouse the
+energies&mdash;the courage and resolution of the loser, and he easily gained
+seven out of the next eight falls. John Fidler of Wythop Hall defeated
+Harry at Cockermouth, and afterwards at Arlecdon. Litt threw them both, and
+had the year before, when in good health, thrown Harry with the greatest
+ease. These repeated defeats of a man who could dispose of such as Tom
+Nicholson, William Richardson, and others, will go far to establish our
+favourable opinion of the wrestling historian. Other, and as strongly
+conclusive, testimony, is at hand to be produced. John Lowden, from the
+neighbourhood of Keswick, who had thrown several of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> cleverest
+wrestlers of his day&mdash;winner of a silver cup at Carlisle&mdash;was obliged to
+succumb to Litt.</p>
+
+<p>Many of our wrestling readers will have heard of the "public bridals," at
+Lorton, where some of the best wrestling in the county might be seen. One
+hundred and twenty names were entered in 1807. For the final fall, William
+Armstrong of Tallentire, an excellent wrestler, and winner the year before,
+contended with Litt, and sustained defeat. At the revival of Blake Fell
+races in 1808, there were two good entries, and Litt carried off first
+prize on both the first and second day, notwithstanding being drawn against
+all the best men, including the two Tinians, and other well known names.</p>
+
+<p>We have now to notice a series of consecutive successes, to which we
+believe there are few parallels in wrestling annals. In the early part of
+this century, the best meetings in West Cumberland took place on Arlecdon
+Moor. The meetings were numerously attended, and held two or three times a
+year. For ten years, from 1805 to 1815, Litt contended for all the
+prizes&mdash;except in 1814, when he omitted to enter his name&mdash;and was never
+thrown. Conceive a man being able to wrestle successfully through a really
+strong ring upwards of a score of times. After such a noteworthy series of
+exploits, no further testimony need be adduced&mdash;no more satisfactory
+evidence wanted&mdash;to prove William Litt's claim to be ranked among the
+brightest wrestling stars of the north.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In concluding this notice, we should have been glad to state that his
+career through the world, in more important respects, had been attended by
+gratifying results. The truth, however, is that from the time he left the
+paternal roof, his course through a checkered life to the bitter end, was
+marked by a series of disastrous failures. Attending wrestling and racing
+meetings unfits many persons for a steady and attentive devotion to
+business. This in a marked degree was the case with Litt. Farming duties
+became neglected, and then given up. Next he embarked in a large brewery at
+Whitehaven. A collapse, and loss of nearly all the capital employed,
+followed in little more than twelve months. He then went to reside at
+Hensingham, finding part employment in some triflingly remunerative
+parochial offices, expecting daily that he would get an appointment from
+the ruling powers at Whitehaven.</p>
+
+<p>Disappointed in this expectation, he resolved on emigrating to Canada, in
+1832, and retrieve his broken fortunes in taking the cutting of canals, and
+works of a like description. A break down again occurred, and he tried to
+gain a living by writing for the Canadian journals. This failing, he became
+a teacher. Suffering, however, from "home sickness"&mdash;a craving often fatal
+to natives of mountainous regions&mdash;his mental as well as bodily powers
+began failing before attaining his sixtieth year.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"I gaze on the snow clad plain, see the cataract's foam,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And sigh for the hills and dales of my far distant home."<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></div></div>
+
+<p>He died at Lachine, near Montreal, in 1847, when sixty-two years old;
+regret and sorrow at forced banishment from his native "hills and dales,"
+no doubt, hastening decay and the destroyer's final blow.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Dearly lov'd scenes of my youth, for ever adieu,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Like mist on the mountain ye fade from my view,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Save at night in my dreams."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i14"><i>The Emigrant.</i><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<h3><i>ADDENDA.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The following extracts from letters, are quoted from a
+controversy which sprung up between <span class="smcap">William Litt</span> and
+some one who signed himself <span class="smcap">Athleticus</span>, in the columns
+of the <i>Carlisle Patriot</i>, November,  1824:&mdash;</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Mr. Litt deems me but a "<i>theorist</i> in matters
+appertaining to the ring." His own athletic feats, as
+detailed in <i>Wrestliana</i>, are heroic and numerous, and
+it would be presumptuous in me to attempt comparison;
+therefore, compared with Mr. Litt, I must (borrowing a
+phrase from the ring) consider myself as a <i>fallen
+man</i>. But, notwithstanding the vaunted achievements of
+the champion of Arlecdon Moor, there are those now
+living old enough to remember his being thrown in the
+Carlisle ring by very ordinary wrestlers, when in the
+zenith of his fame. The village green on a summer's
+evening or during a holiday, is frequently the scene of
+many a rustic amusement. And on this arena, when
+athletic exercises were going on, I have often borne a
+part&mdash;where the old men inspired the young with
+emulation, by reciting the achievements of their
+youth&mdash;and the applause of the rustic spectators was
+the only meed of victory. Here, sir, I have seen many<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>
+a manly struggle; and though I have never entered a
+public prize ring, I flatter myself I have gained
+something more than a theoretical knowledge of athletic
+science. An ardent temper, and the buoyancy of youthful
+spirits, no doubt gave considerable zest to the sports,
+and my memory fondly recalls, and dwells with peculiar
+delight, on the hours which I have spent amidst happy
+villagers engaged in these rustic scenes of innocent
+amusement. I will also venture to assert, that amongst
+the peasantry assembled on the village green, not only
+Weightman, Cass, Abbot, Wright, and the Dobsons of
+Cliburn, but even Mr. Litt himself, imbibed his
+earliest knowledge of the rudiments of wrestling.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span class="smcap">Athleticus.</span></p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Athleticus" says, and thinks he is cutting deep when
+doing so, "there are those now living old enough to
+remember my being thrown in the Carlisle ring, by very
+ordinary wrestlers, when in the zenith of my fame."
+Now, Mr. Editor, do you not think this is rather a
+stinging remark, as it relates not to any point of
+issue between us, and was therefore as uncalled for as
+unnecessary?... I never wrestled but twice in the
+Carlisle ring, and never saw it when "in the zenith of
+my fame." The first time was in 1811, when, as I have
+stated elsewhere, I was thrown by Joseph Bird, who was
+surely no very <i>ordinary</i> wrestler. When taking hold,
+Bird got below my breast, and pinned my right arm close
+to the elbow, down to my side; and a person, ignorant
+enough, surely! insisted, that because he found by
+pulling my left arm over his back, that he could make
+my fingers meet, I should either take hold or be
+crossed out. I foolishly chose the first, thinking that
+I perhaps might better myself after. I was mistaken;
+though those who are "old enough" to remember the
+circumstance, may remember likewise that, considering
+the situation in which I was placed, I was not disposed
+off easily.... The other time I entered the Carlisle
+ring, I met one of the Fosters&mdash;no ordinary men&mdash;and I
+can only state that after<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> our contest, I was ordered
+by one of the umpires to wrestle the fall over again,
+and I waited until the end of the round in expectation
+of doing so, when I found that a bet of half-a-guinea
+made by the other umpire, (and which I was aware of at
+the time,) had turned the scale against me. I can, if
+required, name the umpire, and the person he betted
+with; which bet, however, he never recovered, and this
+circumstance deterred me from wrestling the next day,
+and determined me never to wrestle more at Carlisle.
+This was in 1815. My best day was in 1806, 1807, and
+1808; therefore the assertion of "Athleticus" is doubly
+incorrect.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span class="smcap">William Litt.</span></p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Mr. Litt admits being thrown in the Carlisle ring by
+Joseph Bird of Holm Wrangle, in 1811, which he says in
+<i>Wrestliana</i>, was a "smartish contest;" and he adds
+that his "best day was in 1806, 1807, and 1808." But,
+sir, this is only three short years past the time when
+Mr. Litt was in the zenith of his fame; so that even
+writing from recollection, my assertion is not
+altogether incorrect, and certainly not intentionally
+so. Mr. Litt and Joseph Bird had some dispute, it
+appears, about taking hold: be this as it may, I was
+justified in stating that Mr. L. had been thrown at
+Carlisle by <i>ordinary</i> wrestlers; for Bird was never
+considered more than a third-rate player in the
+Carlisle ring. He was a powerful man enough, though not
+heavier than Mr. Litt at that day&mdash;possessed little or
+no activity, and scarcely any science as a wrestler. I
+have no account of the wrestling in 1811 in my
+possession; but I have an account in 1815, and strange
+as it may appear, Mr. Litt's name is never mentioned!
+It would be well, sir, if my opponent would recollect
+that his statements have to meet the public eye. In the
+year 1815, Bird, in the first and second rounds, came
+against Byers and Grisdale, both of whom he threw, and
+was himself thrown in the third round by Thomas Peat.
+Though I may admire Mr. Litt's general judgment on
+athletic sports, I must again doubt it, if he deems any
+of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> Fosters first-rate wrestlers, or any more in
+the ring than ordinary men; for in the scale of
+athletic science, they were not even so exalted as
+Bird. One of the Fosters fell in the first round, and
+another in the second; but I shall enter no further
+into this part of the controversy, as Mr. L's name
+appears entirely unconnected with the wrestling of
+1815. When I recall to my recollection the feats of
+agility, science, and pith, displayed by Thomas
+Nicholson in the Carlisle ring, in carrying off with
+<i>eclat</i>, the first prize for three successive years;
+and when I also recollect with what facility this
+athletic hero discomfitted Bird, Mr. Litt's opponent, I
+very much doubt the truth of the panegyric which Mr. L.
+passes upon himself in <i>Wrestliana</i> for his performance
+on Arlecdon-moor, wherein he states (though in poor
+health and condition at the time,) that he defeated
+Harry Graham, the successful opponent of the once
+celebrated Thomas Nicholson.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span class="smcap">Athleticus.</span></p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p>
+<h2>MILES AND JAMES DIXON</h2>
+
+<h3>OF GRASMERE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>When Miles and James Dixon, whose doings in the ring we are about to
+chronicle in a brief memoir, were to the fore, wrestling was a great
+institution in the Lake District. Patronized and encouraged by Professor
+Wilson&mdash;himself a host in upholding the manly pastime; and afterwards by
+Captain Aufrere of Bowness, a distinguished and liberal patron; and
+assisted by many of the resident gentry, it attained deserved eminence in
+the northern parts of Windermere. In reaching this eminence, the sport was
+greatly indebted to the active exertions and judicious management of the
+late Thomas Cloudesdale of the Ferry hotel. Why the once popular pastime
+should be almost entirely snuffed out round Windermere, is a matter of
+surmise. The principal reason assigned weighs heavy on the wrestlers
+themselves: it is no less than glaring collusion, engendered by
+unprincipled betting men.</p>
+
+<p>For a long time, wrestling in the immediate vicinity of lake Windermere,
+and the adjacent parts of Westmorland, and North Lancashire, was kept<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> up
+and followed more after the amateur fashion than the professional. It was
+looked on more as a thing to be enjoyed for the real love of the science,
+than as a means of filling the coffers of speculators. In what may be
+called its holiday aspect, the sport contrasted favourably with the art as
+practised in the sister county of Cumberland. The Windermere wrestlers, in
+thus shaping their courses, probably escaped many snares which those fell
+into who courted more publicity, and were envious of achieving greater
+fame. In fact, there were many good scientific men at the palmy period of
+the lake wrestling rings, who abstained from attending public gatherings
+almost entirely, and yet were quite as good as those who may be termed
+professionals.</p>
+
+<p>One instance we can select from many, will suffice to prove this. Jonathan
+Rodgers won the championship of many local meetings in his own immediate
+neighbourhood. He was born and brought up at Brotherelkeld, the highest
+farm in the vale of Eskdale. In his infancy, it was a lonely farm, seldom
+visited by strangers, but now well known to tourists crossing Hardknot. His
+forefathers had held the fell farm&mdash;a very extensive one, carrying between
+two and three thousand sheep&mdash;for generations. He once got as far as the
+Flan, and won easily in a strong ring, finally disposing of Joseph Parker
+of Crooklands, a really good man, supposed to be the coming champion of
+Westmorland. At another time,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> climbing Hardknot and Wrynose, he put in an
+appearance at Skelwith-bridge, near Ambleside, where Mr. Branker of
+Clappersgate, and a few gentlemen, had got up a meeting. Singularly enough,
+he came against four of the best men in the north, and threw the lot,
+namely&mdash;William Bacon and Jemmy Little, both of Sebergham, Thomas Grisedale
+of Patterdale, and finally Richard Chapman of Patterdale. Having every
+requisite, he might have gone on winning&mdash;but gave up; and is now the
+respected and prosperous tenant farmer of Brotherelkeld.</p>
+
+<p>Towards the close of the eighteenth and the commencement of the nineteenth
+century, the most distinguished exponents of wrestling in the Windermere
+portion of the lake district, were John Barrow, the Dixons of Grasmere, the
+Longs of Ambleside, William Wilson of Ambleside, the Flemings of Grasmere,
+well to do farmers&mdash;and "Young Green." We should have felt an interest in
+giving more lengthy sketches of the more prominent men, but, unfortunately,
+there exists a great paucity of information. Every exertion has been made
+to gather together whatever was available; but the gleanings are
+exceedingly imperfect and fragmentary. Local newspapers did not then
+collect much local intelligence; and although they kept a keen eye to
+business as regards wrestling advertisements, they scarcely ever mentioned
+even the names of any prize winners.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The celebrated Windermere champion, John Barrow, flourished in the
+wrestling ring in the early part of the present century. The author of
+<i>Wrestliana</i>&mdash;one whose judgment may be relied on&mdash;pays him a deserved
+compliment, when he rates him as "the most renowned wrestler of this
+period," and "a match for any man in the kingdom." He stood fully six feet,
+and weighed fourteen stones. His favourite chip was the inside
+stroke&mdash;indeed, it was generally considered he invented the inside chip,
+and that "Belted Will" got it from Barrow. Most assuredly, the pair have
+grassed scores with it, and were quite as clever as Adam Dodd of
+Langwathby, with the outside stroke. These two men, and Abraham Brown,
+(afterwards the jovial curate of Egremont,) were all about the same height
+and weight: equally scientific; and all veritable "cocks of the north."</p>
+
+<p>Litt is astray with some particulars of John Barrow's tragic fate. He makes
+it out he was drowned in shallow water, and that he was an "excellent
+swimmer." Now, the fact is, he was no swimmer, and where the boat upset and
+went down, the lake is of considerable depth. He was out trying the sailing
+qualities of a new boat of his own building. The mainsail being
+injudiciously fastened to the belaying pin, a violent gust of wind struck
+the boat; it upset, and the strong man went down, unable to wrestle with
+his remorseless foe. Two plucky girls at Belle Grange, saw the accident;
+got<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> a row boat, and set off to the rescue. They were successful in saving
+all in the boat, except the unfortunate builder. One of the persons in the
+boat when it upset, was John Balmer, and he lived to the patriarchal age of
+one hundred and one years. After the boat went over, he managed to grasp
+and keep hold of a floating plank, and was safely landed near Gill-head, a
+little below Storrs Hall. The first words he spoke after the disaster were,
+"Them 'at's born to be hang't, is su&egrave;r nit to be droon't!" This proverbial
+saying came to be linked with his name, and is still quoted in the
+neighbourhood as, "&#257;ld Jack Balmer' sayin'." His portrait, painted by
+Sammy Crosthwaite, a short time before his death, is still preserved.</p>
+
+<p>The sunken boat still remains at the bottom, and is well known to the
+Windermere fishermen, who reckon to clear the wreck with about twenty-five
+fathoms of netting out, and generally catch when they let go an additional
+fathom or two. Professor Wilson saw the catastrophe and the rescue. This
+distinguished man had had, no doubt, many boating excursions with poor
+Barrow, and being himself a capital wrestler, and keen of the sport, it is
+likely he would have many a tussle with the Windermere champion. It is said
+that on one of his excursions out of Wasdale, to the top of Scawfell, with
+Will Ritson, the cheery, popular, yarn-spinning landlord of the well-known
+Wasdale-head hostelry, that on arriving near the summit of the hill&mdash;which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>
+is the highest ground in England&mdash;the two, surrounded on all sides by
+mighty mountains, had several keenly contested wrestling bouts. The writer
+remembers well the famed Professor, when time had wrought a change in the
+manly form, visiting the Flan in its palmy days, and receiving respectful
+attention from all parties on the crowded grandstand.</p>
+
+<p>After this short digression, recording the fate of "a great wrestler and a
+good man," we must return to Miles Dixon. He was born in the year 1781, at
+either "Far" or "Near Sawrey." They form two villages, but are so little
+apart that they may both be classed as "Sawrey;" and are situated half-way
+between Hawkshead and the Ferry on Windermere. No more beautifully located,
+clean, bright looking, secluded villages are to be found in all the Lake
+district. The most prominent and interesting view from "Near Sawrey," is
+Esthwaite lake; and all around to the south, south-west, and north-west,
+there appears a wide extent of richly wooded undulating country. From "Far
+Sawrey," there is a view of the lower reaches of Windermere, and a vast
+panorama of undulating hill and vale.</p>
+
+<p>Miles's father followed the primitive occupation of a wood-cutter, felling
+timber trees and young trees of fifteen or sixteen years growth, called
+<i>coppice wood</i>, used for making hoops and charcoal. While his sons were
+"lile lads," he removed across Windermere to the vale of Troutbeck, and
+then in a short time migrated to Grasmere, where he settled.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Miles Dixon's full stature was six feet three inches; and his general
+wrestling weight, fifteen-and-a-half stones. His favourite move in the ring
+was to lift his opponent from the ground one way, then throw him quickly
+back the other&mdash;and dispose of him, so to speak, with a twist. His
+herculean powers enabled him to do this effectually. He had other tactics
+on which to fall back, but occasions very rarely occurred when these had to
+be called into action. His quiet habits, and mild enthusiasm for wrestling,
+often made him careless. Had he possessed a greater amount of ambition, and
+followed the wrestling ring more closely, we should undoubtedly have had to
+record a much more numerous list of achievements. Professor Wilson hits off
+some of his leading characteristics very happily when he says: "Honest and
+worthy Miles, if put into good heart and stomach, and upon his own
+dunghill, was, in our humble opinion, a match for any cock in Cumberland."</p>
+
+<p>Young Dixon won his first belt at Grasmere, when only about sixteen years
+old. John Fletcher, the village carrier, a powerful sixteen-stone man,
+wrestled second. It so happened the carrier was very ambitious of winning
+first honours, and feeling sorely disappointed at being thus checkmated by
+a beardless boy, tore the waistcoat off his opponent's back, in a passion,
+and for a long time bore the victor a grudge.</p>
+
+<p>During one of the militia meetings at Kendal, a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> good deal of "braggin'"
+took place respecting the wrestling abilities of one Harrison, a man who
+stood six feet high, and weighed fully fifteen stones. Miles Dixon was
+pressed to take Harrison's challenge up, but gave his friends no
+encouragement that he would do so, and seemed to be very careless and
+indifferent about the matter. Ned Wilson and William Mackereth at length
+backed Dixon, the best of three falls, for a guinea, being all the money
+they could muster between them. Harrison in the match lost the two first
+falls easily, and was so chagrined at the defeat, that he absented himself
+from drill for several days.</p>
+
+<p>At the Windermere gathering, held at Waterhead, near Ambleside, in 1810,
+there was a considerable amount of rivalry displayed as to whether the belt
+should stay in Westmorland, or go to Cumberland. John Wilson, the young
+squire of Elleray, then fresh from Oxford, was the principal getter up of
+the sports. He was all enthusiasm, and heartily backed Westmorland. In
+Miles Dixon's absence the previous year, Tom Nicholson had carried off the
+first prize. He now returned again, to do all that lay in his power to be
+the winner a second time, bringing with him his brother John, and Joseph
+Slack from Blencow. William Litt came over Hardknot and Wrynose, from West
+Cumberland, riding on a good horse, and wearing a pair of high top boots.
+He called at Skelwith-bridge for refreshment, and stayed there all night,
+previous to the meeting.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> Getting a little "fresh" at the snug hostelry, as
+the hours went on, he began to be communicative about the morrow's
+proceedings, and laid down the law with great precision. According to his
+theory, Tom Nicholson would be first, and "yan Litt" second: of this there
+could be no doubt whatever. "Nay, nay," said mine host, not then knowing
+who the traveller was, "Nay, nay, I think nit! Theear' some Dixons o'
+Gersmer'&mdash;me&agrave;st sowan good 'ans&mdash;'ill be to fell first!" An old miller
+"com' ower t' Raise,"<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> in the rear of the Cumberland men, on purpose to
+bet, and rifle the pockets of the Westmorland lads. Tom King, owner of The
+Hollins, in Grasmere, annoyed at the never ceasing din made by the miller,
+said to Dixon: "Miley, if thoo's g&#257;en to du' thy best, noo, I'll away
+an' tak' yon &#257;ld fule up." He forthwith went and bet guinea after
+guinea, until the miller began to think it prudent to venture no further.</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> Dunmail Raise, which divides Cumberland and Westmorland.</p></div>
+
+<p>Early on, Miles threw a Yorkshire waller, named Harrison, a heavy man, and
+a good wrestler. He was afterwards called out against William Litt, with
+whom he had a hard tug. The excitement was extreme. Curiously enough, the
+two men started with the same tactics. "Te'&agrave;n triet to lift, an' tudder
+triet to lift," and both being heavy men, the exertion became very irksome
+work. The result was that Litt was thrown "lang stre&agrave;k't" on his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> back,
+amid deafening cheers. Like many men who are losers, Litt complained in
+<i>Wrestliana</i> of "unfair play," and brings half-a-dozen excuses forward as
+the reasons why he lost the fall. In the case of Miles Dixon and Litt
+having had another fall, Professor Wilson says: "Whether Mr. Litt could or
+could not have thrown Miles, can never be positively known in this world."
+The final fall, between Dixon and Tom Nicholson, was not of long duration.
+No sooner were they in holds, than the former lifted his opponent clearly
+from the ground, and disposed of him easily with a twist. The belt was then
+handed to Miles Dixon, by Mr. Wilson, who complimented him warmly on the
+victory he had gained. The future Professor of Moral Philosophy took the
+belt to Edinburgh with him. After the lapse of a couple of years, it was
+returned to the winner, with the following inscription engraved on a silver
+plate: "Won by Miles Dixon, at a Grand Wrestling Match, between the
+Westmorland, Lancashire, and Cumberland Lads, 1810." The belt is still in
+the possession of the family at Grasmere. It is made of leather, about two
+inches broad, and mounted with silver buckle and inscription plate.</p>
+
+<p>In 1811, Dixon did not wrestle at Ambleside. In 1812, when thirty-one years
+old, he put in an appearance again, and virtually carried off the first
+prize. Litt says, "Miles Dixon and a butcher in Ambleside were the two last
+standers. They agreed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> to wrestle two or three falls for the gratification
+of the gentlemen who had subscribed towards the wrestling, and in this
+friendly trial Miles Dixon was victorious."</p>
+
+<p>Miles died in June, 1843, aged sixty-two years. A headstone in Grasmere
+churchyard bears the following testimony to his worth: "The uniform
+integrity of his conduct, has induced one who appreciated his worth, to
+erect this memorial."</p>
+
+<p>His widow&mdash;a thrifty, sensible, managing housewife&mdash;died in 1875, aged
+ninety-one years. Wrestling meetings, and similar gatherings, she treated
+with marked contempt. A frequent saying of hers, about her husband as a
+wrestler, was: "Ivery shillin' he wan, cost us two!" She used to compare
+those who took part in such exercises to "a lot of potters an' tinklers,
+'at dud nowte but nip an' squeeze yan anudder to dee&agrave;th!"</p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">James Dixon</span>, brother to Miles, was born at the before-mentioned village of
+Sawrey. He died at Beck Houses, Grasmere, in 1866, aged seventy-eight
+years. In height, he stood six feet three inches, and his general wrestling
+weight was fourteen stones. His favourite chip in the ring was an outside
+stroke.</p>
+
+<p>When young, he wrestled at a gathering of militia at Kendal, and won. In
+1809, at the Ambleside meeting, he came against Tom Nicholson of Threlkeld,
+in one of the latter rounds. According to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> the most reliable information we
+have been able to gather, the latter lost fairly enough, but owing to some
+oversight on the part of the umpires, they decided it must be a wrestle
+over, to which course of procedure Dixon naturally objected.</p>
+
+<p>In 1811, he won the head prize at the Ferry Inn wrestling, Windermere.
+Richard Luther Watson, of Calgarth, a son of the Bishop of Llandaff,
+officiated as steward. In addition to the wrestling, which commenced early
+in the afternoon, there was a regatta on the lake, and prizes were given
+also for leaping and running. The belt won at the Ferry is still kept, in a
+good state of preservation, at Grasmere. It is made of leather, about four
+feet six inches in length, by two inches in breadth, with a silver buckle,
+and inscription plate: "Presented by the Steward of the Windermere Regatta,
+to the conqueror at the Grand Wrestling Match, on the 17th July, 1811."</p>
+
+<p>At one of the Windermere gatherings, with Miles and James Dixon both
+thrown, a general buzz ran round the ring that Roan Long was sure to be the
+final victor. Just at the moment when this opinion was prevalent, George
+Dixon, an elder brother, very bow-legged, stepped into the ring,
+exclaiming, "Tak' time, lads; tak' time! Aw t' Dixons errant doon yet!"
+Coming as a counter-blast to the prevailing opinion, this saying created
+much merriment among the spectators. Surely enough, the current of the tide
+which had set so strongly against<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> the Dixons, was turned, for Roan was
+cleverly thrown. George was a stiff stander, difficult to get at, and often
+very bad to move.</p>
+
+<p>Besides prizes incidentally mentioned in this narrative, the three brothers
+won many others, records of which, it is to be feared, have passed away
+with the contemporary generation who witnessed and took part in them.</p>
+
+<p>The Dixons were wallers by profession, and many of the bridges in the
+immediate vicinity of the lake country were built by them. One notable fact
+relating to their bridge-building is worth mentioning. About the year 1828,
+Muncaster bridge, over the river Esk, near Ravenglass, was built by some
+one whose name has not been recorded. The bridge had a considerable span,
+and a high tide, and a furious mountain torrent pouring down out of
+Eskdale, washed it away. Another man then undertook the rebuilding of it,
+but failed to carry out the details, and finally gave up in despair. Lord
+Muncaster being disgusted with the unsuccessful attempts, and hearing of
+the celebrity of the Dixons, sent to Grasmere for them. The three brothers
+set about the work in good earnest, and in the month of June, 1829, the
+keystone of the bridge was fixed, with considerable ceremony. A handsome
+sum of money was collected, for a day's festivity and sports, and the
+Dixons gave two barrels of ale. The prize for wrestling fell to one William
+Dickinson of Langley Park, a farm on the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> Bootle side of the bridge. The
+foot-race and leaping were both carried off by a young man from Eskdale,
+named William Vickers.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Muncaster was so well pleased with the skill and persevering industry
+displayed by the builders, that he caused the following inscription&mdash;which
+remains to this day&mdash;to be placed on the east side of the bridge:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i14">MDCCCXXIX.<br /></span>
+<span class="i14">THIS BRIDGE BUILT BY MEN FROM GRASMERE.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Commercially speaking, Muncaster bridge was an advantageous affair for the
+Dixons. The successful accomplishment of the work spread their fame as
+builders far and wide, and assisted materially towards establishing them
+nicely in the world. Miles and James became purchasers of estates, through
+industrious and economic habits.</p>
+
+<p>We have heard it stated that Lady Richardson of Lancrigg&mdash;the wife of the
+arctic explorer&mdash;once contemplated writing an account of Miles and James
+Dixon (who, by the way, are both mentioned in the interesting memoir of her
+mother, <span class="smcap">Mrs. Fletcher</span>). How she intended treating the subject-matter of
+their lives, we cannot tell; probably more in their domestic relations to
+the people of Grasmere vale, than as athletes in the wrestling ring.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>After John Barrow and the Dixons, it is somewhat singular and remarkable to
+note the large number<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> of first-rate lake-side wrestlers that came out; and
+it may not be amiss to bestow a passing notice on the foremost. Before the
+Dixons had retired, the two Longs&mdash;Rowland, commonly called Roan, and
+John&mdash;the one a giant in size and strength, and the other a big burly
+man&mdash;figured in the ring; then&mdash;most renowned in the galaxy&mdash;William Wilson
+of Ambleside. He appeared all over the beau ideal of a heavy weight
+wrestler; "lish as a cat," straight as a wand, good shoulders, and long
+arms. When about his best, there had never before been seen such a
+consummate master of the hype; and no one since can claim to be his equal.
+His action was so quick and irresistible, that his opponents went down as
+if completely helpless. In 1822, William Richardson of Caldbeck, a most
+successful hyper, had not "the shadow of a chance" with Wilson; he also
+struck down the gigantic Mc.Laughlan of Dovenby, in such a style as "no
+other man in the kingdom could have done." In appearance he resembled
+William Jackson of Kinneyside, with the same gentlemanly conduct in the
+ring, and the same good tempered bearing to his opponents. Unfortunately,
+this bright particular star became subject to a wasting disease when hardly
+at his best, and was soon lost to the wrestling world, and a large circle
+of admiring friends.</p>
+
+<p>Then followed Tom Robinson, the schoolmaster, Richard Chapman, George
+Donaldson, Joseph Ewbank,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> a Haweswater lake sider; William Jackson, an
+Ennerdale lake sider; and Thomas Longmire&mdash;men whose names and deeds will
+be cherished as long as "wruslin'" is a household word in the north. These
+have all gone hence, or are "in the downhill of life." At present there is
+not one man of note on the immediate borders of Windermere, Ullswater, or
+Derwentwater.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p>
+<h2>ROWLAND AND JOHN LONG</h2>
+
+<h3>OF AMBLESIDE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Rowland Long, generally called "Roan," may be considered one of the biggest
+of our northern athletes, but by no means one of the most distinguished for
+science and activity&mdash;an immense, but somewhat inert, mass of humanity. He
+was born and brought up at Graythwaite, a beautiful country of woodland
+slopes and green dells, laying contiguous to the west side of lake
+Windermere, in North Lancashire. The father of John and Rowland, farmed a
+small estate of land under the ancient family of Sandys of Graythwaite
+Hall.</p>
+
+<p>Rowland was born about the year 1778. While even a lad, he developed into
+gigantic proportions of body, limbs, and bone. When only seventeen years
+old, he weighed seventeen stones, and was looked on at that time as a
+wonder by all the country side, for size and strength. On arriving at
+maturity, his full stature reached six feet two inches, and he weighed
+never less than eighteen stones. In truth, a man of colossal appearance,
+looking "as bree&agrave;d as a yak tree across t' shooders," as big limbed and
+heavy footed as Goliah of Gath, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> with a grip like the hug of a polar
+bear. His principal move in the ring was to make a rush at his adversary,
+push him backward, and throw in the "ham"; then, if well got in, woe to the
+unlucky wight who felt the crushing weight of eighteen or nineteen stones.</p>
+
+<p>From a well known deficiency in points of science and activity, it may
+naturally be conjectured that most of his achievements were gained by main
+strength, on one hand, and stubborn standing on the other.</p>
+
+<p>In one sense, Roan Long's career is the most perplexing one with which we
+have to deal. The fact is pretty well established, that he won no less than
+ninety-nine belts; and at various places he tried hard to make the number
+up to an even hundred, but laboured in vain. The perplexing point
+is&mdash;where, and at what dates, did he win those belts? We may take it for
+granted that the field of his operations was confined principally to
+Windermere and its neighbourhood; and that his successful career as a
+wrestler commenced about the year 1796, and ended in 1812. Most of the
+details during those sixteen years are, unfortunately, not forthcoming.</p>
+
+<p>We learn incidentally that he "yance hed a ter'ble hard day's russlin' at
+Bouth fair, wh&#257;r he fell't three or fower o' t' biggest chaps he iver
+fell't in his life." Probably this was the time he had the fearful tug with
+Arthur Burns, one of the Ullater family, near<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> Rusland. Burns stripped off
+a tall, active, well built, six-foot man, who stuck to the giant most
+determinedly, and tried hard to get him to make play without effect, until
+the struggle became one of mere animal strength. The upshot was that Burns
+came to grief, and unluckily came out of the ring so much mauled about the
+ribs, that he never recovered fully from the punishment inflicted.</p>
+
+<p>At one of the village gatherings, held at Grasmere, Tom Ashburner, a
+"statesman" of the valley, entered his name among the wrestlers for the
+sole purpose of trying a round with Roan. Being fortunate enough to be
+called against him, and having succeeded in getting the fall, he retired
+from further contest, saying as he did so, to the younger hands: "Noo,
+lads, I've clear'd t' rooad for yee: work yer way!"</p>
+
+<p>In 1811, Roan, then about thirty-three years old, attended the third annual
+meeting held at Carlisle, but was singularly unfortunate. He was thrown in
+the first round, by John Watson, who the next time over laid down to Tom
+Nicholson.</p>
+
+<p>At the Windermere Regatta, held at the Ferry hotel, in July, 1812, he won
+his ninety-ninth and last belt. Previously he had won several belts at the
+same place. No part of this final trophy is left, but the inscription
+plate&mdash;in the possession of Mr. Backhouse, farmer, near Low Wood&mdash;which
+runs: "To the Hero of the Regatta, on Windermere, 1812."</p>
+
+<p>After this date, we obtain passing glimpses of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> Roan entering various
+rings, and trying in vain to make up the hundredth prize. In 1824, the old
+veteran&mdash;having then contended more or less for twenty-eight years&mdash;was
+thrown at Low Wood Regatta, by one Hodgson, who wrestled third; and even as
+late as 1828, he wrestled at Ambleside fair, where he was disposed of by
+John Holmes, a tall six-foot tailor. This proved the last time he ever
+contended for a prize&mdash;saying, as he bade farewell to the ring, "I think
+it's time to give ower, noo, when a bit iv a tailyer can thr&#257;' me!"</p>
+
+<p>Roan's match with William Richardson of Caldbeck will be found described in
+the sketch of Richardson's career.</p>
+
+<p>Many years elapse, and Roan is sitting among the onlookers of the
+wrestling, at Ambleside sports. After Longmire had carried off several big
+men with the swinging hype&mdash;eliciting the admiration of all beholders&mdash;old
+Roan said to the young aspirant, in a drawling tone of voice: "Thoo cudn't
+ha' trailed me by t' neck i' that way, my lad!"</p>
+
+<p>If Roan Long was deficient in science and activity, and did not cut the
+brilliant figure in the wrestling ring that some of his contemporaries did,
+he, nevertheless, habitually maintained through a long span of existence,
+many points of much greater importance, in a social view&mdash;such, for
+example, as plodding perseverance, singleness of purpose, and sturdy
+independence of character&mdash;traits in themselves truly commendable, and far
+above any merely<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> nominal honours which the wrestling arena could bestow.</p>
+
+<p>Roan's occupation was that of a wood-cutter and wood-monger. In company
+with the Robinsons of Cunsey&mdash;two brothers&mdash;he worked in the woods around
+Windermere, for many years. Robert Robinson, one of the brothers, was a
+very powerful man, nearly six feet high, with broad massive shoulders, and
+herculean thighs. During the height of the wood-cutting season, these men
+toiled and wrought from daybreak to dusk, more like galley slaves than
+free-born Englishmen; often continuing their laborious employment half
+through moonlight nights. On certain occasions, when arriving at the woods
+before daybreak, they have been known to sit down and eat their dinners
+"while they'd time," as they phrased it, in order to keep themselves "frae
+hankerin' efter 't throo t' day." With coat, waistcoat, and shirt off, Roan
+used frequently to yoke himself in a cart, heavily laden with wood, and had
+to "snig" like a horse, while the two Robinsons placed themselves behind
+the cart, and regulated their motions according to the necessity of the
+case.</p>
+
+<p>One time, in Finsthwaite woods, when going down a steep hill, so "brant"
+that horses were practically useless, the Robinsons let go the cart for
+nothing else but pure devilment, and off went Roan, taking giant-like
+strides, until he could hold on no longer; and was obliged to throw the
+cart<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> over into the steep incline below, and extricate himself as best he
+could. After having been a considerable time in partnership, he began to
+think the Robinsons were not doing the clean thing by him, in some other
+matters, and in consequence dissolved all connexion with them.</p>
+
+<p>Later on, Roan&mdash;who through life was a pattern of industry and
+integrity&mdash;kept a nursery and vegetable garden at Ambleside. While so
+occupied, it was his wont to overlook operations from a small wooden house
+in the garden, where he sat as closely wedged up almost as a veritable Gog
+or Magog.</p>
+
+<p>A few days before his death, he sent for his neighbour, John Cowerd, a
+joiner by trade, to give him instructions about the making of his coffin.
+"Noo, John," said he, "I s' nit be lang here, I Kn&#257;' I shallant; an' I
+want to spee&agrave;k to yee about my coffin. Mak' me a good heart o' yak yan, an'
+<i>nowt but yak</i>. Noo, mind what I's sayin'; I want nin o' yer dee&agrave;l-bottom't
+sooart&mdash;<i>nin o' yer dee&agrave;l-bottom't sooart for me!</i>" repeated the dying man
+again and again. Many coffins had been made in the same shop, but never one
+anything like Roan's for size. It measured two feet three inches across the
+breast, inside measure. A custom prevailed in the workshop to try most of
+the coffins made, by the length of some workman. On this occasion, one
+Michael Rawlinson, the biggest man employed, was press-ganged into Roan's
+coffin, but scarcely half-filled it, and presented a very ludicrous picture
+for the time being.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Roan's death took place at Ambleside, about the year 1852; aged
+seventy-four years.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>John Long, born also at Graythwaite in Furness Fells, about the year 1780,
+formed in many respects a marked contrast to his brother Roan, and was
+considered by good judges to be much the better wrestler of the two. In
+height, he stood five feet ten inches, and weighed about fourteen stones.
+In his prime, he was a remarkably fine built man: firm, compact, and well
+developed in every part, with clean action; in fact, from head to foot he
+might be said to be symmetry typified.</p>
+
+<p>John had the credit of winning many prizes on the banks of his native
+Windermere; but not having the ambition of his brother for wrestling
+distinction, he never rambled far from home in search of adventure; nor did
+he follow the sport for anything like the same lengthened period. We are
+sorry that no available and reliable means can be come at touching his
+feats in the ring. His well known accomplishments as a wrestler richly
+entitle him to a more extended notice than it is in our power to give.</p>
+
+<p>At the Ambleside wrestling, in 1811, John Long was second to William
+Mackereth, the winner, a young man from Cockermouth, a friend and companion
+of Tom Nicholson. Nicholson had grassed the well known John Lowden of
+Keswick, but suffered a grievous defeat in the fourth round when<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> he met
+John Long. This of itself must be considered sufficient to stamp the victor
+a wrestler of considerable ability, as Tom was then at his best, and was
+looked upon by his admirers as a match for any man in the kingdom.</p>
+
+<p>In early life, John followed wood-cutting through the spring and winter
+months; and in autumn, he generally went off to the "shearings" in Low
+Furness and West Cumberland. For a lengthened period he was chief boatman
+at the Ferry inn, Windermere, in which capacity he is well remembered. When
+up in years, he displayed a good deal of ready wit and droll humour. He has
+been spoken of&mdash;by the most successful wrestler that Windermere has
+produced&mdash;as "a queer sly &#257;ld dog, 'at nin o' t' young 'ans cud reetly
+mak' oot, whedder he was in fun or earnest."</p>
+
+<p>In the <i>Folk-Speech</i> volume of dialect stories and rhymes, Alexander Craig
+Gibson describes the sturdy figure of the old wrestler as follows, and then
+proceeds to make him relate the tale of the "Skulls of Calgarth," in his
+native <i>patois</i>.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">And Benjamin's chief ferryman was stalwart old John Long,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A veteran of the wrestling ring, (its records hold his name,)<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Who yet in life's late autumn was a wiry wight and strong,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Though grizzly were his elf-locks wild, and bow'd his giant frame.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Yes; though John Long was worn and wan, he still was stark and strong,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And he plied his bending "rooers" with a boatman's manly pride,<br /></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>
+<span class="i0">As crashing past the islands, through the reed stalks crisp and long,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He stretch'd away far northward, where the lake spread fair and wide.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Now rest upon your oars, John Long," one evening still said I,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">When shadows deepened o'er the mere from Latterbarrow Fell;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For far beyond broad Weatherlam the sun sank in the sky,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And bright his levell'd radiance lit the heights around Hillbell.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"And tell me an old story," thus I further spoke, "John Long,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Some mournful tale or legend, of the far departed time;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The scene is all too solemn here for lightsome lay or song,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">So tell, and, in your plain strong words, I'll weave it into rhyme."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Then old John Long revolved his quid, and gaunt he look'd and grim&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For darker still athwart the lake spread Latterbarrow's shade&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And pointing o'er the waters broad to fields and woodlands dim,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He soberly and slowly spake, and this was what he said, &amp;c.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>John Long died at the little hostelry on Kirkstone Pass, the highest
+inhabited house in England, about the year 1848.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p>
+<h2>TOM NICHOLSON</h2>
+
+<h3>OF THRELKELD.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Among the distinguished athletes of a byegone period, not one in the long
+list has conferred a more enduring celebrity on the wrestlings of the
+north, than the Threlkeld champion, Tom Nicholson. He owed this high
+position not to overpowering strength and weight, but to what lends its
+principal charm to back-hold wrestling&mdash;science and activity. These, added
+to entire confidence and fearlessness, rendered him a match for any of the
+big ones of his day.</p>
+
+<p>In youth he was a wild, harum-scarum sort of a fellow, hardly ever out of
+one scrape before he was floundering into another. A fight or a fray seemed
+always welcome. "He cared for nowte." A Jem Belcher of the wrestling ring
+and the pugilistic ring, too, of the north; one who never feared the face
+of man, and had so much confidence in his own powers, that whoever he
+chanced to meet in the ring, whether as "big as a hoose side," or "strang
+as a yak tree," he felt confident he could throw him.</p>
+
+<p>He stood close upon six feet; lean, muscular, with broad and powerful
+shoulders; had remarkably<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> long arms, reaching&mdash;when at full length, and
+standing perfectly upright&mdash;down to his knees; his weight never exceeding
+thirteen stones; without an ounce of superflous flesh. He generally
+commenced the attack by striking the back of his opponent's heel with the
+right foot.</p>
+
+<p>Tom was born at Threlkeld, near Keswick, about the year 1785, and died at
+Keswick in February, 1851. His father, "oald Ben Nicholson," acted as
+parish clerk and sexton at Threlkeld for many years, following, too, the
+occupation of a builder. He brought up his two sons, Tom and John, as
+builders, or in the vernacular of the district, "wo'ers." Tom was the elder
+brother, and a much more powerful man than John. The latter, in the opinion
+of many good judges, was superior both in science and quickness. Being a
+light weight, his name does not appear with much prominence in the
+wrestling records of the time. Special prizes were not then given for light
+weights; and in consequence, John did not often become last stander. The
+two brothers were, however, sometimes first and second.</p>
+
+<p>It was not alone in wrestling that Tom became a noted character. He could
+probably display more feats of activity in his day, than any man in the
+north of England. He has been known to "hitch an' kick" ten feet high: that
+is to say, if a hat were placed on a pole, or hung on the ceiling of a
+house ten feet high, he could leap up, and hit the hat with one foot,
+without falling to the ground. Among<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> other places, this was done at the
+Red Lion inn, Grasmere, in 1810, where Miles Dixon, Harry Chapman, and
+other athletes were onlookers. Another feat of his consisted in covering
+twelve yards in three leaps of three rises, measuring from heel to heel.
+This he often did, leaping the full distance forwards, and then turning
+round and leaping the same distance back again. A frequent saying of his
+was, that he could "stand a yard, stride a yard, an' tak' a yard under
+ayder arm."</p>
+
+<p>We have no reliable means of recording all the victories Tom achieved; and
+we suppose no chronicler is left who can tell where he gained his first
+belt. We know he became such an enthusiast as to rise often at three or
+four o'clock in a morning, in order to get his day's work finished by noon;
+and afterwards has travelled a dozen miles, to wrestle for "a lal bit iv a
+ledder strap, n&#363;t worth mair ner fifteen-pence." Luckily, there is a
+record of the more important prizes gained at Carlisle, in 1809, 1810, and
+1811&mdash;a succession of unbroken victories seldom accomplished by a
+thirteen-stone man.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1809, Nicholson, then twenty-three or twenty-four years old,
+attended some sports or merry-making at Penrith. While there, he chanced to
+see an advertisement setting forth the liberal prizes for wrestling,
+offered on the following day at the Waterhead, Ambleside. Having some
+little acquaintance with the Dixons of Grasmere, through working<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> with them
+at the Bridge-end, Legberthwaite, Tom felt a strong desire to attend the
+meeting. After dancing all night at Penrith, he left by way of Patterdale
+and Kirkstone Pass. Having reached Ambleside, he found the head of the lake
+crowded with pleasure boats and yachts; flags flying, drums beating, and an
+immense gathering of people assembled in holiday attire, anxiously waiting
+to witness the sports.</p>
+
+<p>Being overcome by fatigue and want of rest, he went into one of the tents
+for some refreshment, and soon fell fast asleep in a chair. A waller, named
+James Benson, who belonged to Ambleside, chanced to hear one of the Dixons
+say incidentally to the Longs: "I suppoo&agrave;s Tom Nicholson's here. If we
+don't mind what we're duin', he'll fell us aw!" Seeing a stranger asleep
+soon after, Benson went and gave him a tap with his foot, saying: "Do they
+co' yee Tom Nicholson?" Being thus aroused, Tom started hastily to his
+feet, and replied in the affirmative. "Well, then," said Benson, "if ye've
+come to russel, ye'll hev to be stirrin' yersel'! <i>They're thr&#257;win' t'
+belt up for t' last time!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>Hastening to the scene of action&mdash;a small field near the lake&mdash;Tom got his
+name entered in the list. No doubt, the previous fatigue and consequent
+exhaustion would, in some measure, detract from the dash and force of his
+wrestling. Notwithstanding this, he managed to pull off the chief prize,
+throwing both Rowland and John Long. Two of the Dixons<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>&mdash;George and
+James&mdash;of Grasmere, also contended, and both came against the Threlkeld
+man. The former was unmistakeably thrown; but the latter, in the opinion of
+a great many spectators round the ring, ought to have had the fall. The
+umpires, however, came to the conclusion it was a dog-fall, and Dixon felt
+so chagrined at the decision, that he refused to re-enter the ring.</p>
+
+<p>In after life, Nicholson used to "brag" that at this Ambleside gathering,
+he threw four of the biggest men he ever grassed in one day in his life,
+namely, Roan and John Long, and George and James Dixon. In relating this
+exploit, however, the fall with the last mentioned had always to be passed
+over as quietly as possible, lest some "unbelieving dog" should think
+proper to retort, and mar the harmony of the relator's narrative.</p>
+
+<p>Next year, Tom again attended the Ambleside meeting, accompanied by his
+brother John, and Joseph Slack from Blencow. William Litt also figured, as
+one of the West Cumberland great guns, but had to succumb to Miles Dixon.
+Slack laid down to Tom, who threw Roan Long and his brother John. Coming
+against Miles Dixon, for the final fall, he was cleanly lifted from the
+ground without any difficulty, and thrown with a twist.</p>
+
+<p>In 1811, we find Tom at the Ambleside meeting for the third and last time.
+William Mackereth of Cockermouth accompanied him on this occasion. Tom had
+an arduous struggle with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> John Lowden of Hussecar in Newlands, "a stoot
+good russeler," who had then scarcely reached maturity. Lowden always
+claimed the first fall, but acknowledged that he lost the third one fair
+enough&mdash;the second one being a dog-fall. In the third round, Tom again
+disposed of Roan Long, but was cleverly thrown by John Long the next time
+over. It will thus be seen, the Threlkeld champion succeeded at Ambleside
+once only in the three years of his attendance; while at Carlisle, where he
+also contended three years, he came off victorious in each entry. This is
+strong testimony to the celebrity of the Windermere wrestlings.</p>
+
+<p>For two years previously, John Wilson of Elleray had encouraged the
+wrestlings at Ambleside, by subscribing liberally, and taking a personal
+interest in so conducting the sports as to render them worthy of the
+patronage of the neighbouring gentry. All who have attended wrestling
+meetings, cannot but be aware that occasions will often occur, when the
+presence of such gentlemen as the squire of Elleray is of great use. There
+is ample evidence to show that he was devotedly fond of the sport. When he
+left the lakes to make Edinburgh his permanent place of residence, the
+wrestlings at Ambleside, which had attained extraordinary celebrity,
+declined for a time, but again shone with renewed brilliancy at Low Wood,
+Bowness, and the Ferry.</p>
+
+<p>Before taking leave of Nicholson's Windermere exploits, we must record a
+<i>fracas</i> he had once<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> with John Wilson, at the "Nag's Head," Wythburn, a
+little wayside inn, eight miles from Ambleside, lying immediately under the
+shadow of the "mighty Helvellyn," and much frequented up to the present
+time by pedestrian tourists. Some sports&mdash;wrestling being the principal, of
+course&mdash;were held at the above out-of-the-way hostelry. At that time,
+considerable rivalry existed between the wrestlers of Cumberland and
+Westmorland. The Elleray squire freely backed the Westmorland men, and Tom
+Nicholson was not a whit behind-hand in as freely backing the Cumbrians.
+Now, it so happened, they both got excited over a doubtful fall. The future
+literary luminary insisted that his man had got the fall; while Tom
+vehemently maintained an opposite opinion, and bandied ugly words very
+freely.</p>
+
+<p>In a fit of momentary passion, Wilson struck Tom over the shoulders with
+his stick. This bellicose style of argument instantly led to a violent
+scene, and there appeared every likelihood of a most determined contest.
+Wilson was at that time a match for almost any man in the kingdom. A
+professed pugilist, after receiving a sound thrashing from him on the banks
+of the Isis, had been heard to say: "This must be either the devil or Jack
+Wilson!" And Nicholson had proved the victor in many a hard fought contest.
+A battle between the two disputants at the "Nag's Head," would have been a
+fearfully punishing affair to both of them. This was happily avoided, in
+consequence<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> of their friends stepping in, and putting a stop to any
+further infringement of the peace.</p>
+
+<p>The ball thus set rolling at Ambleside for two years&mdash;of giving handsome
+money prizes&mdash;was followed up at the Carlisle Races, where the <i>first</i>
+annual wrestling on the Swifts took place in the month of September, 1809.
+The successful establishment of the great northern wrestling meeting, was
+due principally to the endeavours of Mr. Henry Pearson, solicitor,
+Carlisle.</p>
+
+<p>The following extract from the <i>Carlisle Chronicle</i>, will demonstrate the
+gratifying result of what may be called the first <i>metropolitan</i> meeting:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The athletic sports were superior to anything ever
+exhibited in Carlisle. The wrestling commenced on
+Wednesday morning, at ten o'clock, in a roped ring,
+thirty-five yards in diameter. There were present on
+the occasion not less than five thousand spectators,
+who came from all parts within a circuit of thirty
+miles, to see these gymnastic exercises. This was
+probably the best wrestling ever seen in Cumberland, as
+each competitor had been the winner of a great number
+of belts in the respective parts they came from. Every
+round was most severely contested, but the last one was
+the finest struggle ever seen: each of the combatants
+having given the other the cast three or four times;
+and they respectively recovered in a most surprising
+manner, to the astonishment and admiration of every one
+present. At length Nicholson, who comes from Threlkeld,
+gave Harrison the knee, and gained the prize.</p></div>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The following is a list of those men who wrestled for the Purse of Five
+Guineas, on the Swifts, on Wednesday, September 13th:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<h3>FIRST ROUND.</h3>
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'><i>Stood.</i></td><td align='left'><i>Fell.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Robert Rowntree.</td><td align='left'>Thomas Allison.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Younghusband.</td><td align='left'>John Rowntree.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Joseph Dixon.</td><td align='left'>John Thompson.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Thomas Nicholson.</td><td align='left'>Daniel Wilson.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Goodfellow.</td><td align='left'>John Waugh.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>John Watson.</td><td align='left'>John Jorden.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Matthew Armstrong.</td><td align='left'>Moses Hodgson.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Frank Moor.</td><td align='left'>John Relph.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Thomas Dickinson.</td><td align='left'>Thomas Cowen.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>John Nicholson.</td><td align='left'>Joseph Bird.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>John Dawson.</td><td align='left'>William Douglas.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Joseph Slack.</td><td align='left'>Thomas Burrow.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>William Ritson.</td><td align='left'>Matthew Dickinson.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>William Hodgson.</td><td align='left'>James Phillip.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>John Harrison.</td><td align='left'>John Hudless.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Michael Hope.</td><td align='left'>Romney.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+<h3>SECOND ROUND.</h3>
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'>Robert Rowntree.</td><td align='left'>Younghusband.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Thomas Nicholson.</td><td align='left'>Joseph Dixon.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>John Watson.</td><td align='left'>Goodfellow.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Matthew Armstrong.</td><td align='left'>Frank Moor.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>John Nicholson.</td><td align='left'>Thomas Dickinson.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Joseph Slack.</td><td align='left'>John Dawson.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>William Ritson.</td><td align='left'>William Hodgson.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>John Harrison.</td><td align='left'>Michael Hope.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<h3>THIRD ROUND.</h3>
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'>Thomas Nicholson.</td><td align='left'>Robert Rowntree.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>John Watson.</td><td align='left'>Matthew Armstrong.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>John Nicholson.</td><td align='left'>Joseph Slack.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>John Harrison.</td><td align='left'>William Ritson.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p>
+
+<h3>FOURTH ROUND.</h3>
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'><i>Stood.</i></td><td align='left'><i>Fell.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Thomas Nicholson.</td><td align='left'>John Watson.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>John Harrison.</td><td align='left'>John Nicholson.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<h3>FIFTH ROUND.</h3>
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'>Thomas Nicholson.</td><td align='left'>John Harrison.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'>Mr. <span class="smcap">Henry Pearson</span>, </td><td align='left'><i>Head Manager</i>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Mr. <span class="smcap">Christopherson</span>,</td><td align='left'>)</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Mr. <span class="smcap">J. Armstrong</span>,</td><td align='left'>) <i>Clerks</i>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Mr. <span class="smcap">Toppin</span>,</td><td align='left'> <i>Umpire</i>.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<p>At the Penrith Race Meeting, in October, 1809, Tom Nicholson contested in
+the wrestling ring, but his career was soon cut short. In the first round,
+he threw Thomas Matthews; and in the second round, had to succumb to one
+Joseph Dixon, who was disposed of afterwards, in the fourth round, by John
+Gowling, the victor on that occasion.</p>
+
+<p>At the Carlisle Wrestling, in October, 1810, there was an immense gathering
+of people on the Wednesday morning, to witness the wrestlers compete for
+two purses of gold. Sixty-four&mdash;almost all picked men&mdash;entered the ring,
+the head prize awarded being six guineas. This sum&mdash;at the time considered
+an important prize&mdash;fell a second time to Tom Nicholson, who threw again
+the formidable Robert Rowantree of Bewcastle, and the no less celebrated
+John Earl of Cumwhitton; and, in the final fall, floored Joseph Slack of
+Blencow. In connexion with the races, a ball on a grand scale was held<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>
+attended by more than three hundred ladies and gentlemen. The amusements of
+the week were concluded on Friday, by the Carlisle pack of harriers
+throwing off at Whiteclose-gate, when three hares were killed, and some
+excellent sport witnessed.</p>
+
+<p>Tom and his brother, John, again figured at Carlisle in 1811, when Tom
+succeeded in carrying off the first honours for the third time, in the most
+difficult of all rings. The money prizes amounted to twenty pounds in all,
+and the sport was enjoyed by a dense mass of nearly twelve thousand people.
+The Earl of Lonsdale, the Marquis of Queensberry, Sir James Graham of
+Netherby, and various other gentlemen, were spectators. In the first round,
+Tom Nicholson threw John Forster easily. In the second, John Watson laid
+down. In the third round, he threw John Jordan of Great Salkeld. In the
+fourth, William Earl of Cumwhitton. In the fifth, John Douglas of Caldbeck;
+and, finally, John Earl of Cumwhitton.</p>
+
+<p>John Nicholson threw John Taylor in the first round; and was thrown in the
+second by Joseph Richardson of Staffield Hall, a first-rate wrestler, and
+winner of the second day's prize.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately after the general wrestling, Tom Nicholson was defeated in a
+match with Harry Graham of Brigham, an event which broke in somewhat
+abruptly upon the three consecutive victories gained by him on the Swifts.
+A lengthy account of this match will be found in Litt's <i>Wrestliana</i>.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The Carlisle ring of 1811 was the last in which Tom Nicholson contended for
+a prize. Whether he desired to retire, and rest upon the laurels he had
+gained, or not, we cannot say. He was rendered totally incapable of
+competing at Carlisle the following year, by having accidentally dislocated
+his shoulder at the Duke of Norfolk's jubilee, held at Greystoke Castle, in
+the middle of September, 1812. He married in 1815, and went to live at
+Keswick, where he settled down as a builder. Some years after he joined the
+firm of Gibson and Hodgson, builders, as a partner; and as a tradesman, was
+respected by all who knew him.</p>
+
+<p>Tom used to say he could wrestle best at twenty years old. When at this
+age, and for some time after, he used to practice with George Stamper of
+Under-Skiddaw, an excellent wrestler; but being of a retiring, quiet
+disposition, he very seldom entered a ring. "Gwordie" could, however, get
+quite as many falls as Tom, out of a dozen bouts.</p>
+
+<p>Some years after Tom had given up contending for prizes, he chanced to be
+at Cockermouth, with his friend and former pupil William Mackereth, and the
+conversation running a good deal on wrestling topics, they agreed to
+adjourn to a field in the vicinity, in order to try a few friendly bouts.
+After having had two or three falls, "Clattan"&mdash;a gigantic athlete&mdash;was
+noticed to be leaning listlessly, with both arms over the wall, looking at
+them. "Come, Clattan," shouted<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> Mackereth, "an' thee try a fo'. I can mak'
+nowte on him!" Thus invited, "Clattan" gathered up his huge carcass&mdash;six
+feet six inches high, at that time bony and gaunt-looking&mdash;and went
+stalking into the field, saying: "I's willin' to try him y&#257; fo'; but,
+mind's t'e, <i>nobbut</i> yan." In taking hold, the giant tried to snap, but
+didn't succeed in bringing Tom down. After this they had two or three
+falls, in all of which Clattan was worsted. In referring to this incident,
+the victor always said he felt certain it was a made-up thing between
+Mackereth and the big one, that the latter should be "leukin' ower t' wo',"
+at a given time and place, as if by accident.</p>
+
+<p>There is still another science in which Tom Nicholson excelled, namely, the
+art of self-defence; but as we have no sympathy whatever with any form of
+pugilistic encounter, except that which resolves itself into the purely
+<i>defensive</i> order, we shall only touch lightly on the subject. As a boy,
+Tom's undaunted courage, daring spirit, and surpassing activity, made him
+dreaded as a combatant; and from the time he thrashed "Keg," (Mc.Kay or
+Mc.Kie,) the Keswick bully, when trying to ride rough-shod over the
+Threlkeld youths, his fame as a boxer was fully established in his own
+neighbourhood.</p>
+
+<p>In the summer of 1812, two Irishmen who were paring turf in Skiddaw forest,
+came to Keswick, and asked Joseph Cherry, the landlord of the Shoulder of
+Mutton, for Tom Nicholson. Tom<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> being sent for, was soon on the spot; when
+one of the Irishmen thus addressed him: "Shure, an' I suppose you're the
+champion of Cumberland?" "Well," replied Tom, "I don't know whedder I is or
+I issn't." "Faith! but I'm afther telling you, you are," said the Irishman,
+very crousely; "and by jabers! me and my mate are ready to fight anny two
+men in Cumberland!" "I know nowte aboot ne&agrave; mates," replied Tom, whose
+spirit would never allow him to brook an unprovoked insult&mdash;"I know nowte
+aboot ne&agrave; mates; but I's willin' to feight t' better man mysel', if that
+'ill satisfy y&eacute;!" Accordingly, a wager was made for five pounds, and the
+two combatants went into the market-place without further parley&mdash;no county
+police to interfere at that time&mdash;and set to work in good earnest. Pat was
+beaten in nine rounds; and Tom, who sustained little injury, finished up
+"as fresh as a lark."</p>
+
+<p>In the encounter on the Carlisle race ground, with Ridley, the <i>glutton</i>,
+in 1814, the issue was of a very different character, although the
+Threlkeld man was never in better "fettle" in his life. After
+half-an-hour's severe fighting, during which time the waves of victory
+flowed sometimes to one side, and sometimes to the other, the constables
+interfered, and very properly put a stop to the brutal sport.</p>
+
+<p>As some palliation for the part which our hero took in the combat, Litt
+says: "We have the best authority for saying, that when Tom left home for
+Carlisle, he knew nothing of the match in question;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> and that the behaviour
+of Ridley, who was on the look-out for him, and the wishes expressed by
+some amateurs to witness a trial of skill between them, made Tom
+erroneously think that his character was at stake, and that he could not
+decline the contest without incurring the charge of having 'a white feather
+in him.'"</p>
+
+<p>Tom's love for daring adventure, or sport, seems never to have forsaken
+him. Even in middle life, when between forty and fifty years old, this
+idiosyncrasy would manifest itself. Among other pursuits, he has been known
+to follow salmon poaching in the river Derwent and its tributaries. Once
+when working at Mirehouse, for Mr. Spedding, he was joined by Pearson of
+Browfoot, John Walker, weaver and boatman, and four or five other men from
+Keswick, as lawless as himself, and almost as daring. The meeting had been
+previously arranged at the Shoulder of Mutton, then kept by Betty Cherry.
+Having chosen Tom as their captain, the gang started for Euse bridge, at
+the foot of Bassenthwaite lake, which place they reached a couple of hours
+after nightfall. Operations were commenced by placing two sentinels in
+commanding positions, one on the bridge, and the other&mdash;John Walker&mdash;on the
+opposite side of the hedge, a little lower down the river.</p>
+
+<p>A "lowe" being "kinnel't," the stream was found to be literally swarming
+with fish. Little more than laying out their nets had been done, however,
+when<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> Walker shouted out: "Le&ugrave;k oot, lads! they're comin'!" And just at
+that moment, a strong body of river watchers, numbering something like a
+dozen&mdash;who had evidently been laying in ambush&mdash;rushed pell-mell upon them.
+Walker being the first within reach, was knocked down and kept down; and
+the fight soon swayed fiercely from side to side. Maddened at the treatment
+of their mate, the poachers broke through the hedge which intervened, and
+fought desperately. Tom Nicholson punished one of the watchers, named
+Cragg, so severely, that the man had good reason to remember it for many a
+long year after. Walker being rescued, and the keepers chased from the
+ground, the poachers again took to the river, and returned home heavily
+laden with spoil.</p>
+
+<p>During the latter part of his life, Nicholson officiated frequently as
+umpire or referee in the Carlisle and other rings. Having dislocated his
+ancle by accidentally falling on the ice, his appearance in the capacity of
+umpire, impressed spectators with the idea that they looked on the
+shattered and broken-down frame of a muscular built man, supporting himself
+while moving about with a stout walking-stick. The last trace we have of
+him as umpire, was at the match between Jackson and Longmire, which came
+off at Keswick, in 1845.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p>
+<h2>WILLIAM MACKERETH</h2>
+
+<h3>OF COCKERMOUTH.</h3>
+
+
+<p>William Mackereth&mdash;"built like a castle," being broad and massive from head
+to foot&mdash;was born and bred at Cockermouth. He was a pupil of Tom
+Nicholson's; but Tom could never teach him his own favourite chip of
+"clickin' t' back o' t' heel," and used to resort to that move when he
+wanted to throw him.</p>
+
+<p>Mackereth was a good hyper; and threw Harry Graham of Brigham twice in
+succession, the first time that Litt and William Richardson met to wrestle
+the match at Workington, which never came off. He also threw John Long in
+Westmorland, and won. In speaking of Roan Long, Mackereth used to say his
+own hand was like a child's hand, compared to that of the giant's.</p>
+
+<p>A common saying of his was, that he "was nobbut a th&#363;rteen ste&agrave;n man."
+To this Tom Nicholson generally retorted by saying, "<i>I</i> niver kent the',
+Will, when thoo was th&#363;rteen ste&agrave;n!" Tom called him fourteen stones,
+good weight.</p>
+
+<p>Mackereth was brought up to the building trade, and ultimately became
+keeper of the gaol at Cockermouth for many years. He had an only daughter,
+who married and settled in Ireland, in which country he died about the year
+1859.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p>
+<h2>HARRY GRAHAM</h2>
+
+<h3>OF BRIGHAM.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Harry Graham was a clogger by trade, at Brigham, a pleasant but irregularly
+built village, whose square church tower catches the eye of the passing
+tourist between Cockermouth and Workington. Born and bred in the heart of a
+district which has produced many noted wrestlers, and practising the art
+from boyhood, Graham possessed rare abilities as an athlete; but was either
+too indifferent, or else of too petulant a disposition, to take his chance
+in the ring, like his compeers.</p>
+
+<p>The most famous victory gained by Graham&mdash;and we know of no other of any
+moment&mdash;was the one over Tom Nicholson, in 1811, which goes far to prove
+him to have been, for his inches and weight, one of the best men West
+Cumberland has produced. Litt speaks of his having wrestled more matches
+than any man in the county, but fails to single out any others, wherein
+Graham was the conqueror, than the two mentioned in this brief notice.</p>
+
+<p>Harry attended the annual meeting at Carlisle, in 1811, for the first and
+last time, and competed for the head prize. In the first round, he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> threw
+one Thomas Hoodless, said by Litt to be "of some celebrity," but long since
+forgotten; and in the second round, he came against John Jordan of Great
+Salkeld, waller,<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> and fairly won the fall, without even going down. For
+some cause or other, the umpires decided it a dog-fall; and on taking hold
+a second time, Jordan won. This exasperated Harry's friends, who felt
+confident his rare science, quickness, and activity, rendered him a match
+for any man existing.</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> Litt speaks unguardedly when he calls Jordan "a noted
+wrestler from the Penrith side," as there was nothing worthy of note about
+any of his performances in the ring. Nature had endowed him with a
+considerable amount of strength, but being almost destitute of science, he
+had only one mode of dealing with opponents, and that was "just to tew them
+doon!" One who knew him well, described him as "a greit rammin'
+sixteen-ste&agrave;n man, cre&ugrave;k't back't, an' varra fond o' fishin'!"</p></div>
+
+<p>Be this as it may, a match was struck up with Tom Nicholson&mdash;the taller man
+by three inches&mdash;who backed himself for three pounds to two, the best of
+five falls. Harry lost the first and second. This made Tom's supporters
+cock-sure of winning the match. The third was disputable, and decided a
+dog-fall, although a great majority of the spectators insisted Harry won.
+The fourth and fifth he gained cleverly. They were then equal, with the
+dog-fall in dispute. After some squabbling, they began again afresh; and
+Harry won the match by scoring first, third, and fourth falls.</p>
+
+<p>Graham's match with William Richardson&mdash;which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> he won, and which Litt sets
+forth as one of some importance&mdash;was merely the result of a drunken spree
+at Cockermouth. It took place in a garden belonging to the Old Buck inn.
+Among the handful of people who witnessed the scene, was John Murgatroyd,
+at that time a growing youth interested in the sport.</p>
+
+<p>Harry left the locality of his native hills in 1822, and settled in
+Liverpool, where he brought up a family in a manner which reflected much
+credit upon himself. When more than sixty years old, he took a voyage to
+Australia, to join his eldest son, a graduate of Dublin university, who was
+following the scholastic profession, with a considerable amount of success,
+at the antipodes.</p>
+
+<p>Graham died in November, 1878, at the venerable age of eighty-eight, and
+was buried in Shooter's-hill cemetery, near London.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p>
+<h2>JAMES SCOTT</h2>
+
+<h3>OF CANONBIE.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Noo, Jamie Scott o' Cannobie,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">He hied to Carel toon;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And mony a borderer cam to see<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The English lads thrawn doon.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i14"><i>Border Ballad.</i><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p>James Scott was the lightest man who won the head prize in the Carlisle
+ring about his own time; and what is much more curious, the only Scotchman
+who ever accomplished the same feat. Indeed, it seems up to Scott's time,
+and since, too, that the borderers on the Scotch side did not take as much
+pleasure in the pastime as those dwelling on the English side.</p>
+
+<p>Scott was born and brought up at Oarnlee, in the picturesque parish of
+Canonbie, in Dumfriesshire, within a few miles distance from the roofless
+tower of Gilnockie, the ancient stronghold of the noted border free-booter,
+Johnny Armstrong, of whose tragic fate in the presence of the Scottish
+king, the old minstrel thus sings:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">But then rose up all Edenborough,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">They rose up by thousands three;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A cowardly Scot came John behind,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And run him through the fair bodye.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span><br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Said John, "Fight on my merry men all,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">I am a little wounded, but not slain;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I will lay me down to bleed a while,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Then I'll rise, and fight with you again."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>James Scott stood about five feet nine inches high, and weighed between
+eleven and twelve stones. Litt surmises that he was more than thirteen
+stones; but according to the most reliable authorities, this is much beyond
+the mark. He was a "tight built, streight, be&agrave;ny mak' iv a fellow, withoot
+a particle o' lowse flesh aboot him." In the ring, he became noted as a
+quick striker, and bore the reputation of being a good scientific wrestler.</p>
+
+<p>He never went much from home to contend, and, excepting in the Carlisle
+ring, is only known to have wrestled at the village gatherings, along the
+borders. He does not figure among the thirty-two men, who wrestled at the
+first annual meeting at Carlisle, in 1809. In the following year, when
+double that number contended, we think it hardly likely that he put in an
+appearance; but on this point we cannot speak with any amount of
+confidence, as there is no list of names known to be in existence.</p>
+
+<p>In 1811, however, he did good service in the Carlisle ring, by throwing
+Joseph Wilson, John Hall, Joseph Coates, and William Richardson of
+Caldbeck; but sustained defeat at the hands of John Earl of Cumwhitton, in
+the fifth round. For<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> the second prize of the same year, he was cleverly
+thrown by George Little of Sebergham, (and not again by John Earl, as
+stated by Litt.)</p>
+
+<p>At the Carlisle meeting held on Tuesday, the 20th day of September, 1812,
+the favourite north-country pastime attracted an immense gathering of
+spectators to the Swifts. Although the prizes offered amounted in all to
+the handsome sum of twenty guineas, there was a noticeable falling off in
+the attendance of wrestlers. Only forty-eight names were entered for the
+principal competition&mdash;the most noteworthy absentees being Tom Nicholson,
+(who was suffering from an accident at the Greystoke festival,) John Earl
+of Cumwhitton, Robert Rowantree of Bewcastle, and Harry Graham of Brigham.</p>
+
+<p>Scott, who was then in his twenty-fourth year, turned up on the Swifts "i'
+grand fettle," and wrestled through the ring with much spirit, tact, and
+determination. The unexpected fall of William Mackereth of Cockermouth, the
+first time over, removed at least one formidable rival. John Jordan of
+Great Salkeld, falling in one of the subsequent rounds, left the coast as
+good as clear to Scott and Richardson, who ultimately came together in the
+final fall. Although wanting in the height, weight, and experience
+possessed by his veteran opponent, the wiry borderer had the advantage of
+youthful suppleness and activity on his side.</p>
+
+<p>A good deal of time was wasted by the combatants; both tenaciously
+endeavouring to obtain the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> better hold. Meanwhile a tall, red-haired,
+gaunt-looking Scotchman, made himself somewhat officious and troublesome to
+the umpires, by running to and fro into the ring, "wi' a wee drap whuskey,
+an' a hantle o' advice," in order to cheer up the spirits of the Canonbie
+lad. When holds had been obtained, after acting on the defensive for some
+time with much wariness, Scott managed to catch Richardson's heel, and by
+this means succeeded in carrying him off precisely in the same manner as he
+had done the preceding year. No sooner had the burly figure of the Caldbeck
+man kissed the green-sward, than the air resounded again and again with
+lusty cheers for the Canonbie hero.</p>
+
+<p>Everybody seemed astonished when "l&#257;l Jamie Scott" fought his way
+through the ring; and probably no one was more astonished than himself.
+With eight bright guineas in his pocket, he received a hearty welcome on
+going back again, from all the "weel kent" faces he passed on his
+"hameward" journey to "Canobie lea."</p>
+
+<p>Having gained first honours, Jamie inherited too much of the "canny" and
+prudent disposition of his countrymen, to risk tarnishing the victory which
+had thus fallen under somewhat favourable circumstances to his share. The
+Carlisle ring of 1812 was, we believe, the last one in which he contended
+for a prize.</p>
+
+<p>Scott was a joiner by trade, and worked for several years at "Kirkcammeck,"
+(Kirkambeck,) in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> Stapleton, on the English side of the border. At the
+local gatherings in after years, he made a point of backing David Potts of
+Haining&mdash;a rather tricky customer&mdash;against John Blair of Solport Mill.
+Scott recommended Potts to rosin the inside of his pockets well, and rub
+his hands in them before taking hold of an opponent. "And than," said he,
+bestowing a hearty thump on his pupil's back, "no a man i' Cummerland need
+thraw the', if thou nobbut fews onything like!"</p>
+
+<p>His cheerful and jocular disposition led him to be widely known on both
+sides of the border as "Canobie Jamie." He was specially fond of rural and
+field sports. In speed of foot he surpassed most of his companions. Many
+stories are told of the practical jokes and harmless tricks he used to play
+off on his neighbours and acquaintances; a few examples of which we may
+perhaps be allowed to relate as illustrative of his character.</p>
+
+<p>"Canobie Jock," a well known voluble neighbour of his, partial to keeping
+up a breed of terriers and foxhounds of the right sort, had one of the
+former which he boasted was the fleetest dog of its kind in the parish. For
+a trifling wager, Jamie offered to run a race with Jock's terrier. The
+distance chosen was from one end of a good sized field to the other,
+through part of which a broad deep ditch extended, and had to be crossed.
+After starting, our hero found there existed every likelihood of his canine
+competitor leaving him some distance behind.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> This induced him to hasten
+towards that part of the field where lay the deep ditch. With a single
+bound he cleared the distance in capital style. Meanwhile, before the poor
+terrier had time to swim the water, climb the banks, and shake itself,
+Jamie had got so far ahead as to be able to win easily&mdash;which he did, much
+to the discomfiture of the owner of the dog.</p>
+
+<p>As an additional illustration of his nimbleness of foot, it may be
+mentioned that on another occasion, in coming "owre the hills frae Hawick,"
+he ran down a cub fox, which he took home with him to Canonbie, and kept
+there in a tame state, until it became so troublesome and destructive among
+the hen-roosts of the neighbourhood, that he was obliged to put it down.</p>
+
+<p>Jamie, and a cousin of his, were once invited to a wedding in the
+neighbourhood of Liddesdale, and, as it chanced, they could only muster a
+single horse between them. Under these circumstances, Scott thought it
+might be as well to give the natives of "Copshaw-holme," (Newcastleton,)
+something to amuse themselves with. Accordingly, he placed his cousin on
+the front of the horse, in the usual way, while he mounted behind, facing
+the opposite direction, with a straw rope drawn round the animal's tail for
+a bridle. In this comical fashion, the two men rode through the large open
+square of the old border village, amid the laughter and jeers of young and
+old.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>One other story, and we must take leave of Jamie. When crossing a wild part
+of the country, it so happened that through being benighted, he was in
+danger of losing his way. Nearing a farm-stead, the pleasing sound of a
+fiddle fell on his ears, which ultimately turned out to proceed from an
+adjoining barn, where a dancing school was held. On entering, Jamie met
+with a warm reception from the people assembled, and enjoyed the scene
+before him with much glee. Getting communicative with those around, he
+threw out some broadish hints that he thought he could dance a hornpipe or
+jig better than the dancing-master himself. To such a belief as this the
+teacher entirely demurred; and the difference of opinion thus set forth
+paved the way for a friendly contest. Notwithstanding being a good deal
+fatigued with travelling, Jamie managed to trip about with so much
+gracefulness and agility, that he was acknowledged by all present to have
+quite outrivalled the professor of the calisthenic art.</p>
+
+<p>James Scott died at Oarnlee in the year 1854, aged sixty-six years.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p>
+<h2>ROBERT ROWANTREE,</h2>
+
+<h3>OF KINGWATER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Robert Rowantree, the subject of this brief memoir, was one of the big
+stalwart athletes of the wrestling ring in the "olden time," when wrestlers
+six feet high, and fourteen stones weight, were plentiful amongst the
+competitors of the northern arena. Rowantree was not so much distinguished
+for science as William Jackson, Richard Chapman, or the Donaldsons of more
+recent times; but was formidable from possessing great strength, a long
+reaching muscular arm, much supple activity, and no end of endurance in a
+keen, protracted struggle with an adversary. Remarkable instances of this
+fierce endurance are to this day commented on, particularly in his
+memorable bouts with John Richardson of Staffield Hall, "Belted Will" of
+Caldbeck, and the celebrated bone-setter, George Dennison.</p>
+
+<p>Rowantree was born in the vale of Kingwater, in the year 1779. The place of
+his birth, and where he continued to reside for a long series of years, is
+a lonely and sterile region, inhabited chiefly by sheep-farmers, situate
+between the green woodland slopes of Gilsland, and the then wild unclaimed
+wastes<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> of Bewcastle; and was doubtless in the long ago border marauding
+times the scene of many a bloody raid; and later, too, of many smuggling
+affrays in getting across the border untaxed whiskey. Maitland's
+<i>Complaint</i> gives a vivid description of the lawlessness prevalent:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">That nane may keip<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Horse, nolt, nor sheip,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Nor yet dar sleip,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For thair mischeifis.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"The lordly halls of Triermaine," in the vale of Kingwater, supplied the
+title to one of Sir Walter Scott's poems; but the once "lordly halls" are
+now reduced to a mere fragment.</p>
+
+<p>Like William Jackson of Kinneyside, Rowantree was brought up a shepherd,
+and followed this pastoral occupation, with scarcely a break in the chain,
+throughout an extraordinarily prolonged life. He stood fully six feet one
+inch, his general wrestling weight being fourteen stones. "A lang-fe&agrave;c't,
+strang, big-limb't man, carryin' varra lile flesh on his be&agrave;ns," was the
+description given of Rowantree by a brother athlete, who, like himself, had
+carried off the head prize once from the Carlisle ring.</p>
+
+<p>Litt speaks of him as attached to loose holds, and as being an extremely
+awkward customer to get at. It cannot be said that he was a quick, good,
+scientific wrestler, being too strong limbed and heavily built throughout,
+for excelling in these requisites. Nevertheless, he had tremendous powers<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>
+when he could get them set agoing in full swing. His famous cross-buttocks
+in the Carlisle and other rings, which made men fly upwards, like a bull
+tossing dogs, are spoken of to this day. When young, like many another,
+Rowantree was such an enthusiastic follower of the wrestling ring, that he
+frequently went on foot twenty miles to wrestle in the evening for a common
+leather belt, not worth eighteen pence.</p>
+
+<p>He won his first prize at "Mumps Ha'," Gilsland, at that time a noted hedge
+ale-house, whereat border farmers&mdash;most of them nothing loth to spend a
+jovial hour or two when happening to meet a neighbour&mdash;used to stop and
+refresh themselves with a "pint" or two, and enjoy a "good crack." The
+hostelry was at that time kept by a daughter of old Margaret Teasdale,
+immortalized as "Mumps Meg," in Sir Walter Scott's <i>Guy Mannering</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Rowantree afterwards attended some sports at Stanners Burn, in North Tyne;
+and in the final wrestle up, he came against an exceedingly powerful man,
+named William Ward, a rustic Titan, with a grip like a giant, resident in
+the neighbourhood. In the previous rounds the stranger from Kingwater had
+astonished the North Tyners, by disposing of his men without the least
+difficulty. In the last round, Ward lifted Rowantree clean off his feet,
+and caused much amusement among the spectators by crying out, whilst
+holding him in that position: "Hey, lads! See! I can haud him, noo!" No<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>
+sooner, however, did Rowantree set foot on <i>terra firma</i>, than in an
+instant the position of the two men was reversed, a sweeping cross-buttock
+sending Ward's feet "fleein' i' the air," amid loud plaudits&mdash;the loser
+being sadly crestfallen by this unexpected turn of the wheel.</p>
+
+<p>As a general rule, Rowantree did not go far from home to attend wrestling
+meetings; his principal ground being along the wild tract of Cumberland
+lying to the north-east of Carlisle. Occasionally, however, he strolled
+away from Kingwater and the adjoining country. In the year 1810, he had a
+trip "wid Nanny, the priest' son, o' Haltwhistle, ower th' fells," to try
+his luck at the noted gathering, known far and wide as "Melmerby Round."
+Along with the priest's son&mdash;a promising youth in his way for "a bit of a
+spree"&mdash;he entered his name. The Haltwhistle youth came to grief in one of
+the early rounds, being thrown by John Morton of Gamblesby (father to Tom
+Morton of the Gale); but Rowantree succeeded in working his way through the
+ring, and carrying off the head prize.</p>
+
+<p>We next come to record worse luck, in a match with Thomas Golightly, a
+miner, who belonged to the Butts, in Alston town. Rowantree, though a much
+heavier and taller man, was overmatched by the 'cute Alstonian, and had to
+succumb to him. Golightly&mdash;one of a wrestling family&mdash;was a thoroughly
+all-round, scientific, first-rate wrestler; and though weighing only twelve
+stones, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> standing five feet nine inches high, gained many head prizes
+in the neighbourhood of Alston, Workington, and Whitehaven. The match took
+place probably at Alston sports, then held annually on Easter Monday and
+Tuesday&mdash;on the same days that a two-days main of cocks was fought.</p>
+
+<p>Rowantree attended the first annual wrestling meeting held at Carlisle,
+September, 1809, and in the first round he threw Thomas Atkinson; in the
+second, one Younghusband, (who in the previous round had thrown John
+Rowantree, a brother of Robert.) In the third round, he had to face the
+celebrated Thomas Nicholson of Threlkeld. The first was a disputed fall;
+but in the second, Tom was easily victorious. At Carlisle, in 1810,
+Nicholson again threw him.</p>
+
+<p>Next year, John Richardson of Staffield Hall, near Kirkoswald, gained the
+second prize on the Swifts. For the first prize, he came against Rowantree,
+and after one of the most desperate and determined struggles ever seen in
+any ring, the latter won with a half-buttock, after giving his opponent a
+shake off the hip. In all the recorded meetings of athletes in the rings of
+the north, it has seldom happened that the spectators had the gratification
+of witnessing two men step into the arena, equal in stature and muscular
+power to Robert Rowantree and John Richardson. The latter stood six feet
+three inches high, and the former six feet one inch. Both weighed upwards
+of fourteen stones,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> and on stripping, presented remarkable specimens of
+athletic formation. Armstrong, familiarly known as the "Solid Yak," another
+gigantic Cumbrian, was also grassed in the same entry, by Rowantree.</p>
+
+<p>At Carlisle, in 1812, when James Scott, the Canonbie man, won, we do not
+find that Rowantree contended. No record is known to exist, giving the
+names of those who entered for the prizes, and, therefore, nothing definite
+can be stated.</p>
+
+<p>The following extract from the <i>Carlisle Journal</i>, will show that the
+prize&mdash;twenty guineas&mdash;given in 1813, was held to be something remarkable
+in wrestling annals, and created a wide-spread sensation throughout the
+north. At the present day, a considerably larger sum is given; but whether
+this profuse liberality has improved the <i>morale</i> of the ring, is a very
+doubtful matter.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>On Friday, the 8th of October, the great prize of
+twenty guineas was wrestled for on the Swifts, in a
+roped ring of seventy yards in diameter, in the
+presence of the largest concourse of people we ever saw
+on a similar occasion. Notwithstanding the day was
+extremely wet during the whole of the contest, the
+curiosity that had been excited through all ranks of
+society, overcame every obstacle; and we were happy to
+see on the ground the Duke of Norfolk, the Marquis of
+Queensberry, the Earl of Lonsdale, H. Fawcett, Esq.,
+M.P., together with a large number of gentlemen from
+all parts of the county, and from Scotland, to witness
+one of the finest exhibitions of activity, muscle,
+science, and resolution, ever seen in the north of
+England. The wrestling was of the most superior kind;
+many of the combatants having been struck by their
+antagonists from the ground upwards of five feet.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>
+Robert Rowantree, the Cumberland shepherd, gained the
+first prize, having thrown the noted William Richardson
+and George Dennison, in two of the severest struggles
+we ever saw. We are happy to add that their peaceable
+and civil deportment to each other has been the subject
+of much commendation.</p></div>
+
+<p>On the morning of the wrestling, Rowantree walked from Butterburn, a lone
+farm-stead, north-east of Gilsland, and fully twenty miles from Carlisle,
+as the crow flies; and then wrestled through an exceedingly strong ring&mdash;a
+proof of lasting endurance and pluck seldom parallelled. Seventy-two men
+entered the ring for the head prize; exactly twenty-four more than in the
+previous year. In the first round, Rowantree threw Joseph Richardson; in
+the second, James Gibson; in the third, Thomas Gillespie; in the fourth,
+William Earl of Cumwhitton; in the fifth, George Dennison of Stainton; and
+in the final fall, William Richardson of Caldbeck.</p>
+
+<p>It is somewhat singular that Rowantree, an enthusiastic follower of
+wrestling, should not again enter the ring of the Border City, or, indeed,
+any other ring, where winning might be considered to confer distinction.
+Soon after achieving at Carlisle, the highest distinction a wrestler can
+attain, he won his last belt in the same arena where he gained his first
+one&mdash;at "Mumps Ha'," Gilsland. He got the belt without contesting a single
+fall; no one thinking proper to try the chance of a single tussle with him.</p>
+
+<p>Shepherding was his daily pursuit during the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> greater part of a long life;
+and at times he performed some extraordinary feats of pedestrianism. We
+regret, however, being unable to give exact data of the time and distances.
+They would have been interesting additions to his wrestling career. For
+many years he lived on an extensive sheep farm at Wiley Syke, near
+Gilsland, with one of his brothers. During the great storm of November,
+1807, when the snow drifted in some places to the depth of nine and ten
+feet, Rowantree's brother John, lost four-score sheep, and at one time
+upwards of two hundred more were missing. A neighbouring shepherd, named
+James Coulthard, perished in attempting to fold his sheep in
+Scott-Coulthard's Waste.</p>
+
+<p>At one time, Rowantree was tempted to enter the service of the Earl of
+Carlisle, as a game-watcher, on the Naworth Castle estates, and continued
+to be so occupied "a canny bit."</p>
+
+<p>When more than four-score years old, Rowantree went to live with a
+relative&mdash;Mr. Wanless, of the Bay Horse inn, Haltwhistle&mdash;under whose roof
+he spent the last twelve years of his life; and died there in April, 1873,
+at the patriarchal age of ninety-four. Some nine or ten months before the
+latter end&mdash;the final closing scene of a long life&mdash;he "hed sair croppen
+in," and was in fact nearly bent double. But previous to that time, his
+appearance was so fresh and animated, his step so firm and active, his
+intellect and memory so clear and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> retentive, that no stranger would have
+taken him to be anything like his real age.</p>
+
+<p>While living at Haltwhistle, if the old Kingwater athlete could only manage
+to fall in with any wrestling, dog-trailing, or hunting, or could get off
+shooting with a dog and gun, either by himself or in company, he was in the
+height of his glory. When sitting by the side of a wrestling ring, during
+this latter period of his life, as an onlooker, it was only natural he
+should become garrulous, and almost, as a matter of course, cynical in his
+remarks. "Sec bits o' shafflin' things," he used to say, "git prizes
+noo-a-days! If they'd been leevin' lang syne, we wad ha' thrown them ower
+th' dyke!" At other times, when a wrestler had laid down in favour of an
+opponent, he would exclaim: "Ah! ah! that wullent de&agrave; at aw, lads! Theer
+was ne&agrave; sec lyin' doon i' my time. It was aw main-strength an' hard wark,
+than!"</p>
+
+<p>John Stanyan Bigg's rhyme, in the Furness dialect, slightly altered,
+presents a very apt picture of Robert Rowantree, as a cheerful and hearty
+old man, verging on ninety years:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Auld Robin Rowantree was stordy and strang;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Auld Robin Rowantree was six feet lang;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He was first at a weddin', an' last at a fair,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He was t' jolliest of aw, whoiver was there;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For he keep't a lad's heart in his wizzen'd auld skin,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And work'd out his woes as fast as they wer' in;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Ye'd niver believe he'd iver seen trouble,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Tho' at times t' auld fellow was amaist walkin' double.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p>
+<h2>WILLIAM DICKINSON</h2>
+
+<h3>OF ALSTON.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Alston, the capital of a lead-mining district of East Cumberland, stands
+very conspicuously perched on the side of a hill, overlooking the river
+Tyne, which flows eastward through a narrow valley below, on its course to
+the populous towns of Hexham, Newcastle, and Shields, and is then lost in
+the German Ocean. The miniature town of Alston has a market cross of the
+quaintest order, and a main street so "brant" and twisting, that strangers
+watch with amazement the ascent and descent of any kind of conveyance or
+vehicle, which may chance to be stirring. As a people, the Alstonians are
+thoughtful, studious, and intelligent. There are few places in Britain
+where a healthful class of literature, and general knowledge, are sought
+after with greater avidity, than by the mining population of the town and
+neighbourhood.</p>
+
+<p>At one time the district was fruitful in producing good wrestlers. Thomas
+Lee, the publican, Jemmy Fawcett of Nenthead, powerful John Horsley, Tom
+and Frank Golightly, William Dickinson, Tom Todd of Knarsdale, and other
+stars of lesser<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> magnitude, rose and set in succession. At a period after
+those enumerated, the neighbouring valley of Weardale was equally
+celebrated in the production of a whole host of good wrestlers. Among them
+may be noted, John Milburn, Tom Robson, James Pattinson, John Emmerson,
+Joseph Allison, and many others. And we can bear testimony to their general
+conduct in the ring as being eminently praiseworthy.</p>
+
+<p>William Dickinson was born at Spency-croft, near Alston, about the year
+1792, and brought up in Alston town. He followed the trade or occupation of
+a lead miner. In height, he stood five feet ten-and-a-half inches, and
+weighed fully thirteen stones. In appearance, there was every indication of
+a stout compact built man, well made from top to toe, with nothing
+cumbersome about him. He had fine expansive shoulders, good loins, and was
+rather light built about the limbs. He usually appeared in the ring,
+dressed in a pair of Cashmere trousers, light coloured stockings, and high
+tied shoes. Though a great enthusiast at wrestling, Dickinson was generally
+considered to be indifferent about other recreations, and was rather easy
+about following his daily occupation very closely. Some of the more
+pugnacious Alstonians tried various means to get him enlisted among them as
+a fighter, but in this they were disappointed. "D&mdash;n thy snoot!" shouted a
+jeering comrade to him one day, "thoo can grip a chap's back smart eneuf;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>
+but thoo d&#257;rn't hit a body for thy life! Thoo's far ower muckle
+shoo'der-bund for a trick like that!"</p>
+
+<p>Dickinson's career proved to be exceedingly brief, and few particulars are
+now remembered respecting him. While still in his teens, he excelled in his
+own neighbourhood as a strong athlete, and succeeded in carrying off
+several minor prizes. We cannot learn whether he attended the then noted
+gatherings at Melmerby or Langwathby. However, in October, 1812, when
+twenty years old, we find him figuring at a great meeting held at Penrith,
+where a sum of fifteen guineas, subscribed for by the Earl of Lonsdale,
+Squire Hasell of Dalemain, and others, was given to contend for. From the
+first to the third round, Dickinson threw&mdash;Thomas Parker of Pallethill,
+John Nicholson of Threlkeld, and John Harrison of Horrock-wood, and was
+himself toppled over in the fourth round by some one whose name is not now
+known. The head prize&mdash;ten guineas&mdash;was won by John Parker of Sparkgate,
+and the second by James Lancaster of Catterlan.</p>
+
+<p>In 1813&mdash;the following year&mdash;Dickinson attended the Carlisle wrestlings,
+where he attained considerable distinction. For the head prize, he threw
+Thomas Graham, Robert Forster, and Frank Watson. In the fourth round, he
+was thrown by Samuel Jameson of Penrith. On the second day, the young
+Alstonian beat down all opposition, and carried off the chief prize amid
+great applause. He threw in quick succession, and in a masterly manner<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> the
+following men, namely&mdash;John Forster, John Hope, Robert Forster, Simon
+Armstrong, and, in the final fall, John Lowden of Keswick, a really
+formidable opponent.</p>
+
+<p>In 1814, he attained the highest wrestling distinction, by carrying off the
+head prize at Carlisle. It was calculated, from the amount of money taken
+at the gate, that not less than 15,000 people witnessed the wrestling on
+the Swifts. The meeting was disgraced by one pugilistic encounter, which
+<i>did</i> take place, and by the foreshadowing of another which <i>did not</i> take
+place. It appears a match had been arranged between Carter, a Lancashire
+man, and one Cooper, both professional boxers. The latter, for some cause
+or other, did not turn up, and Carter gave an exhibition of pugilistic
+science, in a large room at the Blue Bell inn, in the presence of the
+Marquis of Queensberry and a crowd of people, drawn by curiosity to witness
+the performance.</p>
+
+<p>The fight which <i>did</i> take place, was for a purse of thirty-five guineas,
+between two local men&mdash;Tom Ridley, seaman, a native of Carlisle, commonly
+known as the "glutton," and Tom Nicholson of Threlkeld, wrestler. The
+battle was fought in a roped ring on the Swifts, used for wrestling. The
+severe blows dealt by the "glutton," told much in his favour, while
+Nicholson baffled and punished his opponent materially, by bringing him
+frequently to mother earth, with a heavy "soss." After the contest had
+lasted for half-an-hour&mdash;the Threlkeld<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> man being much punished about the
+head, and Ridley about the body&mdash;the constables interfered and put an end
+to the combat.</p>
+
+<p>We gladly resume our account of the wrestling. Sixty-six men entered the
+ring, to compete for various prizes. Dickinson came upon the Swifts in
+excellent trim, looking every inch a man as he stripped for the contest.
+Although Tom Nicholson, William Richardson, Robert Rowantree, John Earl,
+and James Scott, failed to put in an appearance, still a good field of
+dangerous hands met to contend.</p>
+
+<p>In the first and second rounds, Dickinson threw John Baillie and John
+Routledge; and in the third had a keenly contested struggle with John
+Watson&mdash;a well known athlete in the early annals of the Carlisle ring&mdash;and
+succeeded in throwing him. Among others who came to grief in the third
+round were Tom Richardson, "the Dyer"&mdash;then a stripling in his teens, and
+Joseph Bird of Holm Wrangle. Turning out as fresh as a lark, in the fourth
+round, Dickinson grassed William Ward; and in the fifth, James Routledge;
+the latter of whom had previously done good service by disposing of John
+Nicholson of Threlkeld, William Earl of Cumwhitton, and Joseph Peart. In
+the sixth round, the hero of the day was fortunate enough to be odd man;
+and then at the last faced George Dennison, (who had previously carried off
+William Slee of Dacre, with a clean hype.) The final fall was a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> singular
+one. "Dennison," says Litt, "threw in his left side with much force,
+intending to buttock his opponent; Dickinson left go, and Dennison,
+disappointed of his object, staggered forward a considerable distance, but
+could not save himself from going down on his hands, otherwise he would
+have won the fall, as he had preserved his hold."</p>
+
+<p>The head prize&mdash;a belt, and eight bright guineas&mdash;was then handed to
+Dickinson, amid much cheering, especially from the Alstonians, and some
+commotion from the disappointed friends and admirers of Dennison.</p>
+
+<p>After tracing Dickinson's career, until his brow was decked with the green
+bay of victory, in the foremost wrestling ring of the kingdom, there ensues
+a sudden collapse. The Carlisle ring of 1814, was probably the last one in
+which he figured, for afterwards we lose sight of him altogether as a
+wrestler.</p>
+
+<p>About this date he married Sarah Eals, of Alston, innkeeper, who proved a
+shrew. Not living happily with her, and being himself a man who loved
+quietude and peace of mind, more than strife and contention, he left both
+the neighbourhood and his shrewish partner behind him, somewhat suddenly,
+and went into Scotland, where he lived for some time employed as a
+gamekeeper. He afterwards emigrated to America; and although doomed to be
+an exile from Alston and his native district, it is said he returned again
+to England, and died many years ago.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p>
+<h2>GEORGE DENNISON</h2>
+
+<h3>OF PENRITH.</h3>
+
+
+<p>For more than thirty years&mdash;from 1808 to 1840&mdash;George Dennison was a
+well-known character in the north; trusted and esteemed by all classes as a
+skilful bone-setter, all over Cumberland, Westmorland, and a great part of
+North Lancashire. Whenever a bad case of broken limbs or dislocated joint
+befel an unfortunate individual, throughout this wide district, the first
+move in most cases was either to, "Send for Dennison," or else, "We must go
+to Penrith."</p>
+
+<p>He succeeded Benjamin Taylor, another distinguished bone-setter, who sprang
+from New Church in Matterdale. Dennison, we believe, originally entered
+Taylor's service in the capacity of a servant, and was often called in to
+assist in holding patients. Being of a shrewd and observant disposition, he
+picked up many points connected with bone-setting, and soon became very
+useful to his master. At that time Taylor had a pupil under his charge, as
+stolid and slow at learning as any one well could be. It was hard work to
+get anything driven into his dull pate. Taylor often lost temper
+altogether, and used to exclaim: "Thoo<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> blinnd divel! thoo can see
+nowte&mdash;nowte at aw; an' theer' tudder chap actually larnin' faster than I
+larn't mysel'! I can keep nowte frae <i>him</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>Dennison practised bone-setting for a life-time, throughout the north, with
+great success. And by concentrating his skill on one particular branch, he
+out-distanced the whole of the college-tutored doctors, far and near.</p>
+
+<p>"Cocking" was then a pastime much followed, and Benjamin Taylor's breed of
+game cocks were noted for their fighting properties. They were, however,
+(says Professor Wilson,) outmatched when sent over to Westmorland to fight
+in a main at Elleray. Several of the Dennison family, too, about that date,
+were likewise great "cockers." William Dennison, uncle to the bone-setter,
+by trade a nailer, figured conspicuously for several years at the Easter
+fights held at Alston.</p>
+
+<p>George Dennison was born and brought up at Penrith, one of the pleasantest
+small towns in the north country. In height, he stood five feet
+nine-and-a-half inches, and weighed fully thirteen stones; all over an
+athlete in appearance, a compact and well made man. He was an excellent
+striker with the right leg, effective with the "hench," and clever, also,
+at hyping. The most successful feat he achieved in the ring, was at
+Carlisle, in 1814, when he wrestled up with Dickinson of Alston; and at the
+same meeting, carried off chief prize on the second day. He did not
+continue to follow<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> wrestling for any lengthened period, but wisely kept an
+eye steadily towards the vocation for which he was so eminently fitted.</p>
+
+<p>He figured more as an amateur in the ring than as a professional,
+especially after the excitable youthful stage was passed. At an early
+period in the outset of his career, he distinguished himself by throwing
+the noted John Harrison of New Church, Matterdale, twice in the wrestle up
+at some neighbouring country sports; and at Morland, in Westmorland, he
+threw Savage of Bolton, near Appleby, who was at one time looked upon as
+the don of a wide country-side.</p>
+
+<p>In July, 1812, there was a great gathering at the village of Newbiggin, a
+place which had become famous for the keen rivalry displayed at its annual
+wrestling contests. In this year, Armstrong, better known as "Solid Oak,"
+(provincially "Solid Yak,") put in an appearance, and came swaggering into
+the ring on the village green, boasting he would soon clear the deck for
+them. On stripping, he presented a gigantic mass of humanity, that
+certainly looked exceedingly formidable. He stood upwards of six feet,
+weighed fully eighteen stones, was solidly built from head to foot, and
+apparently carried no superfluous flesh. But as the Fates would have it,
+bounce and swagger, height and weight, and amazing strength, all proved of
+no avail in the scales, for in one of the early rounds, the "Yak tree" was
+dexterously carried off<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> by the valiant bone-setter, and grassed amid the
+loud taunts and jeers of the assembled villagers. At the Penrith gathering,
+in October following, Dennison, then of Sockbridge, threw David Harrison of
+New Church, in the first round, and was thrown next time over by Joseph
+Bellas of Park-house.</p>
+
+<p>We have no list to show that Dennison attended the Carlisle meeting in
+1812, but the following year his achievements were very creditable. He
+wrestled successfully, for the head prize, as far as the fifth round,
+throwing in succession&mdash;Robert Cowan, George Young, John Glendinning, and
+Robert Langhorn, and&mdash;after one of the severest struggles on record&mdash;was
+brought to grass by one of Robert Rowantree's slaughtering cross-buttocks.
+In the second round, two young men, Tom Richardson, "the Dyer," and George
+Forster&mdash;one of three brothers, all wrestlers&mdash;were drawn together. The
+"Dyer" buttocked his opponent, and, in the fall, Forster unfortunately had
+his shoulder dislocated. Dennison being in attendance, there was no need to
+send for any bungling practitioner, or even to convey the sufferer off the
+Swifts. The work of setting the shoulder to rights, in the presence of
+12,000 wondering spectators, was not of long duration, and the operation so
+successfully performed, that Forster could hardly be restrained from trying
+his luck for the minor prize.</p>
+
+<p>On the second day, at Carlisle, Dennison, in the second round, threw George
+Little, a clever scientific<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> wrestler, but immediately after, had to
+succumb to the superior strength and weight of John Lowden of Keswick.</p>
+
+<p>In 1814, Dennison made his last and most successful appearance in the
+Carlisle ring. He had worked himself through the three first rounds, for
+the head prize, without meeting with anything like a dangerous rival. In
+the fourth, he came against his fellow-townsman, Samuel Jameson, a
+cartwright, considered to be one of the best of his trade in the county. He
+was a strong, bony, five feet ten man, an extremely dangerous customer to
+deal with. His fame as a wrestler has, however, been totally eclipsed by
+that of his son, William Jameson, the champion of a later period. Having
+successfully disposed of Jameson, Dennison next came in contact with
+another equally good man, in the person of William Slee of Dacre, and
+proved again victorious. The next and final struggle occurred with William
+Dickinson of Alston. A reference to a description of the fall, a few pages
+back, in Dickinson's memoir, will show how the head prize was lost to
+Dennison, by the merest accidental slip on his part.</p>
+
+<p>Having missed first honours, he resolved to fight hard and perseveringly
+for the second prize. This was won bravely. Only eighteen wrestlers entered
+the ring, and the men who competed in the last two rounds, with the victor,
+were Joseph Peart and Francis Wilson, the latter named being second.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>After the year 1814, Dennison&mdash;then about thirty years old&mdash;determined to
+bid farewell to the wrestling ring, excepting sometimes trying an odd bout
+when officiating in the capacity of umpire. An increasing profession
+engrossed his attention, and he began to stick more assiduously to it. It
+is not often that talent is hereditary, but in the Dennison family it
+proved to be eminently so. His sons, George, John, and Joseph, have all
+distinguished themselves in the same honourable vocation.</p>
+
+<p>The cures that Dennison wrought in bone-setting were numerous and
+effective, and it is almost needless to remark, conferred more honour and
+distinction on him than any success gained in the wrestling arena. One
+remarkable cure may be mentioned; and as it was wrought on one of our most
+renowned wrestlers, it will fit in appropriately. Richard Chapman, when
+between ten and eleven years old, had a thigh bone badly broken. As a
+matter of course, Dennison was sent for, and the cure effected was simply
+perfection. Any one seeing the fine elastic form and marvellous activity of
+Chapman, would hardly imagine or give credence to the fact, that a few
+years before he had had a broken thigh bone. George Dennison, sitting or
+standing, as the case might be, among the multitude round a wrestling ring,
+and delightedly witnessing the Patterdale champion, tossing about his
+opponents like shuttlecocks, with a science and activity<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> rarely
+paralleled, used to exclaim, in the well understood vernacular of the
+north: "Le&ugrave;k, lads, le&ugrave;k! Theer' yan o' my cures of a brokken thie'!"</p>
+
+<p>At the Keswick annual sports, held in Crow Park, in 1833, a somewhat
+singular coincidence occurred&mdash;the meeting of two athletes, and both of
+them indebted to Dennison for being able to appear. John Spedding of
+Egremont, a clever wrestler, and Richard Chapman, were called together.
+Now, it so happened, the former had had a dislocated hip-joint set to
+rights by Dennison, just about the same time the accident occurred to the
+latter. Some little excitement was caused by these two stripping into the
+ring in perfect form, when they doubtless presented a gratifying spectacle
+to the skilful bone-setter, who was among the throng of onlookers: "Noo,
+than!" he exclaimed, "le&ugrave;k at my twe&agrave; men. I'll bet on brokken thie'-be&agrave;n,
+age&agrave;n hip-joint!" His opinion was quickly corroborated. "Thie'-be&agrave;n" won
+cleverly, and afterwards disposed of John Nichol of Bothel, a formidable
+opponent, in the final fall, for the head prize. The winner then went to
+Greystoke, and won both the wrestling and high jumping; a neighbouring
+squire asserting: "Upon my word, Chapman can jump higher than any horse I
+have!"</p>
+
+<p>Twenty years or more had elapsed, since Dennison and William Richardson of
+Caldbeck, had been brought to grief, in the Carlisle ring, by the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>
+Kingwater champion, Rowantree,&mdash;when they met by chance at Springfield, on
+the road between Penrith and Keswick. The latter was returning homewards
+from Patterdale sheep fair. It so happened that both were rather "fresh i'
+drink." Nothing would do but they must have a fall or two. Each got one,
+when Dennison complained his arm was lamed. One of the byestanders,
+chaffing him, said: "It maks ne&agrave; matter, Gwordie, aboot thy arm! If it is
+brokken, thoo can se&ugrave;n set it age&agrave;n, thoo knows!"</p>
+
+<p>The two veterans chatted over old times, and Dennison working himself up to
+boiling point, in reference to the Carlisle wrestling of 1813, exclaimed:
+"Wully! we sud be&agrave;th been weel bray't aw t' way he&agrave;m, for lettin' greit
+Robin Row'ntree fell us. Confoond the numskull! Efter he'd carriet me off,
+I d&#363;d think 'at thoo wad ha' stopt his gallop for him!"</p>
+
+<p>George Dennison&mdash;justly regretted throughout the north&mdash;died May, 1840,
+aged fifty-five years.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p>
+<h2>JAMES ROBINSON</h2>
+
+<h3>OF HACKTHORPE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Carlisle, the principal, the most influential and attractive wrestling ring
+in Cumberland and Westmorland, and the Lowther family&mdash;the leading one of
+the two counties&mdash;were for a considerable period closely allied. William,
+Earl of Lonsdale, was a most munificent patron of the ring, from its
+commencement in 1809, and for fully a quarter of a century afterwards. On
+several occasions, this nobleman subscribed the sum of twenty guineas, the
+full amount of prizes then given at the Border city; besides holding
+meetings at Clifton, near Lowther, and other places, for the entertainment
+of his guests. It is not to be wondered at, therefore, that his
+gamekeepers, wood-foresters, hinds, grooms, and other domestics, should be
+sometimes found practising the art and mystery of buttocking, hyping,
+swinging, and back-heeling, on sunny evenings in summer, under the shadow
+of some stately oak or sycamore, in the park surrounding Lowther Castle.</p>
+
+<p>Of James Robinson, one of the Earl of Lonsdale's gamekeepers, we have not
+been able to glean many particulars. He was a stout built, muscular man,
+rather low set, stood about five feet ten inches<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> high, and weighed fully
+fourteen stones. He became a clever and effective buttocker; but excelled,
+we understand, more in defence, and as a stiff sturdy stander in the ring,
+than from any great amount of science he possessed.</p>
+
+<p>The earliest mention of Robinson, as a wrestler, which we can find, occurs
+at the great gathering at Penrith in 1812. In the first round there, he
+threw one J. Graham of Thomas Close, but owing to imperfect reporting, his
+name does not appear again in the list.</p>
+
+<p>In 1815, the Committee of the Carlisle wrestling ring circulated the
+following advertisement throughout Cumberland, Westmorland, and the
+northern counties:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Twenty Guineas.</span>&mdash;To be Wrestled for at the Carlisle
+Races, on Wednesday, the 4th of October, 1815, the sum
+of Twenty Guineas, in the following Prizes:&mdash;First
+Prize, &pound;8. 8. 0. (He that wrestles the last fall with
+the winner to receive &pound;1. 1. 0.) Every wrestler, who
+throws his man in the first wrestle, will be permitted
+to contend for the second class of prizes, with the
+exception of the winner of the first prize, in whose
+place a wrestler will be chosen by the Clerk, to make
+the dividing number even.</p>
+
+<p>Second Prizes:&mdash;First, &pound;4. 4. 0.; Second, &pound;2. 2. 0.;
+Third, &pound;1. 11. 6.; Fourth, &pound;1. 11. 6.; Fifth, 10s. 6d.;
+Sixth, 10s. 6d.; Seventh, 10s. 6d.; Eighth, 10s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p>No person to be permitted to contend for any of the
+above prizes, unless he enrols his name with the Clerk,
+on the Swifts, before ten o'clock in the morning of the
+said 4th of October next, as the wrestling will
+commence precisely at that hour. Any person making the
+least disturbance, or attempting to force the ring,
+will be taken into custody, as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> constables will be
+specially appointed for that purpose. All disputes to
+be determined by Joseph Richardson, Esq., umpire.</p></div>
+
+<p>The weather during the races proved exceedingly favourable, and the ground
+was in excellent condition. A greater concourse of people assembled than
+had been seen for years. The leading families of the two counties were
+represented. There were the Lowthers, the Vanes, the Grahams of Netherby
+and Edmund Castle, the Broughams, the Salkelds, the Crackenthorpes, the
+Senhouses, the Briscoes, the Hasells, the Wyberghs, and others.</p>
+
+<p>Sixty-eight men entered the wrestling ring to contend for the principal
+prize. Included in the list were a fair sprinkling of old veterans, and a
+whole bevy of young aspirants of considerable promise; namely, Robinson of
+Hackthorpe, (his first appearance, we believe,) William Slee of Dacre, Tom
+Todd of Knarsdale, Tom Richardson&mdash;"the Dyer," Joe Abbot of
+Thornthwaite-hall, Andrew Armstrong of Sowerby-hall, Thomas Peat of
+Blencow, Thomas Armstrong, the "yak tree," and the three Forsters of
+Penton, being among the number.</p>
+
+<p>Robinson entered the ring in excellent spirits, and threw his men generally
+very cleanly and cleverly. In the first round, he gained an easy victory
+over John Copley. The next time over, in coming against Armstrong, the "yak
+tree," all his activity and skill had to be brought into play, before the
+compressed mass of eighteen stones could be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> brought to grass. In the third
+round, he toppled over Edward Forster of Penton, in capital style; and, in
+the fourth round, James Richardson of Hesket-New-Market, brother to "the
+Dyer." The fifth time over, George Forster, another of the Penton brothers,
+(who had thrown Tom Todd in the previous round,) came quickly to grief,
+under the gamekeeper's brisk fire. Up to this point the Hackthorpe man had
+shown some really good play; but, says the <i>Carlisle Patriot</i>, before the
+final struggle commenced, Robinson and William Slee of Dacre had agreed to
+divide the first prize between them, so that they only played for honour.
+The "honour" of carrying off the head prize then fell to Robinson's share.</p>
+
+<p>On New Year's day, 1816, the annual meeting at Langwathby was numerously
+attended. A contributor to one of the local papers says:&mdash;"Most of the
+distinguished wrestlers of Cumberland and Westmorland were on the ground,
+and there never was displayed more skill in the art of wrestling than on
+this occasion. James Robinson, the noted champion, who won the first prize
+at Carlisle races, was also successful at Langwathby, and we think he bids
+fair to excel any man in the kingdom, in this species of amusement. He is a
+strong-boned, athletic man, but not tall. Before the wrestling commenced,
+considerable bets were made: the east against the west side of the Eden,
+which was won by the latter. The purse contended for, was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> two guineas. It
+is intended next year to give a much larger sum, as Langwathby is likely to
+become a distinguished place for wrestling, being situated in a
+neighbourhood abounding in first-rate players."</p>
+
+<p>In October, 1816, Robinson again attended the Carlisle meeting. Owing to
+being the victor of the previous year, a high chair was placed for him to
+sit upon, from which elevated position he commanded an uninterrupted view
+of the various falls. Entering his name among the contending parties, he
+threw Joseph Batey, in the first round; Joseph Brown, in the second; and
+William Rome in the third round. Coming against a miller, named William
+Clark&mdash;"a tight built lal fellow"&mdash;from Hesket-New-Market, in the fourth
+time over, Robinson was very adroitly brought to the ground, amid the
+deafening cheers of the assembled crowd. No sooner had Clark achieved this
+unexpected feat, than he created much laughter by marching up to the place
+of honour, with a dignified swagger, saying, as he sat down: "I think I's
+fairly entitled tiv a seat i' t' chair, noo, when I've thrown the greit
+champion!"</p>
+
+<p>The wrestling at Carlisle in 1817, was held in Shearer's Circus&mdash;and not on
+the Swifts as previously&mdash;when James Robinson, Tom Todd, John Mc.Laughlan,
+and John Liddle, were looked upon as the principal champions. As it turned
+out, however, Mc.Laughlan stalked through the ring an easy victor, none of
+the other three mentioned<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> being able to make any headway against the
+enormous reach and height of the Dovenby giant. This is the last record
+known to us of the Hackthorpe gamekeeper as a wrestler.</p>
+
+<p>Robinson has been described by those who knew him, as a sturdy
+bullet-headed sort of fellow, whose ideas seldom soared above the velveteen
+coat and corduroy-trouser order of mortals; a rare hand at either creating
+a row or quelling one; probably more accustomed to the former than the
+latter. Nevertheless, he is still remembered in his capacity of gamekeeper,
+as being an active and trustworthy servant to the Earl of Lonsdale: a
+terror to all midnight prowlers and others addicted to trespassing among
+the game preserves at Lowther. He took a prominent part in suppressing a
+riot among the navvies employed in making the new road near Lowther, about
+1818 or 1819.</p>
+
+<p>As Robinson advanced in years, intemperate habits appear to have gained
+upon him; and for some time he led an irregular, harum-scarum sort of life.
+He either possessed an estate, or had some interest in one, at Hackthorpe,
+near Lowther, which he sold, and then foolishly set to work and squandered
+the money. Ultimately, he became reduced to considerable destitution, and
+at times fell into such sad states of despair, that one can easily conceive
+of similar thoughts passing through his mind, to those embodied in Miss
+Powley's pathetic ballad, "The Brokken Statesman":<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">O, the fule rackle days! when in wild outwart ways,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">I spent time but i' daftness, wi' raff an' expense.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Then the auld land's neglect, an' my friends' lost respect,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">While I scworned to tek counsel&mdash;I ne'er rued but yence!<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i14">*....*....*....*<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">When drink hed browt sorrow&mdash;fresh money to borrow,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Wi' deep debt o' the riggin', puir crops o' the hill;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Wi' life at the barest, heart sorrow fell sairest;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Yet e'en then I thowt&mdash;Cummerland caps them aw still.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>In November, 1834, James Robinson was found drowned in Armathwaite bay,
+eight or nine miles from Penrith, and about the same distance from
+Carlisle. The waters being very full at the time, it was presumed he had
+missed his way in the dark, and fallen into the river Lowther, near
+Brougham&mdash;a tributary of the Eden. An inquest was held upon the body, but
+no evidence appeared to the jurors as to how or by what means he was
+drowned. At the time of this unfortunate event, Robinson was forty-five
+years old.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THOMAS RICHARDSON</h2>
+
+<h3>OF HESKET-NEW-MARKET.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Thomas Richardson, commonly known as "the Dyer," one of thirteen children,
+was born at Caldbeck, about the year 1796, and brought up in the
+neighbouring village of Hesket-New-Market, situate between Penrith and
+Wigton.</p>
+
+<p>Richardson's father held situations at Rose Castle, under Bishops Vernon
+and Goodenough. The latter prelate, taking an interest in the welfare of
+young Richardson, sent him to be educated, under the Rev. John Stubbs,
+formerly master of Sebergham grammar school; a man of considerable
+classical attainments, and of a very jovial disposition. The bishop
+intended his <i>prot&eacute;g&eacute;</i> for the Church; and, to attain such distinction,
+most of our readers will be aware, was the anxious hope of many
+middle-class families in Cumberland and Westmorland. In this case, the wish
+and aspiration were destined not to bear fruit. The lad steadily rejected
+all offers of advancement in that direction, his own oft expressed wish
+being to be brought up to husbandry, and to excel as an athlete. While the
+father and mother were not averse to his following agricultural pursuits,
+they were strongly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> against his wrestling proclivities. Whenever such
+gatherings were attended, the youngster had to "slipe off" unknown to his
+parents.</p>
+
+<p>On arriving at maturity, Richardson developed into a fine manly-looking
+man, standing five feet eleven inches high, and weighing from thirteen to
+thirteen-and-a-half stones, with broad massive chest, good length of arm,
+and strongly built throughout. In the ring, he excelled greatly at hyping,
+and if this chanced to miss, generally followed up with the "ham."</p>
+
+<p>The question has often been asked, how Richardson came to be familiarly
+spoken of as "the Dyer." It occurred after this manner. In the parish of
+Caldbeck, there happened to be several families, at one time, of the same
+name. This rendered it necessary to distinguish them by such appellations
+as "Fiddler Richardson," "Dyer Richardson," and "oald Jwohn
+Richardson"&mdash;the last named being "Belted Will's" father. John Richardson,
+Tom's grandfather, was a dyer at Caldbeck, and became much famed for his
+<i>blue</i> dyes. At that time, blue-and-white checked shirts were generally
+worn in country districts, by middle and lower class persons; and the women
+donned blue linen aprons, and blue linsey skirts. These now disused and
+durable fabrics, were manufactured extensively at Ulverston, Kendal, and,
+on a lesser scale, at many other places in the north. It was a <i>sine qua
+non</i> that the blue colours should be "fast."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>John Richardson served his apprenticeship in Kendal, under the Wakefields,
+and was there during the rebellion of "'45." When the first section of the
+Pretender's army retreated northwards through Kendal, it was market-day,
+and as a matter of course, a multitude of people were collected together,
+who mobbed the rear-guard of the troops. During the excitement which
+prevailed, one of Wakefield's dyers seized a gun belonging to a Highlander,
+and boldly and determinedly wrenched it from his grasp. This only proved
+the forerunner of more direful onslaughts. As the rebels were turning down
+the Fish-market, a musket shot fired from a window above, brought one of
+them lifeless from his horse, and two others were taken prisoners. Being
+thus provoked, the Highlanders turned about and fired on the multitude. A
+farmer, named John Slack, of New Hutton, was killed in the open street; and
+a shoemaker, and an ostler, were seriously wounded. When the Duke of
+Cumberland's army had passed through Kendal, John Richardson&mdash;having proved
+himself a trustworthy servant&mdash;was decorated with a cockade, and employed
+to carry despatches between the Wakefields and Colonel Honeywood, who was
+wounded in the skirmish on Clifton Moor, near Penrith.</p>
+
+<p>In after life, Tom Richardson's father kept an inn, and the <i>blue</i> flag
+which floated over his tent at wrestling and other meetings, was the means
+of indicating his whereabouts to friends and customers.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In the year 1813, when Richardson was about seventeen years old, he felt a
+strong desire to attend the races and wrestling at Carlisle. His father
+being much against the outing, some bickering took place between them.
+However, after breakfast, on the morning of the races, watching his
+opportunity, the lad slipped out unseen, and had to run part of the way, in
+order to be in time&mdash;the full distance to the border city being something
+like thirteen miles. Reaching Carlisle, he succeeded in getting his name
+entered for the head prize. This effected, he was soon called out against
+Joseph Slack of Blencow, a skilful wrestler, but getting past the meridian.
+After an exciting tussle, the youngster proved victorious. Next time over,
+he met George Forster of Denton, and buttocked him cleverly. Forster's
+shoulder was unfortunately put out in the fall, but set again quickly, as
+described in the sketch of George Dennison's career. In the third round,
+Richardson's further progress was cut short by one Robert Langhorn. Our
+youthful aspirant for fame, then entered for the second day's prize, but
+was thrown in the second round, by Simon Armstrong.</p>
+
+<p>The following year&mdash;1814&mdash;he again attended the Carlisle wrestling, and met
+with about similar success as before. For the head prize, Samuel Jameson of
+Penrith disposed of him in the third round. In the second day's entry,
+William Slee of Dacre did the same in the first round.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In 1815, the "Dyer" appeared in the Carlisle ring for the third time. He
+threw Andrew Armstrong of Sowerby-hall, in the second round; and was thrown
+next time over by Tom Todd of Knarsdale, near Alston. For the second day's
+prize, he disposed in succession of his neighbour, William Clark, the
+miller, Joe Abbot of Thornthwaite-hall, and Robert Forster of Denton; and
+was brought to grief by Edward Forster, a brother of the last mentioned.</p>
+
+<p>The weather at the Carlisle meeting held in September, 1816, turned out to
+be extremely wet and uncomfortable, on both first and second days. As a
+natural consequence, there was a much thinner attendance than ordinary. The
+Earl of Lonsdale, the Marquis of Queensberry, Sir Philip Musgrave, and
+others of the nobility and neighbouring gentry, were present; but after the
+first day, scarcely any equipages, and very few ladies, were to be seen on
+the course. There was a fair average of good men entered; but the account
+we have to give of the wrestling is conflicting and unsatisfactory,
+presenting a finish lame and impotent in the extreme.</p>
+
+<p>In the first and second rounds, Richardson was called out against John Earl
+of Cumwhitton, and John Weightman, respectively. He succeeded in throwing
+both of these formidable antagonists. The former was an old veteran in the
+Carlisle ring, and the latter a powerful young man of twenty-one, with an
+eventful career before him. In the fourth<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> round, Richardson and Joseph
+Graham were drawn together, and had an unsatisfactory bout. Respecting this
+fall, Litt says: "Being a spectator that year, we do not hesitate to say
+that the conduct of the umpires was extremely blameable. In the course of
+the wrestling, a fall between Thomas Richardson of Hesket, and Joseph
+Graham from Ravenglass, was given to the former. We assert that Graham was
+not allowed a fair hold, that it was a manifest snap, and after all it was
+a complete dog-fall. On wrestling when there were but four standers,
+Richardson was indisputably thrown; but such was the gross partiality shown
+towards him, that he was allowed to compound with the person who threw
+him." Disposing of George Coulthard, in the fifth round, Richardson was
+then called against Tom Todd of Knarsdale, to wrestle the final fall.</p>
+
+<p>As a somewhat different statement has been sent abroad in <i>Wrestliana</i>, we
+think it only right that the "Dyer's" own plea should be set forth. Well,
+after Todd and he had stood fronting one another, in the ring, for some
+time, but had not been in holds, "'turney" Pearson called Richardson to one
+side, and offered him a considerable sum of money if he would only take his
+coat, go out of the ring, and say he "d&#257;rrent russel," or he "dudn't
+want to russel." To this proposal, Richardson indignantly replied: "No!
+I'll nowder de&agrave; sec a like thing for yee, nor nivver a man i' Carel toon!"
+It<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> was currently reported, by the way, that Pearson had bet a good deal
+Todd would win the prize.<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> After some further squabbling, a row took
+place, and the ring was completely broken up.</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> Henry Pearson, solicitor, was a rare upholder of wrestling,
+but too much given to betting to do full justice to all parties. It was
+currently reported he ventured so large a sum on Carter at the Gretna
+fight, that when Oliver was likely to win during the earlier rounds, he
+evinced a state of the greatest nervousness imaginable. An old stager has a
+distinct recollection of him as he stood "fumlen wid his fingers iv his
+mooth," betraying the nervous "twitch" peculiar to men undergoing great
+mental excitement, and looking as if he might have gone off at any moment
+like touchwood or tinder.</p></div>
+
+<p>It was then given out that the two men were to wrestle next morning&mdash;the
+following day being Thursday. When Thursday morning, however, came, the
+meeting was put off till next morning. When Friday came, it was again put
+off, on account of the great fight between Carter and Oliver, at Gretna.
+Richardson stayed three whole days in Carlisle, over the affair, and never
+received a penny! Whatever "gross partiality" might be shown towards him in
+wrestling through the ring, he seems only to have fared badly in the end.
+Let those who can, answer for the treatment he received. The second prize
+advertised by the Carlisle wrestling committee, curiously enough, was not
+contended for at all; why so, was best known to the committee themselves.</p>
+
+<p>During the years 1817-18-19-20, there was no wrestling at Carlisle, in
+connection with the races.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> The proprietor of a circus certainly filled up
+the gap creditably, in 1817; but the three remaining years following were
+entire blanks.</p>
+
+<p>At the Langwathby annual Rounds, held on New Year's day, in 1818,
+Richardson carried off the head prize of two guineas, finally throwing John
+Dobson of Cliburn.</p>
+
+<p>While wrestling seemed altogether defunct at Carlisle, it was taken up with
+renewed vigour at Keswick. In August, 1818, the head prize offered was a
+purse of five guineas, which brought a great gathering of spectators, and
+all the best athletes of the day. The onlookers had the gratification of
+witnessing many keenly contested falls. The last two standers were
+Richardson, and William Wilson of Ambleside, then just coming out. Before
+going into the ring for the final struggle, some chaffing took place, the
+"Dyer" saying to Wilson in a swaggering sort of way, "I'll throw thee, noo,
+thoo'll see, like I threw t' last chap!" After a good deal of higgling, on
+Richardson's part, about wanting a "good hod," the two men finally closed,
+and Wilson being impatient to be at work at once, lifted his opponent to
+hype him, but missed his stroke. Some man&oelig;uvring then took place, and
+the "Dyer" having materially improved his hold, threw in the "ham" quickly,
+and curiously enough succeeded in bringing over his dangerous rival, in the
+very manner he had "bragged" of doing.</p>
+
+<p>In answer to a paragraph which appeared in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> the <i>Cumberland Pacquet</i>,
+Richardson issued the following notice:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Sporting Advertisement.</span>&mdash;Thomas Richardson, who won the
+principal prize at the last Keswick Regatta and Races,
+having observed it mentioned in the Whitehaven paper of
+the first instant, that he refused to "play again with
+the man he threw, for five guineas, though challenged,"
+begs to contradict such statement, as being a gross
+falsehood; and he is sorry such an offer was not made
+to him.&mdash;He now challenges his opponent, alluded to in
+the Whitehaven paper, to wrestle him for ten guineas,
+at any time or place.&mdash;Hesket-New-Market, Sept. 2nd,
+1818.</p></div>
+
+<p>As this match never came off, it is impossible to say what the result might
+have been; nevertheless, we have strong leanings to the belief that the
+"Dyer" would have gained nothing, at that date, by coming into personal
+contact with Wilson, the best of five falls. As a hyper, the "Dyer" was
+admirable, and dangerous, too, among even the best Cumbrian wrestlers; but,
+in this particular respect, he was far behind Wilson in quickness of stroke
+and brilliancy of execution.</p>
+
+<p>On one of the days after the races at Keswick, Richardson had a match with
+Tom Lock of Ravenglass, and threw him cleverly.</p>
+
+<p>Some years after, the "Dyer" rambled away from home as far as Low Wood, to
+attend the annual wrestlings at Windermere. For some reason or other, he
+entered his name "Thomas Porter," and passed quietly through two or three
+of the earlier rounds as an unknown hand. Being called against<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> Joe Abbot
+of Bampton, the latter bounced into the ring very full of stopping the
+further progress of the stranger. No sooner had they approached one
+another, than Joe opened his eyes very wide, stood as one petrified for a
+moment, and then exclaimed, "D&mdash;n! it's <i>thee</i>, Dyer, is it!" The two then
+took hold, but Joe made no effort towards getting the fall, and "Thomas
+Porter" obtained fall after fall until he succeeded, we understand, in
+carrying off the belt.</p>
+
+<p>Liberal prizes for wrestling and other sports were given at Greystoke
+Castle, by the Howards, and the meetings were always well attended by the
+nobility and the neighbouring gentry. Richardson won there one year,
+William Earl of Cumwhitton wrestling second.</p>
+
+<p>A close acquaintance existed between Richardson and Weightman. The former
+was master at the beginning of their career, but afterwards the latter
+became too powerful for him. In all they met eleven times, and out of that
+number of falls, Weightman scored six, and Richardson five. Among other
+places, the latter threw the Hayton champion at one of the Kirkoswald
+"worchet" meetings, and got the compliment returned at Wreay soon after,
+where the fallen man lamed his side.</p>
+
+<p>Sitting among the crowd that lined the Carlisle ring one year, the "Dyer"
+was called out against a big, raw-boned fellow, an awkward-looking
+customer, but one, nevertheless, who appeared young<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> and inexperienced.
+"What's t'e g&#257;en to mak' o' yon 'an, Tom?" asked Weightman. "Oh,"
+replied the "Dyer," in a tone of mock humility, "I's just g&#257;en to fell
+him reet off hand, an' than he can g&#257; he&agrave;m till his mudder, pooar
+lad!"</p>
+
+<p>On another occasion, he was called out against Wilfrid Wright, at a meeting
+on Penrith fell. "Noo, Wiff," said he, "I's g&#257;en to throw thee
+streight into yon furrow yonder!" and did so cleverly. When Wright had
+recovered from his astonishment, and was gathering himself up, he
+exclaimed: "Cush, man! I dudn't think thoo cud ha' de&ugrave;n't hofe sa clean!"</p>
+
+<p>Richardson continued to wrestle for many years, in the Carlisle and other
+rings, with moderate success. Later on, he lived at Penrith with a sister,
+who kept an inn there. When approaching fifty years old, he became so
+overgrown, that his weight appeared to be seventeen or eighteen stones,
+forming a marked contrast to what he was a quarter of a century
+before&mdash;then a lish, active, thirteen-stone man.</p>
+
+<p>He died at Penrith, about the year 1853.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span></p>
+<h2>TOM TODD</h2>
+
+<h3>OF KNARSDALE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Tom Todd, a Northumbrian by birth, was born and brought up at "The Bogg,"
+in Knarsdale, near Alston, where his father was well known as a sheep
+breeder. He stood fully five feet ten inches high; his general wrestling
+weight being about twelve stones and a half. Todd's contemporaries have
+spoken of him as a most accomplished and scientific wrestler. He could
+buttock cleanly, hype quickly, and excelled in most other chips. Weighing
+and watching his opponents' movements narrowly, he seemed to anticipate
+what was coming, and prepared accordingly, both for stopping and chipping.
+In taking hold, like most good wrestlers, he stood square and upright; but
+in consequence of having a very peculiarly shaped back, like half a barrel,
+it was next to impossible to hold him easily, or to grip him with any
+amount of firmness. Like Richard Chapman, he could always "get out," if so
+minded, at starting.</p>
+
+<p>About the summer of 1810 or 1811, Tom Todd, then just merging into manhood,
+attended the annual "boon" mowing-meeting of John Bell of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> Kirkhaugh, the
+noted bone-setter, where as many as twenty or thirty strong men often
+congregated together. When the grass had been cut down, it was usual to
+broach a barrel of ale, and drink the contents on the green sward. During
+the time the nut-brown home-brewed was being handed round, the Alston band
+enlivened the scene with music; and then followed the most attractive part
+of the day's programme, namely, dog-trailing, jumping, and wrestling. At
+this rural festival Tom Todd won his first belt; and a lad, named Robin
+Carruthers, a farm servant, from the Bewcastle district, wrestled second.</p>
+
+<p>In 1815, Todd figured in the Carlisle ring, probably for the first time;
+and came against Tom Richardson, the dyer, in the third round for the
+principal prize. Being both young men, and not unequally matched in size,
+strength, and science, they had three desperate tussles before the struggle
+could be decided. Finally, the fall ended in favour of Todd. In the fourth
+round, Todd's career was cut short by George Forster of Penton.</p>
+
+<p>In contending for the second prize, Todd threw a clever wrestler, named
+Thomas Peat, a farmer's son, from Blencow, in the third round; and
+Armstrong, the "yak tree," in the fourth. Not being able to come to terms
+about holds, in the final fall, with Edward Forster of Penton, the two
+never wrestled out, but, says Litt, in dividing the money for first and
+second, Todd received more money<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> than his opponent, it being the opinion
+of the umpire that he was the fairer stander.</p>
+
+<p>Todd made his appearance again in the Carlisle wrestling ring of 1816,
+where he played a conspicuous part. Meeting with no one particularly worthy
+of being called a dangerous competitor in the first five rounds, he went
+through with considerable ease, throwing in rotation, James Johnson, R.
+Armstrong, J. Scott, T. Hodgson, and William Clark of Hesket-New-Market.
+After the fifth round, the only two men left standing were Todd and
+Richardson, the dyer; and the fall which ought to have been decided between
+them, resulted in nothing but discreditable quarrelling and ill feeling. A
+fuller account of this unpleasant affair will be found in the sketch of
+Thomas Richardson's career. Todd's friends, as a natural consequence,
+thought that he was the better man, and ought to have won. Todd himself,
+after the event, seemed to be under a bond of secrecy on the subject. We
+have no desire to sully his memory, with the charge of a settled
+determination not to go to work with equal holds. We do not wish to twit
+him with taking a mean advantage of his opponent, in order to deprive him
+of the chance of a fair contest. We believe he had a soul above such an
+unwarrantable proceeding. It will, probably, be nearer the mark to say, he
+acted unwisely and unbecomingly, by conniving with his principal backer, as
+the sequel will show.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Todd's usual remark was&mdash;when the subject chanced to be broached and
+discussed&mdash;that Richardson's backers pressed him very much to "lay down,"
+which he declined most definitely to do. But a week or two before his
+death, a far more disagreeable fact oozed out. He then acknowledged, to an
+intimate friend, mentioned hereafter&mdash;whom he rescued at the Gretna
+fight&mdash;that he received <i>half the money</i>, offered for the head prize, in
+1816. This, of course, was paid through the agency of one of the principal
+promoters of the Carlisle ring, in a left-handed manner, with an
+understanding that it should never be made public!</p>
+
+<p>About two years after the dishonourable act narrated, had broken up the
+annual wrestling at Carlisle, Todd used to tell of meeting Richardson, in
+the third round at some village sports, where he threw him easily.</p>
+
+<p>After this&mdash;and during the discontinuance of the popular gathering on the
+Swifts, for three years&mdash;we know nothing of Todd's career as a wrestler,
+until the Carlisle Meeting of 1822, when he again made a gallant but
+unsuccessful struggle to carry off the head prize. Being engaged as a
+gamekeeper, in the service of the Earl of Carlisle, on the Naworth Castle
+estates, he entered himself under the assumed name of "John Moses of
+Alston." Todd displayed considerable science and activity in the course of
+the day, and distinguished himself much and deservedly, by throwing
+several<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> dangerous hands, among whom may be especially mentioned, John
+Fearon of Gilcrux, seventeen stone weight, John Liddle of Bothel, a
+fourteen-and-a-half stone man, (winner of the head prize at Keswick, a few
+weeks previously, where he finally disposed of William Cass of
+Loweswater)&mdash;and Robert Watters of Carlisle, a light weight, but an
+accomplished scientific wrestler. In the final fall, however, with Cass,
+the cup of success was again dashed from his lips. This time the
+weight&mdash;sixteen stones&mdash;and strength of the Loweswater champion, proving
+too much for twelve-and-a-half stones.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had the cheers died away which greeted the West Cumberland man's
+victory, when Louis Nanny of Haltwhistle&mdash;an enthusiastic frequenter of
+wrestling rings&mdash;offered to back the Knarsdale man in a match against Cass
+for a hundred pounds. Todd thought this sum too much to risk even handed,
+against such a powerful antagonist; but was willing to be backed, and
+contend at all hazards, for half that amount. The two east countrymen,
+however, had it all their own way, so far as the challenge was concerned.
+At that time, Cass being new to the Carlisle ring, and almost unknown as a
+wrestler, no one seemed bold enough to stand forward on his behalf; and,
+moreover, like a quiet, inoffensive man, he was perfectly content to rest
+upon the laurels he had just gained.</p>
+
+<p>This year Weightman&mdash;"aw ower his oan daft<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> nonsense"&mdash;was thrown by Fearon
+of Gilcrux, in the first round, for the principal prize at Carlisle. Not
+being eligible, on this account, for entry in the second day's competition,
+Tom Todd stood on one side for him; when Weightman, in order to retrieve
+lost ground, took pains, and threw his men as fast as he came to them.
+"Talk aboot russlin'!" exclaimed an eye witness, "Wey, man, he just went
+thro' them like th' wind!"</p>
+
+<p>As time passed on, and Weightman came more prominently to the fore, Tom
+Todd found himself absolutely nowhere in the giant's grasp; he therefore
+thought it wiser and more prudent to retire from the ring, without making
+any further efforts to carry off first honours.</p>
+
+<p>When Todd was a young man, he kept a tight well-made little trail-hound,
+trained to the name of "Stand back," but which was entered at the different
+trails as "Towler." Harry Kirkby of Kirkhaugh, the clergyman's lame son,
+used to tell a tale about Todd and himself taking the hound one year to
+Melmerby Rounds. When the dogs were coming in, they looked to the
+spectators, "aw iv a cluster," as they neared the winning post. At this
+crisis, Todd roared out in a loud voice: "Standback! Standback!" apparently
+appealing to the crowd, and ran fussing about immediately in front, with
+his arms flying in the air. "An' dar bon!" said the priest's son, "the dog
+com' in like stooar, an' wan easily!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>This artful trick has been often practised since, if not earlier than that
+time, at dog-trails&mdash;successfully on more than one occasion by the late
+Richard Gelderd of Ulverston, a keen dog-trailer. He had a "Standback," and
+at the Flan and other neighbouring sports, was trained to rush forward to
+the winning post, when the crowd were ordered in a stentorian voice:
+"Standback! Standback! an' let t' dogs cum in&mdash;can't ye!"</p>
+
+<p>At the great northern fight, between Carter and Oliver, at Gretna, in 1816,
+John Slack of Carlisle, shoemaker, then a young man in his teens, was
+thrown to the ground by the surging of the immense crowd, and might easily
+have been trampled to death. Seeing the impending danger, Tom Todd, and
+John Barnes, the constable, both powerful men, elbowed their way through
+the crowd, and succeeded in rescuing the fallen man, before he was
+seriously injured. On lifting him from the ground, Todd exclaimed, "Marcy,
+Jwohn! is that thee? My faiks! but thoo'd a narrow squeak for thy life
+theear!"</p>
+
+<p>Some time after the year 1822, Todd left the north of England, and went
+into the Highlands of Scotland, where he became gamekeeper to Sir Charles
+Ross of Belnagowan Castle, Ross-shire, and continued in that capacity for
+something like twenty-four or twenty-five years.</p>
+
+<p>Returning again to his native district, he settled upon the farm rented by
+his brother John, at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> Moscow, near the fashionable watering-place of
+Gilsland. A few years before he died, he gradually lost his sight, and at
+times grew "varra canker't an' twisty." Once when one of these fits was
+upon him, his denunciation of wrestlers and wrestling rings was hurled
+about in such unqualified language, that one was apt to think the
+transgressions committed in the Carlisle ring of 1816, still haunted his
+waking dreams&mdash;not probably for anything done personally, but for being
+made a cat's-paw at that time, by his principal backer.</p>
+
+<p>In the month of September, 1875, Todd, then in his eighty-fourth year, went
+to the house door, beckoned to the farm-workers that dinner was ready, and
+immediately after passed quietly away. From the fact of the Knarsdale
+athlete having attained this great age&mdash;and he was only one of many who
+did&mdash;we may draw pretty conclusive evidence, that the northern pastime of
+wrestling does not, as a rule, shorten life.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span></p>
+<h2>WILLIAM WILSON</h2>
+
+<h3>OF AMBLESIDE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Size, position, and population considered, it must be allowed that the
+district of High Furness, in North Lancashire, has produced its fair quota
+of wrestling celebrities. Foremost comes William Wilson, then Miles
+Dixon&mdash;according to Professor Wilson, "a match for any cock in
+Cumberland"&mdash;his brother James, and Roan and John Long, all men of great
+stature and power, capable of hurling their opponents</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Off the ground with matchless strength."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>These were all natives of the soil. In the early part of the nineteenth
+century, the wrestlings at the Ferry-on-Windermere, at Backbarrow, Bouth
+Fair, Finsthwaite, Oxenpark, Arrad Foot Races, and on many other village
+greens in Furness Fells, were often very keenly contested. Arthur Burns of
+Ullater, (who suffered from the deadly grip of Roan Long,) James Burns, a
+younger brother of Arthur's, Roger Taylor of Scathwaite, and John Wren of
+Bouth, the peatman, were all good wrestlers in their day and generation.</p>
+
+<p>Then came John Harrison of Lowick, sometimes called "Checky," from the
+colour of his shirt, who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> carried off one or two prizes from the Keswick
+ring in its palmiest days; later in life a landlord at Ulverston; a man of
+enormous strength, standing fully six feet high, stout limbed, and weighing
+something like seventeen stones. One feat, forcibly illustrating his
+uncommon strength, deserves record. During one of the statute fairs, two
+sturdy country servant men got to fighting in his house at Ulverston. He
+made no fuss of any kind, but quietly took up one under each arm, and
+carried them both, vainly struggling to be free, into the middle of the
+market place; then set them down on their legs, and, giving each a good
+bang against the other, left them to fight it out. Joseph Jackson of
+Grizebeck, in Kirkby Ireleth, sickle maker, though barely a twelve-stone
+man, gained many first prizes, and came off triumphant in a severely
+contested match with William Bateman of Yottenfews, near Gosforth.</p>
+
+<p>Cannon of Subberthwaite, Robert Casson and Brian Christopherson of
+Oxenpark, and Marshall, the forgeman, also deserve a passing word of
+praise, although none of them ever went out of their own neighbourhood to
+wrestle. Christopherson put forth promising powers at the Ferry and other
+places, and was highly complimented by Richard Chapman. At the Ferry, he
+was backed by a local sporting man, in a match with George Donaldson&mdash;a
+single fall&mdash;for two pounds; and, to the surprise of a crowd of anxious
+onlookers, won gallantly. There was little difference in the weight<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> or
+height of the winner and the loser. Casson threw Harrison, Cannon, and all
+comers at Bouth Fair; and Marshall did precisely the same thing at
+Sparkbridge. On the last occasion, the excitement amongst the spectators
+became so intense, that the forgeman's progress was urged on after the
+following primitive fashion: "If thou'll nobbut thr&#257;' Cannon," shouted
+one, "I'll gi'e the' a pint!" "Thr&#257;' Harrison," roared another, "an'
+I'll stand the' a quart!" "I think," responded Marshall, with a fine stroke
+of humour&mdash;"I think, I'd better hev summat to be g&#257;en on wi'. It'll
+mebbe help me to thr&#257;' them <i>be&agrave;th togidder</i>!"</p>
+
+
+<p>William Wilson was born and brought up at High Wray, a village pleasantly
+situated on the western banks of Windermere lake. Near to his birthplace
+there has been erected a lordly baronial residence&mdash;Wray Castle&mdash;on a
+beautiful commanding site, overlooking all the higher reaches of
+Windermere, and forming one of the many attractive objects for sight-seers
+on the lake. Wilson was a nephew of the Dixons of Grasmere, and was
+commonly spoken of as "girt Will Wilson," in order to distinguish him from
+"lile Will Wilson" of Grasmere, or "wicked Will," as the latter was
+sometimes called, from the bottom and endurance he displayed in frequent
+pugnacious encounters. It was "lile Will," we believe, who once wrestled up
+at Bowness, with William Thwaites of Staveley, an eleven-stone<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> man. They
+each got a fall. The next one&mdash;called by the umpires a dog-fall&mdash;was
+claimed by Thwaites, who, in consequence, refused to wrestle over again.
+The ring was soon broken up in disorder, and in the <i>mel&eacute;e</i> which ensued,
+Professor Wilson struck Thwaites over the head with his stick, and bulged
+his hat in. "Did I do that, my lad?" asked Wilson. "Yes," replied Thwaites,
+"yee did it: I's su&egrave;r an' sarten o' that." "Then," said Wilson, "here's a
+sovereign for wrestling so well. It'll mebbe help to get thee a new hat."</p>
+
+<p>William Wilson grew up a tall "lathy fellow," standing, when full grown,
+quite six feet four inches high, straight as a willow-wand and as lithe,
+and gradually grew until at twenty-two he weighed from fourteen to fifteen
+stones, with a good reach of arm, and a finely developed muscular frame. As
+a hyper, or "inside striker," as Litt calls him, he displayed superb form.
+For three or four years, he stood unmatched and irresistible in this
+particular stroke, and since his day no man has appeared worth calling a
+rival to him, except William Jackson of Kinniside. We are now alluding to
+the "standing hype," or as the author of <i>Wrestliana</i> more properly defines
+it, "inside striking." It is a chip in which a tall wrestler, like Wilson
+or Jackson, has a great advantage, particularly over shorter opponents. The
+"swinging hype," in which Chapman, Donaldson, and Longmire were such deadly
+proficients, is more showy and artistic, consisting of a quick swing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> off
+the breast once round or nearly so, and then a turn over with the knee
+inside the thigh.</p>
+
+<p>Our information respecting Wilson's career as a wrestler is neither so full
+nor minute as we could have desired. The probability is that he won his
+first prize on the banks of his native Windermere, but at what age or under
+what circumstances is not now known. When a young man, Roan Long and he had
+a severe bout at Ambleside sports, which ended in Wilson throwing his burly
+opponent cleverly with the hype.</p>
+
+<p>The first definite notice, however, we have of him as an athlete was at the
+Keswick Regatta and Races in 1818, being at that time about twenty-two
+years old. While the Carlisle ring, on the Swifts, was closed for the space
+of four years, the wrestling in the Crow Park, Keswick, assumed an
+importance which it could scarcely otherwise have attained. In fact, for a
+time it was justly entitled to be considered the leading and most important
+wrestling gathering in the north. In aid of this distinction, there then
+existed on all sides of the metropolitan lake town, a numerous array of
+very distinguished athletes. Mr. Pocklington of Barrow House, was the chief
+supporter of the regatta and races at that date, and his personal exertions
+to promote the permanent establishment and success of these meetings were
+unceasing.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1818, some remarkably good play took place in the wrestling
+ring. The two most<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> successful competitors were in excellent "fettle,"
+namely, Tom Richardson and William Wilson. The latter gathered his men
+quickly and cleanly, and threw them as fast as he came to them. Coming
+against Richardson in the final fall, he lifted him from the ground with
+the intention of hyping, but failing to hold his man firmly, the Dyer
+turned in, and, after a considerable struggle, managed to bring him over
+with the buttock. After this tussle, Wilson always spoke of Richardson as
+being "swine back't," meaning thereby that his back was extremely slippery
+and difficult to hold, from the nature of its peculiar roundness.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1819, Wilson carried off the head prize for wrestling, and a
+handsome belt, at the Ferry Regatta, Windermere. We have no account of the
+other competitors at this meeting.</p>
+
+<p>Wilson attended the Keswick gathering of the same year, for the second
+time, and it proved memorable above all others in his wrestling career,
+stamping him as "the best wrestler Westmorland ever produced." Many
+dispassionate judges at this time held the opinion, that this eulogium
+might be extended also to the neighbouring northern county. We have no
+doubt, if he had continued a healthy man, this verdict would have been
+confirmed over and over again. Although he did not succeed in winning the
+chief prize this year, he nevertheless distinguished himself ten times more
+than the victor who did, by throwing the man with whom no one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> else had the
+shadow of a chance. We refer to his struggle with John Mc.Laughlan of
+Dovenby, more than two inches taller than Wilson, and at that time five or
+six stones heavier.</p>
+
+<p>As a prelude to this fall, Clattan took hold of Wilson in the middle of the
+ring, in a good natured sort of way, and lifted him up in his arms to show
+how easily he could hold him. No sooner was he set down, than Wilson threw
+his arms around Clattan's waist, and lifted him in precisely the same way,
+a course of procedure which greatly amused the spectators. After these
+preliminaries had been gone through, the two men were not long in settling
+into holds, each having full confidence in his own powers and his own mode
+of attack. A few seconds, however, decided the struggle of these two modern
+Titans. No sooner had each one gripped his fellow, than quick as thought,
+Wilson lifted Clattan from the ground in grand style, and hyped him with
+the greatest apparent ease&mdash;a feat that no other man in Britain could have
+done.</p>
+
+<p>The cheering which followed the giant's downfall was tremendous, and might
+have been heard on the top of Skiddaw or Saddleback. "Hurrah! hurrah! Well
+done Wilson!" shouted a hundred voices, while round followed round of
+applause in rapid succession. It was one of these brilliant and exciting
+moments, when the miserable party feeling of envy and strife, which
+sometimes crops up between the two sister counties, was entirely<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> swamped
+and forgotten. "Thoo wasn't far wrang," exclaimed a hard featured man, with
+an austere voice, to his next neighbour, sitting by the side of the
+ring&mdash;"Thoo wasn't far wrang, when thoo said Wilson wad throw him."
+"Wrang!" replied the other in ecstasies, "I wad think n&#363;t! Wilson's
+like a cooper, thoo sees. He kens hoo to gang roond a cask!"</p>
+
+<p>An old "statesman," from about Mungrisedale or Penruddock&mdash;wearing a pair
+of buckskin breeches, whose pint of nut-brown had just been upset in the
+<i>furor</i>&mdash;is remembered as having been so worked upon by the excitement of
+the moment, that he threw his hat in the air, and, in derisive language,
+addressed himself to anybody and everybody, as follows:&mdash;"Ha! ha! my fine
+fellow! If thoo says Clattan <i>isn't</i> a gud russler, an' wasn't <i>olas</i> a gud
+russler, thoo tells a he&agrave;p o' lees, an' nowte but lees&mdash;thoo confoondit
+taistrel, thoo!"</p>
+
+<p>This fall is still talked of at the firesides of the dalesmen of the
+north&mdash;cottars, farmers, and "statesmen"&mdash;as one of the most wonderful and
+dazzling achievements ever witnessed in the wrestling ring.</p>
+
+<p>Returning again to the next Keswick meeting which followed, Wilson found no
+difficulty in walking through the ranks of 1820. When only four men were
+standing, Tom "Dyer" was drawn against Isaac Mason of Croglin, who at that
+time was looked upon as a dangerous customer in the ring.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> It was the
+opinion of some onlookers that the "Dyer" seemed to be afraid of Mason. Be
+that as it may, the two not being able to agree about holds&mdash;a procedure
+which has sometimes discredited parties in the ring, and is sorely trying
+to the patience of spectators&mdash;the stewards, after a considerable delay,
+very properly crossed them both out. Wilson and William Richardson were now
+the last standers, and the former carried off the Caldbeck hero with
+ridiculous ease. Litt says, "Richardson had not the shadow of a chance with
+him." This testimony is exceedingly significant, and says much for Wilson's
+powers as a wrestler.</p>
+
+<p>"Hoo 'at thoo let him hype the' i' that stupid fashion, thoo numb divel,
+thoo?" said Tom "Dyer," reproachfully, to the loser of the fall, while the
+latter was engaged in putting his coat on. "What! <i>he hes it off</i>&mdash;an' that
+thoo kens as weel as anybody," was the sturdy reply. "I cudn't stop him,
+ner <i>thee</i> nowder, for that matter, if he nobbut gat a fair ho'd o' the'."</p>
+
+<p>The year 1822, found Wilson "rayder g&#257;en back, an' thin o' flesh." He
+laboured under an asthmatic complaint, which increased upon him about this
+date, and began to tell much against his athletic attainments.
+Nevertheless, he attended the Keswick gathering once more. The wrestling
+was carried on in the bottom of a meadow, and not on the higher ground as
+previously. The ground being wet and slippery, was consequently disastrous
+to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> many of the wrestlers. Wilson threw Jonathan Watson, a dangerous hand
+to meet, in the first round, for the head prize; and in one of the
+subsequent rounds was drawn against Weightman of Hayton. Lifting the huge
+East Cumbrian "varra clean," but not being able to keep his feet, from the
+slippery and lumpy state of the ground, Wilson overbalanced himself and
+fell backwards, with his opponent on the top of him. This untoward
+accident, in all probability, lost him the chief prize. Cass of Loweswater
+brought Weightman to grief, in the last round but one, by striking at the
+outside, and throwing him off the breast.</p>
+
+<p>At the Windermere Regatta, held at Low Wood, during the same year&mdash;where
+the rain fell in torrents&mdash;it was generally expected that Wilson, who had
+conquered so many, would again be the conqueror. But the fates were against
+him. He came off the third stander, being thrown by Edward Howell, a clever
+wrestler from Greystoke, in the neighbourhood of Penrith, who won the belt
+and four sovereigns.</p>
+
+<p>So far as we have been able to ascertain, the year 1822 was the last one in
+which Wilson figured in the ring. If this be correct, his wrestling career
+will be limited to four or five years duration, at the utmost. No doubt,
+the complaint under which he laboured, was the principal cause of his early
+retirement. Although Wilson loved athletic exercises much, it must be
+understood, however, that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> he viewed them more as a means of recreation and
+pastime, than in any other sense; a thrifty ambition inducing him to look
+zealously to the main point of making both ends meet at home.</p>
+
+<p>We have heard it asserted that when he and his first wife were married in
+1820, they could only raise ten pounds of loose money between them. With
+this small sum to the fore, however, they ventured to take an inn at
+Ambleside, called the Golden Rule, which they rented for seven years,
+during which time they managed to save &pound;700. They then took a larger inn,
+which was afterwards known as the Commercial. Some time elapsed, and they
+removed to the King's Arms, in Patterdale, at that period the only inn at
+the head of Ullswater.</p>
+
+<p>While he was an innkeeper at Patterdale, George Brunskill, the life
+guardsman, about the height of Wilson, and two stones heavier, was very
+anxious to try his skill with him. After much pressing, a friendly bout was
+consented to, on condition that Brunskill would be satisfied with one fall.
+The result was that Wilson "dud whack him;" the soldier being carried clean
+off "befooar he reetly kent whoar he was."</p>
+
+<p>William Wilson&mdash;whose brief, but distinguished career, has helped to confer
+an enduring lustre on the northern wrestling ring&mdash;died at Patterdale, in
+1836, about forty years old, and was buried in Ambleside churchyard.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span></p>
+<h2>JOHN WEIGHTMAN</h2>
+
+<h3>OF HAYTON.</h3>
+
+
+<p>For great size and well-proportioned figure, combined with amazing strength
+and activity, John Weightman was one of the most remarkable men ever bred
+in Cumberland. Born at Greenhead, near Gilsland, in 1795, he was brought up
+at the quiet pastoral village of Hayton, near Brampton, where he continued
+to live until the time of his death. In that neighbourhood, he was always
+spoken of as a remarkably simple minded man, being quiet and settled in
+appearance when about his daily work or any ordinary pursuit. Fierce
+passions, however, were then only asleep, shrouding a peculiar temperament,
+easily excited to mirth or to violent anger.</p>
+
+<p>In a physical point of view, he was a wonder, being endowed with tremendous
+bodily strength on one hand, and the agility of a cat on the other. He
+stood fully six feet three inches high, and weighed from fifteen to sixteen
+stones, presenting one of the finest gigantic models of the human frame
+ever seen, with a countenance free, open, and pleasant to look upon.
+Possessing a good reach<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> of arm, and such formidable power in the
+shoulders, that in the act of wrestling he invariably beat his elbows into
+the ribs of an opponent&mdash;which vice-like pressure was so terrific in its
+results, and became so well known, that many strong men were glad to get to
+the ground, in order to escape his punishing hug. Had these natural
+advantages been supplemented with shrewdness and good generalship, capable
+of estimating the different points of an adversary&mdash;indispensable
+requisites to the finished wrestler&mdash;he would have been more than a match,
+the best of five or seven falls, for any man in the kingdom. One who knew
+him well, once laconically described him as: "A greit thumpin', giant like
+fellow; varra strang i' th' arm, but rayder wake i' th' brains!"</p>
+
+<p>In his prime, Weightman proved himself to be a clever leaper, either at
+long length or running high leap&mdash;"cat gallows." Many tales are current at
+Hayton and the neighbourhood of his clearing five-barred gates with the
+greatest ease. He once leapt over a restless black mare, sixteen hands
+high, which belonged to Sir James Graham of Edmond Castle; then turned
+round, and with another short run, went over again from the reverse side.
+Sir James was so delighted with this display of agility, that he presented
+the performer with half a guinea.</p>
+
+<p>When a young man, Weightman was as full of tricks of a "daft-like"
+character as ever mortal was, the recital of one or two of which may serve
+to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> illustrate his great strength and recklessness. Once upon a time, in
+passing through a toll-gate, he said to the keeper of it: "Ye divvent mak'
+ony charge, div ye, for what a man carries on his back?" "Oh dear, no, by
+no means!" was the ready reply. "Than here goes, my canny bairn!" cried
+Weightman, and presently the toll-collector was astonished to see him
+stalking through the gate, with a strong-built pony strung across his
+shoulders!</p>
+
+<p>A still "dafter" trick than the foregoing is told of him on another
+occasion, when he carried a donkey on his shoulders up stairs into a
+"loft," where a numerous body of lads and lasses were capering away at
+dancing; placed the "cuddy" in the midst of them; and nearly frightened the
+wits out of some of the "flayter sooart o' lasses!"</p>
+
+<p>Paradoxical as it may seem, Weightman was a remarkably light and graceful
+dancer; indeed so much so, that he could trip through the mazes of a dance
+with as much ease and nimbleness as any slim built youth in his teens. He
+had a very small and neat foot, which circumstance may in some measure
+account for his remarkable activity.</p>
+
+<p>As an athlete, Weightman won his first prize on the village green of
+Wetheral, about the year 1814, being then under twenty years old; and
+continued to carry off first honours from the same place for seven years in
+succession. In his twenty-third year, and while making himself a name as
+the champion of several minor rings, he was matched on Brampton<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> Sands, to
+wrestle a man named Routledge, of "Clocky mill," the best of three falls,
+for two guineas a side. The miller was big, bony, and strong, and so far
+was formidable; but being both numb and faint-hearted, Weightman easily
+fettled him off in the two first falls.</p>
+
+<p>During Weightman's whole wrestling career, he never had a more steadfast
+friend or admirer than Dr. Tinling of Warwick-bridge. The doctor had no
+doubt formed a correct estimate of the young giant's powers, and saw
+clearly enough that if they were only exercised with ordinary care and
+skill, no man living had any chance of throwing him a series of falls. "Th'
+auld doctor could mak' him owther win or lose, varra nar as he hed a mind,"
+said a clever light weight wrestler, with a shrug of the shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the facility with which prizes <i>might</i> have been gained, it
+was only on some occasions that Weightman attended the great annual
+gathering at Carlisle, and it was a much rarer event for him to go far from
+home to contend. However, in the early part of his career, he once wandered
+away to Egremont Crab Fair, and entered his name among the West Cumbrians.
+He was thrown there, by Ford of Ravenglass, a good hearted wrestler,
+standing six feet two inches, and weighing fifteen stones. On another
+occasion, in his young days, he went with Dr. Tinling to Newcastle, and won
+the wrestling there; his patron, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> doctor, being overjoyed at his
+success. The prize was a handsome silver watch.</p>
+
+<p>Ford and Weightman were drawn together again, in the fourth round, for the
+head prize entry at Carlisle in 1821, when the same luck attended Ford as
+had done at the previous tussle. For the second prize at Carlisle, however,
+Weightman turned the tables upon the powerful West Cumbrian, by throwing
+him so ridiculously high in the air, that one of the spectators declared
+that "his legs seemed to touch the clouds!" Joseph Abbot, from the
+neighbourhood of Bampton, near Shap, a broad set, powerful man, contested
+the final fall with Weightman. At that time, "Joe was a greit hand for
+rivin' doon at th' g&#363;rse, an' crazy mad he was when he lost."</p>
+
+<p>Weightman not being satisfied with his success in contending for the head
+prize on the Swifts in 1821, a match was arranged to come off between him
+and the winner of the same&mdash;William Richardson of Caldbeck&mdash;for five
+guineas, on the Eden-side cricket ground, Carlisle, in the month of October
+following. Between four and five thousand people gathered together to
+witness the contest. There existed a great difference in the age of the two
+men: the Caldbeck hero being on the shady side of forty, and Weightman only
+twenty-six. The one might be called a veteran, and the other said to be in
+the prime of life. The younger man had the advantage, likewise, in weight
+by a stone or more;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> in height, by fully four inches and a half; and was
+naturally endowed with far more suppleness and activity. A considerable
+time elapsed before they could agree about holds; and yet, no sooner was
+this preliminary effected, than the champion of two hundred rings went down
+like a shot, and without appearing to have the least shadow of a chance.
+After the fall, the winner was so elated with success that he cut all sorts
+of ridiculous capers, and kept leaping backwards and forwards, over two or
+three chairs or forms which chanced to be standing in the ring, after the
+manner of school boys at their sports. The second fall was nearly a
+fac-simile of the first; and if Weightman could only have taken things more
+coolly and waited his time, the chances were a hundred to one that he would
+have been hailed victor. Instead of this&mdash;through Richardson's dilatoriness
+in taking hold, and otherwise delaying over trifling things&mdash;Weightman
+fairly lost temper, threatened and coerced in various ways, and finally
+shook his fist in Richardson's face.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the onlookers, sympathizing with the elder man, commenced a
+vigorous attack of hooting, on which Weightman turned his backside to the
+spectators in a saucy and defiant manner. After this open display of
+insolence a tragic finale seemed imminent. The ring was broken up in an
+instant; and the roughs of the crowd, headed by the notorious Tom Ridley,
+soon worked themselves into a state of furious excitement. They made a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>
+rush at the delinquent, some dealing out blows with their fists, while
+others kept up a constant shower of sods and such like missiles; nearly
+tore the shirt from the back of their victim; and finally forced him
+savagely through a thorn hedge on the top of the bank. In describing the
+<i>mel&eacute;e</i> which took place, Weightman himself said: "Yan shootit, 'Tek th'
+watter, Weetman!'&mdash;anudder shootit, 'Tek th' dyke, thoo greit gowk,
+thoo!'&mdash;bit I niver kent reetly whoar I was, till I fund mysel' on Eden
+brig, wid Gwordie Maut<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> leadin' me se&agrave;fly by the hand. I varily
+believe," added he, "'at Gwordie Maut se&agrave;v't mee life!"</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> "Gwordie Maut," in common phraseology, stood for George
+Armstrong, a well known character in Carlisle, who kept a public house,
+between the bridges in Caldewgate. "Gwordie" stood to Matthew Nutter, the
+artist, for the model of the stooping figure of the Maltster on the sign of
+the "Malt Shovel," in Rickergate.</p></div>
+
+<p>Preliminary to this affair, and quite in keeping with its general
+character, it may be stated that on the morning of the match, as Weightman
+was riding into Carlisle on a spirited "black-brown" mare, which belonged
+to his uncle, he threw the money down on the ground, due for passing
+through the toll-gate at the foot of Botchergate. This Mr. Rayson, the
+keeper, refused to pick up. Getting annoyed at the delay which ensued, and
+in order to clear the way, Weightman struck at Rayson across the shoulders
+with his whip, and then leapt clean over the gate. For this offence he was
+taken<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> to the police office in Scotch Street, from which place his friends,
+after some difficulty, managed to get him liberated, by paying a fine of
+forty shillings.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately after the unsatisfactory termination of this match, Weightman
+issued a challenge to wrestle "any man in Cumberland the best of five
+falls, for fifteen or twenty guineas." No one came forward to take up the
+gauntlet thus thrown down; and although, up to this date, Weightman had not
+won any prize of importance, nevertheless an impression had gone abroad
+that he was a formidable customer to meet in a number of rounds.</p>
+
+<p>The year 1822 was a very chequered one in Weightman's career, suffering in
+it, as he did, so many minor defeats. An account of his adventures, so far
+as they are known to us, and are noted in the local papers, may help to
+illustrate in some measure both his weakness and his strength. In the month
+of May, Forster of Penton threw him at Kirkbampton, after a very fine and
+severe struggle. At Micklethwaite races, near Wigton, in June, he was
+defeated by Jonathan Watson of Torpenhow; and at Durdar, by James Graham of
+The Rigg, Kirklinton.</p>
+
+<p>On the Monday of one of the weeks in July, he won the belt at the New Inn,
+Armathwaite, finally throwing John Peel. On Wednesday afternoon, he went in
+company with his friend, Bill Gaddes, to Hesket-i'-the-Forest, and carried
+off a silver cup and half a guinea, for which there was no sport,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> "none of
+the faint-hearted youths daring to contend with him." At Plumpton races,
+the same evening, he was thrown with ease by a youth of eighteen, named
+Launcelot Graham of Hutton-end; but succeeded in getting the belt for the
+last eight standers&mdash;he and Thomas Peat tossing up for it, after
+endeavouring for nearly half an hour to get into holds. On the Thursday of
+the same week, he won the first prize of half a guinea at Stoneraise.</p>
+
+<p>At Keswick in August, he was fairly capsized by William Cass of Loweswater,
+in the last round but one of the first day's sport; and on the second day,
+through the wet and slippery state of the ground, he was again brought to
+grief, in the final fall, by Jonathan Watson. During the same month, at
+Wigton races, he carried off the first day's prize of two guineas, in grand
+style; Tom Richardson, the Dyer, being second. The prize at Great Barrock
+races also went to Hayton.</p>
+
+<p>At the Carlisle races, held in September, worse luck followed Weightman in
+contending for the head prize than had done on the previous year&mdash;being
+thrown in the first round by John Fearon of Gilcrux. This unfortunate
+defeat, however, was the means of arousing the lion in him; and for the
+second prize "he just bash't them doon as fast as he com at them." The last
+standers were Clayton of Dovenby, Robert Watters, and Joseph Graham of
+Dufton: Weightman receiving four guineas as his share, and Graham two
+guineas as second stander.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In August, 1823, Weightman carried off the second day's prize of three
+pounds, at the Keswick regatta, disposing of William Sands of Whitehaven in
+the final fall.</p>
+
+<p>Following immediately after, came the great annual gathering at Carlisle,
+where it was publicly announced: "If wrestlers don't take hold within half
+a minute after peeling, the fall to be given to the one most willing to
+commence playing." William Litt, the author of <i>Wrestliana</i>, was chosen
+umpire. Weightman, the favourite at starting, was in grand "fettle;" looked
+fresh and ruddy, without carrying an ounce of superfluous flesh; and by the
+cool and determined way he began each round, evidently meant winning. In
+the third time over, he brought James Robinson quickly to his knees; in the
+fourth, John Hudless; in the fifth, John Allison; and in the sixth, was
+fortunate enough to be odd man. Then came the final struggle with John
+Robson of Irthington mill, who tried hard to "bear the prize away;" but his
+struggling was of no avail, for at each move Weightman kept gathering him
+up and improving his grip, and it soon became the miller's turn to drop
+powerless to mother earth, in like manner to those compeers who had fallen
+before.</p>
+
+<p>The following sketch of Weightman appeared in the columns of the
+<i>Cumberland Pacquet</i>, and is supposed to be from the pen of William Litt.
+"As for the victor, Weightman, he is to a stranger a complete puzzle. To
+judge from the almost<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> universal disrepute with which he is regarded in
+Carlisle and its vicinity, you expect to behold in him every
+personification of a finished blackguard; but the very first glance is
+sufficient to stagger any ideal opinion respecting him. I never saw a man
+of equal birth and education, that had so much of the gentleman in his
+appearance, and there is, even in his conversation, an unassuming mildness
+equally striking. As a wrestler, if much cannot be said of his science, his
+<i>powers</i> will not be limited by those who have either tried or seen him
+wrestle:&mdash;for, to cut the matter short, I do not think there is a man in
+the world possessing any chance with him, the best of five or seven falls.
+His behaviour in the ring was strictly correct; but such is the general
+opinion of his powers, that though the wrestling was never previously
+surpassed, yet the almost certainty of his winning greatly allayed that
+anxiety for the final result which is essential for creating and keeping
+awake the interest which the scene usually excites."</p>
+
+<p>A letter appeared in the columns of the <i>Carlisle Journal</i>, dated September
+16th, 1823, touching facetiously upon a point which, in later years, has
+been successfully carried out. The writer says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Sir</span>,&mdash;As a great admirer of athletic sports, I always
+make a point of being present at the wrestling at our
+races, but being "small of stature," I frequently miss
+a good deal of the sport. To gain a complete view I
+should willingly pay a small sum, and I have no doubt
+if those concerned in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> management of the sports
+would provide seats for those willing to pay, that they
+would be soon filled, and the funds be materially
+increased, as well as a great convenience granted to me
+and those of my fellow creatures who have not the good
+fortune to be above six feet. I am, Sir, &amp;c.,</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+JOHN <i>LITTLE</i>.</p></div>
+
+<p>About this date, it was currently reported that Weightman had engaged to go
+to London to undertake the duties of porter at Carlton Palace. No finer
+looking man could have been selected for this post, but it was not his luck
+to exchange the bleak north for such desirable quarters. Had he been
+removed to so aristocratic an atmosphere, it is more than probable that his
+hot Border blood would have led him into no end of difficulties; as it did,
+for instance, at the magistrates' office in Carlisle, when he quarrelled
+over a disputed fall in the wrestling ring, with a big burly fellow, named
+Tom Hodgson from Wigton. During the trial, Weightman lost all control over
+his temper, and swore eighteen or nineteen times, although reprimanded for
+his profanity again and again. On being told that the magistrates intended
+to fine him a shilling for each and every oath he had sworn, in accordance
+with an old act recorded in the statute books, he exclaimed: "Fine me for
+ivery oath I've sworn? That's a bonny go! Wey, I med as weel mak' it <i>an
+even pund</i>, than!" And accordingly he did so.</p>
+
+<p>In the autumn of 1824, the two sons of Henry Howard of Corby Castle&mdash;Philip
+and Henry<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> Francis&mdash;drove in a pony-ph&aelig;ton to Hayton, and asked for
+Weightman. When they arrived, he was "hard at wark plewin', in a field
+behint the hoose." Meanwhile, his mother&mdash;good soul&mdash;not knowing well how
+to show the greatest amount of civility to her visitors, invited them, in
+homely phraseology, to "a sup milk, an' a bite o' breid an' cheese." When
+Weightman made his appearance, he was pressed to attend the forthcoming
+wrestling meeting on Penrith fell, which he consented to do after some
+persuasion. Accordingly, he put in an appearance at the races held at
+Penrith early in October, where a large muster of first-rate men had
+assembled. Weightman, however, naturally anticipating onlookers with
+friendly feelings, from Corby and Greystoke castles, had come with a fixed
+determination to carry off the head prize against all comers. Putting his
+full powers into play, therefore, whenever he was called into the ring, man
+after man fell before his slaughtering attacks, in an astonishingly brief
+space of time; leaving Joseph Abbot of Bampton, second stander. And so
+delighted was the young heir of Corby with Weightman's achievements, that
+he brought the victor with him in his carriage from Penrith to Warwick
+Bridge.</p>
+
+<p>The annual wrestling meeting on the Swifts at Carlisle, in September, 1825,
+says a local report of that date, "was attended, as usual, by myriads of
+country people, for whom this manly amusement appears to have charms quite
+unknown to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> degenerate race pent up within the walls of smoky and
+enervating towns. The ring was under the entire management of Mr. Henry
+Pearson, and the most complete order prevailed. It is calculated that from
+twelve to fifteen thousand persons were lookers-on at the first-day's
+sports." The first prize was eight guineas; and one guinea was given to the
+last thrown man, or second stander. Among other well known wrestlers who
+attended, and whose names are not mentioned hereafter, may be noted, John
+Robson, Jonathan Watson, Tom Richardson, George Irving, William Earl,
+Joseph Abbot, and Wilfrid Wright. Weightman, for the second time, carried
+off first honours, with great ease: all efforts put forth to stop his
+onward career being futile and unavailing in the extreme. In the third
+round, he met Dan Burgh of Crookdale-hall; and in the fourth, Thomas Miller
+of Crookdykes. In the fifth round, James Graham of Kirklinton laid down,
+because, (as the victor slyly remarked,) "he kent it was ne&agrave; use
+russellin'!" In the sixth round, Weightman was lucky enough to be odd man;
+while, in the final fall, the perfidious tricks and sturdy attacks of Jacob
+Armstrong availed him nothing&mdash;for quick as thought his various moves were
+frustrated, and he was sent to grass, sprawling on his back, in a style
+which neither he nor any of his partisans had anticipated.</p>
+
+<p>In the following year, 1826, Weightman was again the successful competitor
+for the head prize in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> Carlisle ring. He was opposed, from the second
+round, by the following wrestlers, namely, Thomas Lawman, Wilfrid Wright,
+John Robson of Irthington mill, Joseph Robley, and George Irving. The
+description given in the <i>Carlisle Patriot</i> of the event, is curious as
+being the production of one to whom the North Country sport was evidently a
+novelty, and on that account it may be worth quoting. The writer says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The wrestling on Wednesday, attracted thousands upon
+thousands of country people, to witness their favourite
+sport. The play, according to pully-hauley critics, was
+scientifically excellent. The men squeezed, nipped,
+buttocked, etc., in the most charming style; and great
+was the applause of the vast mass congregated around
+the ring, when some sturdy athlete measured his long
+length on the ground. On the first day, the grand
+contest lay between the celebrated Robson, a fine young
+fellow of about twenty-two, weighing fifteen stone, ten
+pounds, and the still more celebrated Weightman, also a
+young man, but of more experience, and five pounds
+heavier than the weighty Robson. This pair of modern
+Ajaxes stood up nobly to each other. 'A breathless
+silence (says a spectator) reigned throughout the
+ring.... They laid hold like men&mdash;like true
+athlet&aelig;&mdash;each confident in his own powers. The struggle
+begins&mdash;now&mdash;now&mdash;now&mdash;huzza! the invincible Weightman
+is again victorious! Honour and glory once more for the
+East of Cumberland!!' So says our scientific
+informant&mdash;but not so Mr. Hercules Robson and his
+friends. They declared that the fall was not a fair
+one, and the mighty business of the ring was for a
+while suspended; but the umpire, Mr. Todd, and a great
+majority of the spectators decided otherwise&mdash;and
+Weightman soon finished the game, and pocketed the
+first prize, by finally laying low the able-bodied
+George Irving."</p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In spite of the umpire's decision, Robson and his friends continued to harp
+on about what they called the unfairness of the fall on the Swifts, until
+they issued a challenge to the effect that Robson was prepared to wrestle
+Weightman for &pound;20,&mdash;which was readily accepted by the latter. According to
+agreement, the two men met about three weeks after, in Crosby Willows, a
+meadow near Low Crosby, which turned out a hollow affair after all, nothing
+really occurring, except several tedious attempts to get into holds. While
+the rain was pouring in torrents, and the spectators becoming restless at
+the absence of sport, an amicable finale was ultimately arrived at by
+Robson shouting across the ring: "We'll russel ne&agrave; farther, Weetman, i'
+this doon-pour o' rain. Cu' thy ways here, my lad, an' I'll gie the' a leg
+on to my nag." Weightman offering no opposition to this proposal, the two
+were soon mounted, and rode together to a neighbouring house of
+refreshment, where a few friendly glasses passed between them, which
+probably helped to fill up the existing breach. In after years, Weightman
+always spoke of Robson with much respect, describing him as "a canny weel
+donn't lad, an' a varra gud russeller."</p>
+
+<p>Robson, who excelled principally as a "hyper," measured six feet two inches
+in height, and increased in weight and bulk, year by year, until at the age
+of twenty-four he weighed as many stones as he numbered years. He died
+young&mdash;in March, 1830&mdash;his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> coffin being so large that it was impossible to
+get it into the room where the corpse lay, without taking the window out.
+He had a narrow escape from being robbed about three years before his
+death. Returning from Carlisle, some highwaymen attacked him while passing
+through the woods between Corby and Ruel Holme. He, however, got clear off
+from the miscreants, and arrived at home without harm or loss of property,
+although he was fired at in making his escape.</p>
+
+<p>Weightman won twice at Melmerby Rounds, getting a guinea and the belt each
+time, the usual award to the victor. On one of these occasions, when
+returning home through the village of Cumrew, his companions and he being
+fresh in drink, smashed a window to atoms, and had fifteen shillings to pay
+for their wanton mischief.</p>
+
+<p>At Penrith in 1827, it was generally expected that Weightman would be the
+victor, but it turned out otherwise. He was thrown in the fourth round by a
+mere stripling, under twenty years of age, named John Loy, who, it is only
+fair to state, gained the fall in rather a surreptitious manner.
+Weightman's own account of the affair was this: "A bit iv a lad stept oot
+of a corner o' the ring, an' <i>pretendit</i> he wasn't g&#257;en to russel; but
+aw at yance, t' l&#257;l taistral snapt't, an' bash't me doon iv a varra
+nasty fashion."</p>
+
+<p>During the same year, William Cass of Loweswater, the winner at Carlisle in
+1822, challenged<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> any man in the north to wrestle a match for twenty
+guineas. In reply to this challenge, Weightman sent the following letter to
+the editor of the <i>Cumberland Pacquet</i>:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Sir</span>,&mdash;In reply to the challenge of Mr. Cass, given in
+your paper of last week, to wrestle any man in
+Cumberland, Westmorland, or Lancashire, for twenty
+guineas, I beg to inform him through the same medium,
+that I and my friends will be at the Duke's Head Inn,
+Scotch-street, Carlisle, at two o'clock in the
+afternoon of Saturday, October the 27th, where I hope
+his friends will meet us to arrange preliminaries and
+deposit the money.&mdash;I remain, Sir, yours very
+respectfully,</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span class="smcap">John Weightman</span>.</p></div>
+
+<p>The wrestling world in the northern counties looked forward to this match
+with intense interest, but Cass thought backing out to be safer policy than
+encountering an opponent so formidable.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1828, some preliminary steps were taken towards arranging a
+match between Weightman and Mc.Laughlan, the innkeeper, at the annual
+gathering at Carlisle in the autumn; but like the preceding ones, it came
+to nothing&mdash;finally ending in a tie, and then a wrangle. Mc.Laughlan at
+that time was a great overgrown giant, weighing at least five or six stone
+heavier than his rival. Referring to this meeting many years after,
+Weightman said: "Clatten com up&mdash;i' fun iv his way o' 't&mdash;gat hod o' me
+afooar I kent reetly whoar I was, an' flang me doon like a havver sheaf.
+Sec bairnish nonsense as that, ye know, suin rais't my dander, an' i' th'<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span>
+next roond I d&#363;d whack him! I pait him weel back iv his oan mak o'
+coin."</p>
+
+<p>An acquaintance one day asked Mc.Laughlan how he liked Weightman's "grip"
+at Carlisle. "Oh, Lord! it was fair vice wark!" exclaimed the giant, giving
+an involuntary shudder at the mere thought of being screwed up in the
+"vice."</p>
+
+<p>In October, 1829, Weightman bore away the chief prize from the Penrith ring
+a second time. The entry included Cass of Loweswater and George
+Irving&mdash;both thrown by Weightman&mdash;and most of the best men in Cumberland
+and Westmorland. At the conclusion of the wrestling, the winner could have
+been backed against any man in England for &pound;100.</p>
+
+<p>At Wigton&mdash;date uncertain&mdash;where there was a strong muster of good men from
+the East and West, the head prize of eight guineas fell into Weightman's
+hands.</p>
+
+<p>At one time or other, Weightman won seventeen silver cups, and once, on
+being asked what became of them, candidly replied: "I selt ivery yan o'
+them, an' drank th' brass."</p>
+
+<p>An anecdote illustrative of his fearless courage and successful resistance
+to apparently overwhelming odds, must not be forgotten. In the year 1829,
+his uncle sold a cow to a butcher in Carlisle, named Roberts, we believe.
+The payment for it not being forthcoming at the proper time, nor any
+prospect of it, Weightman was despatched to recover the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> amount owing, and
+rode to Carlisle on a brown filly for that purpose. Coming up with Roberts
+on Eden bridges&mdash;in company with another butcher and a
+confederate&mdash;Weightman told him he wanted "owther the coo back with him, or
+the brass to pay for it." The only reply to this question was the filly
+being struck so forcibly with a thick stick, that it was nearly "fell'd" to
+the ground with the stroke. Boiling with indignation at this treatment,
+Weightman cried out: "If ye strike the beast age&agrave;n, I'll strike ye doon!"
+Again the filly was struck, and the fray began in earnest. Leaping off his
+horse, Weightman seized the two butchers, taking one in each arm, and
+"clash't the'r heids togidder till ble&ugrave;d flew aboot like onything!" Their
+confederate also joined the fray in a skirmishing mode of attack, and
+although it was now three against one, they were rapidly getting the worst
+of it. Seeing the tide thus turning against them, one of the rascals
+resorted to the knife, and inflicted a great gash on Weightman's hand, the
+mark of which he bore to his dying day. An onlooker, who interfered on
+Weightman's behalf, was immediately knocked down, under the wheels of a
+cart, and severely injured. Things becoming thus desperate, several
+bystanders stepped forward at this stage of the affray, and put an end to
+the dastardly attack.</p>
+
+<p>Although Weightman possessed no lack of courage when it was called into
+action by such an event as the foregoing, he was, nevertheless, often very
+diffident<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> and reserved in the affairs of everyday life. "I's nobbut
+shy&mdash;I's nobbut varra shy, an' divvent like to ax onybody," was a phrase
+frequently on his lips, when any trivial favour had to be solicited.</p>
+
+<p>At one time of his life, his company was a good deal sought after by 'Torny
+Armstrong, and two neighbouring 'statesmen, named Bleaymire and Jordan.
+"Sec chaps," said he, in regretful tones,&mdash;"sec wild divvels as thur, aye
+wantit a fe&ugrave;l; an' I sarra't for yen langer than I sud ha' de&ugrave;n." After his
+wrestling days were over, Weightman continued his irregular habits and mode
+of life, and as age crept on he was by times reduced to considerable
+straits in order to make both ends meet. Hard-fisted poverty, and the
+pressure of circumstances in various ways, not unfrequently forced his
+simple Cumbrian speech to shape itself into proverbial phrases, which
+sometimes lingered in the memories of those who heard them for weeks and
+months after. Take the following as examples: "Fwok sud aye be menseful,
+an' menseful amang fwok." And again: "Jwohn Barleycworn's ruin't mony a gud
+heart, an' 'ill ruin mony mair yet."</p>
+
+<p>Poor Weightman! When Mr. Scott was taking the portrait, by photography,
+which illustrates this volume, the old man was greatly surprised at the
+process, and asked with much simplicity: "Is it a thing he hes mannish't to
+pick up by his oan ingenuity, d'ye think?&mdash;or hes't been put into him by
+God Almighty?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In his eightieth year, being reduced to the most abject poverty, alone in
+the world, and without friends to assist him, an appeal was made through
+the local papers for assistance, which met with a generous response on the
+part of the public, and served to "keep hunger frae t' dooar" while his
+health continued to be anything like good. But at the close of the year
+1874&mdash;in the midst of one of the severest winters on record&mdash;Weightman had
+a stroke, which laid him prostrate; and having no one near to minister to
+his wants, the parish authorities stept in and insisted upon his being
+removed to the poor-house at Brampton. This was sore news to the poor man,
+and went sadly against the grain, but there was no help for it. And in
+January, 1875, he, whose exploits in the wrestling ring had been cheered to
+the echo, again and again, by tens of thousands, at last found a pauper's
+grave&mdash;his corpse being followed thither by a couple of infirm old men from
+the workhouse, and none else.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the end of the powerful and gigantic John Weightman.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p>
+<h2>JOHN MC.LAUGHLAN</h2>
+
+<h3>OF DOVENBY.</h3>
+
+
+<p>In the early part of the nineteenth century there lived at the rural
+village of Dovenby, a few miles north-west from Cockermouth, by far the
+tallest man in Cumberland&mdash;a man who stood six feet six inches in height,
+and who was one of Pharoah's lean kine, having at that date an hungry,
+unsatisfied look about him, which was anything but pleasant to the vision.
+This was John Mc.Laughlan, a labouring man, better known as "Clattan," who
+at certain seasons of the year, gained a livelihood by working in the woods
+at Isel, and at other times by paring turf on the pastures about Aspatria.</p>
+
+<p>The parents of this gigantic youth were both natives of the Highlands of
+Scotland, having migrated early in life southwards, and settled in
+Cumberland. The father was remarkably dexterous at sword exercise and
+fencing with the stick; who, in a friendly contest, sometimes took delight
+in showing his skill by hitting his opponent at pleasure, and on almost any
+part of the body he chose.</p>
+
+<p>"Clattan" was born about the year 1791; and as a lad practised wrestling
+upon the village green,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> with other Dovenby boys of a similar age. Growing
+up to manhood, and becoming master of a moderate share of science and
+action, he invariably lifted his opponents from the ground, and carried
+them off with the outside stroke; his principal mainstay, however, being
+his great height and immense weight. In the ring, he was exceedingly
+good-natured and affable, and would put himself to any amount of
+inconvenience rather than allow his body to fall awkwardly or heavily on a
+vanquished foe. He did not, however, follow wrestling closely. He only
+appeared upon the horizon by fits and starts, as it were; and in tracing
+his career, it will be found that two or three lengthy intervals intervene
+between his retirements and reappearances.</p>
+
+<p>As an athlete, Mc.Laughlan was somewhat late in flowering, having reached
+the age of twenty-six before he accomplished any feat worthy of record. In
+1817, he put in his first public appearance at Carlisle, at the wrestling
+in Shearer's Circus. Here he managed to mow down all competitors, including
+Tom Todd of Knarsdale, James Robinson, the gamekeeper, and, finally, his
+friend and neighbour, John Liddle of Bothel. About this date he was "a
+lang, thin, strip iv a chap, like a ladder; hed a varra laddish like leuk;
+a fe&ugrave;t gaily nar as lang's a fender; an' was rayder wake aboot the knees."
+Or, to change the simile&mdash;as a native of Cartmelfell once aptly phrased it:
+"Big an' be&agrave;ny as he was, he was nobbut like a splinter blown off a man!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>After his temporary success at Carlisle, fortune seems to have deserted him
+for many years. In 1819, he suffered his most memorable defeat at the hands
+of William Wilson of Ambleside, in the Keswick ring, who carried him off
+with a sweeping hipe. In 1824, he appeared at Wigton sports, and was thrown
+in the third round by Thomas Hodgson, the police-constable; and again in
+the third round of the second day, by James Graham of Kirklinton. In
+August, 1825, however, Clattan carried off the head prize at Whitehaven;
+Jonathan Watson being second.</p>
+
+<p>We are not aware that he wrestled in any ring from the last date mentioned,
+until his return in the year 1828, when he had grown amazingly in bulk,
+being then about twenty-two stone weight. At that time he was considered to
+be the most powerful man in Cumberland, and as an athlete had no rival, if
+we except Weightman of Hayton. It was an exaggerated, but nevertheless a
+very common saying, that he could lift a cottage house with ease, and carry
+it away with him on his back!</p>
+
+<p>The year 1828&mdash;with its curious winding-up scene&mdash;was the most noteworthy
+one in Clattan's wrestling career. In the month of August, he carried off
+the head prize at Workington races, with the greatest ease; George Irving
+of Boltongate being the second stander.</p>
+
+<p>At Keswick in September, almost the self-same scene was enacted, with
+Irving again second. Big<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> men, like Cass of Loweswater, being, as it were,
+mere children in Clattan's arms.</p>
+
+<p>Following immediately in the rear of the Keswick races, came the annual
+gathering at Carlisle, where the Earl of Lonsdale still continued to give
+the sum of twenty guineas for prizes. Notwithstanding the morning on which
+the wrestling took place being gloomy and foreboding, hundreds and
+thousands poured into the old Border city from every available direction,
+and it was computed that at least 6,000 persons were gathered round the
+wrestling ring. Whilst ninety-two names were being enrolled for the head
+prize, including most of the crack men of the day, a group of itinerant
+ballad singers stood bawling to the assembled multitude, such home-spun
+staves as the following:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Now, Weightman, you must do your best<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">To bear the prize away;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For Clattan he is coming;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Don't let him win the day."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>We have reasons for saying that Weightman was <i>not</i> at the wrestling on the
+Swifts that year. We believe he was engaged driving cattle at the time, at
+some considerable distance from Carlisle. His name was certainly entered by
+some person or other, and he was called out in the first round against
+Hutchinson of Featherstone Castle; but there being no response on
+Weightman's part, the ticket naturally fell to Hutchinson's lot.</p>
+
+<p>Having only to contend against men of ordinary<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> calibre&mdash;the heaviest and
+tallest of whom would be fully six or seven stone deficient in weight, and
+about the same number of inches in height&mdash;Clattan, wearing a pair of
+Nankeen trousers, stalked through the Carlisle ring, in the most
+unobtrusive manner imaginable, and without making the least display of his
+giant strength. In the first round he was called against Rickerby of Old
+Wall, and Robinson of Renwick in the second. Despite some futile struggling
+on the part of these two men, he lifted them up and laid them down as
+easily as Gulliver would have done a couple of Lilliputians. In the third
+round, William Earl of Cumwhitton went to work with a will, and completely
+foiled Clattan by keeping well away from him. Not being able to gather Earl
+and hug him as he had done the previous ones, the tussle became an animated
+one, and for a time seemed to be of a doubtful character; but on improving
+his hold, the big man managed to twist Earl awkwardly to the ground by
+sheer strength. Next followed, in quick succession, the overthrow of Joseph
+Graham of Dufton, James Graham of Kirklinton, and Tom Richardson, the Dyer,
+at the hands of Clattan.</p>
+
+<p>Only two men were now left standing, namely, George Irving of Boltongate,
+and Clattan; and by Irving asking Clattan, as a favour, not to throw
+himself heavily on him, the result was understood to be a foregone
+conclusion. Good-naturedly acting upon this request, Clattan without more
+ado,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span> whipped Irving off his feet, turned him smartly round, and then let
+go his hold, in order to avoid falling on his man. Meanwhile, Irving having
+cunningly retained <i>his</i> hold, claimed the fall, which according to the
+rules of the game, was awarded to him by the umpires. The scene which
+followed baffles all description. The crowd danced, laughed, yelled, and
+ran wild with commotion. Clattan was completely nonplussed by the <i>ruse</i>,
+and bore the result for a time with Job-like patience; but at length his
+good nature fairly broke down. He fumed and tore about like one half
+crazed, ground his teeth, and swore he "wad russel him for fifty pund to a
+pund&mdash;for a hundred pund to a pund&mdash;for any amount he liket!" But Irving,
+having accomplished his ends, was far too wary a customer to be drawn into
+any further trial which meant defeat. Meanwhile, Irving's friends hoisted
+him shoulder high, and bore him away in triumph; and poor Clattan could
+only content himself with a final shot at his enemy by crying out: "If iver
+I git hod o' thee age&agrave;n, my lad, <i>I'll mak the' put thy tongue oot</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>After this mishap, the tide of popularity seems to have set in against
+Mc.Laughlan in all directions. At Dovenby races, held in June, 1829, he put
+in an appearance, but no sooner was his name called than it created much
+discontent among the competitors: one wrestler swearing that he was "as big
+as a hoose side," and another asking derisively for a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> ladder, "to clim' on
+t' top of his shooders wid!" In order to dispel this outburst of feeling,
+the stewards offered the giant a liberal sum if he would take the post of
+umpire, and give up contending; which proposal he accepted in the most
+cordial manner. The chief prize for wrestling (after the withdrawal of the
+big man,) was carried off by Jonathan Robinson of Allerby mill.</p>
+
+<p>A correspondent of the <i>Cumberland Pacquet</i>, in speaking of the Penrith
+races in 1829, says, he "cannot imagine upon what principle of justice the
+individuals acted, who brought a man fifty miles from home by an open
+advertisement, and then debarred him." The same correspondent, also,
+complains that Mc.Laughlan was excluded from the Carlisle ring of the same
+year, in the face of an advertisement which distinctly stated it was "open
+to any man."</p>
+
+<p>At the great gathering at Cockermouth in August, 1830, Clattan was allowed
+to enter his name without opposition in the first day's list, where he
+carried off the head prize, throwing James Little, George Murgatroyd, John
+Birket, and finally William Earl.</p>
+
+<p>In 1837, his last victory, we believe, was gained at Liverpool, after
+mowing down John Nichol of Bothel, Jonathan Thomlinson, and Thomas
+Armstrong of Carlisle, in the heavy weight prize.</p>
+
+<p>Clattan figured again in the Liverpool ring in 1840, at which date he would
+be about fifty years old; but the fates were against him. He was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> drawn
+against John Selkirk of Beckermet. It is worthy of remark, (says a report
+in the <i>Carlisle Journal</i>,) that Selkirk's father threw Mc.Laughlan
+twenty-six years ago; and Mc.Laughlan was overheard to say, it would be a
+shame to let both father and son throw him. But so it proved, for after a
+very severe struggle, in which Selkirk showed himself to be a wrestler of
+no ordinary ability, the first fall was given in as unfair, and they had to
+wrestle over again. In getting hold a second time, Mc.Laughlan put all his
+powers in requisition, but to no avail, for Selkirk threw him in a masterly
+manner.</p>
+
+<p>One incongruous element of Clattan's character has still to be mentioned,
+namely, his <i>weakness</i> for sparring and boxing. His temperament was made up
+of too many good-natured components to allow of his ever degenerating into
+a mere prize-fighter. The big man, to the best of our knowledge, had a
+determined "set-to" once, and only once. It occurred at a Bridewain held in
+the Vale of Lorton. William Mackereth and Clattan&mdash;who had been close
+friends for years&mdash;fell out over some trifling affair, and a keenly
+contested fight was the result. After the struggle had continued some time,
+Mackereth succeeded in driving Clattan from one stand to another, until the
+giant finally gave in. Clattan threatened to "fettle him off when he com
+back frae sparring," with the professors of the noble art mentioned
+hereafter; but he proved to be far too<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> good natured to attempt to carry
+any such threat into execution.</p>
+
+<p>Clattan's "experience with the bruising fraternity"&mdash;we quote from a clever
+notice, which appeared in the <i>Whitehaven News</i>&mdash;"was confined to
+travelling with the celebrated pugilists, Tom Molyneaux, the Black, (who
+twice contested the championship with Tom Cribb,) and Jack Carter, the
+latter of whom fought a terrible battle with Oliver at Gretna Green in
+1816.... With these heroes, John made a tour in the provinces and Scotland,
+extending over four or five years, in the course of which he gave and took
+more hard knocks, as an exhibition sparrer, from his formidable and
+dexterous colleagues, than would satisfy the ambition of most men; but, as
+we have said, the big man never acquired a taste for fighting. It was
+scarcely possible, under any circumstances, to surprise him out of one of
+the quietest dispositions and finest tempers with which giant was ever
+blessed; and the sole use he made of the hard schooling he received at the
+hands of Molyneaux and Carter, and the countless yokels, ambitious of
+fistic distinction, was to amuse a few of his patrons. The art and mystery
+of bruising was practised nowhere more extensively and industriously than
+by a chosen band of youths who frequented John's house in the Market-place,
+Whitehaven. To oblige these young gentlemen, and test their dexterity,
+'Clattan' has been known to sit down in a chair, to ensure something like<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span>
+equality of height, and 'set himself'; and very dexterous had young
+Whitehaven to be if it could hit and get away, even under these
+circumstances, without a counter tap, as from a playful steam hammer....
+Many wonderful tales are told of 'Clattan.' He could crack nuts with his
+thumb and forefinger as easily as a schoolboy could crush a gooseberry, and
+we forget the enormous weight he could suspend round his wrist while he
+wrote his name against the wall."</p>
+
+<p>Mc.Laughlan was an innkeeper in Whitehaven for a great number of years,
+being the landlord of "The Highlandman," or "Rising Sun," in the
+Market-place. Here he drove a flourishing trade, which resulted in a great
+measure from frequenters of his house always finding him to be civil and
+obliging.</p>
+
+<p>At Whitehaven, Clattan joined the town band formed by Mr. Heywood, clerk to
+the magistrates. In this capacity, he invariably marched first in
+processions, and did what he could to make sweet music out of the
+instrument he played, an immense trombone, his giant-like form towering
+above his fellows, like that of Goliath of Gath among the Gittites.</p>
+
+<p>Leaving Whitehaven about 1838 or 1839, he settled in Liverpool, where he
+was employed about the docks for several years. His wife, Betty, afterwards
+kept a lodging-house in Sparling-street; but more latterly they lived
+retired and in comfortable<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> circumstances, principally through the kindness
+of one of his sons, the captain of a trading vessel.</p>
+
+<p>Mc.Laughlan died in Liverpool, in October, 1876, at the advanced age of
+eighty-five years.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p>
+<h2>BULL BAITING.</h2>
+
+
+<p>It must be exceedingly gratifying to all ranks of society throughout the
+United Kingdom, who take any interest in the social progress of the
+inhabitants, in the onward march from semi-barbarism to a higher state of
+civilization&mdash;from indulgence in brutal amusements, pursued with eager
+gratification during the eighteenth century&mdash;to note a gradual stamping out
+of vicious pursuits, and the growth of more harmless amusements.</p>
+
+<p>Amongst the lower order of our crowded towns and rural districts, amongst
+the middle classes of society, and even amongst the higher orders&mdash;the
+cream of society&mdash;the welcome change is strikingly evident. The lower
+orders were probably the most prone to indulge in the vile and degrading
+pursuits, which have in a great measure been rooted out, but they were by
+no means the only culpable parties. The higher and middle classes freely
+lent their countenance and support&mdash;lent their assistance not alone by
+being present at, but by liberal contributions aided in getting up, the
+horrible scenes witnessed at the bull-ring, the bear garden, the cock and
+rat pits, the boxing ring, and badger worrying.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> Even royalty, with its
+gorgeous trappings, and long list of titled favourites, smiled at and
+enjoyed the ferocious pastime.</p>
+
+<p>A laudable endeavour to abolish them was made in the year 1800. A bill was
+introduced by Sir W. Pulteney, into the House of Commons, for the abolition
+of bull baiting and other cruel sports; but Mr. Wyndham&mdash;the leader at that
+time of a powerful party of country gentlemen&mdash;opposed the bill on the
+ground that it attempted to suppress a national amusement, which was not
+more cruel than fox-hunting; a pastime so important that a clever writer
+has said, "You ruin the country as soon as you put an end to fox-hunting."
+Mr. Wyndham, on the one hand, was supported by Mr. Canning, and on the
+other hand opposed by Mr. Sheridan. Up to the year 1835, an agitation was
+fostered against brutal sports, and the time-honoured institutions of seven
+centuries were then, by Act of Parliament, for ever blotted out from the
+town and country pleasures of Great Britain and Ireland.</p>
+
+<p>The defunct pastimes, we have under consideration, were amongst the most
+exciting as well as brutal amusements of the eighteenth century, and to a
+record of them in the "good old times," this short article will be devoted.
+In nearly every town, and in most rural districts, there was the attractive
+bull ring. The gatherings never attained the gigantic and imposing
+dimensions of the Roman<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> Coliseum and the Spanish Amphitheatre bull
+fights&mdash;institutions no better than a species of bull baiting, and attended
+with greater cruelty and bloodshed than the English bull ring. The national
+mind in our own country was never so thoroughly embued with the horrible
+pastime as the citizens of Rome and Madrid; but was sufficiently brutified
+as to be considered at the present time a disgrace to humanity. The sad
+sights, however, which gladdened the eye, and drew forth shouts of
+applause, from "good Queen Bess" and her followers, when she entertained
+the ambassadors from Continental courts, with a display of bear and bull
+baiting, are happily at an end.</p>
+
+<p>We shall now proceed to the more immediate object of our article, namely, a
+notice of bull baiting in our own country, and more particularly in the two
+northern counties of Cumberland and Westmorland. In England, the baiting
+was done, as our readers will doubtless be aware, with a breed of dogs
+peculiar to the country, called "bull" dogs. This breed, so famous in
+story, might probably have become extinct after bull baiting was abolished,
+had it not been for the numerous dog shows which have since taken place
+throughout the country, where prizes are given for purity of breed and
+excellence of form. Their principal characteristics are indomitable
+courage, and an instinctive propensity to pin their huge adversary by the
+nose. In order to effect this object, well bred dogs would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span> rush furiously
+at the bull, and although they might be unsuccessful and stand a chance of
+being tossed high in the air, they never failed in returning again and
+again to the attack. Wonderful stories may be gleaned, in all parts of the
+kingdom, illustrative of their never dying resolute courage. In the quality
+of endurance, under punishment, they may be likened to the English game
+cock&mdash;the agonies of death even not being able to quench their fighting
+propensities.</p>
+
+<p>The following well authenticated anecdote, related by Bewick, the wood
+engraver, illustrates this point in a most barbarous and disgraceful
+manner. Many years ago, at a bull baiting in the North of England, a young
+man, confident of the courage of his dog, laid some trifling wager, that he
+would, at separate times, cut off all the four feet of his dog, and that,
+after each amputation, it would attack the bull. The cruel experiment was
+tried, and the gallant and courageous dog continued to rush at the bull,
+upon its four stumps, as eagerly as if it had been perfectly whole!</p>
+
+<p>Another anecdote of the bull dog has more of a ludicrous dash about it. A
+father and son, in a northern village, had a young pup, descended from a
+famous breed, out for exercise and training. The son accosted the rough old
+paterfamilias with: "Doon on ye'r knees, fadder, an' boo like a bull!" The
+"fadder" did as he was desired, and began "booin'." Before many "boos" had
+been repeated,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> however, the pup had seized the sham "booin'" bull firmly
+by the nose. Delighted at the ready tact displayed by the dog, young
+hopeful roared out: "Bide it, fadder! bide it! It'll be t' <i>makkin</i>' o' t'
+pup!"</p>
+
+<p>Carlisle is the first northern town at which we shall notice bull baiting.
+Our account has been gathered from tradition and from spectators of the
+scenes. The old bull ring stood in the market place, in close proximity to
+the "stocks," on that space of ground lying between the ancient cross and
+the front of the town hall. There, from time immemorial, was the savage
+pastime witnessed by generation after generation. If we cannot carry it
+back to the dim mystical times, when</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Kinge Arthur lived in merry Carleile,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And seemely was to see,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And there with him Queene Genever,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">That bride soe bright of blee&mdash;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>It requires but a limited stretch of the imagination to picture it in full
+swing at the time when the three brave foresters of Inglewood
+flourished,&mdash;Adam Bell, Clym o' the Clough, and William o' Cloudeslee,&mdash;and
+when the two former rescued the latter from the hangman's cart in the same
+market place.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">And Cloudeslee lay ready there in a cart,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Ffast bound both foote and hande;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And a strong rope about his necke,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">All readye ffor to hange.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Men have been maimed for life, and even gored<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> to death, in bull baiting
+frays, held in front of the Carlisle town hall. A large ferocious animal,
+known as the "Linstock bull," was baited no less than three times. It once
+broke loose from the ring; threw the multitude into wild disorder; knocked
+down several of the bystanders, who came in contact with its onward
+progress; and ran a butcher, named Gibbons, up against the wall! At this
+exciting moment a cry from the crowd rent the air, which appalled the
+bravest heart, but happily no material damage was done. For, curiously
+enough, the man's life was saved through the animal's horns growing far
+apart; the bull being one of the Lancashire long-horned breed, formerly
+very common throughout the north country.</p>
+
+<p>In old times, an aged woman, of coarse features and Amazonian strength,
+figured prominently in the Carlisle ring, and was invariably accompanied by
+a savage dog, called "Pincher." Her shrill voice was often heard, far above
+the hubbub of the crowd, with such exclamations as, "Weel done,
+Pincher!&mdash;good dog, Pincher!&mdash;stick till't, Pincher! Ha! ha! Pincher's
+gripp't it noo!" And then, all at once, up went the veritable Pincher,
+twenty feet in the air, turning "bully necks" three or four times, and
+falling on the ground with a heavy thud, stunned and bleeding.</p>
+
+<p>After prevailing at Carlisle for four or five centuries, and continuing as
+time rolled on without any abatement to the end, both vicious and brutal,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span>
+bull baiting was finally suppressed <i>within</i> the limits of the ancient
+border city, about the end of the eighteenth century.</p>
+
+<p>The last public bull baitings at Carlisle took place in the cattle market
+on the "Sands"&mdash;then <i>outside</i> the city boundaries&mdash;in the months of August
+and September, 1824. Long before the time fixed to commence the proceedings
+on the first occasion, thousands of persons&mdash;many of them females&mdash;were
+assembled. The adjoining bridge was thronged, houses were covered, and
+every eminence densely packed with eager expectant human beings. All the
+scum and blackguardism of the old border city had quitted it. No such
+outpouring could be remembered to have taken place, except when the noted
+professors of pugilism, Carter and Oliver, contended at Gretna. The bull to
+be baited was of the black Galloway breed, and had been purchased under
+peculiar circumstances, by a few disreputable characters. In contending
+against its canine assailants, it laboured under the great disadvantage of
+being without horns.</p>
+
+<p>The primary cause of the baitings was owing to the fact of the animal
+having shown itself vicious, or in local phraseology, "man keen," by
+attacking its owner, Mr. Rome of Park-house farm, near Rose Castle.
+Suddenly turning round, in an open field, it tossed Mr. Rome over three
+"riggs," injuring him so much that recovery was for some time considered
+doubtful. It was supposed the bull had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> been irritated by a butcher's boy.
+This may have been the case; but too much reliance is often placed on the
+general docility of bulls. They are well known to be liable to sudden
+outbursts of passion. This dangerous element may be said to be wedded to
+their nature, and hence the deplorable accidents that sometimes happen. Due
+caution was wanting in this case. The Park-house bull had previously shewn
+symptoms of an unruly disposition, and yet Mr. Rome unguardedly entered the
+"bull copy" to drive away some cows. The attack was so sudden, that there
+was no chance of escape, and the owner would in all probability have been
+killed on the spot, but for the opportune assistance of two men servants,
+who succeeded in driving off the excited and furious beast with pitchforks.</p>
+
+<p>On two separate occasions, the unfortunate beast was bound to the stake on
+the Sands. It would have been, comparatively speaking, a merciful end to
+the animal's life to have killed it at once, without inflicting the torture
+of baiting, for the alleged purpose of rendering the beef tender. The bull
+was fastened by a heavy chain, some twenty yards long, sufficient to give
+it room to make play. At one time the conduct of the crowd was so confused
+and disorderly, that several persons were injured, by the frightened animal
+rushing about, and sweeping them off their feet with its chain. No one,
+however, received any serious injury.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Several noted dogs were slipped at the bull. A yellow one, known in
+sporting circles as David Spedding's "Peace;" a dark brindled one, owned by
+Dan Sims, the publican; and a bitch, belonging to one Kirkpatrick; all
+seized the bull cleverly by the nose, and made "good work." The yellow dog
+especially had the knack of laying hold, and maintaining its grip to
+perfection. Its usual mode of attack was to run between the fore legs of
+the bull, fasten itself to the under lip, and then hang on like grim death.</p>
+
+<p>Much amusement was created, by an Irishman running fussing about, and
+shouting at the top of his voice: "Hould on there, hould on, till my dog
+saizes the big baiste!" Pat let go. His dog made a bold dash at the bull,
+and good sport was anticipated by the onlookers; but no sooner was the dog
+turned upon by the enraged animal, than it showed tail, and ran for safety.
+This "funking" on the part of the Irishman's dog, created loud laughter
+among the crowd, and was followed by such bantering remarks as, "Arrah,
+Pat, arrah! Ye'r dog's not game!"</p>
+
+<p>In the hubbub, a man named Robert Telford, an auctioneer, was knocked over
+by a sudden swerve of the ponderous chain which fastened the bull, and for
+some time lay sprawling helpless in the dirt. He had a narrow escape from
+being tossed in the air, boots uppermost, or else savagely gored.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had the barking and growling of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> dogs subsided, or the yelling
+and shouting of the assembled rabble died away, when one of the onlookers,
+who had been somewhat disappointed in the scenes enacted, pronounced it to
+be but "a tamish sort of affair, after all!" A local celebrity,<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> also,
+on leaving the ground, delivered himself of the following opinion, in slow
+pompous tones: "Bad bait&mdash;bad bait! Bull too gross!"&mdash;the meaning of which
+was that the bull was too fat to display that ferocity and activity which
+some of the spectators had expected it would have done.</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> Mr. William Browne, who began life in Carlisle as a
+bookbinder, and ended as auctioneer, appraiser, and high-bailiff to the
+County Court.</p></div>
+
+<p>So fagged and spiritless had the animal become after one of the baits, that
+a rough-spun butcher&mdash;a madcap of a fellow&mdash;had the temerity to leap
+astride its back, and to ride up Rickergate in that ungainly fashion; while
+the poor beast, now completely deadened to attack or viciousness of any
+kind, was being slowly lead in the direction of some shambles or
+outbuildings in East Tower street.</p>
+
+
+<p>A disaster which befel the comedian, Riley, a few years before Mr. Rome was
+nearly killed at Park-house farm, had a somewhat ludicrous termination. The
+author of the <i>Itinerant</i>, in professionally "starring" through the
+provinces, remained for some time in the neighbourhood of Furness Abbey,
+and was engaged to lend his assistance there. The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> entertainment going off
+very successfully, a "leetle" too much wine followed on the heels of it.
+This we presume, for the quantity imbibed by Mr. Riley rendered his
+perception not quite so clear as it might have been. The way to his
+quarters was by a footpath through some fields; and jogging along by the
+dimmish light of an obscured moon, he rambled off the path, and got into a
+field in which a pugnaciously inclined bull was kept. Snatches of song and
+other sounds arousing the brute from his night's slumber, he rose and
+prepared to attack the son of <i>Thespis</i>, and gave notice of his intentions
+by several long drawn "boos," which "boos" Mr. Riley attributed to some one
+coming after him from the concert. The bull followed up, and got nearer and
+nearer, with his "boo&mdash;boo&mdash;boo!" A collision suddenly took place close to
+the hedge, and in the twinkling of an eye the gentleman was tossed up, and
+landed secure, but prostrate, on the other side of the hedge, without any
+harm but a good shaking. Looking up, the astonished comedian exclaimed:
+"You are neither a musician nor a gentleman, by &mdash;&mdash;, if you are!"</p>
+
+<p>During the eighteenth century, and for thirty or forty years into the
+present one, farmers, small tradesmen, indeed, most families living in the
+country, who could afford it, at the fall of the year, salted and stored by
+as much beef as served the family through the winter. Hence bull
+baiting&mdash;until suppressed&mdash;prevailed in most of the northern<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> towns and
+villages, in the month of November. The weather was then suitable for
+salting a supply of beef for winter use, and an extra quantity either of
+bull or heifer beef was quite saleable at that season of the year. An
+erroneous idea prevailed&mdash;had indeed become a settled conviction, that bull
+beef was much better&mdash;should not be used as food, in fact, without the
+animal had been subject to the usual barbarous baiting.</p>
+
+<p>In many places there prevailed a stringent regulation, that bulls should
+not be slaughtered, until they had passed the ordeal of baiting; and
+curious observances were enforced should the practice be omitted. In
+Kendal, for instance, a singular custom was to be observed when any butcher
+killed a bull, and attempted to dispose of the beef, without the animal
+having been fastened to the bull ring and baited. The seller of the carcass
+was obliged to have put up conspicuously, a large sign board, with the
+words "Bull Beef," painted in legible letters, and to have a lantern stuck
+up, with lighted candles burning in it, as long as the tabooed beef
+remained unsold. This singular regulation or custom continued in use, and
+was regularly observed as long as bull baiting was permitted in the town.</p>
+
+<p>The Kendal bull ring was fixed on a green at the High Beast Banks, and had
+been so fixed for generations. There the disgusting, demoralizing
+saturnalia, with all its ruffianly concomitants, was held before a yelling
+crowd of professedly civilized<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> spectators. This brutal indulgence was
+continued to the mayoralty of Mr. William Dobson, in 1790, when the
+corporation interfered and put a final stop to it. We are surprised that in
+Kendal, where the Quaker element in the population was so strong, the
+odious "sport" should have been allowed to continue so long. The followers
+of George Fox, we feel assured, would consider any encouragement given to
+such degrading brutality as morally criminal.</p>
+
+<p>Great Dockray and Sandgate, in the pleasant and busy market town of
+Penrith, were the scenes of many uproarious bull baits. In one day, no less
+than five beasts have been tied to the stake, and unmercifully tortured.
+They would all be required, and many carcasses besides, at that season of
+the year when salt beef was prepared for winter consumption. At Penrith,
+the bull baitings were regularly attended by crowds of spectators, from all
+the surrounding country villages. The inhabitants of the town, too,
+deserted their quiet homes to witness the exciting but barbarous practice.
+In Penrith, as well as other places, the idea was rooted in the minds of
+the people that bulls intended for slaughter, and sold for human food,
+should be baited. If the carcass of a bull, in the shambles of a butcher,
+had not been subjected to the usual process of brutal cruelty, it would
+have been rejected. The village of Stainton, as well as Penrith, was noted
+for bull dogs of a pure and courageous breed.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> Those normal tribes of
+gipsies, tinkers, and potters, who roamed over Cumberland, Westmorland, and
+the borders of Scotland, during the latter part of the eighteenth century,
+were celebrated for breeding and training bull dogs of a superior
+description.</p>
+
+<p>The small but interesting market town of Keswick&mdash;highly celebrated at the
+present day, as the head quarters of numerous lake and mountain
+excursionists&mdash;likewise had its bull ring, to which, through a lengthened
+period of time, hundreds of unfortunate animals were tied and baited. No
+greater desecration can be imagined to one of the most attractive districts
+in Great Britain&mdash;revealing at every step scenes displaying vividly the
+sublime beauty and grandeur of God's choicest handiwork&mdash;than the mad
+uproar, the wild confusion, and gross brutality of a bull bait. The echoes
+of the surrounding hills were made to resound with the furious merriment of
+an excited multitude, in the full enjoyment of a cruel "sport." From the
+beautiful Vale of Saint John, from the lower slopes of Blencathra and
+Skiddaw, from the confines of the picturesque lake of Bassenthwaite, from
+the surroundings of the more imposing Derwentwater, from many scattered
+villages, like Borrowdale, crowds hastened to share in the gross enjoyment
+of a hideous outrage on humanity.</p>
+
+<p>The bull ring at Keswick,&mdash;as well as at Carlisle, Penrith, Wigton, Kendal,
+and other places in the Lake country&mdash;was frequently the means of starting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>
+a combat between some pugnaciously inclined Tom Crib, and any one who,
+through intimidation, could be drawn into a fight. "Shaking the bull ring"
+was tantamount to a challenge from some foolhardy individual, to "hev it
+oot" with any one inclined to step forward; and it rarely happened at
+"statute fairs" but that at least some two or three pugilistic encounters
+followed the "shaking."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 550px;">
+<img src="images/image1.jpg" width="550" height="352" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span></p>
+<h2>BADGERS AND BADGER BAITING.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Baiting the badger differed from bull baiting in one respect, inasmuch as
+the former was generally practised in some room or yard, mostly attached to
+a public house. It was often a private affair, got up by some sporting
+landlord, for the purpose of drawing customers to his hostelry, as well as
+to have an opportunity of seeing the badger drawn; while bull baiting,
+except on great state occasions, was always a public affair.</p>
+
+<p>The badger, in former times called the "Grey," is a small animal, which at
+no remote period was, comparatively speaking, plentiful in Cumberland and
+Westmorland, and in various parts of the north of England. It abounded,
+too, in Scotland, and its cured skin was used in making the Highlander's
+hanging pouch. It measured about three feet from the snout to the end of
+the tail, and weighed from seventeen to thirty pounds. Few animals are
+better able to defend themselves, and fewer still of their own weight and
+size dare attack them, in their native haunts. When in good case, they are
+remarkably strong, fight with great resolution if brought to bay, can bite
+extremely hard, and inflict very severe wounds. It is strange that it
+should have been so persistently and ruthlessly hunted and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> destroyed, so
+as to lead to the almost entire extermination of the herd in this country.</p>
+
+<p>In <i>Reminiscences of West Cumberland</i>, (printed for private circulation, in
+1882,) William Dickinson gives the following account of the capture of some
+of these animals:&mdash;"On March 29, 1867, a badger was captured in a wood
+adjoining the river Derwent, by Mr. Stirling's gamekeeper. It was a full
+grown animal, in prime condition, and was secured without sustaining any
+injury. A few years before that a badger was caught near St. Bees. It was
+supposed to have escaped from captivity. Within my recollection, a badger
+was taken by a shepherd and his dogs, on Birker moor, and believed to be a
+wild one; and none had been known for many miles around by any one living.
+They are not now known to breed in Cumberland; but the late Mr. John Peel
+of Eskat, told me the brock or badger had a strong hold in Eskat woods, and
+that he once came so suddenly on a brock asleep, as it basked in the sun,
+that he struck it with his bill hook, and wounded it in the hind quarter.
+Its hole was so near that it crawled in and was lost. The place is still
+called the Brock-holes."</p>
+
+<p>An interesting experiment has been tried on the Naworth Castle estate, the
+Border residence of Mr. George Howard, a dozen miles or so from Carlisle.
+About the year 1877 or 1878, four healthy and well developed badgers were
+let off, some two miles eastward from the castle, near the side of the
+river<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> Irthing, which flows through a wide sweep of charmingly diversified
+scenery. The place occupied by them is a piece of rough, woodland, "banky"
+ground, quiet and secluded, the soil being of a dry sandy nature. The
+badgers, in the first instance, were lodged in an old fox earth "bield,"
+part of which they have held in undisturbed possession ever since. They
+appeared to fall in naturally with their new quarters, and soon took to
+digging and making the hole, and its various ramifications, much larger and
+more capacious.</p>
+
+<p>Curiously enough, after the lapse of some years, the foxes returned to
+their old retreat, and for two successive seasons there has been a breed of
+young cubs reared in the same burrow with the badgers. Each species of
+animal has taken up a separate part or side-branch of the hole for its own
+particular use and abode; and, so far as appearance goes, the two families
+have lived together happy and contented for the time being.</p>
+
+<p>A similar illustration of foxes fraternising with badgers is amply borne
+out in a valuable communication to <i>The Times</i>, of October 24th, 1877, by
+Mr. Alfred Ellis of Loughborough, who, after some difficulty, introduced a
+breed of badgers, in semi-wild state, to a covert within fifty yards of his
+own residence. Mr. Ellis says, "The fox and the badger are not unfriendly,
+and last spring a litter of cubs was brought forth very near the badgers;
+but their mother removed them after they had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span> grown familiar, as she
+probably thought they were showing themselves more than was prudent."</p>
+
+<p>The neighbouring dogs are not known to have molested the Naworth badgers in
+any way, and it is now supposed the estate can number about a dozen in
+numerical strength. The nocturnal habits, natural to badgers, make it very
+difficult to study their actions and mode of life, with any amount of close
+observancy, as they rarely leave their holes till near nightfall, and are
+back again generally by daybreak.</p>
+
+<p>There is not much which properly comes under the game laws near the
+badgers' place of rendezvous, but Mr. Brown, the head keeper, is under the
+impression that they are destructive to some kinds of game; in fact, he
+says, they take anything they can lay hold of in the shape of eggs or young
+birds. They dig a good deal for fern roots, and feed upon them, turning up
+the ground in the same way that a pig does. It would appear also that they
+are very fond of moles. Any of these animals left dead by the keepers or
+foresters, in the vicinity of their haunts, invariably disappear quickly
+and are no more seen.</p>
+
+<p>Shy, reserved, and alert as the badgers are, they may be come upon
+sometimes, by chance or accident, on the banks of the Irthing; and when
+seen in the dusky twilight of a summer evening, "scufterin'" along through
+the long grass or "bracken" beds, they might be easily mistaken for a
+litter of young pigs.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In addition to the food incidentally mentioned, the badger lives upon
+frogs, insects, wasps' nests, fruit, grass, and a great variety of other
+things. Its habits are perfectly harmless in a wild state; and yet few
+animals have suffered so much cruel torture, in consequence of vulgar
+prejudice. The hams, as food, were esteemed superior in delicacy of flavour
+to the domestic pig or wild hog. In this country, the hind quarters only
+were used for food; while in some parts of Europe and in China, the whole
+carcass was held in high esteem, and considered to be very nutritious.</p>
+
+<p>In hunting and capturing them, the usual plan was to dig a hole in the
+ground, across some path which they were known to frequent, covering the
+pit lightly over with sticks and leaves. Another mode of catching them was
+by means of a sack being carefully fitted to the entrance of their burrows.
+When supposed to be out feeding, two or three dogs were set to hunt the
+adjoining grounds, and the badger was thus driven homewards, and safely
+secured in the sack.</p>
+
+<p>The mode of baiting was generally pursued as follows. Sometimes, according
+to choice, the animal was put into a barrel; while at other times, a trench
+was dug in the ground, fourteen inches deep and of the same width, and
+covered over with a board. But the plan most frequently adopted was to have
+a square drain-like box constructed, in the form of a capital letter &#8735;. The longer part<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span>
+measured something like six feet in length, and the shorter part four feet.
+The box was throughout thirteen or fourteen inches square, with only one
+entrance way. When a batting display took place, the badger was placed
+inside the box at the far end of the shorter compartment. It will be
+apparent, from being so placed, that it had some advantage over any dog
+attacking in front. The dog had to proceed up the longer leg of the box,
+and then turning sharp round, found the object of its search cautiously
+crouching, and on the watch for any advancing foe.</p>
+
+<p>A strong fresh badger was never unprepared for fight, and, by being thus on
+the alert, had the opportunity of inflicting a fearful bite at the outset;
+so severe, indeed, that any currish inclined dog at once made the best of
+his way out, howling with pain, and thoroughly discomfited. And no coaxing,
+no inducement in the world, could make the craven-hearted brute attempt a
+second attack.</p>
+
+<p>On the contrary, one of the right sort rushed immediately into close
+quarters, seized the badger with as little delay as might be, and
+endeavoured to drag it forth into open daylight. It required a dog of rare
+pluck and courage, however, to accomplish this feat&mdash;one, in fact,
+insensible to punishment; and few could be found willing to face and endure
+hard biting, and force the badger from its lair. Pure bred bull dogs will
+naturally go in and face anything, but it is in very few instances that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span>
+they make any attempt to draw. Long experience showed that the best and
+truest that could be produced, were a cross between a well bred bull dog
+and a terrier, commonly known as bull terriers. Sufficiently powerful and
+courageous dogs were, also, to some extent, to be found amongst rough wiry
+haired terriers&mdash;the Charlieshope Pepper and Mustard breed of Dandie
+Dinmonts&mdash;which "fear naething that ever cam wi' a hairy skin on't;" and
+the handsome, smooth, glossy-coated black and tan dog, "fell chield at the
+varmin," which would buckle either "tods or brocks." Bedlington
+terriers,&mdash;a distinct breed of Northumbrian origin, long known and esteemed
+in Cumberland and other northern counties&mdash;have frequently proved
+themselves admirable adepts at drawing the badger. These dogs, properly
+speaking, are more "fluffy" coated than wiry&mdash;have greater length of leg
+than the Dandie Dinmonts&mdash;are full of spirit and stamina&mdash;remarkably active
+and alert&mdash;and very fierce and resolute when called into action.</p>
+
+<p>The badger is not often much hurt in the drawing, the thickness of their
+skin being sufficient to prevent them from taking any great harm. The
+looseness of the skin is such that they can turn easily, and, moreover,
+they are so quick in moving about, that the dogs are often desperately
+wounded in the first assault, and compelled to give up the contest.</p>
+
+<p>To give an idea of the extreme sensitiveness for cleanliness which
+characterize the habits of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> badger, let the following example be taken.
+On being drawn from its barrel by the dog, it not unfrequently happens in
+the scuffle which ensues, that the animal is rolled over and over, among
+the mire of the road, or the dirt of some neighbouring dunghill. Should the
+badger, however, be able to escape to its place of refuge in the barrel,
+even for a minute or two, the onlooker is surprised to find it turn out
+again as "snod" and clean, as if the dragging process through the dirt had
+never been undergone.</p>
+
+<p>Several proverbial sayings are current, which have been drawn from the
+nature and habits of this animal. For instance, a man of much and long
+continued endurance, is said to be "as hard as a brock;" and any one, upon
+whom age is creeping, and whose hair has lost a good deal of its original
+brightness, is said to be "as grey as a badger." Relph of Sebergham, in
+detailing in his native patois, the woes of a young and lusty love-sick
+swain, gives an illustration of one of the modes of hunting the animal:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Nae mair i' th' neets thro' woods he leads,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">To treace the wand'rin' <i>brock</i>;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But sits i' th' nuik, an' nowt else heeds,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">But Jenny an' her rock.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>In addition to the haunts of the badger incidentally mentioned,
+Brock-stones, in Kentmere; Brock-holes, at the foot of Tebay Fells;
+Graythwaite woods, in Furness Fells; Greystoke forest, near<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span> Penrith;
+Brockley-moor, in Inglewood forest; Brock-hills, near Hesket Newmarket; and
+Brocklebank, on the east side of Derwentwater;&mdash;these and many other like
+coverts in the Lake Country, (as their names indicate,) were all
+strongholds and places of much resort for these animals, in the olden time.</p>
+
+<p>Within the memory of living man, badgers have burrowed in the sand hills on
+Brocklebank, where it was not uncustomary for the tag-rag and bob-tail
+fraternity of Keswick, to hunt and capture them for the purpose of baiting.</p>
+
+<p>About the year 1823, Tom Wilson, a shoemaker&mdash;reared at The Woodman inn,
+Keswick&mdash;remembers one being caught in a sack at the foot of Brockle-beck,
+when a novel but extremely foolish experiment was tried in the way of
+hunting it. It was let off in the midst of a gang of rough men, half-grown
+lads, and dogs, in deep water, near Lord's Island on Derwent Lake, and the
+chances are that the poor animal perished by drowning. At all events, it
+soon disappeared under the surface, and was never seen again by man or dog.</p>
+
+<p>A husbandman, named Jonathan Gill, captured another on Great How, a steep
+wooded mountain which rises on the east side of Thirlmere lake. These are
+the two last badgers in the Keswick locality, of which we have any tidings.
+It is more than probable that the Brocklebank herd became dispersed or
+extinct about this period.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span></p>
+<h2>ADDENDA</h2>
+
+<h3>MIDNIGHT CHASE OF A BULL BY PROFESSOR WILSON.</h3>
+
+<h3>THOMAS DE QUINCEY.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Represent to yourself the earliest dawn of a fine summer's morning, time
+about half-past two o'clock. A young man, anxious for an introduction to
+Mr. Wilson, and as yet pretty nearly a stranger to the country, has taken
+up his abode in Grasmere, and has strolled out at this early hour to that
+rocky and moorish common (called the White Moss) which overhangs the Vale
+of Rydal, dividing it from Grasmere. Looking southwards in the direction of
+Rydal, suddenly he becomes aware of a huge beast advancing at a long trot,
+with the heavy and thundering tread of a hippopotamus, along the public
+road. The creature is soon arrived within half a mile of his station; and
+by the grey light of morning is at length made out to be a bull, apparently
+flying from some unseen enemy in his rear. As yet, however, all is mystery;
+but suddenly three horsemen double a turn in the road, and come flying into
+sight with the speed of a hurricane,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span> manifestly in pursuit of the fugitive
+bull. The bull labours to navigate his huge bulk to the moor, which he
+reaches, and then pauses panting and blowing out clouds of smoke from his
+nostrils, to look back from his station amongst rocks and slippery crags
+upon his hunters. If he had conceited that the rockiness of the ground had
+secured his repose, the foolish bull is soon undeceived; the horsemen,
+scarcely relaxing their speed, charge up the hill, and speedily gaining the
+rear of the bull, drive him at a gallop over the worst part of that
+impracticable ground down to the level ground below. At this point of time
+the stranger perceives by the increasing light of the morning that the
+hunters are armed with immense spears fourteen feet long. With these the
+bull is soon dislodged, and scouring down to the plain below, he and the
+hunters at his tail take to the common at the head of the lake, and all, in
+the madness of the chase, are soon half engulphed in the swamp of the
+morass. After plunging together for about ten or fifteen minutes all
+suddenly regain the <i>terra firma</i>, and the bull again makes for the rocks.
+Up to this moment, there had been the silence of ghosts; and the stranger
+had doubted whether the spectacle were not a pageant of a&euml;rial
+spectres&mdash;ghostly huntsmen, ghostly lances, and a ghostly bull. But just at
+this crisis, a voice (it was the voice of Mr. Wilson) shouted aloud, "Turn
+the villain! turn that villain! or he will take to Cumberland." The young<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span>
+stranger did the service required; the villain was turned, and fled
+southwards; the hunters, lance in rest, rushed after him; all bowed their
+thanks as they fled past; the fleet cavalcade again took the high road;
+they doubled the cape which shut them out of sight; and in a moment all had
+disappeared, and left the quiet valley to its original silence, whilst the
+young stranger, and two grave Westmorland "statesmen," (who by this time
+had come into sight upon some accident or other) stood wondering in
+silence, and saying to themselves, perhaps,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"The earth hath bubbles as the water hath;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And these are of them."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>But they were no bubbles; the bull was a substantial bull, and took no harm
+at all from being turned out occasionally at midnight for a chase of
+fifteen or eighteen miles. The bull, no doubt, used to wonder at this
+nightly visitation; and the owner of the bull must sometimes have pondered
+a little on the draggled state in which the swamps would now and then leave
+his beast; but no other harm came of it.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span></p>
+<h2>INDEX.</h2>
+
+
+<p>
+Abbot, Joseph, Bampton, and Tom "Dyer," <a href='#Page_165'>165</a>,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">and Weightman, <a href='#Page_190'>190</a>, <a href='#Page_198'>198</a></span><br />
+<br />
+"A bit iv a lad stept oot of a corner o' the ring," <a href='#Page_202'>202</a><br />
+<br />
+Alston town, description of, <a href='#Page_135'>135</a><br />
+<br />
+"            wrestlers, <a href='#Page_135'>135</a><br />
+<br />
+Arlecdon moor wrestling meetings, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a><br />
+<br />
+Armstrong, "Solid Yak," <a href='#Page_131'>131</a>, <a href='#Page_143'>143</a>, <a href='#Page_151'>151</a><br />
+<br />
+Armstrong, Jacob, thrown by Weightman, <a href='#Page_199'>199</a><br />
+<br />
+Ashburner, Tom, Grasmere, and Roan Long, <a href='#Page_92'>92</a><br />
+<br />
+Atkinson, Robert, Sleagill giant, <a href='#Page_8'>8</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Badgers and Badger Baiting</span>, <a href='#Page_235'>235</a><br />
+<br />
+"   at Naworth, <a href='#Page_236'>236</a><br />
+<br />
+Balmer, John, nearly drowned in Windermere, <a href='#Page_78'>78</a><br />
+<br />
+Bateman, William, Yottenfews, <a href='#Page_176'>176</a><br />
+<br />
+Barrow, John, Windermere, <a href='#Page_77'>77</a><br />
+<br />
+Bedlington terriers, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a><br />
+<br />
+Best, George, Yarrow, <a href="#Page_xliv">xliv</a><br />
+<br />
+Bewick, Thomas, and his Ainstable cousin, <a href='#Page_14'>14</a>,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">bull baiting, <a href='#Page_222'>222</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Bigg, John Stanyan, quotation from, <a href='#Page_134'>134</a><br />
+<br />
+Bird, George, Langwathby, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a><br />
+<br />
+"     Joseph, Holme Wrangle, <a href='#Page_66'>66</a>, <a href='#Page_71'>71</a>, <a href='#Page_72'>72</a><br />
+<br />
+Border wrestling at Miles end, <a href="#Page_xlv">xlv</a><br />
+<br />
+Bowstead, John, brother to Bishop of Lichfield, <a href='#Page_32'>32</a><br />
+<br />
+Bridewain or Bidden Weddings, <a href='#Page_15'>15</a><br />
+<br />
+Brown, Rev. Abraham, wrestler, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a><br />
+<br />
+Brunskill, George, and William Wilson, <a href='#Page_185'>185</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Bull Baiting</span>, <a href='#Page_219'>219</a><br />
+<br />
+Bull-dogs and Bull-terriers, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a><br />
+<br />
+Burns, Arthur, Ullater, and Roan Long, <a href='#Page_92'>92</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Caldbeck, familiar name at, <a href='#Page_157'>157</a><br />
+<br />
+Carlisle wrestling, list of men who contended at first annual meeting, <a href='#Page_107'>107</a><br />
+<br />
+Cass, William, and Tom Todd, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a>,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">and Weightman, <a href='#Page_184'>184</a>, <a href='#Page_203'>203</a>, <a href='#Page_204'>204</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Casson, Robert, Oxenpark, <a href='#Page_177'>177</a><br />
+<br />
+Chapman, Richard, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a>, <a href='#Page_146'>146</a>, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a><br />
+<br />
+Christopherson, Brian, Oxenpark, <a href='#Page_176'>176</a><br />
+<br />
+Clark, William, Hesket-new-market, <a href='#Page_153'>153</a>, <a href='#Page_160'>160</a><br />
+<br />
+"Clattan," (<i>see</i> Mc.Laughlan)<br />
+<br />
+Cock-fighting prohibited by the Puritans, <a href="#Page_xxvii">xxvii</a><br />
+<br />
+Cock-fighting at Elleray and Alston, <a href='#Page_142'>142</a><br />
+<br />
+"Cork lad of Kentmere," <a href='#Page_3'>3</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span>Cornish wrestling, <a href="#Page_xxv">xxv</a>, <a href="#Page_xxviii">xxviii</a><br />
+<br />
+Cromwell, Oliver, at a wrestling meeting, <a href="#Page_xxvii">xxvii</a><br />
+<br />
+Crow park, Keswick, <a href='#Page_179'>179</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, ancient</span>, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Dandie Dinmont terriers, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Dennison, George</span>, <a href='#Page_141'>141</a><br />
+<br />
+" thrown by William Dickinson, <a href='#Page_140'>140</a>,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">sets a dislocated shoulder in the Carlisle ring, <a href='#Page_144'>144</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Devonshire wrestling, <a href="#Page_xxv">xxv</a>, <a href="#Page_xxviii">xxviii</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Dickinson, William</span>, <a href='#Page_135'>135</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Dixon, Miles</span>, <a href='#Page_74'>74</a><br />
+<br />
+" <span class="smcap">James</span>, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a>&mdash;<a href="#Page_103">103</a><br />
+<br />
+" George, "aw t' Dixons errant doon yet," <a href='#Page_85'>85</a><br />
+<br />
+"Dixon's three jumps," <a href='#Page_13'>13</a><br />
+<br />
+Dobson, John, Cliburn, <a href='#Page_24'>24</a>, <a href='#Page_163'>163</a><br />
+<br />
+Dodd, Adam, Langwathby, <a href='#Page_24'>24</a>, <a href='#Page_28'>28</a>, <a href='#Page_32'>32</a>, <a href='#Page_64'>64</a><br />
+<br />
+Dodd, Robert, Brough, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a><br />
+<br />
+"Doon on ye'r knees, fadder, an' boo like a bull," <a href='#Page_222'>222</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Eals, Sarah, Alston, a shrew, <a href='#Page_140'>140</a><br />
+<br />
+Earl, John, Cumwhitton, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>, <a href='#Page_160'>160</a><br />
+<br />
+Earl, William, and "Clattan," <a href='#Page_212'>212</a>, <a href='#Page_214'>214</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">English wrestling, old</span>, <a href="#Page_xxiv">xxiv</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Faulds Brow sports, <a href='#Page_56'>56</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Fawcett, James</span>, <a href='#Page_36'>36</a>&mdash;<a href="#Page_24">24</a><br />
+<br />
+Fearon, John, Gilcrux, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a>, <a href='#Page_172'>172</a><br />
+<br />
+Fidler, John, Wythop hall, <a href='#Page_67'>67</a><br />
+<br />
+Ford, T., Ravenglass, <a href='#Page_56'>56</a>, and Weightman, <a href='#Page_189'>189</a>, <a href='#Page_190'>190</a><br />
+<br />
+Forster Brothers, the, of Penton, <a href='#Page_168'>168</a>, <a href='#Page_193'>193</a><br />
+<br />
+Foxes and Badgers fraternising, <a href='#Page_237'>237</a><br />
+<br />
+"Fwok sud aye be menseful, an' menseful amang fwok," <a href='#Page_206'>206</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+"Gwordie Maut" and Weightman, <a href='#Page_192'>192</a><br />
+<br />
+Gibson, Alexander Craig, "Folk Speech of Cumberland," <a href='#Page_97'>97</a><br />
+<br />
+Golightly, Thomas, Alston, <a href='#Page_24'>24</a>, <a href='#Page_129'>129</a><br />
+<br />
+Graham, Sir James&mdash;black mare, <a href='#Page_187'>187</a><br />
+<br />
+Graham, James, and Weightman, <a href='#Page_193'>193</a>, <a href='#Page_199'>199</a>,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">throws "Clattan," <a href='#Page_210'>210</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Graham, Harry</span>, <a href='#Page_116'>116</a>&mdash;<a href="#Page_66">66</a><br />
+<br />
+Grecian wrestling, ancient, <a href="#Page_ix">ix</a><br />
+<br />
+Gretna fight, the&mdash;Carter and Oliver, <a href='#Page_173'>173</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Harrison, Thomas, Blencow, <a href='#Page_10'>10</a><br />
+<br />
+" John, New Church, <a href='#Page_54'>54</a>, <a href='#Page_143'>143</a><br />
+<br />
+" John, Lowick, "Checky," <a href='#Page_175'>175</a><br />
+<br />
+Herdwick sheep, <a href='#Page_58'>58</a><br />
+<br />
+High street mountain, sports on, <a href='#Page_11'>11</a><br />
+<br />
+Hodgson, Tom,&mdash;quarrel with Weightman, <a href='#Page_197'>197</a>,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">throws "Clattan," <a href='#Page_210'>210</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Hogg, James, Ettrick Shepherd, <a href="#Page_xxxviii">xxxviii</a><br />
+<br />
+Holmes, John, King of Mardale, <a href='#Page_32'>32</a><br />
+<br />
+Holmes, John, tailor, <a href='#Page_93'>93</a><br />
+<br />
+"Hoo 'at thoo let him hipe the' i' that stupid fashion?" <a href='#Page_183'>183</a><br />
+<br />
+Howard, Mr. Philip, Corby Castle, and Weightman, <a href='#Page_197'>197</a><br />
+<br />
+Howell, Edward, Greystoke, <a href='#Page_184'>184</a><br />
+<br />
+Huddleston, Mr. Andrew, <a href='#Page_10'>10</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span>"If thoo says Clattan isn't a gud russler," <a href='#Page_182'>182</a><br />
+<br />
+Indian wrestling, <a href="#Page_xviii">xviii</a><br />
+<br />
+Irish wrestling, <a href="#Page_xlvi">xlvi</a><br />
+<br />
+Irishmen, two, and Tom Nicholson, <a href='#Page_111'>111</a><br />
+<br />
+Irving, George, <a href='#Page_204'>204</a>, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a>, <a href='#Page_212'>212</a><br />
+<br />
+"I's nobbut shy&mdash;I's nobbut varra shy," <a href='#Page_206'>206</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Jackson, Joseph, sickle maker, <a href='#Page_176'>176</a><br />
+<br />
+Jameson, Samuel, Penrith, <a href='#Page_54'>54</a>, <a href='#Page_145'>145</a>, <a href='#Page_159'>159</a><br />
+<br />
+" William, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a><br />
+<br />
+Japanese wrestling, <a href="#Page_xii">xii</a>,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">contrasted with Northern English, <a href="#Page_xvii">xvii</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Jordan, John, Great Salkeld, <a href='#Page_117'>117</a><br />
+<br />
+"Jwohn Barleycworn's ruin't mony a gud heart," <a href='#Page_206'>206</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+"Keg," the Keswick bully, <a href='#Page_111'>111</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Langwathby Rounds</span>, <a href='#Page_27'>27</a><br />
+<br />
+Liddle, John, Bothel, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a>, <a href='#Page_209'>209</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Litt, William</span>, <a href='#Page_61'>61</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">and William Richardson, <a href='#Page_50'>50</a>,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">and Miles Dixon, <a href='#Page_83'>83</a>,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">describes Weightman, <a href='#Page_195'>195</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Little</i>, John, facetious letter on Carlisle ring, <a href='#Page_196'>196</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Long, Rowland</span>, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a>&mdash;<a href="#Page_51">51</a>, <a href='#Page_179'>179</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Long John</span>, <a href='#Page_96'>96</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">&mdash;throws Tom Nicholson, <a href='#Page_104'>104</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Longmire, Thomas, <a href='#Page_93'>93</a><br />
+<br />
+Lonsdale, Earl of, patronizes the wrestling ring, <a href='#Page_149'>149</a><br />
+<br />
+Lowthian, Isaac, Plumpton, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a><br />
+<br />
+Lowden, Charles, challenged, <a href='#Page_58'>58</a><br />
+<br />
+" John, Keswick, <a href='#Page_67'>67</a>, <a href='#Page_96'>96</a>, <a href='#Page_104'>104</a>, <a href='#Page_138'>138</a>, <a href='#Page_145'>145</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Mackereth, William</span>, <a href='#Page_115'>115</a>&mdash;<a href="#Page_96">96</a>,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">and "Clattan," <a href='#Page_215'>215</a></span><br />
+<br />
+"Marcy, Jwohn! is that thee?" <a href='#Page_173'>173</a><br />
+<br />
+Marshall, the forgeman, at Sparkbridge, <a href='#Page_176'>176</a>, <a href='#Page_177'>177</a><br />
+<br />
+Mason, Isaac, Croglin, <a href='#Page_29'>29</a>, <a href='#Page_32'>32</a>, <a href='#Page_182'>182</a><br />
+<br />
+Maughan, Isaac, Alston, <a href='#Page_25'>25</a><br />
+<br />
+Mc.Donald, Anthony, Appleby, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a>, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Mc.Laughlan, John</span>, <a href='#Page_208'>208</a>&mdash;<a href="#Page_110">110</a>, <a href='#Page_153'>153</a>,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">and William Wilson, <a href='#Page_181'>181</a>,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">and Weightman, <a href='#Page_203'>203</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Melmerby Rounds</span>, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a><br />
+<br />
+Michie, Robert, Hawick, <a href="#Page_xliii">xliii</a><br />
+<br />
+Miles End athletic Border games, <a href="#Page_xlv">xlv</a><br />
+<br />
+Morton, Thomas, Gale, <a href='#Page_25'>25</a>, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a><br />
+<br />
+" Joseph, Gale, <a href='#Page_26'>26</a><br />
+<br />
+Mulcaster, Richard, on the art of "wrastling," <a href='#Page_5'>5</a><br />
+<br />
+Muncaster bridge, "built by men from Grasmere," <a href='#Page_86'>86</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Nanny, Louis, Haltwhistle, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a><br />
+<br />
+Nicholson, Matthias, Penruddock, <a href='#Page_11'>11</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Nicholson, Thomas</span>, <a href='#Page_99'>99</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">&mdash;thrown by Miles Dixon, <a href='#Page_83'>83</a>,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">match with Harry Graham, <a href='#Page_117'>117</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Nicholson, John, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a>, <a href='#Page_100'>100</a>, <a href='#Page_109'>109</a><br />
+<br />
+"Noo, lads, I've clear'd rooad for yee," <a href='#Page_92'>92</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Olympic games, <a href="#Page_ix">ix</a><br />
+<br />
+"Owther the coo back, or the brass to pay for't," <a href='#Page_205'>205</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Parker, John, Sparkgate, <a href='#Page_54'>54</a><br />
+<br />
+" Joseph, Crooklands, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a><br />
+<br />
+Parkyns, Sir Thomas, treatise on wrestling, <a href="#Page_xxviii">xxviii</a>,<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span><span style="margin-left: 1em;">rules and conditions, xxxii</span><br />
+<br />
+Parkyns, Sir Thomas.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Some account of his life, <a href="#Page_xxxiii">xxxiii</a></span><br />
+<br />
+" and Professor Wilson, similarity between, <a href="#Page_xxxvii">xxxvii</a><br />
+<br />
+Pearson, Henry, great upholder of wrestling, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a>, <a href='#Page_161'>161</a>, <a href='#Page_199'>199</a><br />
+<br />
+Pearson, Shepherd&mdash;a curious bet, <a href='#Page_49'>49</a><br />
+<br />
+Peart, Cuthbert, and Jemmy Fawcett, <a href='#Page_40'>40</a><br />
+<br />
+Peat, Thomas, Blencow, <a href='#Page_24'>24</a>, <a href='#Page_32'>32</a>, <a href='#Page_194'>194</a><br />
+<br />
+Pocklington, Mr., and Keswick regatta, <a href='#Page_179'>179</a><br />
+<br />
+Pooley, Ralph, Longlands, <a href='#Page_35'>35</a><br />
+<br />
+Powley, Miss, "Echoes of Old Cumberland," <a href='#Page_20'>20</a>, <a href='#Page_27'>27</a>, <a href='#Page_155'>155</a><br />
+<br />
+Puritan anathema against Cumberland and Westmorland, <a href='#Page_2'>2</a><br />
+<br />
+Pythian games, <a href="#Page_ix">ix</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Relph, Rev. Josiah, quotation from, <a href='#Page_242'>242</a><br />
+<br />
+Reminiscences of West Cumberland, by William Dickinson, <a href='#Page_236'>236</a><br />
+<br />
+Richardson, John, Staffield hall, <a href='#Page_130'>130</a><br />
+<br />
+Richardson, John, Caldbeck, and Scotch rebels, <a href='#Page_158'>158</a><br />
+<br />
+Richardson, Lady, Lancrigg, <a href='#Page_87'>87</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Richardson, Thomas</span>, "<span class="smcap">the Dyer</span>," <a href='#Page_156'>156</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" and Tom Todd, <a href='#Page_168'>168</a>, <a href='#Page_169'>169</a>,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">and William Wilson, <a href='#Page_180'>180</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Richardson, William</span>, Caldbeck, <a href='#Page_43'>43</a><br />
+<br />
+" <a href='#Page_118'>118</a>, and Dennison, <a href='#Page_147'>147</a>,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">and William Wilson, <a href='#Page_183'>183</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Ridley, Tom, "the glutton," and Tom Nicholson, <a href='#Page_112'>112</a>, <a href='#Page_138'>138</a>,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">and Weightman, <a href='#Page_191'>191</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Robinsons of Cunsey, and Roan Long, <a href='#Page_94'>94</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Robinson, James</span>, <a href='#Page_149'>149</a>-195, <a href='#Page_209'>209</a><br />
+<br />
+Robinson of Renwick, <a href='#Page_212'>212</a><br />
+<br />
+" Jonathan, Allerby, <a href='#Page_214'>214</a><br />
+<br />
+Robley, John, Scarrowmannock, <a href='#Page_24'>24</a><br />
+<br />
+" Joseph, Scarrowmannock, <a href='#Page_56'>56</a><br />
+<br />
+Rodgers, Jonathan, Brotherelkeld, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a><br />
+<br />
+Routledge of "Clockymill," <a href='#Page_189'>189</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Rowantree, Robert</span>, <a href='#Page_126'>126</a>-54<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Salmon poaching in the Derwent, <a href='#Page_113'>113</a><br />
+<br />
+Savage of Bolton, <a href='#Page_143'>143</a><br />
+<br />
+Scotland, wrestling in, <a href="#Page_xxxviii">xxxviii</a><br />
+<br />
+Scott, Sir Walter, at St. Ronans games, <a href="#Page_xxxviii">xxxviii</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Scott, James</span>, Canonbie, <a href='#Page_119'>119</a><br />
+<br />
+Scougal, George, Innerleithen, <a href="#Page_xl">xl</a><br />
+<br />
+Selkirk, John, Beckermet, throws "Clattan," <a href='#Page_215'>215</a><br />
+<br />
+Skulls of Calgarth, <a href='#Page_97'>97</a><br />
+<br />
+Slee, William, Dacre, <a href='#Page_139'>139</a>, <a href='#Page_152'>152</a>, <a href='#Page_159'>159</a><br />
+<br />
+Snow storm of 1807, great, <a href='#Page_133'>133</a><br />
+<br />
+Spedding, John, Egremont, <a href='#Page_147'>147</a><br />
+<br />
+Stagg, John, blind bard, <a href='#Page_15'>15</a><br />
+<br />
+Stamper, George, Underskiddaw, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a><br />
+<br />
+"Standback," assumed name for trail hounds, <a href='#Page_172'>172</a><br />
+<br />
+"Stangings" at Langwathby, <a href='#Page_30'>30</a><br />
+<br />
+Steadman, George, Drybeck, <a href='#Page_35'>35</a><br />
+<br />
+Stephenson, Thomas, and Jemmy Fawcett, <a href='#Page_41'>41</a><br />
+<br />
+Stone Carr, ancient sports at, <a href='#Page_8'>8</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Taylor, Benjamin, bone setter, <a href='#Page_141'>141</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span>Thompson, Joseph, Caldbeck, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a><br />
+<br />
+Thompson, Teasdale, High Rotherup, <a href='#Page_23'>23</a><br />
+<br />
+Thwaites, William, and Professor Wilson, <a href='#Page_177'>177</a><br />
+<br />
+Tinling, Dr., Warwick bridge, <a href='#Page_189'>189</a><br />
+<br />
+Tinnian, Job, Holme Cultram, <a href='#Page_47'>47</a><br />
+<br />
+Todd, "Brandy," Wigton, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Todd, Tom</span>, Knarsdale, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a>&mdash;<a href="#Page_160">160</a>, <a href='#Page_161'>161</a><br />
+<br />
+Trail Hounds, <a href='#Page_172'>172</a><br />
+<br />
+Turkey, wrestling match in, <a href="#Page_xxi">xxi</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Ward, William, North Tyne, <a href='#Page_128'>128</a><br />
+<br />
+Watson, Jonathan, <a href='#Page_184'>184</a>, <a href='#Page_193'>193</a>, <a href='#Page_194'>194</a>, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a><br />
+<br />
+Weardale wrestlers, <a href='#Page_136'>136</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Weightman, John</span>, <a href='#Page_186'>186</a>&mdash;<a href="#Page_160">160</a>, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a><br />
+<br />
+" and Tom "Dyer," <a href='#Page_165'>165</a>,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">and William Wilson, <a href='#Page_184'>184</a>,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">and "Clattan," <a href='#Page_211'>211</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Westmorland and Cumberland wrestling, ancient</span>, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a><br />
+<br />
+"What's t'e gaen to mak' o' yon 'an, Tom?" <a href='#Page_166'>166</a><br />
+<br />
+"When a bit iv a tailyer can thr&#257;' me," <a href='#Page_93'>93</a><br />
+<br />
+Whitfield, "Pakin," <a href='#Page_38'>38</a><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Wilson, William</span>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a>-55, <a href='#Page_88'>88</a>, <a href='#Page_163'>163</a><br />
+<br />
+Wilson, William, "Wicked Will" of Grasmere, <a href='#Page_177'>177</a><br />
+<br />
+Wilson, Professor, and Sir Thos. Parkyns, similarity between, <a href="#Page_xxxvii">xxxvii</a><br />
+<br />
+" on the wrestling at Carlisle, <a href='#Page_18'>18</a>,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">fracas with Tom Nicholson, <a href='#Page_104'>104</a></span><br />
+<br />
+" Midnight chase of a bull, <a href='#Page_244'>244</a><br />
+<br />
+" <a href='#Page_78'>78</a>, <a href='#Page_81'>81</a>, <a href='#Page_83'>83</a><br />
+<br />
+Windermere lake, wrestling on frozen surface of, <a href='#Page_14'>14</a><br />
+<br />
+Woodall, John, Gosforth, <a href='#Page_8'>8</a><br />
+<br />
+Wrestling on St. Bartholomew's day, <a href="#Page_xxv">xxv</a><br />
+<br />
+" and riots near the Hospitall of Matilde, <a href="#Page_xxvi">xxvi</a><br />
+<br />
+Wrestling match for &pound;1000, <a href="#Page_xxviii">xxviii</a><br />
+<br />
+" not a Scotch game, <a href="#Page_xliv">xliv</a><br />
+<br />
+Wright, Wilfrid, and Tom "Dyer," <a href='#Page_166'>166</a><br />
+<br />
+"Wully! we sud be&agrave;th been weel bray't," <a href='#Page_148'>148</a><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<h4>G. AND T. COWARD, PRINTERS, CARLISLE.</h4>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Wrestling and Wrestlers:, by 
+Jacob Robinson and Sidney Gilpin
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WRESTLING AND WRESTLERS: ***
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+</body>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Wrestling and Wrestlers:, by
+Jacob Robinson and Sidney Gilpin
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Wrestling and Wrestlers:
+       Biographical Sketches of Celebrated Athletes of the Northern
+       Ring; to Which is Added Notes on Bull and Badger Baiting
+
+Author: Jacob Robinson
+        Sidney Gilpin
+
+Release Date: September 29, 2011 [EBook #37562]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WRESTLING AND WRESTLERS: ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Roberta Staehlin, David Garcia, Josephine
+Paolucci and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+https://www.pgdp.net. (This file was produced from images
+generously made available by The Internet Archive/American
+Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+_NORTH COUNTRY SPORTS AND PASTIMES._
+
+Wrestling and Wrestlers:
+
+BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF CELEBRATED ATHLETES OF THE NORTHERN RING;
+
+TO WHICH IS ADDED
+
+_Notes on Bull and Badger Baiting_.
+
+BY
+
+JACOB ROBINSON
+
+AND
+
+SIDNEY GILPIN.
+
+Of all the athletic amusements of the people, Wrestling is beyond doubt the
+best.--CHRISTOPHER NORTH.
+
+LONDON: BEMROSE & SONS.
+CARLISLE: THE WORDSWORTH PRESS,
+75 SCOTCH STREET.
+
+MDCCCXCIII.
+
+
+TO THE MEMORY
+OF
+JACOB ROBINSON,
+
+THESE PAGES ARE
+_GRATEFULLY DEDICATED_,
+BY
+HIS FELLOW-WORKER,
+
+SIDNEY GILPIN.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+Every dale and valley, every nook and corner, throughout Cumberland,
+Westmorland, and North Lancashire, at all likely to yield materials, has
+been ransacked and laid under subservience in the compilation of this
+volume; and it now becomes the pleasant duty to record the fact, that not a
+single instance of unwillingness was met with, on the part of the multitude
+of narrators, who supplied the items of the various events chronicled.
+
+The local newspaper files have materially aided our labours, in a variety
+of ways. Besides supplying many passing incidents, we have found them, in
+some instances, exceedingly useful in the way of verifying and correcting
+dates.
+
+A brief description of Swiss Wrestling was promised, for the introductory
+chapter, by a native of that country resident in London. This promise
+yielded no fruit at the time, and it is a matter of regret that it still
+remains unfulfilled.
+
+Of Wrestling in France, we have not been able to glean much information,
+although enquiries were set on foot through the columns of _Notes and
+Queries_ and _Bell's Life in London_.
+
+For much information contained in the article on Wrestling in Scotland, we
+are indebted to Mr. Walter Scott of Innerleithen; and for a few other items
+we have to thank Mr. Robert Murray of Hawick.
+
+While the feats of many well known wrestlers are to be found in these
+pages, the names of others equally well known are necessarily omitted; but
+we may be able to publish a record of their achievements at some future
+time.
+
+With a full consciousness of many imperfections, we now leave our work to
+the judgment of those impartial readers, who may honour it with a perusal.
+
+
+LOCAL WORKS ON THE SUBJECT.
+
+     _Wrestliana: an Historical Account of Ancient and
+     Modern Wrestling._ By William Litt. Whitehaven: R.
+     Gibson, 1823.
+
+     Second Edition of the above, (reprinted from the
+     "Whitehaven News,") by Michael and William Alsop, 1860.
+
+     _Wrestliana: a Chronicle of the Cumberland and
+     Westmorland Wrestlings in London, since the year 1824._
+     By Walter Armstrong. London: Simpkin, Marshall & Co.,
+     1870.
+
+     _Famous Athletic Contests, Ancient and Modern_,
+     compiled by Members of the Cumberland and Westmorland
+     Wrestling Society. (Reprinted from the Best
+     Authorities.) London: F. A. Hancock, 1871.
+
+     _Great Book of Wrestling References, giving about 2000
+     different Prizes, from 1838 to the present day._ By
+     Isaac Gate, Twenty-five Years Public Wrestling Judge.
+     Carlisle: Steel Brothers, 1874.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+INTRODUCTION:                         Page
+
+Ancient Grecian Wrestling               ix.
+
+Wrestling in Japan                     xii.
+
+Indian Wrestling                     xviii.
+
+Wrestling Match in Turkey              xxi.
+
+Old English Wrestling                 xxiv.
+
+Wrestling in Scotland              xxxviii.
+
+Irish Wrestling                       xlvi.
+
+CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORLAND WRESTLING      1
+
+MELMERBY ROUNDS                          20
+
+LANGWATHBY ROUNDS                        27
+
+JAMES FAWCETT, Nenthead                  36
+
+WILLIAM RICHARDSON, Caldbeck             43
+
+WILLIAM LITT, Bowthorn                   61
+
+MILES AND JAMES DIXON, Grasmere          74
+
+ROWLAND AND JOHN LONG, Ambleside         90
+
+TOM NICHOLSON, Threlkeld                 99
+
+WILLIAM MACKERETH, Cockermouth          115
+
+HARRY GRAHAM, Brigham                   116
+
+JAMES SCOTT, Canonbie                   119
+
+ROBERT ROWANTREE, Kingwater             126
+
+WILLIAM DICKINSON, Alston               135
+
+GEORGE DENNISON, Penrith                141
+
+JAMES ROBINSON, Hackthorpe              149
+
+THOMAS RICHARDSON, Hesket-New-Market    156
+
+TOM TODD, Knarsdale                     167
+
+WILLIAM WILSON, Ambleside               175
+
+JOHN WEIGHTMAN, Hayton                  186
+
+JOHN MC.LAUGHLAN, Dovenby               208
+
+BULL BAITING                            219
+
+BADGERS AND BADGER BAITING              235
+
+ADDENDA                                 244
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+ANCIENT GRECIAN WRESTLING.
+
+The ancient Grecians were passionately fond of festivals and games. In
+every particular State such institutions were occasionally celebrated for
+the amusement of the people; but these were far less interesting than the
+four public games frequented by multitudes from all the districts of
+Greece. The Pythian Games were celebrated at Delphi; the Isthmian at
+Corinth; the Nemaean at Nemaea in Argolis; and the Olympic at Olympia, near
+Elis. We propose to give a brief account of the Olympic games only, as
+being by far the most splendid, and in which victory was reputed to be the
+most honourable. The celebrity of these games was extended for many
+centuries after the extinction of Greek freedom, and their final abolition
+did not occur until after they had flourished for more than eleven hundred
+years.
+
+The games were held in summer when the heat was excessive; and to add to
+the difficulty and fatigue experienced, the more violent exercises were
+performed in the afternoon, when even the spectators were scarcely able to
+remain exposed to the sun. To prevent the competition of such as were
+unskilful, the candidates were required to swear that for ten months before
+the commencement of the games they had made it their constant study to
+prepare for the contest; and during the last thirty days they were obliged
+to reside at Elis, and had to practise daily under the inspection of the
+judges. Hence, the permission to contend at Olympia was regarded as no
+inconsiderable honour, and served in some degree as a consolation to the
+vanquished.
+
+Immediately before the commencement of the different exercises, a herald
+led every candidate separately through the assembly, and demanded if any
+one knew him to be a man of profligate character, or to have been guilty of
+any notorious crime. As numbers were present from every state in Greece--to
+some of whom each of the combatants was known--it rarely happened that any
+suspicious character chose to expose himself to such a scrutiny. The
+candidates were required to make a solemn declaration that they would not
+endeavour to gain the victory by bribing their adversaries, or by a
+violation of the laws regulating the different contests; and any person
+guilty of a breach of this promise was not merely deprived of the olive
+crown,[1] but was fined by the judges, and could never after contend at
+the games. These regulations seem to have accomplished the purpose for
+which they were intended, since, during several hundred years, only five
+instances occurred in which any improper artifice was known to be employed
+by the competitors in the games.
+
+The Greeks held the exercise of WRESTLING in high estimation, which, in
+point of antiquity, stood next to the foot race. The object of the wrestler
+was to throw his adversary to the ground: but it was not till this had been
+thrice repeated, that he obtained the victory. Like all who contended in
+the games, the Wrestlers were accustomed to rub their bodies with oil,
+partly to check the excessive perspiration occasioned by the heat and the
+violence of the exercises, and partly from an opinion that the oil gave the
+limbs a greater degree of pliancy and agility. As the smoothness occasioned
+by the oil would have prevented the combatants from grasping each other
+with firmness, it was customary for them, after being anointed, to roll
+themselves in the dust of the Stadium, or to be sprinkled with a fine sand
+kept for that purpose at Olympia. If in falling, one of the Wrestlers
+dragged his adversary along with him, the combat was continued on the
+ground, till one of the parties had forced the other to yield the victory.
+
+The inhabitants of Hindostan, and of the countries constituting the ancient
+kingdom of Assyria, have undergone a variety of revolutions; but
+inactivity has always formed the leading feature in their character. In
+every age they have fallen an easy prey to invaders; nor have the repeated
+instances of oppression to which they have been exposed, ever roused them
+to limit the exorbitant power of their sovereigns. The Greeks, living in a
+climate nearly as sultry as that of Asia, would probably have fallen
+victims to the same indolence, had not their early legislators perceived
+this danger, and employed the most judicious efforts to avert it. Among the
+means devised to accomplish this end, none seem to have been so effectual
+as the public games. It was not by any occasional effort that a victory
+could be gained at Olympia. Success could be obtained only by those who
+were inured to hardship; who had been accustomed to practise the athletic
+exercises while exposed to the scorching heat of the sun, and who had
+abstained from every pleasure which had a tendency to debilitate the
+constitution and lessen the power of exertion.[2]
+
+
+WRESTLING IN JAPAN.
+
+In Japan wrestling appears to be an institution of greater importance than
+even in our own country. The meetings for its exhibition before the public
+are made quite important affairs. They are mapped out and arranged annually
+by the ruling authorities. A distinct race selected from the native
+population are brought up and trained in the practice from their youth.
+This tribe profess to trace back their wrestlings long before the Greeks
+held their Olympic games on the banks of the Alpheus. At the present day it
+is asserted that their Mikado or Emperor, near seven hundred years before
+Christ, encouraged wrestling; and during this long period--century after
+century--it has been one of the most popular amusements of this strange
+people. It might not have continued to flourish so long had not the
+government assisted in keeping the game alive by introducing it into and
+regulating the proceedings in all towns of any size. A large staff of
+professionals is kept solely for this purpose, and outsiders cannot enter
+and compete as is done in this country.
+
+The Japanese, from all we can glean, do not appear a race likely to be
+devoted to athletics. Lighter amusements--more suitable to their climate,
+requiring less violent bodily exertion--it may be inferred, would be more
+to their taste or inclination. Their mode of wrestling, however, has this
+advantage, that it does not necessitate active preparation. Weight and bulk
+appear great, if not absolute, requisites in the wrestling ring. To
+accomplish these requirements, a fattening process is resorted to in lieu
+of hard work training. Ordinarily the male Japanese are not more than five
+feet five or six inches in height. It is a remarkable fact, however, that
+in the wrestling class there are many six feet men weighing fourteen
+stones and upwards, some few eighteen or twenty stones. "I have never
+anywhere," says Lindau, "seen men so large and stout as these Japanese
+wrestlers. They are veritable giants."
+
+A concise description of one of their wrestling meetings may not be
+altogether without interest. A special department of the government is
+entrusted with the duty of carrying out arrangements for holding a series
+of meetings in all the principal towns. A programme is annually issued, so
+that any town set down for visitation has sufficient time to make all
+needful preparations. A large plot of ground for forming the ring is
+selected, and enclosed with bamboos. Stages with seats are fitted up for
+the aristocracy and richer classes, and a small charge is made for
+admission. The ring is sure to be well filled, one half frequently being
+females gaily dressed for the occasion. The loud beating of a drum gives
+notice that proceedings are about to commence, and a dead silence reigns
+throughout the great crowd. An official comes forward and gives out, with a
+loud voice, the names of those about to contend; and announces, too, a list
+of places at which the fortunate ones have been successful. The drum again
+sounds, and all those appointed to wrestle enter and march round the ring,
+appearing as if duly impressed with the importance of the pending struggle.
+All are naked, with the exception of a gaudy silk girdle round the loins.
+After parading round the enclosure, the combatants divide themselves into
+two equal sides, and squat down upon their heels. A stage is erected on
+four pillars in the middle of the ring, and raised about half a yard. The
+manager calls out the names of the first pair to contend, one from each
+side, and at the same time announces his opinion how the betting should
+run. These preliminary proceedings concluded, the two called on step out
+and are greeted with cheers from all sides. They sprinkle the ring with
+rice and water before the more serious work begins; rub rice between their
+hands, and drink salt and water. These curious proceedings take place in
+order, according to a prevalent superstitious notion, to bespeak the favour
+of the god who rules gladiatorial contests.
+
+Four umpires, grave looking personages, are appointed, and stationed, pipe
+in mouth, at each pillar of the raised stage. A signal is given, and the
+two wrestlers uttering loud defiant shouts, and crowing like cocks, make a
+rush at each other, with all the fury and violence of two rival tups in the
+breeding season. The shock and noise of two such weighty bodies meeting
+resound all over the ring, and the spectators after a momentary holding of
+their breath, give expression to their pent-up feelings by ringing shouts
+of admiration. Blood, in almost all cases, is seen to flow from both
+competitors as they separate with the rebound, and slowly fall back. Again
+and again they meet, each endeavouring with his utmost power, to drive his
+antagonist off the stage. After several rounds contested with the like
+violence and determination, they for a moment pause, and resort to a trial
+of a different sort.
+
+They rush together and seize each other anywhere about the body or arms,
+incited and cheered on by the vociferous applause of the spectators. The
+fiercely contested struggle becomes intensely exciting, as the athletes
+close, and, locked together breast to breast and shoulder to shoulder,
+continue the conflict, each endeavouring to grasp the other round the
+waist. This is effected, after pushing and wriggling about for some time,
+by one or other of the wrestlers. After securing a firm grip, shaking his
+opponent, fixing his legs in position, and gathering himself up for a final
+superhuman effort, he lifts his now doomed foe high up in the air, and with
+what Cornishmen would call a "forward heave," hurls him clean off the
+stage, where he lies for some time enduring a fire of bantering, and then
+walks quietly off. Breathless, blood-stained, and perspiring from every
+pore, the victor looks proudly about and is greeted with cheers renewed
+over and over again. After parading round the ring, with uplifted
+outstretched arms, he makes a respectful acknowledgment, and walks off to
+his comrades.
+
+The manager again comes pompously forward and summons another pair. Fresh
+animated betting goes on while they prepare for the onset; and it may be
+this fondness for gambling--common to most eastern countries--which helps
+to keep up the popularity of wrestling. The second couple go to work
+precisely as the first; then another and another, till finally the champion
+of the day is proclaimed, and greeted with cheers that continue for some
+time. Generally he is presented with a decorated belt, and, with it
+fastened round the waist, goes about the observed of all observers.
+
+And this, as detailed, is Japanese wrestling. We can hardly accord it the
+term as understood amongst us, and cannot deem it entitled to be classed
+with the honoured back-hold pastime of northern England, worthy of eulogy
+from the most fastidious-minded. Christopher North would not applaud a Yedo
+meeting with the hearty praise he gives to Cumberland and Westmorland
+wrestling on the banks of Windermere; neither would Charles Dickens have
+gone away from the Ferry so delighted, if the contests he witnessed had
+been such as the Japanese delight in. Indeed, our readers generally will,
+we imagine, be apt to consider the Eastern wrestling amusement no better
+than something akin to our mediaeval barbarism. Certainly, nothing in
+athletics can be considered more strikingly different, than one of our
+quick scientific harmless bouts, as distinguished from the butting or
+tupping, the pushing and hauling, the rough tumbling about, and clumsy
+finale, in which victory is mainly due to overpowering strength and
+weight.
+
+
+INDIAN WRESTLING.
+
+There is a great similarity in the wrestling in India, and the same pastime
+in Japan. This similitude is so close, that after a description of the
+latter, there need not be much space devoted to a narrative of the sport in
+our great Eastern Empire. The public exhibition of the sport is, in a great
+measure, confined to the soldiers of the native regiments of infantry.
+Sometimes matches are made and come off which create wide-spread interest,
+by men who do not belong the service. So great is the interest taken in the
+contests, that they often continue for the best part of a day; and during
+the whole time couple after couple enter the ring, and continue to exhibit
+their skill. There can be no doubt, the encouragement of such pastimes will
+exercise a powerful influence in making them better soldiers, and more
+attached to the service.
+
+The wrestlers are lithe active young fellows, and enter the ring in
+exuberant spirits. Before the actual commencement of the struggle at close
+quarters, each resorts to a ridiculous ceremony, in order to propitiate
+some powerful deity to whom they look for assistance to achieve success.
+The act consists in simply touching the forehead with a small portion of
+earth picked from the ground. On the conclusion of this preparatory
+proceeding, they return to the edge of the ring, and go through a series of
+manoeuvres, which a stranger would look at with astonishment, and which
+in reality can exercise no influence on the struggle. They jump about,
+first on one leg, then the other, bounding backwards and forwards
+repeatedly, with great agility. Loud bangs on the body follow, inflicted by
+the hands with such violence as to make a noise that resounds all over the
+ring. This is the opening play, followed by sham attacks, till an
+opportunity presents for close work. With surprising quickness, the arms
+are grasped high up towards the shoulders, and followed by violent butting
+of head against head, accompanied by twisting and wrenching. Meanwhile one
+of the two is thrown to the ground, where the struggle is continued amid
+excited cheering, till one of the tawny coloured competitors is forced on
+his back and securely held. This is seldom successful, until three or four
+bouts have been fought out, and a clear back fall gained.
+
+The following account of a great wrestling match between the Mysore hero
+and the Punjaubee champion, was written by an Englishman in Madras:--
+
+     The Punjaubee champion is from North India. The Mysore
+     man has lately won a great match, and was highly elated
+     in consequence; while the Punjaubee had such confidence
+     in his powers, that he pledged himself to give up the
+     Sikh religion and turn Mahomedan if he lost the
+     match.... After waiting a few minutes the Punjaubee was
+     the first to put in an appearance; he walked up amidst
+     scrutinising glances and stood "within the ring." He
+     was a great big fellow, beautifully built, and
+     splendidly developed, with muscles standing out in
+     knots on the arms and legs. He was the same colour as
+     most Punjaubees--light brown; taken on the whole, he
+     was rather a handsome man.... His opponent was not long
+     in following him; he stood up, stripped, and stepped
+     into the sand. He, too, was remarkably well built, but
+     nearly black, and villainously ugly. He was not quite
+     up to the Punjaubee. His muscles were large, and he
+     looked the more wiry and active of the two; but the
+     Punjaubee was the bigger and looked the stronger.
+
+     They began by standing two or three yards apart, in an
+     inclined position, stooping towards each other, and
+     advancing as stealthily as cats, suddenly making a
+     snatch at each other's wrists and hands, and then
+     drawing back with inconceivable rapidity.
+
+     The neck was the great object of attack, and many
+     attempts were made by the native of Mysore to get hold
+     of his antagonist's neck, while the Punjaubee made
+     desperate efforts to clutch his adversary by the neck,
+     and force his head down into chancery. After a good
+     deal of dodging, and advances and retreats, clutches at
+     neck, head, and wrists, the Punjaubee, who seemed the
+     most eager of the two to finish the job at once, and
+     had been acting more on the offensive than the
+     defensive, suddenly made a rush in, tried to close and
+     trip. Quick as he was, his antagonist was quicker, and
+     the Punjaubee hero was foiled. Then time was called,
+     and a short interval allowed for breathing.
+
+     Round, number two, began in right good earnest; each
+     man seemed thoroughly buckled to his work, and in a few
+     seconds the Punjaubee, who was in rare fettle, threw
+     the Mysore man on to his knees; but the latter giving
+     him a sudden and well directed push, nearly caused him
+     to change his religion. Both men recovered themselves
+     with marvellous dexterity, and grasping each other,
+     they struggled up together, the Mysore champion getting
+     upright a little the first; but almost immediately the
+     Punjaubee gave his man a clean throw forwards, and the
+     native of Mysore was discovered lying full length on
+     his chest, with the Punjaubee kneeling on his back.
+
+     From this time the contest resembled nothing so much as
+     a "grovel" behind goals for a touch down. For a time
+     the struggles of both men were intense, the Punjaubee
+     having to do all he knew to keep his man down at all;
+     and it seemed quite possible that, if the Mysore native
+     could not get up himself, he would pull his opponent
+     down, when the latter tried to roll him over. Presently
+     came a pause, which the Punjaubee used to advantage, by
+     covering his fallen foe with sand, so as to get the
+     better grip. Skilful as the Mysore champion was, he
+     could in no way retaliate when in this distressing
+     position. However, he continually made clever attempts
+     to regain his feet, and still cleverer ones to pull
+     down the Punjaubee when he was endeavouring to turn him
+     over. But finally the contest ended by the Mysore
+     champion mistaking his chance to get to his feet, and
+     after a grand struggle up to the very last moment, the
+     muscular Punjaubee turned him flat over, so that there
+     remained not the slightest doubt in the minds of all
+     the spectators that both his shoulders were resting on
+     the ground, the one throw was given, and the battle was
+     won.
+
+
+WRESTLING MATCH IN TURKEY.
+
+The following account of a modern Wrestling Match in Turkey, is so
+graphically related that we feel confident it will be perused with interest
+by most readers. We may remark by the way, that the gipsies who figure in
+the match are of the same race as their namesakes in England and other
+parts of Europe; but they preserve in Turkey more of their Oriental
+appearance and character. The writer is Lieut.-Colonel James Baker of the
+Auxiliary Forces, who published a book on _Turkey-in-Europe_, in 1877.
+
+     I passed through a fine town called Barakli-Djumaa, in
+     the middle of the plain [of Seres], and inhabited
+     principally by Christian Bulgarians. A great wrestling
+     match was going on just outside the town, and I stopped
+     to witness the sport. A circle about thirty yards in
+     diameter was formed by the men, women, and
+     children,--Turks, Bulgarians, and a plentiful supply of
+     gipsies--all sitting closely packed together round the
+     circumference. There was the usual accompaniment of a
+     gipsy band, composed of a drum and a clarionet, which
+     was kept going continuously.
+
+     A competitor, stripped to the waist, steps into the
+     ring and walks round with a grand air as he displays
+     his muscular frame to the admiring gaze of the
+     bystanders. Presently his antagonist enters the ring,
+     and both competitors shake hands in a good natured way,
+     and a little laughing and chaffing goes on. They then
+     commence walking round, every now and then turning in
+     to shake hands again, until suddenly one pounces upon
+     the other to get the "catch," and the struggle
+     commences. No kicking is allowed, and the throw must
+     lay the vanquished man upon his back, so that both
+     shoulder-blades touch the ground at the same time. The
+     champion was a burly Bulgarian of herculean strength,
+     when at the invitation of some black-eyed gipsy girls,
+     a fine but slim young fellow of their tribe entered the
+     lists against him; but, although considering his youth
+     he made a gallant struggle, a quick throw laid him
+     sprawling on his back, to the evident chagrin and
+     disappointment of the gipsy women. Their eyes flashed
+     with anger as they now held a hurried consultation,
+     when off started a very pretty girl evidently bound
+     upon some errand. She soon returned with one of the
+     most splendid specimens of humanity I ever saw. If, as
+     is asserted, there were princes and dukes amongst the
+     ancient tribe of gipsies who emigrated to Europe, this
+     must certainly have been a descendant of one of them.
+
+     His fair escort pushed him into the ring with an air of
+     pride and confidence, as much as to say, "Now, you
+     shall see what a gipsy can do." The young man was about
+     twenty-five years of age, and nearly six feet high,
+     with a handsome, aristocratic, and cheery countenance;
+     and as he took off his jacket and handed it to his fair
+     one, and thus stood stripped to the waist, there was a
+     buzz of admiration from the whole crowd. He was
+     slightly made, but all was sinew. Laughingly, and half
+     modestly, he shook his powerful antagonist by the hand,
+     and then the walk round commenced, the young gipsy
+     talking and laughing all the time. It seemed as though
+     neither liked to be the first to begin; when suddenly
+     the Bulgarian turned sharp upon his antagonist, and
+     tried a favourite catch, but quick as lightning the
+     lithe figure of the gipsy eluded the grasp, and a sigh
+     of relief went up from his clan. The excitement was now
+     intense, and the young girl perfectly quivered with
+     nervous anxiety as she watched every movement of her
+     swain. She would have made a splendid picture! They
+     were still walking round, and it seemed as though the
+     struggle would never begin, when, lo! a simultaneous
+     cry went forth from the whole crowd, as the great
+     Bulgarian lay sprawling, and half stunned, upon the
+     ground.
+
+     The movements of the gipsy had been so quick, that it
+     was impossible to say how the throw was done, but the
+     Bulgarian was turned almost a somersault in the air,
+     and came down with a heavy thud. The young champion
+     shook him by the hand, lifted the heavy man high into
+     the air, and then set him on his feet. The face of the
+     young girl, as she handed back her hero his jacket, was
+     pleasant to look upon. Lucky man! As she took him by
+     the hand, and led him away to wherever he came from, I
+     began to think there might be a worse fate than being a
+     gipsy....
+
+     I was so attracted by the wrestling scene at
+     Barakli-Djumaa, that I lost much time, and had to push
+     on quickly, in order that we might reach a khan,
+     perched up in a small village amongst the mountains
+     which lay between us and Salonica.
+
+
+OLD ENGLISH WRESTLING.
+
+Our acquaintance or familiarity with Old English wrestling is, as may be
+surmised, circumscribed. We have therefore endeavoured, in part, to
+introduce the southern ring in the introductory chapter. In carrying out
+the attempt, considerable and important assistance has been derived from
+having the benefit of referring to a rare and curious work by Sir Thomas
+Parkyns, a distinguished wrestler and writer in the early part of the
+eighteenth century. According to Dr. Deering, in his _History of
+Nottingham_, a copy of Sir Thomas's work was forwarded to His Majesty
+George I., with a manuscript dedication. Sir Thomas further intimates: "I
+invite _all_ Persons, however Dignifi'd or Distinguish'd, to read my Book."
+So say we,--for a more thorough-going and candid book we do not know; a
+book containing many curious home-thrusts and quaint sayings, bearing upon
+the art and mystery of wrestling. We can fully endorse the words of the
+Nottinghamshire baronet, when he says: "For my own part, I transcribe after
+no Man, having practical Experience for my Guide in this whole Art, and
+intirely rely on Observations made with the utmost Accuracy."
+
+The art of wrestling in the present day is chiefly confined to the lower
+classes of the people. This is more especially the case in the south of
+Lancashire. In the north, yeomen's sons and farmers' sons are often
+exceedingly clever in the wrestling ring. The sport was, however, more
+highly esteemed by all classes of the ancients, and made considerable
+figure among the Olympic games. In the ages of chivalry, too, to wrestle
+well was accounted one of the accomplishments which a hero ought to
+possess.
+
+The inhabitants of Cornwall and Devonshire, we are well assured, from time
+immemorial have been celebrated for their expertness in this pastime, and
+are universally said to be, in their style, the best wrestlers in the
+kingdom. To give a Cornish hug, used to be a proverbial expression. "The
+Cornish," says Fuller, "are masters of the art of wrestling, so that, if
+the Olympic games were now in fashion, they would come away with the
+victory. Their hug is a cunning close with their combatants, the fruit
+whereof is his fair fall or foil at the least." They learned the art at an
+early period of life, "for you shall hardly find," says Carew, in his
+Survey of Cornwall, 1602, "an assembly of boys in Devon and Cornwall, where
+the most untowardly amongst them, will not as readily give you a muster (or
+trial) of this exercise as you are prone to require it."
+
+     "In old times," says Stow (in his Survey of London),
+     "wrestling was more used than has been of later years.
+     In the month of August about the feast of St.
+     Bartholomew," adds this very accurate historian,
+     "there were divers days spent in wrestling. The Lord
+     Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriffs being present in a large
+     tent pitched for that purpose near Clerkenwell.... But
+     of late years the wrestling is only practised in the
+     afternoon of St. Bartholomew's day." The ceremony is
+     thus described by a foreign writer, who was an
+     eye-witness of the performance. "When," says he, "the
+     Mayor goes out of the precincts of the city, a sceptre,
+     a sword, and a cap, are borne before him, and he is
+     followed by the principal Aldermen in scarlet gowns
+     with golden chains; and himself and they on horseback.
+     Upon their arrival at the place appointed for that
+     purpose, where a tent is pitched for their reception,
+     the mob begins to wrestle before them two at a
+     time."[3]
+
+The following quaint and curious description of the row, and destruction of
+property after the wrestling, at the "Hospitall of Matilde"--so different
+from our peacably conducted northern rings--copied literally from _Stow's
+Annals of England_, will, we opine, be interesting to our readers.
+
+     In the year 1222--Henry the III. reign, on St. James
+     daie,--the citizens of London kept games of defence and
+     wrestling, neare unto the Hospitall of Matilde, where
+     they gotte the masterie of the men of the Suburbes. The
+     Bailiffe of Westminster devising to be revenged,
+     proclaims a game to be at Westminster, upon Lammas day;
+     whereunto the citizens of London repaired; when they
+     had plaid a while the Bailie with the men of the
+     Suberbesses, harnessed themselves and fell to fighting,
+     that the citizens being foullie wounded, were forced to
+     runne into the Citie, where they rang the common Bell,
+     and assembled the Citizens in great numbers; and when
+     the matter was declared everie man wished to revenge
+     the fact. The maior of the citie, being a wise man and
+     a quiet, willed them first to move the _Abbot of
+     Westminster_ of the matter, and if he woulde promise to
+     see amends made, it was sufficient. But a certaine
+     Citizen named Constantine Fitz Arnulph, willed that all
+     Houses of the Abbot and Bayliffe should be pulled
+     doune, which wordes being once spoken, the common
+     people issued out of the Citie, without anie order, and
+     fought a civill battaile, and pulled doune manie
+     houses.
+
+On March 31st, 1654, the Puritan parliament passed "An Ordinance
+Prohibiting Cock Matches"--(i.e., cock-fightings)--and likewise issued
+excommunications against well-nigh all classes of sports and pastimes;
+nevertheless, we find that Cromwell relaxed the strung bow by times, and
+indulged himself in witnessing some Hurling and Wrestling matches in Hyde
+Park, as the following quotation from the Commonwealth newspaper, _The
+Moderate Intelligencer_, amply testifies:--
+
+     Hyde-Park, May 1, [1654.] This day there was a hurling
+     of a great ball, by fifty Cornish gentlemen on the one
+     side, and fifty on the other: one party played in red
+     caps and the other in white. There was present HIS
+     HIGHNESS THE LORD PROTECTOR, many of his privy council,
+     and divers eminent gentlemen, to whose view was
+     presented great agility of body and most neat and
+     exquisite _wrestling_ at every meeting of one with the
+     other, which was ordered with such dexterity, that it
+     was to show more the strength, vigour, and nimbleness
+     of their bodies, than to endanger their persons. The
+     ball they played with was silver, and designed for the
+     party that won the goal.
+
+     The same newspaper continues: This day was more
+     observed by people's going a _maying_ than for divers
+     years past, and indeed much sin committed by wicked
+     meetings with fiddlers, drunkenness, ribaldry, and the
+     like: great resort came to Hyde-Park, many hundred of
+     rich coaches, and gallants in rich attire, but most
+     shameful powdered-hair men, and painted and spotted
+     women; some men played with a silver ball, and some
+     took other recreation.
+
+Later on John Evelyn's _Diary_ furnishes us with a view of wrestling for
+fabulous sums. We think a hundred pounds, given at a meeting in the present
+day, a large and tempting amount. The following, however, taking into
+consideration the value of money upwards of two hundred years ago, does
+seem astounding: "1669--19 Feb.--I saw a comedy acted at Court. In the
+afternoon, I saw a wrestling match for L1000, in St. James Park, before His
+Majesty, a world of lords and other spectators; 'twixt the Western and
+Northern men; Mr. Secretary Morice and Lo. Gerard being the Judges. The
+Western Men won. Many great sums were betted."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+After the foregoing brief notice of ancient wrestling, we shall proceed to
+crave the reader's attention to a similar pastime after the style practised
+in the counties of Devon and Cornwall. In doing so, we are fortunately
+enabled to gather important information from a rare and interesting old
+book, by Sir Thomas Parkyns, previously referred to, and first published in
+the year 1713. This work was held in such high estimation, that in 1727, a
+third edition had to be printed; and as the circulation would, in a great
+measure, be confined to the southern parts of the kingdom, such a rapid
+and numerous sale must be taken to indicate extraordinary popularity. It
+will be gathered, the manner of wrestling differs materially from the
+scientific, manly, back-hold Cumbrian method. The space, however, devoted
+to the "Cornish Hugg," even in a work professedly devoted to northern
+sports, will it is confidently presumed prove acceptable, particularly to
+readers who admire the "Art of Wrestling," which the Nottinghamshire
+baronet designates as "most Useful and Diverting to Mankind," and
+"Diverting, Healthful Studies and Exercises." Such are the means by which
+he avers "You will restore Posterity, to the Vigour, Activity, and Health
+of their Ancestors; and the setting up of one Palaestra in every Town, will
+be the pulling down of treble its Number of _Apothecaries' Shops_."
+
+    "Thus were our _Britons_, in the Days of Old,
+    By Sports made hardy, and by Action bold,
+    And were they, now, inur'd to exercise,
+    And all their Strugglings were for Virtue's Prize.
+    _Man_ against _Man_, would not for Power contend,
+    No Lust of Wealth would _Hugg_ a private End,
+    Nor _Each_ would _Wrestle_ to supplant his Friend."
+
+    W. T., on _Inn-Play, or the Cornish-Hugg_.
+
+Not content with this glowing eulogium on a sport long dear to Cumberland
+and Westmorland, and as emphatic as any ever uttered on the Swifts at
+Carlisle, the enthusiastic baronet goes on to say:--
+
+     "No doubt but Wrestling, which does not only employ and
+     exercise the Hands, Feet, and all other Parts of human
+     Frame, may well be stiled both an _Art_ and _Science_;
+     however, I will do my endeavour, both _Hip_ and
+     _Thigh_, that Wrestling shall be no more look'd upon by
+     the Diligent as a Mystery."
+
+     Sir Thomas finds "Wrestling was one of the five
+     Olympick Games, and that they oil'd their Bodies, not
+     only to make their Joints more Supple and Plyable; but
+     that their Antagonist might be less capable to take
+     fast hold of them....
+
+     "I advise all my Scholars ne'er to Exercise upon a full
+     Stomach, but to take light Liquids of easy Digestion,
+     to support Nature, and maintain Strength only. Whilst
+     at Westminster, I could not learn any Thing, from their
+     Irregular and Rude Certamina, or Struggles; and when I
+     went to Cambridge, I then, as a Spectator, only
+     observ'd the vast Difference betwixt the Norfolk
+     Out-Players and the Cornish-Huggers, and that the
+     latter could throw the other when they pleas'd.... The
+     Use and Application of the Mathematicks here in
+     Wrestling, I owe to Dr. Bathurst, my Tutor, and Sir
+     Isaac Newton, Mathematick Professor, both of Trinity
+     College in Cambridge."
+
+     He goes on to say: "I advise you to be no Smatterer,
+     but a thorough-pac'd Wrestler, Perfect and Quick, in
+     breaking and taking all Holds; otherwise whene'er you
+     break a Hold, if you don't proceed sharply to give your
+     Adversary a Fall, according to the several following
+     Paragraphs, you're not better than one engag'd at
+     Sharps, who only parries his Adversary, but does not
+     pursue him with a binding and home Thrust."
+
+     The following warnings are especially worthy a
+     wrestler's attention: "Whoever would be a compleat
+     Wrestler, must avoid being overtaken in Drink, which
+     very much enervates, or being in a Passion at the sight
+     of his Adversary, or having receiv'd a Fall, in such
+     Cases he's bereav'd of his Senses, not being Master of
+     himself, is less of his Art, but sheweth too much Play,
+     or none at all, or rather pulleth, kicketh, and
+     ventureth beyond all Reason and his Judgment, when
+     himself.
+
+    _Foecundi calices quam non fecere Misellum._
+    That Man's a Fool that hopes for Good,
+    From flowing Bowls and fev'rish Blood."
+
+He goes on to remark that sticking to these observations will enable a good
+wrestler to "stand Champion longer for the Country, as appears by my Friend
+Richard Allen of Hucknall, alias Green, (from his Grandfather, who educated
+him) who has wore the Bays, and frequently won most Prizes, besides other
+By-Matches, reign'd Champion of Nottinghamshire, and the Neighbouring
+Counties for twenty Years at least, and about 8 Months before this was
+Printed, he Wrestled for a small Prize, where at least twelve Couples were
+Competitors, and without much Fatigue won it. Whoever understands
+Wrestling, will ne'er call the Out-Play a safe and secure Play; besides the
+Inn-Play will sooner secure a Man's Person, when Playing at Sharps, than
+the Out, which ought to encourage Gentlemen to learn to wrestle."
+
+In this learning to Wrestle our ingenious author--turned trainer--will
+"admit no Hereditary Gouts, or Scrofulous Tumours; yet I'll readily accept
+of Scorbutick Rheumatisms, because the Persons labouring under those
+Maladies are generally strong and able to undergo the Exercise of
+Wrestling. I am so curious in my Admission, I'll not hear of one Hipp'd and
+out of Joint, a Valetudinarian is my Aversion, for I affirm, Martial (Lib.
+vi. Ep. 54) is in the Right on't, _Non est vivere sed valere vita_: I
+receive no Limberhams, no Darling Sucking-Bottles, who must not rise at
+Midsummer, till eleven of the Clock, and that the Fire has air'd his Room
+and Cloaths of his Colliquative Sweats, rais'd by high Sauces, and Spicy
+forc'd Meats, where the Cook does the Office of the Stomach with the
+Emetick Tea-Table, set out with Bread and Butter for's Breakfast: I'll
+scarce admit a Sheep-Biter, none but Beef-Eaters will go down with me, who
+have Robust, Healthy and Sound Bodies. This may serve as a Sketch of that
+Person fit to make a Wrestler, by him who only desires a Place in your
+Friendship."
+
+The baronet's beau ideal of a Wrestler's bodily formation is just such as
+we like to see in a northern ring. He "must be of a middle Size, Athletic,
+full-breasted and broad shoulder'd, for Wind and Strength; Brawny-Leg'd and
+Arm'd, yet clear-limb'd."
+
+The following rules and regulations are--some of them especially--worthy
+the consideration of those who are managers in our northern rings, at the
+present time.
+
+     _Rules and Conditions, which were to be observ'd and
+     perform'd by all and every Gamester, who Wrestled for a
+     Hat of twenty-two Shillings Price; a free Prize, which
+     was given by Sir Thomas Parkyns of Bunny, Bart., for
+     fifteen Years successively. The Gamesters which were
+     allow'd to Wrestle for the aforesaid Prize, were to
+     have it, if fairly won, according to the following
+     Rules._
+
+     1. The two Gamesters that Wrestle together, shall be
+     fairly chosen by Lot, or Scrutiny, according to the
+     usual Practice.
+
+     2. The said two Gamesters shall Wrestle till one of
+     them be thrown three Falls, and he that is first thrown
+     three Falls shall go out, and not be allow'd to Wrestle
+     again for this Prize: And it is hereby ordered and
+     agreed, that he who first comes with two Joynts at once
+     to the Ground, (as Joynts are commonly reckon'd in
+     Wrestling) shall be reputed to be thrown a Fall.
+
+     3. No Gamester shall hire another to yield to him upon
+     any condition whatsoever; and if any such Practice be
+     discovered, neither of them shall be capable of the
+     Prize.
+
+     4. But he that stands the longest and is not thrown out
+     by any one, shall have the Prize, provided he does not
+     forfeit his right, by breach of these Rules; if he do,
+     the Gamester that stands the longest, and observes
+     these Rules, shall have it.
+
+     5. If any Differences shall happen concerning the
+     Wrestling, they shall be determined by two Men, which
+     shall be chosen by the most Voices of the Gamesters,
+     before they begin to Wrestle; and in case they can't
+     decide such Differences, then they shall be referr'd
+     solely to the Decision of the said Sir Thomas Parkyns
+     as UMPIRE.
+
+     6. He that Wins the Prize and Sells it, shall be
+     uncapable of Wrestling here any more.
+
+     7. That none shall have the Prize, that Wrestle with
+     Shoes that have any sort of Nails of Iron or Brass in
+     them.
+
+     8. He also that Winneth the Prize one Year, shall be
+     Excluded from Wrestling for it the Year following, but
+     the next year after that, viz. the third inclusive the
+     first, he may put in and Wrestle for the Prize again;
+     and ever after that, unless he shall Win a second
+     Prize, and from that time ever after Excluded.
+
+Sir Thomas Parkyns, Bart, of Bunny Park, Nottinghamshire, the author of the
+ingenious and singular work before us--from which we have quoted
+largely--upon the Cornish Hugg, or Inn-Play Wrestling, was a man who did
+not content himself with a mere theoretical knowledge of the art which he
+professed mathematically to teach. There was scarcely a sinewy and
+dangerous problem in his treatise, which he had not worked with his own
+limbs upon the Nottinghamshire peasantry of 1705--when he was young, lusty,
+and learned, and could throw a tenant, combat a paradox, quote Martial, or
+sign a mittimus, with any man of his own age or country. He was, it will be
+allowed, a skilful wrestler, a subtle disputant, and a fair scholar, with
+certain eccentricities which he could afford to indulge in. He passed a
+very reputable life; doing all the good he could to the peasantry of his
+neighbourhood, both in body and mind; at once showing how to be strong and
+enabling them to be happy.
+
+Sir Thomas Parkyns was born about the year 1678--whether at his paternal
+seat, Bunny Park, Nottinghamshire, or in London, we are unable to
+collect--probably in London, as we find him early at Westminster school,
+wrestling his way through the classics, under the celebrated Dr. Bushby.
+The epigrams of Martial appear, first, to have led him to turn serious
+thoughts towards wrestling--and he does not relish the poet the less for
+finding that he himself practised this healthy art after his daily prayer
+and family business.
+
+From Westminster, Sir Thomas after a due course of little-to-do and Bushby,
+went to Trinity College, Cambridge, and studied mathematics as we gather
+afterwards for the chief purpose of making himself an accomplished
+scientific wrestler. At the then celebrated place of learning, "Students,"
+he says, "even at the Universities, give the Exercise of Wrestling, and lie
+under a pecuniary Mulct for not appearing in the Summer evenings appointed
+for that Exercise."
+
+Happy and long was the life which Sir Thomas led at Bunny Park. A "bold
+peasantry, its country's pride," by his advice and example grew up
+gallantly around him. He gave prizes of small value, but large honour, to
+be wrestled for on sweet midsummer eves upon the green levels of
+Nottinghamshire, and he never felt so gratified with the scene as when he
+saw one of his manly tenantry and the evening sun go down together. He
+himself was no idle patron of these amusements--no delicate and timid
+superintendent of popular sports, as our modern wealthy men for the most
+part are; for he never objected to take the most sinewy man by the loins,
+and try a fall for the gold-laced hat he himself contributed. His servants
+were all upright, muscular, fine young fellows--civil but sinewy;
+respectful at the proper hours, but yet capable also at the proper hour of
+wrestling with Sir Thomas for the mastery; and never so happy or so well
+approved as when one of them saw his master's two brawny legs going
+handsomely over his head. Sir Thomas prided himself, indeed, in having his
+coachman and footman lusty young fellows, that had brought good characters
+for sobriety from their last places, and had laid him on his spine.[4]
+
+Lord Thomas Manners, who learned the art of Broad-Sword exercise from Sir
+Thomas Parkyns, thus addresses his master, on May 21st, 1720, from
+Belvoir:--
+
+     "Happy is it for us that we have in this effeminate,
+     weak Age of powder'd Essence-Bottles, and Curled
+     Coxcombs, a Person of rough Manners, and a robust
+     Constitution; one that can stand upon his own Legs,
+     after Droves of those modern waxen Things have fallen
+     before him; one that instructs Englishmen to deserve
+     the Title, and teaches 'em to make their Broad-Swords
+     the Terror of all Europe. Men like you liv'd, when
+     Greece knew her happiest Days. It was a Spirit like
+     your's that instituted and supported the Olympic Games.
+     But when their luxurious Neighbours once taught 'em to
+     sleep till Twelve o' the Day, to pin up their Locks in
+     Papers, to come from the Boxes of their Chariots into
+     the Insides of 'em; to use Almond-Paste, and
+     Rose-Water; in short, to quit Roast-Beef, and Hasty
+     Pudding, for Soups and Ragouts; the Empire of the World
+     was taken from them, and translated to the tough,
+     sinewy Romans; and when they ceas'd to merit these
+     Epithets, their Eagle drooped her Wings, and the Brawny
+     Britons were the Favourites of Mars."
+
+A fitting conclusion to the preceding notice of the much esteemed Bunny
+Park baronet, will be come to by bestowing a passing notice on the
+monumental memorial erected to his memory, in Broadmore church,
+Nottinghamshire. The "ruling passion" is made apparent, even after death
+had given Sir Thomas the last "Hugg." On one side of the monument he is
+represented in wrestling attitude; on another he appears thrown a back fall
+by Time. The following is a free translation of the Latin inscription:--
+
+    "Here lies, O Time! the victim of thy hand,
+    The noblest Wrestler on the British strand;
+    His nervous arm each bold opposer quell'd,
+    In feats of strength by none but thee excell'd;
+    Till springing up at the last trumpet's call,
+    He conquers thee, who, will have conquer'd all."
+
+The inscription further depicts him as an estimable landlord; for it is
+recorded on the tablet, that with his wife's fortune he purchased estates,
+and erected for the tenants new farm houses.
+
+Sir Thomas Parkyns died in 1751.
+
+In his will there is bequeathed a guinea a year to be wrestled for every
+midsummer day at Broadmore.
+
+We venture to surmise that our north country readers--more especially those
+interested in the sport half a century ago--will be struck with a
+similarity in the wrestling career and character of Sir Thomas Parkyns, and
+one of the great ornaments and enthusiastic advocates of the northern ring,
+namely, Professor Wilson. To us it appears there is a striking similitude.
+One, like the other, ranks amongst the cleverest and most scientific in
+their different modes of wrestling; one, like the other, had about the same
+social standing; one, like the other, somewhat eccentric in early life. One
+delighted with encouraging and upholding his favourite amusement in Bunny
+Park; the other happy when he could get together a goodly muster of
+athletes from the villages, the valleys, and mountain sides of the Lake
+district, at Bowness, Low Wood, or Ambleside--all within easy walking
+distance of Elleray, his beautifully situate Windermere mansion.
+
+
+WRESTLING IN SCOTLAND.
+
+In the year 1827, a society styled the "Saint Ronan's Border Club," was
+established at Innerleithen, near Peebles, the object of which was to
+revive the old martial spirit of the Borders, to encourage the practice of
+out-door sports and pastimes, and to yield amusement to the visitors of
+this sequestered watering place. Lockhart, in his life of Sir Walter Scott,
+(after giving an account of the publication of the novel of _St. Ronan's
+Well_, in 1823,) thus proceeds to describe the establishment of the annual
+gathering at Innerleithen:--
+
+     Among other consequences of the revived fame of the
+     place, a yearly festival was instituted for the
+     celebration of _The St. Ronan's Border Games_. A club
+     of _Bowmen of the Border_, arrayed in doublets of
+     Lincoln green, with broad blue bonnets, and having the
+     Ettrick Shepherd for Captain, assumed the principal
+     management of this exhibition; and Sir Walter was well
+     pleased to be enrolled among them, and during several
+     years was a regular attendant, both on the Meadow,
+     where (besides archery) leaping, racing, wrestling,
+     stone-heaving, and hammer-throwing, went on opposite to
+     the noble old Castle of Traquair, and at the subsequent
+     banquet, where Hogg, in full costume, always presided
+     as master of the ceremonies. In fact, a gayer spectacle
+     than that of the _St. Ronan's Games_, in those days,
+     could not well have been desired. The Shepherd, even
+     when on the verge of threescore, exerted himself
+     lustily in the field, and seldom failed to carry off
+     some of the prizes, to the astonishment of his
+     vanquished juniors; and the _bon-vivants_ of Edinburgh
+     mustered strong among the gentry and yeomanry of
+     Tweeddale to see him afterwards in his glory filling
+     the president's chair with eminent success, and
+     commonly supported on this--which was in fact the
+     grandest evening of his year--by Sir Walter Scott,
+     Professor Wilson, Sir Adam Ferguson, and _Peter_
+     Robertson.
+
+The Earl of Traquair was patron of the club, and among the members not
+mentioned by Lockhart, occur the names of the Duke of Buccleuch, Lord
+Napier, Robert Gladstone of Liverpool, William Blackwood, James Ballantyne,
+and Adam Wilson, captain of the Six-Feet Club.[5] At a later date,
+Glassford Bell, sheriff of Lanarkshire, took great interest in these
+sports.
+
+The games continued to be celebrated yearly in the early autumn, and lasted
+two days, the second day being mostly devoted to archery. Among the various
+athletes who entered the lists, the following are probably the most
+noteworthy. Professor Wilson (Christopher North,) threw the hammer; James
+Hogg tried his hand at the bow and the rifle, but yet--in despite of
+Lockhart's praise--the Shepherd did more doughty deeds with the grey-goose
+quill than with either of those weapons. Robert Bell, from Jed Water, was
+the champion "putter" of the stone, and could have been matched against
+any man in the three kingdoms, in throwing the sixteen or twenty-one pound
+ball--he upon his knees, and his opponent on his feet. An advertisement
+appeared in a leading newspaper, to back him for L100 against all comers,
+the challenge to hold good for twelve months, but there was no one to take
+it up. The Harper brothers, farmers near Innerleithen, held several prizes
+for throwing the hammer; and Leyden of Denholme, the champion leaper, could
+spring thirty-two feet, at three standing leaps, including the backward and
+forward leaps over the same ground.
+
+The first competition was held at Innerleithen on the 26th of September,
+1827; and among other prizes competed for, the Six-Feet Club of Edinburgh
+gave a silver medal to the best wrestler in the back-hold style, as
+practised in Cumberland and Westmorland. The introduction of this mode of
+wrestling into Scotland, may probably be attributed to the great interest
+which Professor Wilson took in the formation of these games. The prize in
+1827, was gained by George Scougal, a native of Innerleithen. On one side
+of the medal was the following inscription:--
+
+     "Presented by the Six-Feet Club, to the St. Ronan's
+     Border Club, to be awarded to the best Wrestler, at
+     their first Gymnastic Competition, at Innerleithen,
+     26th September, 1827."
+
+And on the reverse side, the following quotation from Waller:--
+
+    "Great Julius, on the mountain bred,
+    A flock perchance or herd had led:
+    He who subdued the world had been
+    But the best Wrestler on the green."
+
+    Gained by GEORGE SCOUGAL, Innerleithen.
+
+    Thirty-two competitors.
+
+Scougal carried off, also, the head prize for Wrestling, at the St. Ronan's
+Games, for the years 1828 and 1829. After performing these feats, he was
+"outlawed"--that is, he was excluded from contending again in the same
+arena, for the three years which followed. When past the prime of life, he
+was induced to enter the wrestling ring again, which he very unwillingly
+did, after much persuasion, and once more succeeded in bearing off first
+honours.
+
+In his day, Scougal was looked upon as the champion wrestler on the
+Scottish side of the Borders. At the St. Ronan's Games, he gained six
+medals for wrestling and throwing the hammer; and, likewise, a considerable
+number of trophies at other local meetings. A stout massive built man, he
+stood five feet eleven inches high, and weighed from fifteen to sixteen
+stones. With little or no knowledge of scientific wrestling, he
+nevertheless proved more than a match for all comers, by the herculean
+amount of power he possessed in the shoulders and arms.
+
+His usual mode of attack was to gather an opponent well to his breast, and
+then by sheer strength keep him there until a favourable opportunity
+presented itself to rush him upon his back. When excited or ruffled in
+temper, he gripped his man quickly and firmly, and then, in spite of all
+struggles or clicks, threw him over his hip. These movements were the
+nearest approach to science known to Scougal.
+
+Scougal was a butcher by trade, and is thus referred to in the _Noctes
+Ambrosiana_, in the Shepherd's parlance: "Geordie Scougal slauchered a
+beast last market day at Innerleithen, and his meat's aye prime." On one
+occasion, he actually felled a bullock with a blow from his fist; and in
+the smithy, which adjoined his slaughter-house, he not unfrequently
+exhibited feats of surpassing strength, one of which was to lift a waggon
+axle and two wheels, with a heavy man seated at each end of the axle. His
+skill in throwing the hammer was well known, and during his early manhood
+he carried off most of the leading prizes. At several meetings, the Harpers
+came into competition with him, but never approached any nearer than second
+to the dual Border champion of wrestling and throwing the hammer. Old
+people, who remember Scougal's earliest efforts, describe him as a
+veritable Goliath of Gath in strength, but--unless unduly excited--as
+gentle as a woman in manner and bearing.
+
+After Scougal's three years had elapsed, Robert Michie of Hawick, came to
+the fore as amateur wrestler. Michie took the belt at St. Ronan's, and kept
+it about two years. He was present at most of the gymnastic gatherings on
+the Borders, and carried off many prizes for wrestling and hammer throwing.
+At the Hawick Border Games in 1831, he threw Thomas Emmerson, from the
+neighbourhood of Carlisle,[6] after an exciting contest of some duration.
+His hammer throwing at St. Ronan's was inimitable, and has been described
+by the Ettrick Shepherd in the "Bridal of Polmood."
+
+Michie is introduced anachronically into the "Royal Bridal," in Wilson's
+_Tales of the Borders_, after the following fashion:--
+
+     At a distance from the pavilion,... was a crowd
+     composed of some seven or eight hundred peasantry
+     engaged in and witnessing the athletic games of the
+     Borders. Among the competitors was one called Meikle
+     Robin, or Robin Meikle. He was strength personified.
+     His stature exceeded six feet; his shoulders were
+     broad, his chest round, his limbs well and strongly put
+     together. He was a man of prodigious bone and sinews.
+     At throwing the hammer, at putting the stone, no man
+     could stand before him. He distanced all who came
+     against him, and, while he did so, he seemed to put
+     forth not half his strength, while his skill appeared
+     equal to the power of his arm.
+
+The following notice of the wrestling at Saint Ronan's, for 1831, is copied
+from the _Edinburgh Literary Journal_:--
+
+     Wrestling is not a Scotch game, as will be conceded by
+     every one who has been present at the Carlisle and
+     Saint Ronan's games. There is strength enough among our
+     peasantry, but it is the ore--it has never been moulded
+     for a practical purpose. Men came forward on this
+     occasion, who never would have dreamed of thrusting
+     their noses into an English ring; and they set to work
+     in a slovenly unhandsome way--some of them armed
+     _cap-a-pie_--hat, coat, and shoes. Still, amid the
+     motley crew you might recognise men who knew both how
+     to seize and to wield their antagonists. The art only
+     needs encouragement; and we trust next meeting will
+     witness a better turn-out.
+
+There were other local athletes, who figured in the ring at Saint Ronan's,
+almost a match for Scougal. George Best of Yarrow, tailor, possessed far
+more science than the Innerleithen butcher, and was the holder of several
+prizes. Best, likewise, finds a niche in the _Noctes Ambrosiana_ of
+October, 1828, where the Shepherd is made to exclaim:--"Tibbie's married.
+The tailor carried her aff frae them a'--the flyin' tailor o' Ettrick,
+sir--him that can do fifteen yards, at hap-step-and-loup, back and forward
+on level grun'--stood second ae year in the ring at Carlisle--can put a
+stane within a foot o' Jedburgh Bell himsell, and fling the hammer neist
+best ower a' the border to Geordie Scougal o' Innerleithen."
+
+In which year of grace, we wonder, did Best stand second in the Carlisle
+ring? Wilson's memory must have proved treacherous when he penned this
+sentence. At all events, if Best _did_ wrestle second, "ae year in the
+ring at Carlisle," it must have been for some minor prize, long since
+forgotten.
+
+Abraham Clark of Calzie, farmer, a man of powerful frame, entered the ring
+after Scougal was "outlawed," and did some noteworthy feats.
+
+Another man, also remembered as a prize taker in the ring at Saint Ronan's,
+was Walter Scott of Selkirk, carrier.
+
+At Miles End, in Northumberland, athletic games were kept up until
+recently. Young men from both sides of the Borders entered keenly into
+these contests; and one noteworthy peculiarity of them was, that of keeping
+up the old national characteristic of Englishmen being pitted against
+Scotchmen, and Scotchmen against Englishmen. This mode of contesting was
+the means of producing many splendid feats of agility and prowess, but was
+apt to degenerate into mere exhibitions of warm blood, which too frequently
+ended in blows being exchanged by the rival combatants. Remnants of these
+contests may be witnessed to this day, at the annual fair at Stagshawbank,
+between the shepherds from the Reed, Liddle, Coquet, and Tyne, and those
+from the Slitrig, Jed, Oxmoor, Kail, and Teviot. Wrestling was always a
+leading sport at these gatherings; single-stick, tilting, leaping, and
+foot-racing, were also practised; and hence the devotion shown to these and
+similar athletic pastimes by the sturdy race of people living on both sides
+of the Cheviots.
+
+
+IRISH WRESTLING.
+
+The "collar and elbow" is the national style of wrestling in Ireland--that
+is, to take hold of an opponent's collar with one hand, and his elbow with
+the other. The fall is won if an opponent touches the ground with his hand,
+knee, back, or side, as in the Cumberland and Westmorland style.
+
+A wrestling match was witnessed in Phoenix Park, Dublin, in the autumn of
+1876, which may serve to illustrate to some extent the manner of
+proceeding. A ring was formed, around which seven or eight thousand people
+gathered, and two coats laid in the centre of the ring. Presently a
+wrestler enters, and dons one of the coats, which was a challenge for any
+man to take up the other coat. Another wrestler shortly after enters, and
+then, when due preliminaries are gone through, the tussle commenced in
+earnest. But how it proceeded, or how it ended--whether the struggle was an
+arduous one, or the victory an easy one--our informant could not tell.
+
+At the termination of the Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling held at the
+British Lion, Redcross Street, London, on August 21st, 1844, one Kelly, an
+Irishman, challenged any native of either of the above counties, to
+wrestle for a sovereign, in the collar and elbow style, the gainer of the
+first three falls, out of five, to be the winner. This offer was accepted
+by Edward Stainton, a native of Westmorland. And after three-quarters of an
+hour's good play, Stainton had floored his man three times in succession.
+Kelly was second in the leaping match at the same sports.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     [NOTE.--We regret exceedingly the great paucity of our
+     information on the subject of Irish Wrestling.
+     Enquiries were made in many and various ways, without
+     success. Any information respecting two or three of the
+     representative wrestlers of the Green Isle, addressed
+     to the _local_ publishers, will be very acceptable.]
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[1] Daikles, the Messenian, was the first who had the honour of being
+crowned with the simple wreath woven from the sacred olive-tree near
+Olympia, for his victory in the Stadium.
+
+[2] Hill's Essays.
+
+[3] Strutt's Sports and Pastimes.
+
+[4] Retrospective Review.
+
+[5] Professor Wilson was anxious to get enrolled in the Six-Feet Club, but
+could not manage it. He was just half-an-inch too short.
+
+[6] Emmerson was a powerful built man, a mason by trade, who wrestled for
+several years in the Carlisle and other rings, with moderate success. He
+won the head prize at Hawick in 1835.
+
+
+
+
+CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORLAND WRESTLING.
+
+    Wrestlers of Cumberland,
+      Good fellows all;
+    Wrestlers of Westmorland,
+      Stout lads and tall:
+    Ye who are thrown to-day,
+    Rise more alert and gay,
+    Next year make the play,
+      Good fellows all.
+
+    _King Arthur's Round Table Ballad_, 1824.
+
+
+Wrestling, as a matter of course, occupies a prominent position in our
+review of Northern Pastimes, more especially from the commencement to the
+end of the time to which our notices extend. Some of the other sports are
+now remembered only as illustrating the habits of a byegone period. In this
+last are to be classed Bull-baiting and Cock-fighting: condemned now as
+cruel and torturing by all classes, but deserving of record from their
+encouragement and popularity in times past. Others of a less objectionable
+type are extinct as well. That almost all were looked upon with disfavour
+by a considerable portion of the community, in the old Puritan times of
+Cromwell, the following curious extract will abundantly testify. It is
+quoted from THE AGREEMENT OF THE ASSOCIATED MINISTERS AND CHURCHES OF THE
+COUNTIES OF CUMBERLAND AND WESTMERLAND. _London: Printed by T. L. for Simon
+Waterson, and are sold at the sign of the Globe in Paul's Churchyard, and
+by Richard Scot, Bookseller in Carlisle, 1656._
+
+"All scandalous persons hereafter mentioned are to be suspended from the
+Sacrament of the Lord's Supper: this is to say ... any person that shall
+upon the Lord's Day use any dancing, playing at dice, or cards, or any
+other game, masking, wakes, shooting, playing, playing at football, stool
+ball, _Wrestling_; or that shall make resort to any Playes, interludes,
+fencing, bull baiting, bear baiting; or that shall use hawking, hunting, or
+coursing, fishing or fowling; or that shall publikely expose any wares to
+sale otherwise than is provided by an Ordinance of Parliament of the sixth
+of April, 1649.... These Counties of Cumberland and Westmerland have been
+hitherto as a Proverb and a by-word in respect of ignorance and
+prophaneness; Men were ready to say of them as the Jews of Nazareth, Can
+any good thing come out of them?"
+
+This intolerant anathema did not put a stop to the practice of Wrestling,
+on fine summer evenings, at nearly all the villages of Cumberland and
+Westmorland--a practice, we opine, less detrimental to the formation of a
+good rural peasantry than loitering about or brawling in village
+ale-houses. It was, however, upwards of a century and a half after, before
+back-hold wrestling assumed the importance it has attained. A passing
+notice of doings in the ring, in a long ago period, may nevertheless be
+interesting.
+
+In King Edward the Sixth's time, somewhere between 1547 and 1553, a
+gigantic youth of great strength and in wrestling practice, resided at
+Troutbeck, near Windermere. His name was Gilpin, or Herd. His mother was
+driven away from Furness with child--generally asserted in the
+neighbourhood--to one of the monks of Furness Abbey. The mother afterwards
+led a tramping and begging sort of life, and drew to a house in Troutbeck
+belonging to the Crown. The house and some adjoining land were conferred by
+the king on a retainer, who on attempting to take possession, met with
+determined opposition from the desperate woman, and her wild son Gilpin,
+or, as he was familiarly called, the "Cork Lad of Kentmere." This led to
+the "Lad"--then about twenty years old--being summoned to London. He set
+off on foot, in a home-spun dress, and after many strange adventures and
+shifty expedients, reached the end of his long journey. Soon after
+arriving, the king held a meeting for athletic contests. The wild-looking
+northerner was present, and ascended the stage to contend with the
+champion wrestler. He easily won the first fall. In the second, he threw
+the champion clear off the stage. After astonishing the spectators by
+several other muscular performances, the king sent for him, and enquired
+who and what he was, and where he came from. He told the king he did not
+know his own name, but "folk commonly co' me the Cork Lad o' Kentmere!" The
+king desiring to know the sort of food he lived on at home, received this
+quaint reply, "Thick porridge an' milk that a mouse might walk on dry shod,
+to my breakfast; an' the sunny side of a wedder to my dinner, when I can
+get it." Being acknowledged champion, the king wished to confer some reward
+as a distinction, and asked him to state what he wished. He begged to have
+the house he lived in at Troutbeck, and land adjacent to get peat off, and
+wood from Troutbeck Park for fire. These were soon made over to him. He did
+not enjoy the generous gift for any lengthened period; for at the age of
+forty-two, he got so injured in attempting to pull up a tree by the roots,
+that he died from the effects. Leaving no children or will, the estate
+reverted to the Crown, and King Charles the First granted it to Huddleston
+Philipson of Calgarth.
+
+It appears that Kentmere Hall in Kentmere--a secluded pastoral dale, some
+dozen miles north of Kendal, and running in another dozen miles up to the
+steep sides of Hill Bell, Nan Beild, and High Street--was built at the
+time the "Cork Lad" was in the valley. During the building, he performed a
+surprising feat of strength, by placing, without any assistance, a huge
+beam on the walls. On a Mr. Birkett being applied to by James Clarke, the
+author of the "Survey of the Lakes," for particulars respecting the well
+nigh incredible feat, he replied in the following sensible letter:--
+
+"I have taken dimensions of the beam at Kentmere Hall, which is thirty feet
+in length and thirteen inches by twelve-and-a-half in thickness. There is
+no inscription on it, as you mentioned. I shall inform you what has been
+given by tradition, (and I had it from a man that was _one hundred and four
+years old_ when he died). When the Hall was building, and the workmen gone
+to dinner, this man, whose name was Herd, happened to be there, and while
+they were at dinner, laid it up himself. At that time the Scots made
+frequent incursions into England. He with his bow and arrows killed many of
+them in coming off the mountains, at a place which still retains the name
+of 'Scot's Rake,' which is about a mile from where he lived."
+
+In the days of brave Queen Bess, lived Richard Mulcaster, whose father
+represented the city of Carlisle in Parliament. "By ancient parentage and
+lininal discent," Mulcaster was "an esquier borne; by the most famous Queen
+Elizabeth's prerogative gift," parson of Stanford Rivers church, in Essex.
+Being an earnest student, he became not only proficient in the Greek and
+Oriental languages, but also an expert archer, and thought it not
+unbecoming to his cloth to shoot by times, at "the targets for glory at
+Mile End Green." This good old clergyman loved athletic exercises so well,
+that among other learned treatises, he issued one in 1581 entitled
+"Positions; wherein those Primitive Circumstances be examined, which are
+necessarie for the training up of Children, either for Skill in their
+Booke, or Healthe in their Bodie," which was dedicated to his patron, Queen
+Elizabeth. In this quaint old quarto volume, the author discourses on the
+ancient art of "wrastling" as becometh one reared on Cumbrian soil.
+"Clemens Alexandrinus," says he, "which lived at Rome in Galenus' time, in
+the third book of his 'Pedagogue or Training Maister,' in the title of
+exercise, rejecting most kinds of wrastling, yet reserveth one as well
+beseemeing a civill trained man, whom both seemeliness for grace and
+profitableness for goode healthe do seeme to recommende. Then an exercise
+it is, and healthfully it may be used; if discretion overlook it, our
+countrey will allow it. Let us, therefore, use it as Clemens of Alexandria
+commendes it for, and make choice in our market. Wherefore not to deale
+with the catching pancratical kind of wrastling which used all kindes of
+hould to cast and overcome his adversarie, nor any other of that sorte
+which continuance hath rejected and custome hath refused, I have picked out
+two which be both civill for use, and in the using upright, without any
+great stouping. It is a friend to the head, bettereth the bulke, and
+strengtheneth the sinews. Thus much for wrastling, wherein, as in all other
+exercises, the training maister must be both cunning to judge of the thing,
+and himself present to prevente harme when the exercise is in hand."
+
+Leaving this loyal old parson to demonstrate still further his "Positions"
+to the boys of the Merchant Tailors' and St. Paul's, of both of which
+schools he was head master, we come across another worthy, Robert Dodd,
+commonly called "Miller Robin," who lived some years at Brough in
+Westmorland. He was possessed of such bodily strength as to be able to take
+a bushel of wheat, (a Carlisle bushel of ninety-six quarts,) between his
+teeth, and toss it over his shoulder. He would also lie down, and with six
+bushels of wheat placed on his back, weighing something like nine hundred
+and fifty pounds, rise up with apparently little exertion. He was also an
+expert wrestler, and very few who knew the man would contend with him for
+the annual prize belts. The following Epitaph on a Wrestler, from
+Miscellaneous Poems, by Ewan Clark of Standing Stone, near Wigton, 1779, is
+applicable to "Miller Robin."
+
+    Here lies the man beneath this stone,
+    Who often threw, but ne'er was thrown:
+    Before him his antagonists fell,
+    As many a broken bone can tell;
+    Death cry'd, "I'll try this man of strength!"
+    And laid him here at his full length.
+
+Soon after Robin had succumbed, there came out a Herculean wrestler, named
+John Woodall, a small statesman, and a native of Gosforth in West
+Cumberland. At Egremont sports, he came against one Carr, a shoemaker. Carr
+gained the fall, and at the King's Arms in the evening, began chaffing
+Woodall, who in a fit of momentary excitement, caught hold of his
+antagonist, and held him up to the ceiling of the room; and, by the
+waistband of his breeches, hung him dangling and struggling to a strong
+crook. We have alluded elsewhere to a wonderful feat of bodily strength, by
+Robert Atkinson, the Sleagill giant, in carrying a conveyance called a
+"carr" out of a dyke-back, on to the turnpike road, near Kendal. This
+unlucky vehicle had defied the efforts of three or four persons to drag it
+out, by tugging at the shafts and wheels. Very big men, since Atkinson's
+time, have somehow ceased to be wrestlers.
+
+Two stalwart Cumbrians will, however, be brought under the notice of our
+readers in the following description of Ancient Sports upon Stone Carr,
+near Greystoke. This particular, and, at the time, highly popular meeting,
+is introduced to show the description of sports that prevailed in numerous
+villages throughout the two Northern Counties at the latter part of last
+and the beginning of the present century. No doubt, the reader will be
+struck with the wide difference in the value of the prizes, as compared
+with those given in the present day, when the two Pooleys would get over
+forty pounds in money and cups, at the Burgh Barony Races of 1877. Stone
+Carr Sports had been held for many years previous to 1787, and a similar
+list of prizes given annually to these enumerated; and they seemed to give
+entire satisfaction to the crowds who assembled from Penrith, Keswick, and
+all the neighbouring villages.
+
+For the Horses--1st, a Bridle, value      L1 6s.
+  Do.      do.--2nd, a pair of Spurs       0 6s.
+For the Wrestlers                A Leathern Belt
+For the Leapers                 A pair of Gloves
+For the Foot Racers               A Handkerchief
+For the Dog Coursers          A Pewter Quart Pot
+
+Many other small prizes were given, and they brought out a strong
+determined spirit of contention amongst the competitors. The one who had
+finally--after many sturdy contests--the belt placed over his shoulders,
+was regarded as quite a distinguished individual. If there were a dance in
+the evening, it of course made him a personage of no small account. Old and
+young regarded wrestling science, wrestling distinction and strength, with
+keen relish. The Sunday following victory, the champion might be seen
+marching to church, decorated with the belt, and on the Sunday following
+showing off at another neighbouring church. And this was not the only
+distinction: the lasses, one and all, looked on him favourably. He had no
+difficulty in getting a sweetheart, and matrimonial engagements frequently
+followed the prize winning; for amongst rustics, as well as in the higher
+classes, distinction is invariably looked on as a pretty good passport to a
+lady's favour.
+
+Sometimes disputes would arise--for northern blood at sports and fairs is
+soon up--and then probably a punishing fight ensues. This, however, rarely
+happens. When it does take place, it is a fair stand up fisty-cuff fight. A
+very severe contest occurred at the Stone Carr meeting, which from the
+amazing stature and strength of the combatants, is deserving of record. Mr.
+Andrew Huddleston--an enthusiastic admirer of rustic sports--threw up the
+belt as a competitor. The country people for miles round about his own
+neighbourhood gave him the _sobriquet_ of "Girt Andrew," from his
+giant-like stature and great strength. He came against one Thomas Harrison
+of Blencow, another Titanic specimen of humanity. Probably no two of like
+Herculean proportions ever stood together to take hold. "Girt Andrew" got
+grassed with a tremendous thud, and directly offered to fight his opponent.
+Harrison, no ways backward, accepted the challenge, and both prepared for a
+set-to. An unexpected interference occurred. A Presbyterian preacher, then
+stationed at Penruddock, persuaded them to desist, and apparently seemed to
+have got the burly combatants to depart home peaceably without a resort to
+blows. The feud, however, proved to be glossed over, and not healed, for
+even after jointly partaking of a friendly glass, Mr. Huddleston again
+threw down the gauntlet, and again it was taken up. The fight was obstinate
+and terrific, both receiving fearful punishment. In the end Harrison
+triumphed. In after years they continued good neighbours, without any
+manifestation of ill feeling.
+
+Thomas Harrison had a brother named Launcelot, residing at Penruddock, who
+followed the occupation of a blacksmith. This man also possessed amazing
+strength, and was of gigantic stature. When dead, his remains were taken to
+Greystoke, and buried there. Some years after, the grave digger, in making
+another grave, dug into Launcelot's. He took out the jaw bone, and it
+proved to be half as big again as the sexton's, who was a stout six feet
+man.[7]
+
+Another Penruddock champion died in 1791, at the age of four score and six
+years, who was styled at that date, "the last of the northern giants." This
+was Matthias Nicholson, who, through a lengthened period, stood unrivalled
+at all the wrestlings and other athletic exercises and manly sports, which
+took place in the neighbourhood. His height was six feet two inches, and
+his bulk in proportion.
+
+The top of High Street, a mountain near Haweswater, in Westmorland, seems a
+strange situation for holding Wrestlings, Jumpings, Horse Races, and other
+sports. This mountain is 2,700 feet above the level of the sea--a breezy
+elevation, forsooth, for such pastimes. Nevertheless, they were held
+annually on the 10th of July for many years, and long continued to be a
+flourishing institution. The primary object of the gathering was this:--On
+the heaves or pastures of mountain sheep farms, stray sheep are kept and
+cared for. The shepherds, on the day appointed, drive them to the place of
+meeting, and give them up to the rightful owners, who identify them by
+certain marks. After this important business has been gone through, a
+dinner is set out, and washed down with libations of ale or spirits, and,
+by the time keen appetites are satisfied, numerous additions have increased
+the assemblage, and then commence the wrestling, &c. It forcibly
+illustrates the deep hold these pastimes have in the minds of the rural
+population, when they are indulged in at such meetings and in such
+situations. From information which has been gathered from an aged native of
+Kentmere, it appears that the High Street gatherings fell into neglect, and
+were discontinued about sixty years since. They have been supplemented by
+similar ones--minus the races and wrestlings--held annually in November at
+the little road side hostelry on Kirkstone, and at the "Dun Bull" in
+Mardale, where sports and wrestlings are held annually on Whit-Monday.
+Mardale is at other times a lonely, little frequented dale, at the head of
+Haweswater. On one occasion the landlady of the "Dun Bull," on being
+remonstrated with for supplying sour porter in June, excused herself by
+saying: "Why, that's varra queer! It _was_ freysh enuff last grouse time!"
+
+Other places--situate advantageously for holding them--have now their
+shepherd's gatherings. At the High Street meetings a fox hunt was mostly an
+important part of the day's proceedings. The following fearful incident
+happened during a hot chase. Blea Water Cragg is doubtless well known to
+many summer tourists. It has a sheer fall of about three hundred yards, and
+the rock in many places appears to jut out even with the bottom. A man
+named Dixon, from Kentmere, was following a hard run fox, when he slipped
+and fell from the top of the rocks to the bottom. He was carried home, with
+no broken bones, but bruised and battered in a shocking manner; nearly all
+the skin and hair of his head cut off by the sharp-edged rocks--scalped, in
+fact. In falling, he struck against the rocks many times, and yet, strange
+to say, by his own account, he did not feel the shocks from first falling
+over to finally landing at the bottom of the perilous descent. Dizzy,
+stunned, and unable to stand, he had the chase uppermost in his mind,
+shouting as well as he was able to the first that got to him: "Lads! lads!
+t' fox is gane oot at t' hee end! Lig t' dogs on, an' I'll cum seun!"
+Insensibility soon followed this exhortation, and he was carried home, but
+recovered ultimately. The rocks have since been known by the name of
+"Dixon's three jumps."
+
+Wrestling on High Street seems strange, but stranger still is wrestling on
+the frozen surface of Windermere lake. The one we have to record happened
+in 1785, during an excessively severe frost. When the ice had attained
+great thickness, a project was started for roasting a large ox on it. All
+preparations being made, "Rawlinson's Nab" was fixed upon as the locality
+for carrying on operations. The eventful day arrived without any break in
+the frost, and a vast concourse from all parts of the surrounding country
+assembled to enjoy the unusual sight. Creature comforts, in the shape of
+eatables and lots of beer, were not wanting. The enlivening strains of a
+band of music from Kendal, too, gave animation to the scene. The wrestling
+was in clogs, such as country people at that time generally wore. These
+primitive coverings for the feet, though well adapted for sliding on the
+ice, were clumsy to wrestle in; nevertheless, the falls were eagerly
+contested, and delighted the throng of spectators. The final victor
+received a belt.
+
+From the interesting autobiography of Thomas Bewick, the celebrated wood
+engraver, who visited an uncle at Ainstable about the year 1776, we learn
+the following particulars respecting the feats of one of his cousins in the
+wrestling ring:--"I remained at Ainstable about a week, during which time I
+rambled about the neighbourhood, visited my friends at Kirkoswald and
+elsewhere, and spent what time I could spare in fishing for trout in the
+Croglin.... I began to think of moving abroad; and my cousin having
+occasion to go to Carlisle, I went with him there, where we parted.... At
+Langholm, my landlord who was a Cumberland man and knew my relatives there,
+was very kind to me; and among other matters concerning them, told me that
+my cousin who had accompanied me to Carlisle had won nine belts in his
+wrestling matches in that county."
+
+We next come to a curious, remarkable, and noteworthy old custom at which,
+towards the latter end of the eighteenth century, and the early part of the
+nineteenth, wrestlings, and a variety of other sports, were much
+patronised. The celebration of BRIDEWAINS or BIDDEN WEDDINGS were extremely
+popular in Cumberland. All the people of the country side were invited. For
+the amusement of the spectators assembled, prizes were given for sports of
+various kinds, as will be found described in the graphic dialect poem of
+John Stagg, the blind bard.
+
+    Some for a par o' mittens loup't,
+      Some wrustl'd for a belt;
+    Some play'd at pennice-steans for brass;
+      And some amaist gat fell't.
+    Hitch-step-an'-loup some tried for spwort,
+      Wi' mony a sair exertion;
+    Others for bits o' 'bacca gurn'd,
+      An' sec like daft devarshon
+                            Put owre that day.
+
+If any reader wishes for a full description of the various incidents and
+details connected with this old wedding custom, he is recommended to
+consult Stagg's poem of _The Bridewain_, from which the preceding lines are
+quoted.
+
+The people of the district were generally invited to these weddings by
+public advertisement, specimens of which still exist in the files of one or
+two of the earliest local newspapers. The following is given as a curiosity
+in its way from the _Cumberland Pacquet_.
+
+
+BIDDEN WEDDINGS.
+
+
+    Suspend for one Day all your cares and your labours,
+    And come to this Wedding, kind friends and good Neighbours.
+
+     NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Marriage of Isaac
+     Pearson with Frances Atkinson, will be solemnized in
+     due form in the Parish Church of Lamplugh, on Monday
+     next, the 30th of May, instant--immediately after which
+     the Bride and Bridegroom, with their attendants, will
+     proceed to Lonefoot, in the said Parish, where the
+     Nuptials will be celebrated by a variety of Rural
+     entertainments.
+
+                  Then come one and all,
+                  At Hymen's soft call,
+    From Whitehaven, Workington, Harrington, Dean,
+    Haile, Ponsonby, Blaing, and all places between;
+    From Egremont, Cockermouth, Parton, Saint Bees,
+    Dint, Kinneyside, Calder, and parts joining these;
+    And the country at large may flock if they please.
+    Such sports there will be as have seldom been seen--
+    Such Wrestling, and Fencing, and Dancing between;
+    And Races for Prizes, and Frolic and Fun,
+    By Horses, by Asses, and Dogs will be run:--
+    And you'll all go home happy--as sure as a gun.
+    In a word--such a Wedding can ne'er fail to please,
+    For the Sports of Olympus were trifles to these.
+      _Nota Bene_--You'll please to observe that the Day
+      Of this grand Bridal Pomp is the thirtieth of May;
+      When 'tis hop'd that the sun to enliven the sight,
+      Like the Flambeau of Hymen, will deign to burn bright.
+
+     Lamplugh, May 20th, 1786.
+
+The next one which we shall quote, contents itself with a plain prose
+description of the various attractions.
+
+     Richard and Ann Allason present their compliments to
+     their Friends and the Public in general, and beg leave
+     to inform them that they intend to have a BRIDEWAIN at
+     Southwaite, in the Parish of Brigham, on Thursday, the
+     25th day of May, instant. There will be the following
+     Sports--such as Horse Races, Dog Races, Wrestling,
+     Jumping, and Foot Races, &c., &c., &c., and various
+     other amusements too tedious to mention, to entertain
+     them; and they will think themselves happy with their
+     attendance.
+
+     Southwaite, 1st May, 1809.
+
+The last Bridewain notice we shall give celebrates the marriage of Henry
+and Sarah Robinson of High Lorton, near Cockermouth, on June 6th, 1811.
+This advertisement flows into sprightly verse as follows:--
+
+    'Tis Love, immortal Power! gives birth
+    To healthful Sports and Sprightliest Mirth.
+    Awhile your Drudgery and Pains
+    Forego, ye jocund Nymphs and Swains.
+    We think it only Right to acquaint ye,
+    That each sort may get Sweethearts plenty!
+    For those who Pastime love and Fun,
+    We've Horses, Dogs, and Men to Run;
+    Athletic Sports we'll set before ye,
+    And Heats renown'd in Ancient Story;--
+    Leaping and Wrestling for the Strong,
+    Enough to please you--_Come Along!_
+
+Professor Wilson--himself a proficient in the noble pastime, and whose
+great literary attainments assisted materially to elevate _Blackwood's
+Magazine_ to the proud eminence it attained in his time,--pays in its pages
+the following eloquent tribute to Wrestling, which was, in his younger
+days, the principal athletic exercise in the North of England.
+
+     It is impossible to conceive the intense and passionate
+     interest taken by the whole northern population in this
+     most rural and muscular amusement. For weeks before the
+     great Carlisle annual contest, nothing else is talked
+     of on road, field, flood, foot or horseback; we fear it
+     is thought of even in church, which we regret and
+     condemn; and in every little comfortable public within
+     a circle of thirty miles diameter, the home-brewed
+     quivers in the glasses on the oaken tables to knuckles
+     smiting the boards in corroboration of the claims to
+     the championship of Grahame, a Cass, a Laughlin, Solid
+     Yak, a Wilson, or a Weightman. A political friend of
+     ours--a staunch fellow--in passing through the lakes
+     last autumn, heard of nothing but the contest for the
+     county, which he had understood would be between Lord
+     Lowther (the sitting member) and Mr. Brougham. But to
+     his sore perplexity, he heard the claims of new
+     candidates, to him hitherto unknown; and on meeting us
+     at that best of inns, the White Lion, Bowness, he told
+     us with a downcast and serious countenance that Lord
+     Lowther would be ousted, for that the struggle, as far
+     as he could learn, would ultimately be between Thomas
+     Ford of Egremont, and William Richardson of Caldbeck,
+     men of no landed property, and probably Radicals.... It
+     is, in our opinion, and according to our taste, not
+     easy, to the most poetical and picturesque imagination,
+     to create for itself a more beautiful sight than the
+     ring at Carlisle.... Fifteen thousand people, perhaps,
+     are there, all gazing anxiously on the candidates for
+     the county. Down goes Cass, Weightman is the standing
+     member; and the agitation of a thousand passions, a
+     suppressed shudder and an under-growl, moves the mighty
+     multitude like an earthquake. No savage anger, no
+     boiling rage of ruined blacklegs, no leering laughter
+     of mercenary swells--sights and sounds which we must
+     confess do sicken the sense at Newmarket and
+     Moulsey--but the visible and audible movements of calm,
+     strong, temperate English hearts, free from all fear of
+     ferocity, and swayed for a few moments of sublime
+     pathos by the power of nature working in victory or
+     defeat.
+
+We may be allowed to supplement the foregoing with a remark, that there are
+two things which natives of the Lake Country, and the rural parts of
+Cumberland and Westmorland, who have migrated southwards, often in their
+absence sigh for. The one is "a good stiff clim' amang t' fells;" and the
+other, "a snug seat aroond some russlin' ring."
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[7] Clarke's Survey.
+
+
+
+
+MELMERBY ROUNDS.
+
+
+Melmerby is one of the finest types of a fell-side rural village left in
+Cumberland, with its cheerful dwellings scattered here and there--single or
+in groups,--its old manor hall and miniature church, and its spacious green
+spreading over fully fourteen acres of land. The village nestles close
+under Hartside, one of the Crossfell range of mountains, on the direct road
+from Penrith to Alston, over which the pack-horse bell continued to tinkle,
+clear and loud, to a much more recent period than it did on the great
+highways of commerce. This interesting fact has not been overlooked by Miss
+Powley, in her _Echoes of Old Cumberland_.
+
+    When the staunch pack-horse gang of yore
+      The Fell's unbroken rigours faced,
+    With stores for miners 'mid the moor,
+      The Dane's stronghold at ten miles passed;
+    Then up the steeps their burden bore,
+      For trackless, treeless, ten miles more.
+
+    *....*....*....*
+
+    When the staunch troop, with travel sore,
+      Passed up within the Helm-cloud's veil,
+    And 'scaped the blast--yet heard it roar
+      Below in many a western dale;--
+    When they, to crown the march severe,
+      Defiled through summits bleak and brown;
+    With sudden speed, and louder cheer,
+      Came clattering down to Alston town,
+    Round which the wide fells darkly peer,
+    And grasping winter cheats the year.
+
+The Melmerby folk to this day are pastoral in occupation, intercourse, and
+habits. Their conversation, running for the most part on rural topics, is
+plentifully interlarded with such expressions as "Fetchin' t' kye heam,"
+"Fodderin' t' sheep," and "Takin' t' nag to t' smiddy." Occasionally, the
+blood runs warmer with excitement and curiosity, when a shrill cry like the
+following rings through the village streets, "Run wid t' reapes, lad! A
+coo's i' t' mire!"
+
+At the Gale, within a mile of the village, where the land rests principally
+on a limestone bottom, the produce of cream is not of that dubious quality
+known to pent-up city dames, but so rich and thick that a spoon will almost
+stand upright in it. The cream of this dairy has frequently been tested
+with one of the old copper pennies of George the Third coinage, which
+formidable weight it always bore triumphantly on the top.
+
+For fully a century, and probably a much longer period, Melmerby has been
+known as a noted place for upholding the manly back-hold wrestling of the
+North. On Old Midsummer Day--that is, on the 5th of July of each year--this
+village commenced its annual two-days' sports, which consisted of prizes
+for wrestling, leaping, foot-racing, dog-trailing, etc. The wrestling took
+place on that part of the green known as the cock-pit, where many a doughty
+champion has been sent sprawling at full length on his back. Although the
+amount given in prizes was small,[8] the entry of names was always large,
+from sixty to seventy being the average number; while more than four-score
+men have contended at various times. By being held at the season of the
+year when the days were longest, and when they wore their sunniest aspect,
+Melmerby Rounds were invariably attended by vast concourses of spectators.
+The Alstonians used to muster remarkably strong; the miners and others
+coming over Hartside in considerable droves from that town, and the
+neighbouring villages of Nenthead and Garrigill-gates. So great became the
+celebrity of the Melmerby ring, that first-rate wrestlers have frequently
+travelled as far as thirty and forty miles to throw and be thrown upon its
+village green. Buying and selling was a thing unknown. One friend might
+give way to another sometimes; but, as a rule, it was purely the honour of
+becoming victor, for the time being, that emulated most of the competitors.
+
+A veritable giant in height and strength, who was in his prime about 1805,
+being ambitious to excel as an athlete, attended these sports for several
+years, but never succeeded in carrying off a single prize. This was
+Teasdale Thompson of High Rotherup, near Alston, whose height exceeded six
+feet two inches, and whose weight was in proportion to his height. Among
+well-known men who attended these meetings, but failed to achieve success,
+may be mentioned Robinson of Renwick, and William Earl of Cumwhitton, the
+former of whom figured several times.
+
+About a quarter of a century ago, the squire of Melmerby Hall interested
+himself a good deal in establishing spring and "back-end" fairs in the
+village, for the sale of cattle, sheep, &c.; and on this account it was
+thought better to abolish the annual Rounds. Accordingly this ancient
+gathering came to a sudden and unexpected collapse, about the year 1850,
+after having existed in an unbroken link for fully a century.
+
+The following is as complete a list of the winners of the wrestling at
+Melmerby Rounds, as we have been able to collect. The local newspapers
+were carefully ransacked for intelligence, but being found singularly
+barren in this respect, our information had to be gathered in almost every
+instance from aged fell-side chroniclers, who had either been frequent or
+occasional attenders at these meetings, the principal of whom was Mr. John
+Dodd of Broadmeadows, Melmerby.
+
+About 1788 Adam Dodd of Langwathby Mill, won _several_ years.
+
+About 1798, James Fawcett, miner, Nenthead.
+
+  "   1799,      "           "       "
+
+  "   1800,      "           "       "
+
+  "   1801,      "           "       "
+
+  "   1802,      "           "       "
+
+  "   1803,      "           "       "
+
+  "   1804,      "           "       "
+
+  "   1809, Thomas Golightly, miner, Alston.
+
+This wrestler afterwards removed to the West Cumberland mining district;
+and in February, 1819, was killed by the fall of part of a roof in one of
+the Whitehaven coal pits.
+
+About 1810, Robert Rowantree, shepherd, Kingwater.
+
+About 1815, Andrew Armstrong, farmer, Sowerby Hall.
+
+About 1816, Thomas Peat, farmer's son, Blencow.
+
+  "   1817, John Dobson, Cliburn.
+
+  "   1818, John Robley, Scarrowmannock.
+
+  "   1819,      "              "
+
+Robley emigrated to America several years after this date.
+
+About 1820, Isaac Maughan, Alston.
+
+  "   1821,      "          "
+
+Maughan settled in Newcastle-on-Tyne, where he died during the cholera of
+1832.
+
+About 1823, J. Spottiswoode, miner, Alston.
+
+  "   1825, John Weightman, husbandman, Hayton.
+
+About 1826, John Weightman, husbandman, Hayton.
+
+Weightman won two years, and received a guinea and the belt each time,
+these being the usual awards to the victor at that date.
+
+1828, Thomas Armstrong, Carlisle; Elliot (perhaps of Cumrew) wrestled
+second. Bowman, of the Gale, won the second day's wrestling.
+
+About 1830, Joseph Graham, Dufton Wood, Appleby.
+
+About 1833, Jonathan Woodmas, Alston.
+
+1838, Thomas Morton, farmer, The Gale, 1st; Isaac Farlam,
+Bowness-on-Solway, 2nd.
+
+About 1839, Thomas Morton, farmer, The Gale.
+
+On one occasion Morton wrestled through the ring without taking his coat
+off.
+
+About 1841, John Salkeld, land-surveyor, Huddlesceugh.
+
+1844, _First day_: Joseph Elliot, Croglin, 1st; Thomas Teasdale, Ousby,
+2nd. (Sixty-five names entered, including John Buck, John Milburn, and
+Joseph Morton.) _Second day_: John Nixon, Langwathby, 1st; John Slee,
+Blencow, 2nd.
+
+About 1845, Joseph Shepherd, Crewgarth, Melmerby.
+
+1847, Joseph Morton, farmer, The Gale, 1st; John Milburn, Weardale, 2nd.
+
+Joseph Morton also won once or twice on the second day. John Milburn
+stopped at Melmerby on his way home from the Carlisle meeting, at which
+latter place he carried off the head prize the two following years.
+
+About 1850, Joseph Morton, farmer, The Gale.
+
+Morton threw Halliwell of Penrith, and, we believe, Anthony Mc.Donald of
+Appleby wrestled up with him. This was the last Round held at Melmerby.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[8] "Melmerby Annual Sports will take place on Monday, the 6th day of July,
+1846, when the following Prizes will be given to contend for:--L2 to
+Wrestle for; L2 for a Hound Race; and handsome prizes for Running, Leaping,
+and other amusements, as usual."--[_Advertisement._]
+
+
+
+
+LANGWATHBY ROUNDS.
+
+
+Langwathby, like its twin-sister Melmerby, is strictly a rural village,
+made up of snug homesteads, dropped here and there in picturesque
+confusion. Crossing the bridge from the Penrith side, and coming in sight
+of its modest church and spacious green, the most familiar sounds which
+formerly fell upon the ear were the lowing of cattle, the bleating of
+sheep, and the barking of dogs. The pastoral stillness which once
+prevailed, however, is now abruptly broken by the shrill whistle of the
+passing train, the snorting and screeching of engines, and the heavy thuds
+which resound from the "shunting" and reloading of railway waggons
+immediately above.
+
+This old-world village, with few chances and changes to record, has found a
+native bard to plead feelingly for the obscurity which the dim past has
+wrapped around its history.
+
+    O! spot of all the land alone
+    Unsung, unheard of, and unknown;
+    Dim background of life's busy stage,
+    Scarce named in local history's page.
+    Neglected spot! what hast thou done,
+    That, ever since the world begun,
+    Thy name proscribed hath seemed to be,
+    In legend, tale, or minstrelsy?
+    That e'en no rustic bard hath owned thee,
+    And thrown a wreath of song around thee?
+
+However much the paucity of general incidents may be felt in reviewing the
+past history of this Cumberland village, it is pleasing to note that
+Langwathby and Melmerby vie with each other in antiquity as promoters or
+"handers down" of local athletic pastimes.
+
+The famous Adam Dodd, "the Cock of the North," lived and died at Langwathby
+Mill, which place is still--or was recently--inhabited and owned by the
+same family. The last Adam Dodd of that ilk, was killed half a century
+after the death of the first Adam, on his homeward journey with horse and
+cart from Alston, while turning a sharp angle of the road a little above
+Melmerby.
+
+Langwathby Rounds, unlike those at Melmerby, were held annually in the
+midst of "winter and cold weather"--that is to say, on New Year's Day and
+the day following. Wrestling formed by far the greatest attraction of these
+primitive gatherings; the yeomen, farmers, and husbandmen from the
+neighbouring hamlets being the principal competitors. The sports took
+place, as a general rule, in a field close to the village which belongs to
+Mr. John Hodgson; but on some few occasions they were held on the opposite
+or western side of the river Eden. The prizes given were of small value,
+but great honour. During the latter part of the last century, a narrow
+leathern belt of meagre appearance, or a pair of buckskin breeches, was
+almost the only trophy given for wrestling. In the year 1816, when James
+Robinson won, a couple of guineas was the full amount offered; and this
+sum, we suppose, was never exceeded till many years after the King of
+Mardale and the Bishop of Lichfield's brother had carried off the principal
+prizes.
+
+About the year 1820, on New Year's Day, the ground was covered with a
+coating of snow three or four inches deep, when a curious scene took place
+during the wrestling. It so happened that Isaac Mason of Croglin, was drawn
+against Isaac Westmorland of Ousby. Mason--well known for his smuggling
+adventures and his numerous eccentricities--entered the ring wearing an old
+home-spun overcoat, so thick and patched that it set at nought all
+Westmorland's attempts to clasp his arms around it. No persuasion could
+induce Mason to try and accommodate matters by stripping. He would not move
+a jot; and in the meantime his opponent was becoming quite numb and frigid
+with cold. At length Mason showed signs of relenting, and ultimately took
+off the obnoxious overcoat. Still Westmorland's arms were found to be too
+short, and refused to meet. Continuing therefore to "doff" what was most
+cumbersome--off went the coat, then the waistcoat, and finally Mason stood
+stripped to his "sark" in the snow, with nothing on but his trousers,
+where his opponent managed to keep him standing until he, in his turn, was
+nearly starved to death!
+
+Among other minor prizes at Langwathby, a pair of garters was given to the
+boy who proved himself to be the fleetest runner. About forty years since
+this prize was carried off by a youth of the village, who afterwards became
+a successful rower, and, as one of the athletes of Queen's College, Oxford,
+won the silver oar twice in succession.
+
+A dance on the green among the village girls of four or five years old,
+formed a pretty rural sight, even when witnessed amid the cheerless snow.
+At the conclusion of these jocund rounds, each little maiden was presented
+with a bright ribbon--such mementoes being popularly spoken of as
+_fancies_. And while the procession of fiddlers and villagers were
+marshalling in order, it was no unusual thing to hear an aged dame calling
+from her cottage door: "Noo, honies, run an' git ye're _fancies_!"
+
+The boys' race and the leaping usually succeeded the dancing on the green;
+and by the time these pastimes were concluded, daylight had either gone or
+was fast fading away. Owing to darkness setting in thus early, lanterns
+were frequently in great request among the rough-spun frequenters of the
+wrestling ring.
+
+Following close in the rear of the New Year's pastimes, came the ancient
+custom of _stanging_ on the Twelfth Night. A procession of young
+fellows--dressed in fantastic garbs as clowns, accompanied by one in
+woman's attire, and preceded by a couple of fiddlers--paraded the village
+streets. Calling in rotation at the various houses on their way, the
+"woman" commenced operations by sweeping up the fireside with a besom,
+which she carried for that purpose, and then the leading clown delivered a
+ludicrous speech to the inmates of the house. One Brunskill, shoemaker and
+rustic humourist, is still remembered as being by far the cleverest clown
+who figured at these Stangings. To his credit let it be mentioned that his
+mirth was always kept well within the limits of decorum and decency.
+
+The Langwathby Rounds continued to flourish after the Melmerby ones had
+passed away, being kept up for full twenty years longer, and consequently
+extended over a still greater period of time. The more intelligent dwellers
+at this hamlet give it as their opinion, that so long as the Rounds
+continued to be of a secluded character, and were almost entirely taken
+part in by the villagers and the rural population, living under the shadow
+of Crossfell or Hartside, things generally went well and smoothly; and that
+it was reserved for these latter days to open up new roads, offer larger
+prizes, and introduce a greater influx of "riff-raff" and unruly characters
+from the towns, after which period the annual gatherings became more and
+more degraded by tolerating unseemly abuses. About the year 1870, having
+sunk in social status, these Rounds were finally given up, lest some riot
+or other unpleasant circumstance might crop up, as did at Armathwaite,
+between the English and Irish navvies, employed in cutting the extension of
+the Midland line of railway from Settle to Carlisle.
+
+The following is as full a list of the winners of the wrestling at the
+Langwathby Rounds as we have been able to collect together, from a variety
+of out-of-the-way and other sources.
+
+About 1788, Adam Dodd of Langwathby Mill, won _several_ years.
+
+About 1809, Paul Gedling, Culgaith, 1st; Isaac Dodd, Langwathby Mill, 2nd.
+
+Dodd broke a blood vessel in the wrestle up, owing to which both men left
+loose; the prize, of course, being awarded to Gedling. Isaac Dodd farmed
+Barrock Gill, near Carlisle, for many years after this event.
+
+1816, James Robinson, gamekeeper, Hackthorpe.
+
+1817, Thomas Peat, Blencow, 1st; George Robinson, Langwathby, 2nd.
+
+Robinson of Hackthorpe, and Joe Abbot of Thornthwaite, also wrestled.
+
+1818, Thomas Richardson, Hesket-New-Market, known as "The Dyer," 1st; John
+Dobson, Cliburn, 2nd.
+
+About 1820, Isaac Mason, Croglin.
+
+About 1824, John Holmes, King of Mardale.
+
+About 1826, John Bowstead, yeoman, Beckbank.
+
+Bowstead was one of the Bishop of Lichfield's younger brothers.
+
+1829, Joseph Thompson, Caldbeck, 1st;--Milburn, 2nd.
+
+Thompson was only an eleven stone man; while Milburn stood six feet two
+inches, and weighed nearly sixteen stones. Thompson also distinguished
+himself by throwing Ireland and Bird, both good wrestlers.
+
+About 1830, Matthew Dixon, Penrith.
+
+About 1831, George Bird, farmer, Langwathby.
+
+1832, _First day_: Thomas Dobson, Sleagill. _Second day_: William Warwick,
+Eamont Bridge.
+
+About 1833, Richard Chapman, Patterdale, 1st; Benson of Hunsanby, 2nd.
+
+About 1834, Richard Chapman, Patterdale.
+
+  "   1835, George Bird, farmer, Langwathby.
+
+  "   1836, Robt. Gordon, husbandman, Plumpton.
+
+  "   1837, George Bird, farmer, Langwathby.
+
+  "   1838,       "         "       "
+
+  "   1839, ---- Moore, shoemaker, Melmerby.
+
+  "   1840, Thomas Morton, The Gale, Melmerby.
+
+About 1841, John Spedding, husbandman, Skirwith.
+
+  "   1842, Thomas Morton, The Gale, Melmerby.
+
+About 1843, Anthony Mc.Donald, Appleby.
+
+  "   1844,    "        "       "
+
+1845, _First day_: J. Shadwick, Lazonby, 1st; John Robinson, Langwathby,
+2nd. _Second day_: William Buck, Temple Sowerby, 1st; John Buck Temple
+Sowerby, 2nd.
+
+About 1846, Anthony Mc.Donald, Appleby.
+
+1847, _First day_: Anthony Mc.Donald, Appleby, 1st; John Shadwick, 2nd.
+_Second day_: Joseph Halliwell, Penrith, 1st; John Shadwick, 2nd.
+
+About 1848, Joseph Halliwell, Penrith.
+
+1849, William Buck, Temple Sowerby, 1st; John Shadwick, 2nd.
+
+About 1850, Anthony Mc.Donald, Appleby.
+
+  " 1851,    "        "       "
+
+  " 1852,    "        "       "
+
+Anthony Mc.Donald won seven times in all, some of which were second day's
+prizes.
+
+About 1861, _First day_: John Wilkinson, Little Strickland, 1st; John
+Salkeld, Melmerby, 2nd. _Second day_: Thomas Threlkeld, Langwathby, 1st;
+Isaac Dodd, Langwathby Mill, 2nd.
+
+1862, _First day_: William Jameson, Penrith, 1st; T. Salkeld, Great
+Salkeld, 2nd. _Second day_: J. Brunskill, Penrith, 1st; W. Watson,
+Winskill, 2nd.
+
+About 1863, William Jameson, Penrith.
+
+" 1864, _First day_: John Wilkinson, Little Strickland, 1st; John Atkinson,
+Little Salkeld, 2nd. _Second day_: Isaac Lowthian, Plumpton, 1st; Philip
+Lowthian, Plumpton, 2nd.
+
+About 1865, _First day_: Isaac Lowthian, Plumpton, 1st; Thomas Sisson,
+Temple Sowerby, 2nd. _Second day_: John Howe, Ousby, 1st; William
+Cheesebrough, Langwathby Hall, 2nd.
+
+About 1866, _First day_: Andrew Armstrong, Plumpton, 1st; Isaac Lowthian,
+Plumpton, 2nd. _Second day_: Adam Slack, Skirwith Hall, 1st; James
+Errington, Aiketgate, 2nd.
+
+1867, _First day_: Adam Slack, Skirwith Hall, 1st; John Cheesebrough,
+Langwathby Hall, 2nd. _Second day_: George Steadman, Drybeck, 1st; Ralph
+Pooley, Longlands, 2nd.
+
+About 1868, _First day_: Ralph Pooley, Longlands, 1st; William
+Cheesebrough, Langwathby, 2nd. _Second day_: Ralph Pooley, 1st; John
+Cheesebrough, Langwathby, 2nd.
+
+_Nine-and-a-half stone prize_: Joseph Hodgson, Langwathby, 1st; John
+Errington, Aiketgate, 2nd.
+
+1869, _First day_: Joseph Hodgson, 1st; William Cheesebrough, 2nd. _Second
+day_: Saunders Gedling, 1st; William Cheesebrough, 2nd.
+
+_Ten stone prize_: Robert Mc.Crone, 1st; Thomas Holmes, 2nd.
+
+1870, George Steadman, Drybeck, 1st; William Pigg, Sceugh Dyke, 2nd.
+
+_Ten stone prize:_ Samuel Brownrigg, Clifton, 1st; Robert Gordon, Plumpton,
+2nd.
+
+This was the last Round held at Langwathby. There was only one day's
+sports.
+
+
+
+
+JAMES FAWCETT
+
+OF NENTHEAD.
+
+
+The following brief memoir of JAMES FAWCETT of Nenthead--one of the most
+accomplished wrestlers on record--will carry the reader back to a byegone
+period, when wrestling and various other amusements, which filled up the
+day's programme, were far more a _rural_ following than at present; when
+"Rounds" like Melmerby and Langwathby, when West Cumberland "Bridewains,"
+when country meetings like Stone Carr, near Greystoke, produced at stated
+periods an exciting animation in almost all northern villages, and afforded
+a brief holiday to a numerous body of small "statesmen" and farmers, their
+sons, and servants. Such gatherings are now, however, nearly all given
+up--are only "lang syne" remembrances, and wrestling meetings are held
+mostly in the large towns, and considerable sums offered to contend for. In
+many cases they are got up by innkeepers, who depend on "gate money" to
+recoup the outlay. Whether this change conduces to fair, manly, unbought
+wrestling, is a matter of grave doubt. Wrestlings, we are afraid, will
+never again be contests, like those of ancient Greece and Rome--_for honour
+and fame_. We cannot look on this change otherwise than as unfortunate for
+the rural population of the northern counties, who may justly asseverate--
+
+    There never was a game like the old English game,
+      That's played 'twixt the knee and the tee;
+    You may roam the world o'er, but the game at your door
+      Is the very best game you will see.
+
+We regret being unable to furnish anything like a detailed account of Jemmy
+Fawcett's feats in the ring, or more than a meagre outline of the general
+particulars of his life. But what we do know of his career is so important
+in wrestling annals, that we are inclined to believe it would be considered
+injudicious to omit all notice of such a high class athlete. Most of his
+achievements have become well nigh traditionary, and yet, in many respects,
+his memory is as green as ever it was in the northern counties, and
+particularly so in a wide circuit round Alston Moor.
+
+Fawcett lived at Greengill, Nenthead, a mining village in East Cumberland,
+four or five miles from Alston town, where he worked at his daily
+occupation, in what is called a "hush," connected with the mines. His
+height was five feet seven inches, and his general wrestling weight from
+ten to ten and a half stone. His modes of attack and defence, and manner of
+disposing of his opponents, seem to have been innumerable; in fact, he
+appears to have been an adept in turning the most unlikely emergencies to
+account. He was as active as an eel, could twist and wriggle like one, and
+was nearly as difficult to hold. When an opening presented itself, he was
+partial to getting his left side into play, and then immediately ensued a
+decisive onslaught. Robert Rowantree, a big six foot, fifteen-stone man,
+who practised a slaughtering cross-buttock, used to say that no man could
+so effectually stop it as Jemmy Fawcett. Litt designates him, as "the very
+best wrestler of his weight Cumberland, or indeed the United Kingdom, ever
+produced." And again, "Jemmy must have been the most wonderful wrestler of
+his own or any other time."
+
+It was about the beginning of the present century that Fawcett attained his
+prime. His wonderful success in carrying off the head prize at the Melmerby
+"Rounds" for seven consecutive years, added considerable celebrity to his
+other achievements. On one of these occasions, he went to Melmerby in
+company with his friend, John Woodmas of Alston, with a full determination
+of winning. A great stumbling block in the way to victory, presented itself
+in the person of one "Pakin" Whitfield, who weighed from sixteen to
+seventeen stones, and who had the reputation of being, at that time, the
+strongest man in Cumberland. All went well and smoothly through several
+rounds, until Fawcett and Woodmas were drawn together. What was to be done?
+Woodmas, who weighed at least three stone heavier, argued thus: "Noo,
+Jemmy, my man, what! thoo can dea nowte wid greit Pakin. Thoo's niver
+fit to mannish him. Thoo'll just hev to lig doon to me!" "Nay, nay," was
+the determined reply, "I'll lig nin doon to thee, ner neabody else. I can
+throw him weel eneuf, I know I can." When "Pakin" and Fawcett came together
+in the next round, Woodmas used to say afterwards: "Sist'e! I fair trimmelt
+agean for t' lile fellow. I thowt nowt but t' varra life wad be crush't oot
+on him!" Standing side by side in the ring, the contrast appeared so great,
+that it looked as if the struggle was to take place between a giant and a
+pigmy. When the little man tried to span the back of the big man, and
+failed to do so, derisive peals of laughter broke out in various parts of
+the ring; and when the novel spectacle was presented of the little one
+lengthening his reach by the aid of a pocket handkerchief, the risible
+propensities of the spectators were tickled to a still greater extent.
+Getting fairly into holds, the tussle, however, was not one of long
+duration. "Pakin" commenced operations by making two or three futile
+attempts to draw Fawcett up, so that he could hold him more firmly; but the
+latter being fully prepared for any emergency, skipped about nimbly, and
+evaded all the attempts made to grip him; then he suddenly slipped under
+the big-one's chest with his left side, "gat in amang his legs, an' browte
+him neck ower heels." No sooner was the immense mass of humanity rolled out
+on the green sward, than the crowd went wild with excitement, and "varra
+nar split Crossfell wid shootin' an' hurrain'!"
+
+The annual Easter sports, held at Lowbyre, Alston, continued for many years
+to be a centre for wrestlers to congregate, from the districts round
+Weardale, Harewood, Knarsdale, Nenthead, and Garrigill. To one of these
+meetings, came Cuthbert Peart from Weardale, a powerful well built man,
+weighing sixteen stones nine pounds. Being drawn against Fawcett in one of
+the rounds, Peart lifted him like a child, and while holding him dangling
+in the air, asked, in a swaggering manner, where he would like to be laid.
+Jemmy, however, "mannish't to bit on his feet, like a cat;" and then, quick
+as lightning, down went the Weardale man, like a shot, from the effects of
+one of Jemmy's deadliest chips. "Noo," said Fawcett, with mock gravity,
+while stooping over the prostrate figure of Peart, "thoo can lig me
+whoariver thoo likes!"
+
+The brilliant manner displayed in carrying off Peart, filled the fallen man
+with so much wonder and amazement, that he declared Fawcett to be the
+cleverest wrestler in Britain, and forthwith took him over to Blanchland,
+on the borders of Northumberland and Durham. At that place he wrestled a
+match, with a sixteen-and-a-half-stone man, for a pair of leather breeches,
+and won easily. On this occasion he had again to resort to the use of a
+handkerchief.
+
+Another fall, similar in some respects to the one with Peart, occurred at
+Nentberry sports, about three miles from Alston, with one Thomas
+Stephenson, a man of considerable stature and bulk, who was accounted a
+good wrestler in his day and generation. On going into the ring for the
+final fall, Stephenson repeated again and again, with much confidence: "The
+little man _must_ go down--the little man _must_ go down, this time!" When
+hold had been obtained, the big one led off very briskly with the swing,
+but failing signally, Fawcett at once introduced the buttock, and brought
+him over so quickly and effectually, that as soon as Stephenson had
+recovered from his surprise, he burst out into passionate language,
+exclaiming: "Jemmy Fawcett's nut a man, at aw! He's a _divel_--a fair
+DIVEL! an' neabody 'ill convince me to th' contrary!"
+
+Jemmy continued to wrestle occasionally till he was nearly fifty years old.
+Litt speaks of him figuring at Smaledale in Yorkshire, where he resided
+about 1823.
+
+During a lengthened career, Fawcett continued a great enthusiast in
+wrestling matters. When lying on his death bed, while wrestling with a foe
+sure to triumph in the end, the "ruling passion" exercised a strange
+influence over him. He actually induced his son and daughter to take hold
+in the room, for a tussle, in order that the son might be benefitted by his
+instructions, relative to certain favourite chips. This anecdote is well
+authenticated.
+
+Fawcett died at Nenthall, near Alston, aged fifty-five or fifty-six years,
+about 1830.
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM RICHARDSON
+
+OF CALDBECK.
+
+"_BELTED WILL._"
+
+
+When Professor Wilson wrote a review of William Litt's popular
+"Wrestliana," for _Blackwood's Magazine_, he stated that WILLIAM RICHARDSON
+of Caldbeck, the winner of two hundred and forty wrestling trophies or
+"belts," was "better entitled than old Howard of Castle Dacre himself to
+the cognomen of 'Belted Will.'" From this sweeping dictum of the presiding
+spirit of old Maga, we are inclined to dissent. William Richardson
+doubtless gained his formidable list of prize "belts" mostly in well
+contested but harmless fields of strife, and is fully entitled to the proud
+distinction of having his familiar Caldbeck patronymic, "Will Ritson,"
+elevated into "Belted Will." How, however, he is "better entitled" than the
+grand border chieftain of the Howards--one of the most celebrated heroes
+that shone in the long and deadly feuds which prevailed for generations
+between the rival border houses of Scotland and England--we are at a loss
+to conceive. Besides, they earned a similar designation in such different
+fields. One is rendered for ever famous as one of the most renowned actors
+in the fierce border raids that were wont to arise between England and
+Scotland--a historic celebrity handed down to all time; and whose sword and
+belt--still preserved amongst the Howard relics--astonish everyone
+attempting to handle them. It is inconceivable that any one ever existed
+with sufficient strength to wield such formidable weapons, without we fall
+back to that giant of a "long time ago," yclept Samson, or to the other
+strong man of heathen mythology, Hercules. Richardson, holding a high place
+in the wrestling arenas of the north, and formidable from his overpowering
+strength, contended only in fields where, it is true, there was keen
+determined rivalry, but of an entirely harmless description to life or
+limb--plenty brought to grass in a rough, tumble-down, unwelcome manner,
+but not ending with the death-struggles of infuriate moss-troopers, hating
+each other with a savage bitterness almost inconceivable at the present
+day.
+
+William Richardson was born at Haltcliff, in Caldbeck parish, in March,
+1780. In the rural districts of Cumberland, families were frequently
+numerous. The Richardsons were of this description--the subject of our
+present memoir being the eldest but one of thirteen children. In his own
+neighbourhood, indeed almost throughout Cumberland, he became familiarly
+known as "Ritson," or "Rutson." In order to make his way in the world, he
+was brought up to the occupation of a joiner, and continued to follow the
+business for some years; but having a strong inclination for farming, and
+breeding Herdwick sheep, he gave it up, and settled on an estate called
+Netherrow, near Caldbeck. This farm was in the occupation of his father and
+himself for eighty years.
+
+Richardson measured in height, five feet nine-and-a-half inches, and
+weighed fully fourteen stones. He was a man well and strongly built from
+"top to toe;" slightly round shouldered and round backed; with a fine,
+broad, expansive chest; possessing tremendous strength of arm; and had a
+"neck like a bull." He lived till February, 1860, having attained his
+eightieth year; and it became a common remark that up to nearly the final
+shuffling off this mortal coil, he had the lightest foot, and was the
+"lishest" walker of any old man in the neighbourhood of Caldbeck. At Faulds
+Brow sports, when a hale hearty stager of more than three-score-and-ten
+years, he challenged to wrestle any man in England of his own age. We once
+witnessed, too, at Newcastle, in 1861, another septuagenarian, named Thomas
+Fawcett, from the neighbourhood of Kendal, challenge any man in England or
+Scotland of a like age. He stood six feet one inch, appeared uncommonly
+active, and straight as a maypole. Real "grit" these, our transatlantic
+cousins would say. Yes, it is such men that make Cumberland and
+Westmorland athletes superior to all the world.
+
+The hype became Richardson's main chip; and a favourite method of stopping
+an opponent--at which he was allowed to be a great adept--was to give him a
+sudden click--"kind o' bear him off his feet"--and then lift and hype. If
+an opponent should attempt buttocking, his unrivalled strength of arm
+enabled him to gather his adversary up with a vice-like grip, anything but
+pleasant. Indeed, he never was buttocked but once, in the whole of a long
+career, and that once by John Nicholson of Threlkeld, in private practice
+one summer night in the neighbourhood of Ouse-bridge.
+
+"Will" scored his first prize when only eighteen years old, at Soukerry, in
+his native parish. The sports held there annually ranked amongst the oldest
+and best local gatherings in Cumberland, and being in the midst of a good
+wrestling country, several noted men attended yearly. From the manner in
+which the youngster disposed of all comers, he was pronounced to be a
+promising "colt" for future work. After gaining this, his first victorious
+effort, in a strong entry, Richardson wrestled with marked success through
+many rings--of course, like others, getting a "topple over" now and then.
+When about twenty-one years old, he entered into the spirit of the sport
+with wonderful enthusiasm, and determination not to be beaten. Two
+remarkable circumstances, in a prolonged career, are worth relating. He
+was never "felled" a single fall, by any mortal man, between the age of
+twenty-one and twenty-eight; that is to say, from 1801 to 1808 or 1809,
+during which period he attended almost all the sports held between
+Calderbridge on the south-west, Pooley-bridge on the east, and all through
+the north to the Scottish borders. And he was never "felled" two falls
+together but once in his life, when a mere stripling, at Harrop sports,
+between Embleton and Lorton. Job Tinnian of Holme Cultram (one of a
+distinguished wrestling and fighting family, a good striker, and proficient
+with the buttock), and Richardson, were matched for a guinea, the best of
+three falls. Job got the two last, and his opponent the first. Tinnian--who
+measured six feet six inches in height--doffed his shirt, and had his back
+so thoroughly soaped, there was no holding him. Previous to the match,
+Richardson had thrown him for the head prize at the sports, and then again
+next day at a "Bridewain" at Southwaite, about two miles from Cockermouth,
+on the Lorton road. Job Tinnian had a daughter, who, we believe, grew to be
+such a giantess, that she was taken about as a show, and exhibited in the
+Blue Bell at Carlisle, and various other places.
+
+During the latter part of the last century, and in the early part of the
+present one, the head prizes at the various wrestling meetings were of a
+most primitive description, consisting either of a homely leather
+"belt"--with an inscription, giving name of place, date, and name of
+winner--or a "brutches piece," a suitable length of buckskin or broadcloth,
+for making a pair of breeches; and occasionally, but very rarely, a silver
+cup. Unlike the present day, liberal money prizes did not tempt competitors
+on the village greens.
+
+While the century was still young, some enterprising individual announced
+that a "golden guinea"--the first ever given in Cumberland for a like
+purpose--would be presented to the winner of the head prize at Highmoor
+sports, near Wigton. The offering of such a gilded bait--quite a
+novelty--naturally drew together a strong field of active young athletes.
+William Richardson of Caldbeck, among the rest, put in an appearance. Much
+resolute wrestling occurred, as round after round passed over. When the
+ranks became thinner and thinner, the two last standers proved to be one
+Todd, a spirit merchant from Wigton, and Richardson. The former was
+familiarly spoken of in the neighbourhood as "Brandy Todd." He was a
+powerful built man, nearly six feet high, and a great enthusiast in
+wrestling, pedestrianism, and dog-trailing. The two men should have been
+matched on several previous occasions, and this being the first, indeed,
+the only time they ever met in any ring, the excitement became intense. The
+Wigtonians being in great numbers, "crowed very crouse." Some of the more
+boisterous ones tried to banter and upset the self-possession of
+Richardson, by shouting in derision--"Browte up wid poddish an' kurn milk!
+what can _thoo_ deu, I wad like to know? Go bon! Brandy 'ill fling thee oot
+o' t' ring, like a bag o' caff!" The men stood up ready for action. Holds
+were obtained, after some delay in fencing; a brief struggle ensued, and
+the huge spirit-merchant measured his full length on the green-sward. His
+friends were dumb-foundered at the sudden fall of their hero. The opposite
+party, highly elated, cried out, much to the discomfiture of poor
+Todd--"Ha! ha! Codbeck kurn't milk's stranger ner Wigton brandy--efter
+aw t' rattle!"
+
+When Richardson was in his prime, sports or races were held at the Beehive
+Inn, Deanscale, near Lamplugh. One Shepherd Pearson, from about Wythop,
+made a curious and, to look at the terms, foolish wager. He bet a ten pound
+note that he would find a man to win the wrestling; another to win the
+foot-race; and a hound to win the dog-trail, at the Beehive sports. Now, it
+is well known how very much odds increase on a double event, but here are
+evens to win _three_ events. Exceedingly foolish! but nevertheless the bet
+was won. The chosen champion proved to be Richardson for the wrestling;
+John Todhunter of Mungrisdale, near Threlkeld, for the foot race; and
+"Towler," belonging to John Harrison of Caldbeck, for the dog-trail.
+Curiously enough, all three nominations succeeded in winning the head
+prize in their respective entries; and Pearson carried off his risky wager
+with a triumphant flourish.
+
+A feud of long standing, it appears, had existed between William Litt and
+Richardson. This feud no doubt gave a colour to various statements, and
+places us on rather delicate ground in endeavouring to do justice to both
+parties. Our object, however, is to speak of each man truthfully and
+impartially--to let neither colour "the even tenor of our way." The couple
+had met at several sports in West Cumberland; and on one occasion, when
+drawn together, Richardson had succeeded in disposing of Litt. The latter,
+however, was, as he termed it, in his "novitiate." No doubt the fall was
+highly unpalatable to the loser, and at length resulted in a challenge
+being given and accepted. The meeting ended unsatisfactorily. Both men drew
+up to their posts at the appointed time, Litt shewing unmistakeable signs
+of being "fresh i' drink." When requested to make ready for the contest, he
+gave a point blank refusal, saying he "wad nowder strip nor russell!" Here
+was an awkward fix! What was to be done? After a considerable amount of
+"higgling" had been gone through, another match was made, for ten pounds a
+side, to come off at the Green Dragon, Workington--Litt being backed by his
+brother, a medical man of good standing. On the appointed day, Richardson
+and his friends were on the ground to the minute. For some reason or
+other, Litt did not put in an appearance. His brother--the doctor--went
+into the ring, and held his watch till the full time specified in the
+agreement had expired, and then very honourably handed the money over to
+Richardson, saying: "I can give no reason why my brother has not fulfilled
+the conditions of his engagement." In after years, when the bitterness of
+old feuds was nearly, if not altogether worn out, Litt expressed regret
+that he had treated Richardson's merits as a wrestler somewhat scurvily in
+_Wrestliana_.
+
+Rowland Long of Ambleside, an immense big, burly man, the winner, it was
+asserted, of nearly one hundred belts, issued a challenge, that he was open
+to wrestle any man in England. An enthusiastic Cumbrian, named Thomas Bell,
+residing at Goose Well, near Threlkeld, took up the challenge, not for
+himself, but with the understanding that he should produce a man at the
+appointed time and place. He first tried his neighbour, Tom Nicholson, but
+Tom "thowt hissel rayder ower slender" to engage such a giant as Rowland,
+and recommended William Richardson of Caldbeck. Bell set off, and after
+some trouble and delay, fell in with Richardson at Rosley Hill fair, on
+Whit-Monday. Without much ado the two agreed; got a conveyance, and drove
+off for Ambleside without further preparation: a long course of training
+never being thought of in those good old days. After reaching Ambleside,
+they took a boat, and rowed down to Bowness, where sports were held on the
+Tuesday. Richardson's name was entered for the wrestling, but being stiff
+and tired with the long ride from Rosley, he didn't, according to his own
+version of the affair, "git weel away wid his men." He succeeded, however,
+in working upwards till the final fall, and then encountered John Long, a
+brother of Rowland's. The two had a hard struggle for the prize, but in the
+end the Caldbeck hero proved victorious. Whether John Long considered the
+fall doubtful or unsatisfactory, cannot now be ascertained; but he said,
+tauntingly, to Richardson, after the tussle was over, "If thoo can du nowte
+nea better ner that, my man, thoo'll hev d--d lile chance wi' oor
+Roan, I can tell thee!"
+
+On Wednesday--the day following--the match with Rowland was appointed to
+come off on the bowling green of the Salutation Hotel, Ambleside, for, we
+believe, ten guineas a side, the best of three falls. Richardson, looking
+from a window of the hotel, got a first sight of his huge opponent, coming
+up the street. After an attentive survey, and noticing the awkward, heavy
+sort of rolling walk that Long had, a smile stole over the features of the
+Caldbeck man, who thought then he could win easily; setting it down in his
+own mind, that one so slow and ungainly would not be quick enough in his
+movements in the wrestling ring. This mental calculation proved correct;
+the two first falls settling the match, and enabling the winner to walk
+away with the amount contended for.
+
+The two Cumbrians left Ambleside on Thursday, and drove back to Threlkeld.
+Wrestling and other sports were being held there the same day. The victor
+in the match of the previous day was greeted with hearty cheers, by a crowd
+collected on the village green. A score or more of clamorous voices were
+raised in pressing entreaties that he would enter his name for the
+wrestling. Tired with the three previous days' exertions, "an' nut
+feelin' hofe reet, wi' gittin' sups o' drink of aw maks," he didn't want to
+take any part in the proceedings. He was, however, very reluctantly
+persuaded to enter the ring, but "niver stripp'd nor doff'd a thing off."
+Notwithstanding these drawbacks, he again proved victorious, throwing in
+the course of the day, both Tom Nicholson and his brother John. On
+Friday--the following day--he won at Soukerry, in Caldbeck parish; and on
+Saturday gained the head prize at Hutton Roof, near Penrith; thus finishing
+a heavy week's work, by winning at four different places, and gaining an
+important match besides.
+
+On Ascension Day, at Kingmoor Races, Carlisle, in 1809, the subscription
+belt was won by William Richardson of Caldbeck; and the Mayor's belt by
+Joseph Stalker of Welton. At the first annual meeting on the Swifts,
+Carlisle, where there was a purse of five guineas to contend for,
+Richardson was thrown, in the third round, by John Harrison of New Church,
+who wrestled second to Tom Nicholson. In the same year, at Penrith, in
+October, the three favourites were Tom Nicholson, William Richardson, and
+Harrison of New Church. All three champions went down; Richardson, after
+throwing John Oliphant, James Lancaster, and Joseph Brownrigg, was thrown
+in the fourth round by John Nicholson of Threlkeld.
+
+At Carlisle in 1810--Tom Nicholson's second year of winning--Richardson got
+capsized by a person of no note whatever; but succeeded in winning the
+second day's prize, Joseph Slack of Blencow being second. At Carlisle, in
+1812, the head prize was won by James Scott, Oarnlee, Canonbie, throwing in
+the final fall William Richardson. On the following day, the loser in the
+wrestle up proved victorious, throwing finally John Forster of Walton Rigg;
+William Mackereth of Cockermouth being third. The winner received four
+guineas, and the second two guineas. At Penrith, in October of the same
+year, ten guineas--a large sum to wrestle for in those days--was given to
+contend for, where Richardson was thrown by John Parker of Sparkgate, the
+winner.
+
+At Carlisle, in 1813, for the chief prize, the Caldbeck favourite threw
+William Waters, John Cowen, Walter Phillips, and Samuel Jameson of Penrith;
+and was thrown in the final fall by Robert Rowantree of Bewcastle, after
+one of the severest struggles on record. Richardson's own account of the
+fall was this: after having lifted Rowantree to hype him, his foot slipped,
+owing to the wetness of the day, and consequent slipperiness of the ground;
+losing his balance, he fell clean backwards, thus throwing away the fall.
+He had met Rowantree on two or three previous occasions, and always threw
+him. At Keswick, in 1820, the Caldbeck champion was thrown by William
+Wilson of Ambleside, said by a high authority to be the best man
+Westmorland ever produced.
+
+On the revival of the Carlisle wrestling in 1821, after three years'
+cessation, Richardson, then forty-one years old, drove to the meeting in a
+conveyance with Tom "Dyer" and others. On leaving home he had no thoughts
+whatever of wrestling--"ower oald"--and withstood all the persuasions of
+his friends, till reaching Durdar village, where he consented once more to
+try. He wore at the time, a pair of old-fashioned knee-breeches, which held
+him too tight to wrestle in, and had therefore to borrow an easier pair
+before entering the ring. The gathering was an immense one. The numbers
+assembled on the Swifts were estimated at twenty thousand. A long array of
+highly respectable ladies, including the Countess of Lonsdale, were
+interested spectators. Sixty-four men entered, and nearly all were
+calculated to weigh fourteen stones or upwards. In the morning, when the
+Caldbeck party were at Durdar, Tom "Dyer"--one of the very best hypers of
+his time, indeed, a first-class man altogether--was very full of winning.
+The first man called into the ring, and the first that went down, proved to
+be Tom, being thrown by one John Hetherington.
+
+It is very probable there never met on the Swifts as good a field of
+wrestlers. Richardson acknowledged afterwards that he stood most in awe of
+Joseph Robley of Scarrowmannick, from the exceeding clever manner in which
+he swung his opponents. Robley, by the way, has been credited with being
+the first introducer of the _swinging hype_. They met in the third round,
+and the Caldbeck veteran succeeded in disposing of the one he looked upon
+as his greatest bugbear. The third round also proved fatal to several other
+good wrestlers--Jonathan Watson, James Graham, and Joseph Abbot going down.
+Weightman--then twenty-two years old, all bone and muscle, standing six
+feet three inches high, and weighing fifteen-and-a-half stones--fell in the
+fourth round. Glendinning, (a rough tearing hand, from the neighbourhood of
+Penrith, compared to whom a bull in a china shop was as nothing,) fell in
+the fifth round; leaving Ford of Ravenglass--victor over Weightman at
+Egremont, weighing over fifteen stones, and measuring six feet two
+inches--for the final fall with Richardson. The latter succeeded in
+throwing the young, formidable West Cumbrian, and carried off the head
+prize amid much shouting and cheering.
+
+Richardson won the chief prize at Faulds Brow, near Caldbeck--where
+annually some of the best wrestling in Cumberland could be witnessed--for
+_nineteen_ years in succession, a continued series of successes unequalled
+in wrestling annals. Flushed with victory crowning victory, he went with
+the full determination of carrying off the prize for the twentieth time, if
+possible, but the spell was broken: fate had ordained otherwise. A
+raw-boned rustic, unknown to fame, named Young, (afterwards a publican at
+Dalston,) sealed his fate. The stewards were inclined to bring the fall in
+a "snap," but the vanquished man very honourably declared himself to be
+fairly thrown. Nevertheless, he was so chagrined at the untoward event, so
+grievously disappointed at not having achieved this highly prized
+distinction, that it was asserted he fairly cried for vexation over it.
+
+The wrestling at Faulds Brow always--very injudiciously, we think--took
+place late in the evening. On the occasion of "Belted Will's" final
+discomfiture, it was not concluded till two or three o'clock, in the cold
+grey atmosphere of a July morning, many rounds being finished up by the aid
+of lighted candles.
+
+The following reply to a novel wrestling challenge, which appeared in the
+columns of a Whitehaven newspaper, explains itself without note or comment.
+It is dated October 16th, 1843, and, we believe, it proved to be the end of
+the matter:--
+
+     SIR,--A paragraph lately appeared in the _Whitehaven
+     Herald_, stating that Charles Lowdon, of wrestling
+     notoriety, who resides near Keswick, and is sixty years
+     of age, would wrestle a match with any individual of
+     the same age. The veteran William Richardson of
+     Caldbeck, aged sixty-two years, will be happy to accept
+     the challenge, and wrestle Mr. Lowdon, the best of five
+     falls, for L5 or L10 a side. The friends of W. R. will
+     be happy to meet the friends of his rival, at the house
+     of Joseph Ray, of the Royal Oak inn, Cockermouth, on or
+     before the 30th instant, to make the match, and to
+     settle the other preliminaries usual on such
+     occasions.--I am, Sir, yours, &c.--J. M.
+
+During the last forty years of Richardson's life, he became noted as a good
+farmer on the Netherrow estate; and was remarkably successful in the
+breeding and rearing of Herdwick sheep, a class of animals peculiarly
+adapted to the mountainous districts of Cumberland and Westmorland, which
+are likewise held in high repute for the excellence of their mutton. He
+obtained many local prizes for different classes of fell sheep; and
+attended the tup fair at Keswick regularly; but though enthusiastic about
+his Herdwicks, his conversation, it is said, had at all times a tendency to
+"bristle o'er" with feats in the wrestling ring. A tale is told of him
+which illustrates this tendency. Arriving at Keswick, according to annual
+custom, to exhibit and sell tups, he happened to meet an old crony whom he
+had not seen for years. The two sat down, "cheek by jowl," and soon became
+absorbed in an animated conversation, in which "nowte but russlers an'
+russlin' was h'ard, amang aw t' chang; an' t' tips was niver yance thowt
+on, till t' fair was varra nar ower, an' theer was hardly sec a thing as a
+buyer to be fund."
+
+Richardson could be either a good friend or a good hater, as circumstances
+might call forth. One illustration of his kindly feeling and warmth of
+heart towards a struggling neighbour, may be mentioned. An industrious man,
+named Jeffreys--a blacksmith at the Caldbeck lead-mines--either occupied a
+field of lea grass, or had cut a few carts of peats, high up the fell-side.
+During a dreary wet season, when everything was spoiling, Richardson
+volunteered the use of a horse and cart to assist in clearing the field on
+the first fine day. From some unforeseen cause the horse took fright,
+galloped down the mountain brow, and either broke its leg by falling, or
+else was unfortunately killed. The accident placed the poor blacksmith in
+an awkward position, especially as the horse was a valuable one, estimated
+at that time to be worth thirty or forty guineas. He offered, however, to
+pay what money he had, and clear off the rest by instalments. "Nay, nay,"
+said Richardson, "it was as pure an accident as iver yan h'ard tell on, an'
+med ha' happen't to anybody. I'll tak nowte frae thee--nut a fardin'!"
+
+A fell-side rhymer, named Richard Nicholson, of Caldbeck, has done his best
+to embalm Richardson's memory in verse, something after the following
+fashion:--
+
+    "When youth bloom't on him, few were as grand;
+    His fame was spread through aw the land,
+    Wid active russlin' an' strang reet hand.
+    At Faulds Brow reaces, 'twas his profession
+    To run when young withoot intermission,
+    And prizes nineteen he won in succession!
+
+    The shipperds aroond med weel dred his name;
+    For Herdwick tips oft the prize he'd claim,
+    Till far an' wide was spread his fame,
+                              As ye may read:
+    But noo i' the dust lies his noble frame:
+                              Will Ritson's deid!"
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM LITT
+
+OF BOWTHORN.
+
+
+The name prefixed to our present biographical notice, is that of a
+gentleman who, by his writings and conduct in the ring, has conferred
+greater lustre on, and added greater distinction to the "back-hold"
+wrestling of Cumberland and Westmorland, than any other individual. His
+historical account of ancient and modern wrestling--Litt's
+_Wrestliana_--was considered, in 1823, when _Blackwood's Magazine_ was at
+the summit of its fame, worthy of a highly eulogistic notice from the pen
+of Christopher North. Litt's wrestling notices and anecdotes have reference
+to the existence of the noble pastime, and a record of its most famed
+heroes and their contests, from 1770, and for the fifty years following.
+
+Before this period, the names and places of abode; the various and
+noteworthy achievements; the distinctive excellencies of celebrated
+wrestlers; and the places where their triumphant contests occurred, were
+little known beyond their immediate locality; and the meagre information to
+be gathered--not invariably to be relied on--had been handed down, and
+circulated mostly as village gossip, or been derived from the tales of some
+one whose knowledge rested on hearsay, and not from actual observation.
+This arose in a great measure in consequence of the slight intercourse that
+existed, eighty or a hundred years ago, between places only fifty or sixty
+miles apart. At present--thanks to William Litt's research and literary
+labours--all the great contests from 1780 to 1822, are familiar to us, and
+can be resorted to, for furnishing those who take a delight in the manly
+pastime of our forefathers, with a perfectly reliable description of its
+heroes, and their several peculiar excellencies.
+
+The individual actors, too, in those great contests, have become familiar
+to all who take an interest in the northern wrestling ring. We are
+introduced, not alone to the name and doings of Tom Nicholson, and a host
+of remarkable wrestlers, his contemporaries, and the surprising manner in
+which they could, with consummate dexterity, grass an opponent; but we have
+graphic descriptions of many who, at an earlier period, became entitled to
+the distinction of champions, in many a hard contested ring--in rings where
+pecuniary prizes were rarely given, and if given at all, trifling in
+amount. The great incentives to successful competition were honour and
+fame, typified by a gilded leather belt, of no greater intrinsic value than
+the laurel crown of the ancient Greeks. Sometimes--on very particular and
+rare occasions--there was offered for the final victor a silver cup.
+
+From Litt's description, we are familiar with the best and most renowned
+men, whose stars were in the ascendant, from 1780 to 1820. From Adam Dodd,
+"the cock of the north," a prime favourite, possessing all the requisites
+that go to the formation of a first class wrestler; from the Rev. Abraham
+Brown, a clergyman at Egremont, and previously a Bampton scholar, to Tom
+Nicholson of Threlkeld, another prime favourite, whose scientific wrestling
+acquirements, and wonderful success in the ring, were patent to Litt from
+frequent observation. The above Abraham Brown--better known in his day and
+neighbourhood as "Parson Brown"--is the self-same individual that a well
+known "Professor of Moral Philosophy" designated, "the most celebrated
+wrestler that the north, perhaps, ever produced." This gentlemen had no
+objection to show his friends, or even a stranger, how easy it was for a
+parson to upset a layman. The professor cannot find the least fault for
+thus indulging in a friendly fall, and stigmatizes his detractors for so
+doing, as "prim mouthed Puritans," who may "purfle up their potato traps,"
+and hold their tongues till the arms of the athlete are encased in lawn
+sleeves, and he becomes a--"Bishop."
+
+Our readers, or a majority of them at least, are doubtless aware, from
+witnessing the brilliant falls resulting from a vigorously put in
+"buttock," that it is one of the most showy and effective chips that
+wrestlers bring into play. Nothing finer than one of those dashing
+somersaults, that were wont to electrify the opponents of James Little or
+John Ivison. To the Bampton scholar--Abraham Brown--before settling for
+life at Egremont, a remote West Cumberland market town, is due the credit
+of inventing and bringing "buttocking" into use. The two men, Adam Dodd and
+Abraham Brown, were certainly worthy representatives of the very best class
+of wrestlers in the "olden times." They were close upon six feet high, and
+fifteen stones weight; were especial favourites of the public, as well as
+the historian of early wrestling. Both were straight standers, ready at
+taking hold, good with either leg, and at work as quickly as possible,
+following up the first attack with such rapidity, that their opponents had
+but small chance of avoiding a final and fatal stroke.
+
+After all this deserved praise, however, we cannot class them much, if any,
+superior to William Litt; and if Adam Dodd was justly styled "Cock of the
+North," the other is almost equally deserving of being hailed "Star of the
+North." In all their contests, there is nothing to shock the most
+fastidious moralist; nothing to outrage the feelings of the most humane;
+nothing that the most delicate-minded need blush at. Unlike the scenes of
+violence and fearful punishment depicted in the records of the pugilistic
+ring--now all but abolished--they can be dwelt upon without any degrading
+associations. Compare the description in _Wrestliana_, of the fight between
+Carter and Oliver at Gretna Green--the head of the latter, in the fourth
+round, "terrifically hideous"--and the author's eleven bouts with Harry
+Graham, on Arlecdon Moor, and the reader will not find anything approaching
+to cruelty in one, while the other is indeed "hideous."
+
+WILLIAM LITT, the author of _Wrestliana_, was born at Bowthorn, near
+Whitehaven, in November, 1785. His parents held a highly respectable
+position in society, and he received a liberal education, with the object
+of fitting him for a clergyman in the Church of England. This intention
+was, however, given up, in consequence of a manifest tendency to out-door
+sports, and a "loose" sort of life. The parents seeing that young Litt had
+rendered himself in some measure unfit for the Church, placed him with a
+neighbouring farmer to get an insight into practical, as well as
+theoretical, agricultural pursuits. On arriving at manhood, with a
+vacillation much regretted in after life, farming was neglected and
+abandoned.
+
+Christopher North, in old "Maga," says, "Mr. Litt is a person in a very
+respectable rank of life, and his character has, we know, been always
+consistent with his condition. He is in the best sense of the word a
+gentleman," was an "honest, upright, independent Englishman. We remember
+Mr. Litt most distinctly: a tall, straight, handsome, respectable,
+mild-looking, well dressed man. If we mistake not, he wrestled in
+top-boots, a fashion we cannot approve of." Top-boots to contend in on the
+Swifts, at Carlisle, at the present day, when wrestlers make it a study to
+don a costume that gives the greatest facility to freedom of motion, both
+in the limbs and body, would undoubtedly be considered by the whole ring, a
+strange spectacle, and subject the wearer to no end of chaff.
+
+We will now proceed to give a few incidents that will establish Litt's
+undeniable claims to superiority in the wrestling ring. We are not aware
+that he ever contended in the Carlisle ring but twice--in the year 1811,
+and again a few years after that date, on both of which occasions he was
+unsuccessful. His appearance in 1811, was a foolish act, for according to
+his own statement, he had been unwell for some time--in fact, out of form
+for wrestling. After a keenly contested bout, Joseph Bird, a well known
+wrestler from Holm Wrangle, succeeded in throwing him. The same year a
+match--the best of eleven falls--was entered into with Harry Graham of
+Brigham, and arranged to come off, on Arlecdon Moor, for sixty guineas--at
+that time a larger sum than had ever been contended for in any wrestling
+ring. From the celebrity of the parties, too, and the great amount of the
+stake, the match created a greater interest in the wrestling world than any
+hitherto contested. Harry was considered one of the most active men that
+ever entered a ring; indeed, a first rate man in every respect, the
+favourite and pet of a large district. He had contested many matches with
+the best men going; one of which was with the celebrated Tom Nicholson, in
+which he gained five falls for the Threlkeld champion three.
+
+When Litt and Harry appeared in the ring, the former was desirous to
+postpone the contest, on account of ill health; but the Brighamites, with
+an absence of that good feeling generally displayed by wrestlers one to
+another, refused, and insisted that the match should go on then and there.
+Harry gained the three first falls, which so elated himself and friends,
+that they looked on the final issue as a foregone conclusion, and indulged
+in some unseemly chaff. The defeat, however, served to rouse the
+energies--the courage and resolution of the loser, and he easily gained
+seven out of the next eight falls. John Fidler of Wythop Hall defeated
+Harry at Cockermouth, and afterwards at Arlecdon. Litt threw them both, and
+had the year before, when in good health, thrown Harry with the greatest
+ease. These repeated defeats of a man who could dispose of such as Tom
+Nicholson, William Richardson, and others, will go far to establish our
+favourable opinion of the wrestling historian. Other, and as strongly
+conclusive, testimony, is at hand to be produced. John Lowden, from the
+neighbourhood of Keswick, who had thrown several of the cleverest
+wrestlers of his day--winner of a silver cup at Carlisle--was obliged to
+succumb to Litt.
+
+Many of our wrestling readers will have heard of the "public bridals," at
+Lorton, where some of the best wrestling in the county might be seen. One
+hundred and twenty names were entered in 1807. For the final fall, William
+Armstrong of Tallentire, an excellent wrestler, and winner the year before,
+contended with Litt, and sustained defeat. At the revival of Blake Fell
+races in 1808, there were two good entries, and Litt carried off first
+prize on both the first and second day, notwithstanding being drawn against
+all the best men, including the two Tinians, and other well known names.
+
+We have now to notice a series of consecutive successes, to which we
+believe there are few parallels in wrestling annals. In the early part of
+this century, the best meetings in West Cumberland took place on Arlecdon
+Moor. The meetings were numerously attended, and held two or three times a
+year. For ten years, from 1805 to 1815, Litt contended for all the
+prizes--except in 1814, when he omitted to enter his name--and was never
+thrown. Conceive a man being able to wrestle successfully through a really
+strong ring upwards of a score of times. After such a noteworthy series of
+exploits, no further testimony need be adduced--no more satisfactory
+evidence wanted--to prove William Litt's claim to be ranked among the
+brightest wrestling stars of the north.
+
+In concluding this notice, we should have been glad to state that his
+career through the world, in more important respects, had been attended by
+gratifying results. The truth, however, is that from the time he left the
+paternal roof, his course through a checkered life to the bitter end, was
+marked by a series of disastrous failures. Attending wrestling and racing
+meetings unfits many persons for a steady and attentive devotion to
+business. This in a marked degree was the case with Litt. Farming duties
+became neglected, and then given up. Next he embarked in a large brewery at
+Whitehaven. A collapse, and loss of nearly all the capital employed,
+followed in little more than twelve months. He then went to reside at
+Hensingham, finding part employment in some triflingly remunerative
+parochial offices, expecting daily that he would get an appointment from
+the ruling powers at Whitehaven.
+
+Disappointed in this expectation, he resolved on emigrating to Canada, in
+1832, and retrieve his broken fortunes in taking the cutting of canals, and
+works of a like description. A break down again occurred, and he tried to
+gain a living by writing for the Canadian journals. This failing, he became
+a teacher. Suffering, however, from "home sickness"--a craving often fatal
+to natives of mountainous regions--his mental as well as bodily powers
+began failing before attaining his sixtieth year.
+
+    "I gaze on the snow clad plain, see the cataract's foam,
+    And sigh for the hills and dales of my far distant home."
+
+He died at Lachine, near Montreal, in 1847, when sixty-two years old;
+regret and sorrow at forced banishment from his native "hills and dales,"
+no doubt, hastening decay and the destroyer's final blow.
+
+    "Dearly lov'd scenes of my youth, for ever adieu,
+    Like mist on the mountain ye fade from my view,
+    Save at night in my dreams."
+
+    _The Emigrant._
+
+
+_ADDENDA._
+
+     The following extracts from letters, are quoted from a
+     controversy which sprung up between WILLIAM LITT and
+     some one who signed himself ATHLETICUS, in the columns
+     of the _Carlisle Patriot_, November,  1824:--
+
+     Mr. Litt deems me but a "_theorist_ in matters
+     appertaining to the ring." His own athletic feats, as
+     detailed in _Wrestliana_, are heroic and numerous, and
+     it would be presumptuous in me to attempt comparison;
+     therefore, compared with Mr. Litt, I must (borrowing a
+     phrase from the ring) consider myself as a _fallen
+     man_. But, notwithstanding the vaunted achievements of
+     the champion of Arlecdon Moor, there are those now
+     living old enough to remember his being thrown in the
+     Carlisle ring by very ordinary wrestlers, when in the
+     zenith of his fame. The village green on a summer's
+     evening or during a holiday, is frequently the scene of
+     many a rustic amusement. And on this arena, when
+     athletic exercises were going on, I have often borne a
+     part--where the old men inspired the young with
+     emulation, by reciting the achievements of their
+     youth--and the applause of the rustic spectators was
+     the only meed of victory. Here, sir, I have seen many
+     a manly struggle; and though I have never entered a
+     public prize ring, I flatter myself I have gained
+     something more than a theoretical knowledge of athletic
+     science. An ardent temper, and the buoyancy of youthful
+     spirits, no doubt gave considerable zest to the sports,
+     and my memory fondly recalls, and dwells with peculiar
+     delight, on the hours which I have spent amidst happy
+     villagers engaged in these rustic scenes of innocent
+     amusement. I will also venture to assert, that amongst
+     the peasantry assembled on the village green, not only
+     Weightman, Cass, Abbot, Wright, and the Dobsons of
+     Cliburn, but even Mr. Litt himself, imbibed his
+     earliest knowledge of the rudiments of wrestling.
+
+                            ATHLETICUS.
+
+
+     "Athleticus" says, and thinks he is cutting deep when
+     doing so, "there are those now living old enough to
+     remember my being thrown in the Carlisle ring, by very
+     ordinary wrestlers, when in the zenith of my fame."
+     Now, Mr. Editor, do you not think this is rather a
+     stinging remark, as it relates not to any point of
+     issue between us, and was therefore as uncalled for as
+     unnecessary?... I never wrestled but twice in the
+     Carlisle ring, and never saw it when "in the zenith of
+     my fame." The first time was in 1811, when, as I have
+     stated elsewhere, I was thrown by Joseph Bird, who was
+     surely no very _ordinary_ wrestler. When taking hold,
+     Bird got below my breast, and pinned my right arm close
+     to the elbow, down to my side; and a person, ignorant
+     enough, surely! insisted, that because he found by
+     pulling my left arm over his back, that he could make
+     my fingers meet, I should either take hold or be
+     crossed out. I foolishly chose the first, thinking that
+     I perhaps might better myself after. I was mistaken;
+     though those who are "old enough" to remember the
+     circumstance, may remember likewise that, considering
+     the situation in which I was placed, I was not disposed
+     off easily.... The other time I entered the Carlisle
+     ring, I met one of the Fosters--no ordinary men--and I
+     can only state that after our contest, I was ordered
+     by one of the umpires to wrestle the fall over again,
+     and I waited until the end of the round in expectation
+     of doing so, when I found that a bet of half-a-guinea
+     made by the other umpire, (and which I was aware of at
+     the time,) had turned the scale against me. I can, if
+     required, name the umpire, and the person he betted
+     with; which bet, however, he never recovered, and this
+     circumstance deterred me from wrestling the next day,
+     and determined me never to wrestle more at Carlisle.
+     This was in 1815. My best day was in 1806, 1807, and
+     1808; therefore the assertion of "Athleticus" is doubly
+     incorrect.
+
+                            WILLIAM LITT.
+
+
+     Mr. Litt admits being thrown in the Carlisle ring by
+     Joseph Bird of Holm Wrangle, in 1811, which he says in
+     _Wrestliana_, was a "smartish contest;" and he adds
+     that his "best day was in 1806, 1807, and 1808." But,
+     sir, this is only three short years past the time when
+     Mr. Litt was in the zenith of his fame; so that even
+     writing from recollection, my assertion is not
+     altogether incorrect, and certainly not intentionally
+     so. Mr. Litt and Joseph Bird had some dispute, it
+     appears, about taking hold: be this as it may, I was
+     justified in stating that Mr. L. had been thrown at
+     Carlisle by _ordinary_ wrestlers; for Bird was never
+     considered more than a third-rate player in the
+     Carlisle ring. He was a powerful man enough, though not
+     heavier than Mr. Litt at that day--possessed little or
+     no activity, and scarcely any science as a wrestler. I
+     have no account of the wrestling in 1811 in my
+     possession; but I have an account in 1815, and strange
+     as it may appear, Mr. Litt's name is never mentioned!
+     It would be well, sir, if my opponent would recollect
+     that his statements have to meet the public eye. In the
+     year 1815, Bird, in the first and second rounds, came
+     against Byers and Grisdale, both of whom he threw, and
+     was himself thrown in the third round by Thomas Peat.
+     Though I may admire Mr. Litt's general judgment on
+     athletic sports, I must again doubt it, if he deems any
+     of the Fosters first-rate wrestlers, or any more in
+     the ring than ordinary men; for in the scale of
+     athletic science, they were not even so exalted as
+     Bird. One of the Fosters fell in the first round, and
+     another in the second; but I shall enter no further
+     into this part of the controversy, as Mr. L's name
+     appears entirely unconnected with the wrestling of
+     1815. When I recall to my recollection the feats of
+     agility, science, and pith, displayed by Thomas
+     Nicholson in the Carlisle ring, in carrying off with
+     _eclat_, the first prize for three successive years;
+     and when I also recollect with what facility this
+     athletic hero discomfitted Bird, Mr. Litt's opponent, I
+     very much doubt the truth of the panegyric which Mr. L.
+     passes upon himself in _Wrestliana_ for his performance
+     on Arlecdon-moor, wherein he states (though in poor
+     health and condition at the time,) that he defeated
+     Harry Graham, the successful opponent of the once
+     celebrated Thomas Nicholson.
+
+                            ATHLETICUS.
+
+
+
+
+MILES AND JAMES DIXON
+
+OF GRASMERE.
+
+
+When Miles and James Dixon, whose doings in the ring we are about to
+chronicle in a brief memoir, were to the fore, wrestling was a great
+institution in the Lake District. Patronized and encouraged by Professor
+Wilson--himself a host in upholding the manly pastime; and afterwards by
+Captain Aufrere of Bowness, a distinguished and liberal patron; and
+assisted by many of the resident gentry, it attained deserved eminence in
+the northern parts of Windermere. In reaching this eminence, the sport was
+greatly indebted to the active exertions and judicious management of the
+late Thomas Cloudesdale of the Ferry hotel. Why the once popular pastime
+should be almost entirely snuffed out round Windermere, is a matter of
+surmise. The principal reason assigned weighs heavy on the wrestlers
+themselves: it is no less than glaring collusion, engendered by
+unprincipled betting men.
+
+For a long time, wrestling in the immediate vicinity of lake Windermere,
+and the adjacent parts of Westmorland, and North Lancashire, was kept up
+and followed more after the amateur fashion than the professional. It was
+looked on more as a thing to be enjoyed for the real love of the science,
+than as a means of filling the coffers of speculators. In what may be
+called its holiday aspect, the sport contrasted favourably with the art as
+practised in the sister county of Cumberland. The Windermere wrestlers, in
+thus shaping their courses, probably escaped many snares which those fell
+into who courted more publicity, and were envious of achieving greater
+fame. In fact, there were many good scientific men at the palmy period of
+the lake wrestling rings, who abstained from attending public gatherings
+almost entirely, and yet were quite as good as those who may be termed
+professionals.
+
+One instance we can select from many, will suffice to prove this. Jonathan
+Rodgers won the championship of many local meetings in his own immediate
+neighbourhood. He was born and brought up at Brotherelkeld, the highest
+farm in the vale of Eskdale. In his infancy, it was a lonely farm, seldom
+visited by strangers, but now well known to tourists crossing Hardknot. His
+forefathers had held the fell farm--a very extensive one, carrying between
+two and three thousand sheep--for generations. He once got as far as the
+Flan, and won easily in a strong ring, finally disposing of Joseph Parker
+of Crooklands, a really good man, supposed to be the coming champion of
+Westmorland. At another time, climbing Hardknot and Wrynose, he put in an
+appearance at Skelwith-bridge, near Ambleside, where Mr. Branker of
+Clappersgate, and a few gentlemen, had got up a meeting. Singularly enough,
+he came against four of the best men in the north, and threw the lot,
+namely--William Bacon and Jemmy Little, both of Sebergham, Thomas Grisedale
+of Patterdale, and finally Richard Chapman of Patterdale. Having every
+requisite, he might have gone on winning--but gave up; and is now the
+respected and prosperous tenant farmer of Brotherelkeld.
+
+Towards the close of the eighteenth and the commencement of the nineteenth
+century, the most distinguished exponents of wrestling in the Windermere
+portion of the lake district, were John Barrow, the Dixons of Grasmere, the
+Longs of Ambleside, William Wilson of Ambleside, the Flemings of Grasmere,
+well to do farmers--and "Young Green." We should have felt an interest in
+giving more lengthy sketches of the more prominent men, but, unfortunately,
+there exists a great paucity of information. Every exertion has been made
+to gather together whatever was available; but the gleanings are
+exceedingly imperfect and fragmentary. Local newspapers did not then
+collect much local intelligence; and although they kept a keen eye to
+business as regards wrestling advertisements, they scarcely ever mentioned
+even the names of any prize winners.
+
+The celebrated Windermere champion, John Barrow, flourished in the
+wrestling ring in the early part of the present century. The author of
+_Wrestliana_--one whose judgment may be relied on--pays him a deserved
+compliment, when he rates him as "the most renowned wrestler of this
+period," and "a match for any man in the kingdom." He stood fully six feet,
+and weighed fourteen stones. His favourite chip was the inside
+stroke--indeed, it was generally considered he invented the inside chip,
+and that "Belted Will" got it from Barrow. Most assuredly, the pair have
+grassed scores with it, and were quite as clever as Adam Dodd of
+Langwathby, with the outside stroke. These two men, and Abraham Brown,
+(afterwards the jovial curate of Egremont,) were all about the same height
+and weight: equally scientific; and all veritable "cocks of the north."
+
+Litt is astray with some particulars of John Barrow's tragic fate. He makes
+it out he was drowned in shallow water, and that he was an "excellent
+swimmer." Now, the fact is, he was no swimmer, and where the boat upset and
+went down, the lake is of considerable depth. He was out trying the sailing
+qualities of a new boat of his own building. The mainsail being
+injudiciously fastened to the belaying pin, a violent gust of wind struck
+the boat; it upset, and the strong man went down, unable to wrestle with
+his remorseless foe. Two plucky girls at Belle Grange, saw the accident;
+got a row boat, and set off to the rescue. They were successful in saving
+all in the boat, except the unfortunate builder. One of the persons in the
+boat when it upset, was John Balmer, and he lived to the patriarchal age of
+one hundred and one years. After the boat went over, he managed to grasp
+and keep hold of a floating plank, and was safely landed near Gill-head, a
+little below Storrs Hall. The first words he spoke after the disaster were,
+"Them 'at's born to be hang't, is suer nit to be droon't!" This proverbial
+saying came to be linked with his name, and is still quoted in the
+neighbourhood as, "ald Jack Balmer' sayin'." His portrait, painted by
+Sammy Crosthwaite, a short time before his death, is still preserved.
+
+The sunken boat still remains at the bottom, and is well known to the
+Windermere fishermen, who reckon to clear the wreck with about twenty-five
+fathoms of netting out, and generally catch when they let go an additional
+fathom or two. Professor Wilson saw the catastrophe and the rescue. This
+distinguished man had had, no doubt, many boating excursions with poor
+Barrow, and being himself a capital wrestler, and keen of the sport, it is
+likely he would have many a tussle with the Windermere champion. It is said
+that on one of his excursions out of Wasdale, to the top of Scawfell, with
+Will Ritson, the cheery, popular, yarn-spinning landlord of the well-known
+Wasdale-head hostelry, that on arriving near the summit of the hill--which
+is the highest ground in England--the two, surrounded on all sides by
+mighty mountains, had several keenly contested wrestling bouts. The writer
+remembers well the famed Professor, when time had wrought a change in the
+manly form, visiting the Flan in its palmy days, and receiving respectful
+attention from all parties on the crowded grandstand.
+
+After this short digression, recording the fate of "a great wrestler and a
+good man," we must return to Miles Dixon. He was born in the year 1781, at
+either "Far" or "Near Sawrey." They form two villages, but are so little
+apart that they may both be classed as "Sawrey;" and are situated half-way
+between Hawkshead and the Ferry on Windermere. No more beautifully located,
+clean, bright looking, secluded villages are to be found in all the Lake
+district. The most prominent and interesting view from "Near Sawrey," is
+Esthwaite lake; and all around to the south, south-west, and north-west,
+there appears a wide extent of richly wooded undulating country. From "Far
+Sawrey," there is a view of the lower reaches of Windermere, and a vast
+panorama of undulating hill and vale.
+
+Miles's father followed the primitive occupation of a wood-cutter, felling
+timber trees and young trees of fifteen or sixteen years growth, called
+_coppice wood_, used for making hoops and charcoal. While his sons were
+"lile lads," he removed across Windermere to the vale of Troutbeck, and
+then in a short time migrated to Grasmere, where he settled.
+
+Miles Dixon's full stature was six feet three inches; and his general
+wrestling weight, fifteen-and-a-half stones. His favourite move in the ring
+was to lift his opponent from the ground one way, then throw him quickly
+back the other--and dispose of him, so to speak, with a twist. His
+herculean powers enabled him to do this effectually. He had other tactics
+on which to fall back, but occasions very rarely occurred when these had to
+be called into action. His quiet habits, and mild enthusiasm for wrestling,
+often made him careless. Had he possessed a greater amount of ambition, and
+followed the wrestling ring more closely, we should undoubtedly have had to
+record a much more numerous list of achievements. Professor Wilson hits off
+some of his leading characteristics very happily when he says: "Honest and
+worthy Miles, if put into good heart and stomach, and upon his own
+dunghill, was, in our humble opinion, a match for any cock in Cumberland."
+
+Young Dixon won his first belt at Grasmere, when only about sixteen years
+old. John Fletcher, the village carrier, a powerful sixteen-stone man,
+wrestled second. It so happened the carrier was very ambitious of winning
+first honours, and feeling sorely disappointed at being thus checkmated by
+a beardless boy, tore the waistcoat off his opponent's back, in a passion,
+and for a long time bore the victor a grudge.
+
+During one of the militia meetings at Kendal, a good deal of "braggin'"
+took place respecting the wrestling abilities of one Harrison, a man who
+stood six feet high, and weighed fully fifteen stones. Miles Dixon was
+pressed to take Harrison's challenge up, but gave his friends no
+encouragement that he would do so, and seemed to be very careless and
+indifferent about the matter. Ned Wilson and William Mackereth at length
+backed Dixon, the best of three falls, for a guinea, being all the money
+they could muster between them. Harrison in the match lost the two first
+falls easily, and was so chagrined at the defeat, that he absented himself
+from drill for several days.
+
+At the Windermere gathering, held at Waterhead, near Ambleside, in 1810,
+there was a considerable amount of rivalry displayed as to whether the belt
+should stay in Westmorland, or go to Cumberland. John Wilson, the young
+squire of Elleray, then fresh from Oxford, was the principal getter up of
+the sports. He was all enthusiasm, and heartily backed Westmorland. In
+Miles Dixon's absence the previous year, Tom Nicholson had carried off the
+first prize. He now returned again, to do all that lay in his power to be
+the winner a second time, bringing with him his brother John, and Joseph
+Slack from Blencow. William Litt came over Hardknot and Wrynose, from West
+Cumberland, riding on a good horse, and wearing a pair of high top boots.
+He called at Skelwith-bridge for refreshment, and stayed there all night,
+previous to the meeting. Getting a little "fresh" at the snug hostelry, as
+the hours went on, he began to be communicative about the morrow's
+proceedings, and laid down the law with great precision. According to his
+theory, Tom Nicholson would be first, and "yan Litt" second: of this there
+could be no doubt whatever. "Nay, nay," said mine host, not then knowing
+who the traveller was, "Nay, nay, I think nit! Theear' some Dixons o'
+Gersmer'--meast sowan good 'ans--'ill be to fell first!" An old miller
+"com' ower t' Raise,"[9] in the rear of the Cumberland men, on purpose to
+bet, and rifle the pockets of the Westmorland lads. Tom King, owner of The
+Hollins, in Grasmere, annoyed at the never ceasing din made by the miller,
+said to Dixon: "Miley, if thoo's gaen to du' thy best, noo, I'll away
+an' tak' yon ald fule up." He forthwith went and bet guinea after
+guinea, until the miller began to think it prudent to venture no further.
+
+Early on, Miles threw a Yorkshire waller, named Harrison, a heavy man, and
+a good wrestler. He was afterwards called out against William Litt, with
+whom he had a hard tug. The excitement was extreme. Curiously enough, the
+two men started with the same tactics. "Te'an triet to lift, an' tudder
+triet to lift," and both being heavy men, the exertion became very irksome
+work. The result was that Litt was thrown "lang streak't" on his back,
+amid deafening cheers. Like many men who are losers, Litt complained in
+_Wrestliana_ of "unfair play," and brings half-a-dozen excuses forward as
+the reasons why he lost the fall. In the case of Miles Dixon and Litt
+having had another fall, Professor Wilson says: "Whether Mr. Litt could or
+could not have thrown Miles, can never be positively known in this world."
+The final fall, between Dixon and Tom Nicholson, was not of long duration.
+No sooner were they in holds, than the former lifted his opponent clearly
+from the ground, and disposed of him easily with a twist. The belt was then
+handed to Miles Dixon, by Mr. Wilson, who complimented him warmly on the
+victory he had gained. The future Professor of Moral Philosophy took the
+belt to Edinburgh with him. After the lapse of a couple of years, it was
+returned to the winner, with the following inscription engraved on a silver
+plate: "Won by Miles Dixon, at a Grand Wrestling Match, between the
+Westmorland, Lancashire, and Cumberland Lads, 1810." The belt is still in
+the possession of the family at Grasmere. It is made of leather, about two
+inches broad, and mounted with silver buckle and inscription plate.
+
+In 1811, Dixon did not wrestle at Ambleside. In 1812, when thirty-one years
+old, he put in an appearance again, and virtually carried off the first
+prize. Litt says, "Miles Dixon and a butcher in Ambleside were the two last
+standers. They agreed to wrestle two or three falls for the gratification
+of the gentlemen who had subscribed towards the wrestling, and in this
+friendly trial Miles Dixon was victorious."
+
+Miles died in June, 1843, aged sixty-two years. A headstone in Grasmere
+churchyard bears the following testimony to his worth: "The uniform
+integrity of his conduct, has induced one who appreciated his worth, to
+erect this memorial."
+
+His widow--a thrifty, sensible, managing housewife--died in 1875, aged
+ninety-one years. Wrestling meetings, and similar gatherings, she treated
+with marked contempt. A frequent saying of hers, about her husband as a
+wrestler, was: "Ivery shillin' he wan, cost us two!" She used to compare
+those who took part in such exercises to "a lot of potters an' tinklers,
+'at dud nowte but nip an' squeeze yan anudder to deeath!"
+
+
+JAMES DIXON, brother to Miles, was born at the before-mentioned village of
+Sawrey. He died at Beck Houses, Grasmere, in 1866, aged seventy-eight
+years. In height, he stood six feet three inches, and his general wrestling
+weight was fourteen stones. His favourite chip in the ring was an outside
+stroke.
+
+When young, he wrestled at a gathering of militia at Kendal, and won. In
+1809, at the Ambleside meeting, he came against Tom Nicholson of Threlkeld,
+in one of the latter rounds. According to the most reliable information we
+have been able to gather, the latter lost fairly enough, but owing to some
+oversight on the part of the umpires, they decided it must be a wrestle
+over, to which course of procedure Dixon naturally objected.
+
+In 1811, he won the head prize at the Ferry Inn wrestling, Windermere.
+Richard Luther Watson, of Calgarth, a son of the Bishop of Llandaff,
+officiated as steward. In addition to the wrestling, which commenced early
+in the afternoon, there was a regatta on the lake, and prizes were given
+also for leaping and running. The belt won at the Ferry is still kept, in a
+good state of preservation, at Grasmere. It is made of leather, about four
+feet six inches in length, by two inches in breadth, with a silver buckle,
+and inscription plate: "Presented by the Steward of the Windermere Regatta,
+to the conqueror at the Grand Wrestling Match, on the 17th July, 1811."
+
+At one of the Windermere gatherings, with Miles and James Dixon both
+thrown, a general buzz ran round the ring that Roan Long was sure to be the
+final victor. Just at the moment when this opinion was prevalent, George
+Dixon, an elder brother, very bow-legged, stepped into the ring,
+exclaiming, "Tak' time, lads; tak' time! Aw t' Dixons errant doon yet!"
+Coming as a counter-blast to the prevailing opinion, this saying created
+much merriment among the spectators. Surely enough, the current of the tide
+which had set so strongly against the Dixons, was turned, for Roan was
+cleverly thrown. George was a stiff stander, difficult to get at, and often
+very bad to move.
+
+Besides prizes incidentally mentioned in this narrative, the three brothers
+won many others, records of which, it is to be feared, have passed away
+with the contemporary generation who witnessed and took part in them.
+
+The Dixons were wallers by profession, and many of the bridges in the
+immediate vicinity of the lake country were built by them. One notable fact
+relating to their bridge-building is worth mentioning. About the year 1828,
+Muncaster bridge, over the river Esk, near Ravenglass, was built by some
+one whose name has not been recorded. The bridge had a considerable span,
+and a high tide, and a furious mountain torrent pouring down out of
+Eskdale, washed it away. Another man then undertook the rebuilding of it,
+but failed to carry out the details, and finally gave up in despair. Lord
+Muncaster being disgusted with the unsuccessful attempts, and hearing of
+the celebrity of the Dixons, sent to Grasmere for them. The three brothers
+set about the work in good earnest, and in the month of June, 1829, the
+keystone of the bridge was fixed, with considerable ceremony. A handsome
+sum of money was collected, for a day's festivity and sports, and the
+Dixons gave two barrels of ale. The prize for wrestling fell to one William
+Dickinson of Langley Park, a farm on the Bootle side of the bridge. The
+foot-race and leaping were both carried off by a young man from Eskdale,
+named William Vickers.
+
+Lord Muncaster was so well pleased with the skill and persevering industry
+displayed by the builders, that he caused the following inscription--which
+remains to this day--to be placed on the east side of the bridge:
+
+    MDCCCXXIX.
+    THIS BRIDGE BUILT BY MEN FROM GRASMERE.
+
+Commercially speaking, Muncaster bridge was an advantageous affair for the
+Dixons. The successful accomplishment of the work spread their fame as
+builders far and wide, and assisted materially towards establishing them
+nicely in the world. Miles and James became purchasers of estates, through
+industrious and economic habits.
+
+We have heard it stated that Lady Richardson of Lancrigg--the wife of the
+arctic explorer--once contemplated writing an account of Miles and James
+Dixon (who, by the way, are both mentioned in the interesting memoir of her
+mother, MRS. FLETCHER). How she intended treating the subject-matter of
+their lives, we cannot tell; probably more in their domestic relations to
+the people of Grasmere vale, than as athletes in the wrestling ring.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+After John Barrow and the Dixons, it is somewhat singular and remarkable to
+note the large number of first-rate lake-side wrestlers that came out; and
+it may not be amiss to bestow a passing notice on the foremost. Before the
+Dixons had retired, the two Longs--Rowland, commonly called Roan, and
+John--the one a giant in size and strength, and the other a big burly
+man--figured in the ring; then--most renowned in the galaxy--William Wilson
+of Ambleside. He appeared all over the beau ideal of a heavy weight
+wrestler; "lish as a cat," straight as a wand, good shoulders, and long
+arms. When about his best, there had never before been seen such a
+consummate master of the hype; and no one since can claim to be his equal.
+His action was so quick and irresistible, that his opponents went down as
+if completely helpless. In 1822, William Richardson of Caldbeck, a most
+successful hyper, had not "the shadow of a chance" with Wilson; he also
+struck down the gigantic Mc.Laughlan of Dovenby, in such a style as "no
+other man in the kingdom could have done." In appearance he resembled
+William Jackson of Kinneyside, with the same gentlemanly conduct in the
+ring, and the same good tempered bearing to his opponents. Unfortunately,
+this bright particular star became subject to a wasting disease when hardly
+at his best, and was soon lost to the wrestling world, and a large circle
+of admiring friends.
+
+Then followed Tom Robinson, the schoolmaster, Richard Chapman, George
+Donaldson, Joseph Ewbank, a Haweswater lake sider; William Jackson, an
+Ennerdale lake sider; and Thomas Longmire--men whose names and deeds will
+be cherished as long as "wruslin'" is a household word in the north. These
+have all gone hence, or are "in the downhill of life." At present there is
+not one man of note on the immediate borders of Windermere, Ullswater, or
+Derwentwater.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[9] Dunmail Raise, which divides Cumberland and Westmorland.
+
+
+
+
+ROWLAND AND JOHN LONG
+
+OF AMBLESIDE.
+
+
+Rowland Long, generally called "Roan," may be considered one of the biggest
+of our northern athletes, but by no means one of the most distinguished for
+science and activity--an immense, but somewhat inert, mass of humanity. He
+was born and brought up at Graythwaite, a beautiful country of woodland
+slopes and green dells, laying contiguous to the west side of lake
+Windermere, in North Lancashire. The father of John and Rowland, farmed a
+small estate of land under the ancient family of Sandys of Graythwaite
+Hall.
+
+Rowland was born about the year 1778. While even a lad, he developed into
+gigantic proportions of body, limbs, and bone. When only seventeen years
+old, he weighed seventeen stones, and was looked on at that time as a
+wonder by all the country side, for size and strength. On arriving at
+maturity, his full stature reached six feet two inches, and he weighed
+never less than eighteen stones. In truth, a man of colossal appearance,
+looking "as breead as a yak tree across t' shooders," as big limbed and
+heavy footed as Goliah of Gath, and with a grip like the hug of a polar
+bear. His principal move in the ring was to make a rush at his adversary,
+push him backward, and throw in the "ham"; then, if well got in, woe to the
+unlucky wight who felt the crushing weight of eighteen or nineteen stones.
+
+From a well known deficiency in points of science and activity, it may
+naturally be conjectured that most of his achievements were gained by main
+strength, on one hand, and stubborn standing on the other.
+
+In one sense, Roan Long's career is the most perplexing one with which we
+have to deal. The fact is pretty well established, that he won no less than
+ninety-nine belts; and at various places he tried hard to make the number
+up to an even hundred, but laboured in vain. The perplexing point
+is--where, and at what dates, did he win those belts? We may take it for
+granted that the field of his operations was confined principally to
+Windermere and its neighbourhood; and that his successful career as a
+wrestler commenced about the year 1796, and ended in 1812. Most of the
+details during those sixteen years are, unfortunately, not forthcoming.
+
+We learn incidentally that he "yance hed a ter'ble hard day's russlin' at
+Bouth fair, whar he fell't three or fower o' t' biggest chaps he iver
+fell't in his life." Probably this was the time he had the fearful tug with
+Arthur Burns, one of the Ullater family, near Rusland. Burns stripped off
+a tall, active, well built, six-foot man, who stuck to the giant most
+determinedly, and tried hard to get him to make play without effect, until
+the struggle became one of mere animal strength. The upshot was that Burns
+came to grief, and unluckily came out of the ring so much mauled about the
+ribs, that he never recovered fully from the punishment inflicted.
+
+At one of the village gatherings, held at Grasmere, Tom Ashburner, a
+"statesman" of the valley, entered his name among the wrestlers for the
+sole purpose of trying a round with Roan. Being fortunate enough to be
+called against him, and having succeeded in getting the fall, he retired
+from further contest, saying as he did so, to the younger hands: "Noo,
+lads, I've clear'd t' rooad for yee: work yer way!"
+
+In 1811, Roan, then about thirty-three years old, attended the third annual
+meeting held at Carlisle, but was singularly unfortunate. He was thrown in
+the first round, by John Watson, who the next time over laid down to Tom
+Nicholson.
+
+At the Windermere Regatta, held at the Ferry hotel, in July, 1812, he won
+his ninety-ninth and last belt. Previously he had won several belts at the
+same place. No part of this final trophy is left, but the inscription
+plate--in the possession of Mr. Backhouse, farmer, near Low Wood--which
+runs: "To the Hero of the Regatta, on Windermere, 1812."
+
+After this date, we obtain passing glimpses of Roan entering various
+rings, and trying in vain to make up the hundredth prize. In 1824, the old
+veteran--having then contended more or less for twenty-eight years--was
+thrown at Low Wood Regatta, by one Hodgson, who wrestled third; and even as
+late as 1828, he wrestled at Ambleside fair, where he was disposed of by
+John Holmes, a tall six-foot tailor. This proved the last time he ever
+contended for a prize--saying, as he bade farewell to the ring, "I think
+it's time to give ower, noo, when a bit iv a tailyer can thra' me!"
+
+Roan's match with William Richardson of Caldbeck will be found described in
+the sketch of Richardson's career.
+
+Many years elapse, and Roan is sitting among the onlookers of the
+wrestling, at Ambleside sports. After Longmire had carried off several big
+men with the swinging hype--eliciting the admiration of all beholders--old
+Roan said to the young aspirant, in a drawling tone of voice: "Thoo cudn't
+ha' trailed me by t' neck i' that way, my lad!"
+
+If Roan Long was deficient in science and activity, and did not cut the
+brilliant figure in the wrestling ring that some of his contemporaries did,
+he, nevertheless, habitually maintained through a long span of existence,
+many points of much greater importance, in a social view--such, for
+example, as plodding perseverance, singleness of purpose, and sturdy
+independence of character--traits in themselves truly commendable, and far
+above any merely nominal honours which the wrestling arena could bestow.
+
+Roan's occupation was that of a wood-cutter and wood-monger. In company
+with the Robinsons of Cunsey--two brothers--he worked in the woods around
+Windermere, for many years. Robert Robinson, one of the brothers, was a
+very powerful man, nearly six feet high, with broad massive shoulders, and
+herculean thighs. During the height of the wood-cutting season, these men
+toiled and wrought from daybreak to dusk, more like galley slaves than
+free-born Englishmen; often continuing their laborious employment half
+through moonlight nights. On certain occasions, when arriving at the woods
+before daybreak, they have been known to sit down and eat their dinners
+"while they'd time," as they phrased it, in order to keep themselves "frae
+hankerin' efter 't throo t' day." With coat, waistcoat, and shirt off, Roan
+used frequently to yoke himself in a cart, heavily laden with wood, and had
+to "snig" like a horse, while the two Robinsons placed themselves behind
+the cart, and regulated their motions according to the necessity of the
+case.
+
+One time, in Finsthwaite woods, when going down a steep hill, so "brant"
+that horses were practically useless, the Robinsons let go the cart for
+nothing else but pure devilment, and off went Roan, taking giant-like
+strides, until he could hold on no longer; and was obliged to throw the
+cart over into the steep incline below, and extricate himself as best he
+could. After having been a considerable time in partnership, he began to
+think the Robinsons were not doing the clean thing by him, in some other
+matters, and in consequence dissolved all connexion with them.
+
+Later on, Roan--who through life was a pattern of industry and
+integrity--kept a nursery and vegetable garden at Ambleside. While so
+occupied, it was his wont to overlook operations from a small wooden house
+in the garden, where he sat as closely wedged up almost as a veritable Gog
+or Magog.
+
+A few days before his death, he sent for his neighbour, John Cowerd, a
+joiner by trade, to give him instructions about the making of his coffin.
+"Noo, John," said he, "I s' nit be lang here, I Kna' I shallant; an' I
+want to speeak to yee about my coffin. Mak' me a good heart o' yak yan, an'
+_nowt but yak_. Noo, mind what I's sayin'; I want nin o' yer deeal-bottom't
+sooart--_nin o' yer deeal-bottom't sooart for me!_" repeated the dying man
+again and again. Many coffins had been made in the same shop, but never one
+anything like Roan's for size. It measured two feet three inches across the
+breast, inside measure. A custom prevailed in the workshop to try most of
+the coffins made, by the length of some workman. On this occasion, one
+Michael Rawlinson, the biggest man employed, was press-ganged into Roan's
+coffin, but scarcely half-filled it, and presented a very ludicrous picture
+for the time being.
+
+Roan's death took place at Ambleside, about the year 1852; aged
+seventy-four years.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+John Long, born also at Graythwaite in Furness Fells, about the year 1780,
+formed in many respects a marked contrast to his brother Roan, and was
+considered by good judges to be much the better wrestler of the two. In
+height, he stood five feet ten inches, and weighed about fourteen stones.
+In his prime, he was a remarkably fine built man: firm, compact, and well
+developed in every part, with clean action; in fact, from head to foot he
+might be said to be symmetry typified.
+
+John had the credit of winning many prizes on the banks of his native
+Windermere; but not having the ambition of his brother for wrestling
+distinction, he never rambled far from home in search of adventure; nor did
+he follow the sport for anything like the same lengthened period. We are
+sorry that no available and reliable means can be come at touching his
+feats in the ring. His well known accomplishments as a wrestler richly
+entitle him to a more extended notice than it is in our power to give.
+
+At the Ambleside wrestling, in 1811, John Long was second to William
+Mackereth, the winner, a young man from Cockermouth, a friend and companion
+of Tom Nicholson. Nicholson had grassed the well known John Lowden of
+Keswick, but suffered a grievous defeat in the fourth round when he met
+John Long. This of itself must be considered sufficient to stamp the victor
+a wrestler of considerable ability, as Tom was then at his best, and was
+looked upon by his admirers as a match for any man in the kingdom.
+
+In early life, John followed wood-cutting through the spring and winter
+months; and in autumn, he generally went off to the "shearings" in Low
+Furness and West Cumberland. For a lengthened period he was chief boatman
+at the Ferry inn, Windermere, in which capacity he is well remembered. When
+up in years, he displayed a good deal of ready wit and droll humour. He has
+been spoken of--by the most successful wrestler that Windermere has
+produced--as "a queer sly ald dog, 'at nin o' t' young 'ans cud reetly
+mak' oot, whedder he was in fun or earnest."
+
+In the _Folk-Speech_ volume of dialect stories and rhymes, Alexander Craig
+Gibson describes the sturdy figure of the old wrestler as follows, and then
+proceeds to make him relate the tale of the "Skulls of Calgarth," in his
+native _patois_.
+
+    And Benjamin's chief ferryman was stalwart old John Long,
+    A veteran of the wrestling ring, (its records hold his name,)
+    Who yet in life's late autumn was a wiry wight and strong,
+    Though grizzly were his elf-locks wild, and bow'd his giant frame.
+
+    Yes; though John Long was worn and wan, he still was stark and strong,
+    And he plied his bending "rooers" with a boatman's manly pride,
+    As crashing past the islands, through the reed stalks crisp and long,
+    He stretch'd away far northward, where the lake spread fair and wide.
+
+    "Now rest upon your oars, John Long," one evening still said I,
+    When shadows deepened o'er the mere from Latterbarrow Fell;
+    For far beyond broad Weatherlam the sun sank in the sky,
+    And bright his levell'd radiance lit the heights around Hillbell.
+
+    "And tell me an old story," thus I further spoke, "John Long,
+    Some mournful tale or legend, of the far departed time;
+    The scene is all too solemn here for lightsome lay or song,
+    So tell, and, in your plain strong words, I'll weave it into rhyme."
+
+    Then old John Long revolved his quid, and gaunt he look'd and grim--
+    For darker still athwart the lake spread Latterbarrow's shade--
+    And pointing o'er the waters broad to fields and woodlands dim,
+    He soberly and slowly spake, and this was what he said, &c.
+
+John Long died at the little hostelry on Kirkstone Pass, the highest
+inhabited house in England, about the year 1848.
+
+
+
+
+TOM NICHOLSON
+
+OF THRELKELD.
+
+
+Among the distinguished athletes of a byegone period, not one in the long
+list has conferred a more enduring celebrity on the wrestlings of the
+north, than the Threlkeld champion, Tom Nicholson. He owed this high
+position not to overpowering strength and weight, but to what lends its
+principal charm to back-hold wrestling--science and activity. These, added
+to entire confidence and fearlessness, rendered him a match for any of the
+big ones of his day.
+
+In youth he was a wild, harum-scarum sort of a fellow, hardly ever out of
+one scrape before he was floundering into another. A fight or a fray seemed
+always welcome. "He cared for nowte." A Jem Belcher of the wrestling ring
+and the pugilistic ring, too, of the north; one who never feared the face
+of man, and had so much confidence in his own powers, that whoever he
+chanced to meet in the ring, whether as "big as a hoose side," or "strang
+as a yak tree," he felt confident he could throw him.
+
+He stood close upon six feet; lean, muscular, with broad and powerful
+shoulders; had remarkably long arms, reaching--when at full length, and
+standing perfectly upright--down to his knees; his weight never exceeding
+thirteen stones; without an ounce of superflous flesh. He generally
+commenced the attack by striking the back of his opponent's heel with the
+right foot.
+
+Tom was born at Threlkeld, near Keswick, about the year 1785, and died at
+Keswick in February, 1851. His father, "oald Ben Nicholson," acted as
+parish clerk and sexton at Threlkeld for many years, following, too, the
+occupation of a builder. He brought up his two sons, Tom and John, as
+builders, or in the vernacular of the district, "wo'ers." Tom was the elder
+brother, and a much more powerful man than John. The latter, in the opinion
+of many good judges, was superior both in science and quickness. Being a
+light weight, his name does not appear with much prominence in the
+wrestling records of the time. Special prizes were not then given for light
+weights; and in consequence, John did not often become last stander. The
+two brothers were, however, sometimes first and second.
+
+It was not alone in wrestling that Tom became a noted character. He could
+probably display more feats of activity in his day, than any man in the
+north of England. He has been known to "hitch an' kick" ten feet high: that
+is to say, if a hat were placed on a pole, or hung on the ceiling of a
+house ten feet high, he could leap up, and hit the hat with one foot,
+without falling to the ground. Among other places, this was done at the
+Red Lion inn, Grasmere, in 1810, where Miles Dixon, Harry Chapman, and
+other athletes were onlookers. Another feat of his consisted in covering
+twelve yards in three leaps of three rises, measuring from heel to heel.
+This he often did, leaping the full distance forwards, and then turning
+round and leaping the same distance back again. A frequent saying of his
+was, that he could "stand a yard, stride a yard, an' tak' a yard under
+ayder arm."
+
+We have no reliable means of recording all the victories Tom achieved; and
+we suppose no chronicler is left who can tell where he gained his first
+belt. We know he became such an enthusiast as to rise often at three or
+four o'clock in a morning, in order to get his day's work finished by noon;
+and afterwards has travelled a dozen miles, to wrestle for "a lal bit iv a
+ledder strap, nut worth mair ner fifteen-pence." Luckily, there is a
+record of the more important prizes gained at Carlisle, in 1809, 1810, and
+1811--a succession of unbroken victories seldom accomplished by a
+thirteen-stone man.
+
+In the year 1809, Nicholson, then twenty-three or twenty-four years old,
+attended some sports or merry-making at Penrith. While there, he chanced to
+see an advertisement setting forth the liberal prizes for wrestling,
+offered on the following day at the Waterhead, Ambleside. Having some
+little acquaintance with the Dixons of Grasmere, through working with them
+at the Bridge-end, Legberthwaite, Tom felt a strong desire to attend the
+meeting. After dancing all night at Penrith, he left by way of Patterdale
+and Kirkstone Pass. Having reached Ambleside, he found the head of the lake
+crowded with pleasure boats and yachts; flags flying, drums beating, and an
+immense gathering of people assembled in holiday attire, anxiously waiting
+to witness the sports.
+
+Being overcome by fatigue and want of rest, he went into one of the tents
+for some refreshment, and soon fell fast asleep in a chair. A waller, named
+James Benson, who belonged to Ambleside, chanced to hear one of the Dixons
+say incidentally to the Longs: "I suppooas Tom Nicholson's here. If we
+don't mind what we're duin', he'll fell us aw!" Seeing a stranger asleep
+soon after, Benson went and gave him a tap with his foot, saying: "Do they
+co' yee Tom Nicholson?" Being thus aroused, Tom started hastily to his
+feet, and replied in the affirmative. "Well, then," said Benson, "if ye've
+come to russel, ye'll hev to be stirrin' yersel'! _They're thrawin' t'
+belt up for t' last time!_"
+
+Hastening to the scene of action--a small field near the lake--Tom got his
+name entered in the list. No doubt, the previous fatigue and consequent
+exhaustion would, in some measure, detract from the dash and force of his
+wrestling. Notwithstanding this, he managed to pull off the chief prize,
+throwing both Rowland and John Long. Two of the Dixons--George and
+James--of Grasmere, also contended, and both came against the Threlkeld
+man. The former was unmistakeably thrown; but the latter, in the opinion of
+a great many spectators round the ring, ought to have had the fall. The
+umpires, however, came to the conclusion it was a dog-fall, and Dixon felt
+so chagrined at the decision, that he refused to re-enter the ring.
+
+In after life, Nicholson used to "brag" that at this Ambleside gathering,
+he threw four of the biggest men he ever grassed in one day in his life,
+namely, Roan and John Long, and George and James Dixon. In relating this
+exploit, however, the fall with the last mentioned had always to be passed
+over as quietly as possible, lest some "unbelieving dog" should think
+proper to retort, and mar the harmony of the relator's narrative.
+
+Next year, Tom again attended the Ambleside meeting, accompanied by his
+brother John, and Joseph Slack from Blencow. William Litt also figured, as
+one of the West Cumberland great guns, but had to succumb to Miles Dixon.
+Slack laid down to Tom, who threw Roan Long and his brother John. Coming
+against Miles Dixon, for the final fall, he was cleanly lifted from the
+ground without any difficulty, and thrown with a twist.
+
+In 1811, we find Tom at the Ambleside meeting for the third and last time.
+William Mackereth of Cockermouth accompanied him on this occasion. Tom had
+an arduous struggle with John Lowden of Hussecar in Newlands, "a stoot
+good russeler," who had then scarcely reached maturity. Lowden always
+claimed the first fall, but acknowledged that he lost the third one fair
+enough--the second one being a dog-fall. In the third round, Tom again
+disposed of Roan Long, but was cleverly thrown by John Long the next time
+over. It will thus be seen, the Threlkeld champion succeeded at Ambleside
+once only in the three years of his attendance; while at Carlisle, where he
+also contended three years, he came off victorious in each entry. This is
+strong testimony to the celebrity of the Windermere wrestlings.
+
+For two years previously, John Wilson of Elleray had encouraged the
+wrestlings at Ambleside, by subscribing liberally, and taking a personal
+interest in so conducting the sports as to render them worthy of the
+patronage of the neighbouring gentry. All who have attended wrestling
+meetings, cannot but be aware that occasions will often occur, when the
+presence of such gentlemen as the squire of Elleray is of great use. There
+is ample evidence to show that he was devotedly fond of the sport. When he
+left the lakes to make Edinburgh his permanent place of residence, the
+wrestlings at Ambleside, which had attained extraordinary celebrity,
+declined for a time, but again shone with renewed brilliancy at Low Wood,
+Bowness, and the Ferry.
+
+Before taking leave of Nicholson's Windermere exploits, we must record a
+_fracas_ he had once with John Wilson, at the "Nag's Head," Wythburn, a
+little wayside inn, eight miles from Ambleside, lying immediately under the
+shadow of the "mighty Helvellyn," and much frequented up to the present
+time by pedestrian tourists. Some sports--wrestling being the principal, of
+course--were held at the above out-of-the-way hostelry. At that time,
+considerable rivalry existed between the wrestlers of Cumberland and
+Westmorland. The Elleray squire freely backed the Westmorland men, and Tom
+Nicholson was not a whit behind-hand in as freely backing the Cumbrians.
+Now, it so happened, they both got excited over a doubtful fall. The future
+literary luminary insisted that his man had got the fall; while Tom
+vehemently maintained an opposite opinion, and bandied ugly words very
+freely.
+
+In a fit of momentary passion, Wilson struck Tom over the shoulders with
+his stick. This bellicose style of argument instantly led to a violent
+scene, and there appeared every likelihood of a most determined contest.
+Wilson was at that time a match for almost any man in the kingdom. A
+professed pugilist, after receiving a sound thrashing from him on the banks
+of the Isis, had been heard to say: "This must be either the devil or Jack
+Wilson!" And Nicholson had proved the victor in many a hard fought contest.
+A battle between the two disputants at the "Nag's Head," would have been a
+fearfully punishing affair to both of them. This was happily avoided, in
+consequence of their friends stepping in, and putting a stop to any
+further infringement of the peace.
+
+The ball thus set rolling at Ambleside for two years--of giving handsome
+money prizes--was followed up at the Carlisle Races, where the _first_
+annual wrestling on the Swifts took place in the month of September, 1809.
+The successful establishment of the great northern wrestling meeting, was
+due principally to the endeavours of Mr. Henry Pearson, solicitor,
+Carlisle.
+
+The following extract from the _Carlisle Chronicle_, will demonstrate the
+gratifying result of what may be called the first _metropolitan_ meeting:--
+
+     The athletic sports were superior to anything ever
+     exhibited in Carlisle. The wrestling commenced on
+     Wednesday morning, at ten o'clock, in a roped ring,
+     thirty-five yards in diameter. There were present on
+     the occasion not less than five thousand spectators,
+     who came from all parts within a circuit of thirty
+     miles, to see these gymnastic exercises. This was
+     probably the best wrestling ever seen in Cumberland, as
+     each competitor had been the winner of a great number
+     of belts in the respective parts they came from. Every
+     round was most severely contested, but the last one was
+     the finest struggle ever seen: each of the combatants
+     having given the other the cast three or four times;
+     and they respectively recovered in a most surprising
+     manner, to the astonishment and admiration of every one
+     present. At length Nicholson, who comes from Threlkeld,
+     gave Harrison the knee, and gained the prize.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following is a list of those men who wrestled for the Purse of Five
+Guineas, on the Swifts, on Wednesday, September 13th:--
+
+
+FIRST ROUND.
+
+_Stood._                     _Fell._
+
+Robert Rowntree.             Thomas Allison.
+Younghusband.                John Rowntree.
+Joseph Dixon.                John Thompson.
+Thomas Nicholson.            Daniel Wilson.
+Goodfellow.                  John Waugh.
+John Watson.                 John Jorden.
+Matthew Armstrong.           Moses Hodgson.
+Frank Moor.                  John Relph.
+Thomas Dickinson.            Thomas Cowen.
+John Nicholson.              Joseph Bird.
+John Dawson.                 William Douglas.
+Joseph Slack.                Thomas Burrow.
+William Ritson.              Matthew Dickinson.
+William Hodgson.             James Phillip.
+John Harrison.               John Hudless.
+Michael Hope.                Romney.
+
+SECOND ROUND.
+
+Robert Rowntree.             Younghusband.
+Thomas Nicholson.            Joseph Dixon.
+John Watson.                 Goodfellow.
+Matthew Armstrong.           Frank Moor.
+John Nicholson.              Thomas Dickinson.
+Joseph Slack.                John Dawson.
+William Ritson.              William Hodgson.
+John Harrison.               Michael Hope.
+
+THIRD ROUND.
+
+Thomas Nicholson.            Robert Rowntree.
+John Watson.                 Matthew Armstrong.
+John Nicholson.              Joseph Slack.
+John Harrison.               William Ritson.
+
+FOURTH ROUND.
+
+_Stood._                     _Fell._
+
+Thomas Nicholson.            John Watson.
+John Harrison.               John Nicholson.
+
+FIFTH ROUND.
+
+Thomas Nicholson.            John Harrison.
+
+Mr. HENRY PEARSON, _Head Manager_.
+Mr. CHRISTOPHERSON,)
+Mr. J. ARMSTRONG,  ) _Clerks_.
+Mr. TOPPIN, _Umpire_.
+
+At the Penrith Race Meeting, in October, 1809, Tom Nicholson contested in
+the wrestling ring, but his career was soon cut short. In the first round,
+he threw Thomas Matthews; and in the second round, had to succumb to one
+Joseph Dixon, who was disposed of afterwards, in the fourth round, by John
+Gowling, the victor on that occasion.
+
+At the Carlisle Wrestling, in October, 1810, there was an immense gathering
+of people on the Wednesday morning, to witness the wrestlers compete for
+two purses of gold. Sixty-four--almost all picked men--entered the ring,
+the head prize awarded being six guineas. This sum--at the time considered
+an important prize--fell a second time to Tom Nicholson, who threw again
+the formidable Robert Rowantree of Bewcastle, and the no less celebrated
+John Earl of Cumwhitton; and, in the final fall, floored Joseph Slack of
+Blencow. In connexion with the races, a ball on a grand scale was held
+attended by more than three hundred ladies and gentlemen. The amusements of
+the week were concluded on Friday, by the Carlisle pack of harriers
+throwing off at Whiteclose-gate, when three hares were killed, and some
+excellent sport witnessed.
+
+Tom and his brother, John, again figured at Carlisle in 1811, when Tom
+succeeded in carrying off the first honours for the third time, in the most
+difficult of all rings. The money prizes amounted to twenty pounds in all,
+and the sport was enjoyed by a dense mass of nearly twelve thousand people.
+The Earl of Lonsdale, the Marquis of Queensberry, Sir James Graham of
+Netherby, and various other gentlemen, were spectators. In the first round,
+Tom Nicholson threw John Forster easily. In the second, John Watson laid
+down. In the third round, he threw John Jordan of Great Salkeld. In the
+fourth, William Earl of Cumwhitton. In the fifth, John Douglas of Caldbeck;
+and, finally, John Earl of Cumwhitton.
+
+John Nicholson threw John Taylor in the first round; and was thrown in the
+second by Joseph Richardson of Staffield Hall, a first-rate wrestler, and
+winner of the second day's prize.
+
+Immediately after the general wrestling, Tom Nicholson was defeated in a
+match with Harry Graham of Brigham, an event which broke in somewhat
+abruptly upon the three consecutive victories gained by him on the Swifts.
+A lengthy account of this match will be found in Litt's _Wrestliana_.
+
+The Carlisle ring of 1811 was the last in which Tom Nicholson contended for
+a prize. Whether he desired to retire, and rest upon the laurels he had
+gained, or not, we cannot say. He was rendered totally incapable of
+competing at Carlisle the following year, by having accidentally dislocated
+his shoulder at the Duke of Norfolk's jubilee, held at Greystoke Castle, in
+the middle of September, 1812. He married in 1815, and went to live at
+Keswick, where he settled down as a builder. Some years after he joined the
+firm of Gibson and Hodgson, builders, as a partner; and as a tradesman, was
+respected by all who knew him.
+
+Tom used to say he could wrestle best at twenty years old. When at this
+age, and for some time after, he used to practice with George Stamper of
+Under-Skiddaw, an excellent wrestler; but being of a retiring, quiet
+disposition, he very seldom entered a ring. "Gwordie" could, however, get
+quite as many falls as Tom, out of a dozen bouts.
+
+Some years after Tom had given up contending for prizes, he chanced to be
+at Cockermouth, with his friend and former pupil William Mackereth, and the
+conversation running a good deal on wrestling topics, they agreed to
+adjourn to a field in the vicinity, in order to try a few friendly bouts.
+After having had two or three falls, "Clattan"--a gigantic athlete--was
+noticed to be leaning listlessly, with both arms over the wall, looking at
+them. "Come, Clattan," shouted Mackereth, "an' thee try a fo'. I can mak'
+nowte on him!" Thus invited, "Clattan" gathered up his huge carcass--six
+feet six inches high, at that time bony and gaunt-looking--and went
+stalking into the field, saying: "I's willin' to try him ya fo'; but,
+mind's t'e, _nobbut_ yan." In taking hold, the giant tried to snap, but
+didn't succeed in bringing Tom down. After this they had two or three
+falls, in all of which Clattan was worsted. In referring to this incident,
+the victor always said he felt certain it was a made-up thing between
+Mackereth and the big one, that the latter should be "leukin' ower t' wo',"
+at a given time and place, as if by accident.
+
+There is still another science in which Tom Nicholson excelled, namely, the
+art of self-defence; but as we have no sympathy whatever with any form of
+pugilistic encounter, except that which resolves itself into the purely
+_defensive_ order, we shall only touch lightly on the subject. As a boy,
+Tom's undaunted courage, daring spirit, and surpassing activity, made him
+dreaded as a combatant; and from the time he thrashed "Keg," (Mc.Kay or
+Mc.Kie,) the Keswick bully, when trying to ride rough-shod over the
+Threlkeld youths, his fame as a boxer was fully established in his own
+neighbourhood.
+
+In the summer of 1812, two Irishmen who were paring turf in Skiddaw forest,
+came to Keswick, and asked Joseph Cherry, the landlord of the Shoulder of
+Mutton, for Tom Nicholson. Tom being sent for, was soon on the spot; when
+one of the Irishmen thus addressed him: "Shure, an' I suppose you're the
+champion of Cumberland?" "Well," replied Tom, "I don't know whedder I is or
+I issn't." "Faith! but I'm afther telling you, you are," said the Irishman,
+very crousely; "and by jabers! me and my mate are ready to fight anny two
+men in Cumberland!" "I know nowte aboot nea mates," replied Tom, whose
+spirit would never allow him to brook an unprovoked insult--"I know nowte
+aboot nea mates; but I's willin' to feight t' better man mysel', if that
+'ill satisfy ye!" Accordingly, a wager was made for five pounds, and the
+two combatants went into the market-place without further parley--no county
+police to interfere at that time--and set to work in good earnest. Pat was
+beaten in nine rounds; and Tom, who sustained little injury, finished up
+"as fresh as a lark."
+
+In the encounter on the Carlisle race ground, with Ridley, the _glutton_,
+in 1814, the issue was of a very different character, although the
+Threlkeld man was never in better "fettle" in his life. After
+half-an-hour's severe fighting, during which time the waves of victory
+flowed sometimes to one side, and sometimes to the other, the constables
+interfered, and very properly put a stop to the brutal sport.
+
+As some palliation for the part which our hero took in the combat, Litt
+says: "We have the best authority for saying, that when Tom left home for
+Carlisle, he knew nothing of the match in question; and that the behaviour
+of Ridley, who was on the look-out for him, and the wishes expressed by
+some amateurs to witness a trial of skill between them, made Tom
+erroneously think that his character was at stake, and that he could not
+decline the contest without incurring the charge of having 'a white feather
+in him.'"
+
+Tom's love for daring adventure, or sport, seems never to have forsaken
+him. Even in middle life, when between forty and fifty years old, this
+idiosyncrasy would manifest itself. Among other pursuits, he has been known
+to follow salmon poaching in the river Derwent and its tributaries. Once
+when working at Mirehouse, for Mr. Spedding, he was joined by Pearson of
+Browfoot, John Walker, weaver and boatman, and four or five other men from
+Keswick, as lawless as himself, and almost as daring. The meeting had been
+previously arranged at the Shoulder of Mutton, then kept by Betty Cherry.
+Having chosen Tom as their captain, the gang started for Euse bridge, at
+the foot of Bassenthwaite lake, which place they reached a couple of hours
+after nightfall. Operations were commenced by placing two sentinels in
+commanding positions, one on the bridge, and the other--John Walker--on the
+opposite side of the hedge, a little lower down the river.
+
+A "lowe" being "kinnel't," the stream was found to be literally swarming
+with fish. Little more than laying out their nets had been done, however,
+when Walker shouted out: "Leuk oot, lads! they're comin'!" And just at
+that moment, a strong body of river watchers, numbering something like a
+dozen--who had evidently been laying in ambush--rushed pell-mell upon them.
+Walker being the first within reach, was knocked down and kept down; and
+the fight soon swayed fiercely from side to side. Maddened at the treatment
+of their mate, the poachers broke through the hedge which intervened, and
+fought desperately. Tom Nicholson punished one of the watchers, named
+Cragg, so severely, that the man had good reason to remember it for many a
+long year after. Walker being rescued, and the keepers chased from the
+ground, the poachers again took to the river, and returned home heavily
+laden with spoil.
+
+During the latter part of his life, Nicholson officiated frequently as
+umpire or referee in the Carlisle and other rings. Having dislocated his
+ancle by accidentally falling on the ice, his appearance in the capacity of
+umpire, impressed spectators with the idea that they looked on the
+shattered and broken-down frame of a muscular built man, supporting himself
+while moving about with a stout walking-stick. The last trace we have of
+him as umpire, was at the match between Jackson and Longmire, which came
+off at Keswick, in 1845.
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM MACKERETH
+
+OF COCKERMOUTH.
+
+
+William Mackereth--"built like a castle," being broad and massive from head
+to foot--was born and bred at Cockermouth. He was a pupil of Tom
+Nicholson's; but Tom could never teach him his own favourite chip of
+"clickin' t' back o' t' heel," and used to resort to that move when he
+wanted to throw him.
+
+Mackereth was a good hyper; and threw Harry Graham of Brigham twice in
+succession, the first time that Litt and William Richardson met to wrestle
+the match at Workington, which never came off. He also threw John Long in
+Westmorland, and won. In speaking of Roan Long, Mackereth used to say his
+own hand was like a child's hand, compared to that of the giant's.
+
+A common saying of his was, that he "was nobbut a thurteen stean man."
+To this Tom Nicholson generally retorted by saying, "_I_ niver kent the',
+Will, when thoo was thurteen stean!" Tom called him fourteen stones,
+good weight.
+
+Mackereth was brought up to the building trade, and ultimately became
+keeper of the gaol at Cockermouth for many years. He had an only daughter,
+who married and settled in Ireland, in which country he died about the year
+1859.
+
+
+
+
+HARRY GRAHAM
+
+OF BRIGHAM.
+
+
+Harry Graham was a clogger by trade, at Brigham, a pleasant but irregularly
+built village, whose square church tower catches the eye of the passing
+tourist between Cockermouth and Workington. Born and bred in the heart of a
+district which has produced many noted wrestlers, and practising the art
+from boyhood, Graham possessed rare abilities as an athlete; but was either
+too indifferent, or else of too petulant a disposition, to take his chance
+in the ring, like his compeers.
+
+The most famous victory gained by Graham--and we know of no other of any
+moment--was the one over Tom Nicholson, in 1811, which goes far to prove
+him to have been, for his inches and weight, one of the best men West
+Cumberland has produced. Litt speaks of his having wrestled more matches
+than any man in the county, but fails to single out any others, wherein
+Graham was the conqueror, than the two mentioned in this brief notice.
+
+Harry attended the annual meeting at Carlisle, in 1811, for the first and
+last time, and competed for the head prize. In the first round, he threw
+one Thomas Hoodless, said by Litt to be "of some celebrity," but long since
+forgotten; and in the second round, he came against John Jordan of Great
+Salkeld, waller,[10] and fairly won the fall, without even going down. For
+some cause or other, the umpires decided it a dog-fall; and on taking hold
+a second time, Jordan won. This exasperated Harry's friends, who felt
+confident his rare science, quickness, and activity, rendered him a match
+for any man existing.
+
+Be this as it may, a match was struck up with Tom Nicholson--the taller man
+by three inches--who backed himself for three pounds to two, the best of
+five falls. Harry lost the first and second. This made Tom's supporters
+cock-sure of winning the match. The third was disputable, and decided a
+dog-fall, although a great majority of the spectators insisted Harry won.
+The fourth and fifth he gained cleverly. They were then equal, with the
+dog-fall in dispute. After some squabbling, they began again afresh; and
+Harry won the match by scoring first, third, and fourth falls.
+
+Graham's match with William Richardson--which he won, and which Litt sets
+forth as one of some importance--was merely the result of a drunken spree
+at Cockermouth. It took place in a garden belonging to the Old Buck inn.
+Among the handful of people who witnessed the scene, was John Murgatroyd,
+at that time a growing youth interested in the sport.
+
+Harry left the locality of his native hills in 1822, and settled in
+Liverpool, where he brought up a family in a manner which reflected much
+credit upon himself. When more than sixty years old, he took a voyage to
+Australia, to join his eldest son, a graduate of Dublin university, who was
+following the scholastic profession, with a considerable amount of success,
+at the antipodes.
+
+Graham died in November, 1878, at the venerable age of eighty-eight, and
+was buried in Shooter's-hill cemetery, near London.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[10] Litt speaks unguardedly when he calls Jordan "a noted wrestler from
+the Penrith side," as there was nothing worthy of note about any of his
+performances in the ring. Nature had endowed him with a considerable amount
+of strength, but being almost destitute of science, he had only one mode of
+dealing with opponents, and that was "just to tew them doon!" One who knew
+him well, described him as "a greit rammin' sixteen-stean man, creuk't
+back't, an' varra fond o' fishin'!"
+
+
+
+
+JAMES SCOTT
+
+OF CANONBIE.
+
+    Noo, Jamie Scott o' Cannobie,
+      He hied to Carel toon;
+    And mony a borderer cam to see
+      The English lads thrawn doon.
+
+              _Border Ballad._
+
+
+James Scott was the lightest man who won the head prize in the Carlisle
+ring about his own time; and what is much more curious, the only Scotchman
+who ever accomplished the same feat. Indeed, it seems up to Scott's time,
+and since, too, that the borderers on the Scotch side did not take as much
+pleasure in the pastime as those dwelling on the English side.
+
+Scott was born and brought up at Oarnlee, in the picturesque parish of
+Canonbie, in Dumfriesshire, within a few miles distance from the roofless
+tower of Gilnockie, the ancient stronghold of the noted border free-booter,
+Johnny Armstrong, of whose tragic fate in the presence of the Scottish
+king, the old minstrel thus sings:--
+
+    But then rose up all Edenborough,
+      They rose up by thousands three;
+    A cowardly Scot came John behind,
+      And run him through the fair bodye.
+
+    Said John, "Fight on my merry men all,
+      I am a little wounded, but not slain;
+    I will lay me down to bleed a while,
+      Then I'll rise, and fight with you again."
+
+James Scott stood about five feet nine inches high, and weighed between
+eleven and twelve stones. Litt surmises that he was more than thirteen
+stones; but according to the most reliable authorities, this is much beyond
+the mark. He was a "tight built, streight, beany mak' iv a fellow, withoot
+a particle o' lowse flesh aboot him." In the ring, he became noted as a
+quick striker, and bore the reputation of being a good scientific wrestler.
+
+He never went much from home to contend, and, excepting in the Carlisle
+ring, is only known to have wrestled at the village gatherings, along the
+borders. He does not figure among the thirty-two men, who wrestled at the
+first annual meeting at Carlisle, in 1809. In the following year, when
+double that number contended, we think it hardly likely that he put in an
+appearance; but on this point we cannot speak with any amount of
+confidence, as there is no list of names known to be in existence.
+
+In 1811, however, he did good service in the Carlisle ring, by throwing
+Joseph Wilson, John Hall, Joseph Coates, and William Richardson of
+Caldbeck; but sustained defeat at the hands of John Earl of Cumwhitton, in
+the fifth round. For the second prize of the same year, he was cleverly
+thrown by George Little of Sebergham, (and not again by John Earl, as
+stated by Litt.)
+
+At the Carlisle meeting held on Tuesday, the 20th day of September, 1812,
+the favourite north-country pastime attracted an immense gathering of
+spectators to the Swifts. Although the prizes offered amounted in all to
+the handsome sum of twenty guineas, there was a noticeable falling off in
+the attendance of wrestlers. Only forty-eight names were entered for the
+principal competition--the most noteworthy absentees being Tom Nicholson,
+(who was suffering from an accident at the Greystoke festival,) John Earl
+of Cumwhitton, Robert Rowantree of Bewcastle, and Harry Graham of Brigham.
+
+Scott, who was then in his twenty-fourth year, turned up on the Swifts "i'
+grand fettle," and wrestled through the ring with much spirit, tact, and
+determination. The unexpected fall of William Mackereth of Cockermouth, the
+first time over, removed at least one formidable rival. John Jordan of
+Great Salkeld, falling in one of the subsequent rounds, left the coast as
+good as clear to Scott and Richardson, who ultimately came together in the
+final fall. Although wanting in the height, weight, and experience
+possessed by his veteran opponent, the wiry borderer had the advantage of
+youthful suppleness and activity on his side.
+
+A good deal of time was wasted by the combatants; both tenaciously
+endeavouring to obtain the better hold. Meanwhile a tall, red-haired,
+gaunt-looking Scotchman, made himself somewhat officious and troublesome to
+the umpires, by running to and fro into the ring, "wi' a wee drap whuskey,
+an' a hantle o' advice," in order to cheer up the spirits of the Canonbie
+lad. When holds had been obtained, after acting on the defensive for some
+time with much wariness, Scott managed to catch Richardson's heel, and by
+this means succeeded in carrying him off precisely in the same manner as he
+had done the preceding year. No sooner had the burly figure of the Caldbeck
+man kissed the green-sward, than the air resounded again and again with
+lusty cheers for the Canonbie hero.
+
+Everybody seemed astonished when "lal Jamie Scott" fought his way
+through the ring; and probably no one was more astonished than himself.
+With eight bright guineas in his pocket, he received a hearty welcome on
+going back again, from all the "weel kent" faces he passed on his
+"hameward" journey to "Canobie lea."
+
+Having gained first honours, Jamie inherited too much of the "canny" and
+prudent disposition of his countrymen, to risk tarnishing the victory which
+had thus fallen under somewhat favourable circumstances to his share. The
+Carlisle ring of 1812 was, we believe, the last one in which he contended
+for a prize.
+
+Scott was a joiner by trade, and worked for several years at "Kirkcammeck,"
+(Kirkambeck,) in Stapleton, on the English side of the border. At the
+local gatherings in after years, he made a point of backing David Potts of
+Haining--a rather tricky customer--against John Blair of Solport Mill.
+Scott recommended Potts to rosin the inside of his pockets well, and rub
+his hands in them before taking hold of an opponent. "And than," said he,
+bestowing a hearty thump on his pupil's back, "no a man i' Cummerland need
+thraw the', if thou nobbut fews onything like!"
+
+His cheerful and jocular disposition led him to be widely known on both
+sides of the border as "Canobie Jamie." He was specially fond of rural and
+field sports. In speed of foot he surpassed most of his companions. Many
+stories are told of the practical jokes and harmless tricks he used to play
+off on his neighbours and acquaintances; a few examples of which we may
+perhaps be allowed to relate as illustrative of his character.
+
+"Canobie Jock," a well known voluble neighbour of his, partial to keeping
+up a breed of terriers and foxhounds of the right sort, had one of the
+former which he boasted was the fleetest dog of its kind in the parish. For
+a trifling wager, Jamie offered to run a race with Jock's terrier. The
+distance chosen was from one end of a good sized field to the other,
+through part of which a broad deep ditch extended, and had to be crossed.
+After starting, our hero found there existed every likelihood of his canine
+competitor leaving him some distance behind. This induced him to hasten
+towards that part of the field where lay the deep ditch. With a single
+bound he cleared the distance in capital style. Meanwhile, before the poor
+terrier had time to swim the water, climb the banks, and shake itself,
+Jamie had got so far ahead as to be able to win easily--which he did, much
+to the discomfiture of the owner of the dog.
+
+As an additional illustration of his nimbleness of foot, it may be
+mentioned that on another occasion, in coming "owre the hills frae Hawick,"
+he ran down a cub fox, which he took home with him to Canonbie, and kept
+there in a tame state, until it became so troublesome and destructive among
+the hen-roosts of the neighbourhood, that he was obliged to put it down.
+
+Jamie, and a cousin of his, were once invited to a wedding in the
+neighbourhood of Liddesdale, and, as it chanced, they could only muster a
+single horse between them. Under these circumstances, Scott thought it
+might be as well to give the natives of "Copshaw-holme," (Newcastleton,)
+something to amuse themselves with. Accordingly, he placed his cousin on
+the front of the horse, in the usual way, while he mounted behind, facing
+the opposite direction, with a straw rope drawn round the animal's tail for
+a bridle. In this comical fashion, the two men rode through the large open
+square of the old border village, amid the laughter and jeers of young and
+old.
+
+One other story, and we must take leave of Jamie. When crossing a wild part
+of the country, it so happened that through being benighted, he was in
+danger of losing his way. Nearing a farm-stead, the pleasing sound of a
+fiddle fell on his ears, which ultimately turned out to proceed from an
+adjoining barn, where a dancing school was held. On entering, Jamie met
+with a warm reception from the people assembled, and enjoyed the scene
+before him with much glee. Getting communicative with those around, he
+threw out some broadish hints that he thought he could dance a hornpipe or
+jig better than the dancing-master himself. To such a belief as this the
+teacher entirely demurred; and the difference of opinion thus set forth
+paved the way for a friendly contest. Notwithstanding being a good deal
+fatigued with travelling, Jamie managed to trip about with so much
+gracefulness and agility, that he was acknowledged by all present to have
+quite outrivalled the professor of the calisthenic art.
+
+James Scott died at Oarnlee in the year 1854, aged sixty-six years.
+
+
+
+
+ROBERT ROWANTREE,
+
+OF KINGWATER.
+
+
+Robert Rowantree, the subject of this brief memoir, was one of the big
+stalwart athletes of the wrestling ring in the "olden time," when wrestlers
+six feet high, and fourteen stones weight, were plentiful amongst the
+competitors of the northern arena. Rowantree was not so much distinguished
+for science as William Jackson, Richard Chapman, or the Donaldsons of more
+recent times; but was formidable from possessing great strength, a long
+reaching muscular arm, much supple activity, and no end of endurance in a
+keen, protracted struggle with an adversary. Remarkable instances of this
+fierce endurance are to this day commented on, particularly in his
+memorable bouts with John Richardson of Staffield Hall, "Belted Will" of
+Caldbeck, and the celebrated bone-setter, George Dennison.
+
+Rowantree was born in the vale of Kingwater, in the year 1779. The place of
+his birth, and where he continued to reside for a long series of years, is
+a lonely and sterile region, inhabited chiefly by sheep-farmers, situate
+between the green woodland slopes of Gilsland, and the then wild unclaimed
+wastes of Bewcastle; and was doubtless in the long ago border marauding
+times the scene of many a bloody raid; and later, too, of many smuggling
+affrays in getting across the border untaxed whiskey. Maitland's
+_Complaint_ gives a vivid description of the lawlessness prevalent:--
+
+    That nane may keip
+    Horse, nolt, nor sheip,
+    Nor yet dar sleip,
+    For thair mischeifis.
+
+"The lordly halls of Triermaine," in the vale of Kingwater, supplied the
+title to one of Sir Walter Scott's poems; but the once "lordly halls" are
+now reduced to a mere fragment.
+
+Like William Jackson of Kinneyside, Rowantree was brought up a shepherd,
+and followed this pastoral occupation, with scarcely a break in the chain,
+throughout an extraordinarily prolonged life. He stood fully six feet one
+inch, his general wrestling weight being fourteen stones. "A lang-feac't,
+strang, big-limb't man, carryin' varra lile flesh on his beans," was the
+description given of Rowantree by a brother athlete, who, like himself, had
+carried off the head prize once from the Carlisle ring.
+
+Litt speaks of him as attached to loose holds, and as being an extremely
+awkward customer to get at. It cannot be said that he was a quick, good,
+scientific wrestler, being too strong limbed and heavily built throughout,
+for excelling in these requisites. Nevertheless, he had tremendous powers
+when he could get them set agoing in full swing. His famous cross-buttocks
+in the Carlisle and other rings, which made men fly upwards, like a bull
+tossing dogs, are spoken of to this day. When young, like many another,
+Rowantree was such an enthusiastic follower of the wrestling ring, that he
+frequently went on foot twenty miles to wrestle in the evening for a common
+leather belt, not worth eighteen pence.
+
+He won his first prize at "Mumps Ha'," Gilsland, at that time a noted hedge
+ale-house, whereat border farmers--most of them nothing loth to spend a
+jovial hour or two when happening to meet a neighbour--used to stop and
+refresh themselves with a "pint" or two, and enjoy a "good crack." The
+hostelry was at that time kept by a daughter of old Margaret Teasdale,
+immortalized as "Mumps Meg," in Sir Walter Scott's _Guy Mannering_.
+
+Rowantree afterwards attended some sports at Stanners Burn, in North Tyne;
+and in the final wrestle up, he came against an exceedingly powerful man,
+named William Ward, a rustic Titan, with a grip like a giant, resident in
+the neighbourhood. In the previous rounds the stranger from Kingwater had
+astonished the North Tyners, by disposing of his men without the least
+difficulty. In the last round, Ward lifted Rowantree clean off his feet,
+and caused much amusement among the spectators by crying out, whilst
+holding him in that position: "Hey, lads! See! I can haud him, noo!" No
+sooner, however, did Rowantree set foot on _terra firma_, than in an
+instant the position of the two men was reversed, a sweeping cross-buttock
+sending Ward's feet "fleein' i' the air," amid loud plaudits--the loser
+being sadly crestfallen by this unexpected turn of the wheel.
+
+As a general rule, Rowantree did not go far from home to attend wrestling
+meetings; his principal ground being along the wild tract of Cumberland
+lying to the north-east of Carlisle. Occasionally, however, he strolled
+away from Kingwater and the adjoining country. In the year 1810, he had a
+trip "wid Nanny, the priest' son, o' Haltwhistle, ower th' fells," to try
+his luck at the noted gathering, known far and wide as "Melmerby Round."
+Along with the priest's son--a promising youth in his way for "a bit of a
+spree"--he entered his name. The Haltwhistle youth came to grief in one of
+the early rounds, being thrown by John Morton of Gamblesby (father to Tom
+Morton of the Gale); but Rowantree succeeded in working his way through the
+ring, and carrying off the head prize.
+
+We next come to record worse luck, in a match with Thomas Golightly, a
+miner, who belonged to the Butts, in Alston town. Rowantree, though a much
+heavier and taller man, was overmatched by the 'cute Alstonian, and had to
+succumb to him. Golightly--one of a wrestling family--was a thoroughly
+all-round, scientific, first-rate wrestler; and though weighing only twelve
+stones, and standing five feet nine inches high, gained many head prizes
+in the neighbourhood of Alston, Workington, and Whitehaven. The match took
+place probably at Alston sports, then held annually on Easter Monday and
+Tuesday--on the same days that a two-days main of cocks was fought.
+
+Rowantree attended the first annual wrestling meeting held at Carlisle,
+September, 1809, and in the first round he threw Thomas Atkinson; in the
+second, one Younghusband, (who in the previous round had thrown John
+Rowantree, a brother of Robert.) In the third round, he had to face the
+celebrated Thomas Nicholson of Threlkeld. The first was a disputed fall;
+but in the second, Tom was easily victorious. At Carlisle, in 1810,
+Nicholson again threw him.
+
+Next year, John Richardson of Staffield Hall, near Kirkoswald, gained the
+second prize on the Swifts. For the first prize, he came against Rowantree,
+and after one of the most desperate and determined struggles ever seen in
+any ring, the latter won with a half-buttock, after giving his opponent a
+shake off the hip. In all the recorded meetings of athletes in the rings of
+the north, it has seldom happened that the spectators had the gratification
+of witnessing two men step into the arena, equal in stature and muscular
+power to Robert Rowantree and John Richardson. The latter stood six feet
+three inches high, and the former six feet one inch. Both weighed upwards
+of fourteen stones, and on stripping, presented remarkable specimens of
+athletic formation. Armstrong, familiarly known as the "Solid Yak," another
+gigantic Cumbrian, was also grassed in the same entry, by Rowantree.
+
+At Carlisle, in 1812, when James Scott, the Canonbie man, won, we do not
+find that Rowantree contended. No record is known to exist, giving the
+names of those who entered for the prizes, and, therefore, nothing definite
+can be stated.
+
+The following extract from the _Carlisle Journal_, will show that the
+prize--twenty guineas--given in 1813, was held to be something remarkable
+in wrestling annals, and created a wide-spread sensation throughout the
+north. At the present day, a considerably larger sum is given; but whether
+this profuse liberality has improved the _morale_ of the ring, is a very
+doubtful matter.
+
+     On Friday, the 8th of October, the great prize of
+     twenty guineas was wrestled for on the Swifts, in a
+     roped ring of seventy yards in diameter, in the
+     presence of the largest concourse of people we ever saw
+     on a similar occasion. Notwithstanding the day was
+     extremely wet during the whole of the contest, the
+     curiosity that had been excited through all ranks of
+     society, overcame every obstacle; and we were happy to
+     see on the ground the Duke of Norfolk, the Marquis of
+     Queensberry, the Earl of Lonsdale, H. Fawcett, Esq.,
+     M.P., together with a large number of gentlemen from
+     all parts of the county, and from Scotland, to witness
+     one of the finest exhibitions of activity, muscle,
+     science, and resolution, ever seen in the north of
+     England. The wrestling was of the most superior kind;
+     many of the combatants having been struck by their
+     antagonists from the ground upwards of five feet.
+     Robert Rowantree, the Cumberland shepherd, gained the
+     first prize, having thrown the noted William Richardson
+     and George Dennison, in two of the severest struggles
+     we ever saw. We are happy to add that their peaceable
+     and civil deportment to each other has been the subject
+     of much commendation.
+
+On the morning of the wrestling, Rowantree walked from Butterburn, a lone
+farm-stead, north-east of Gilsland, and fully twenty miles from Carlisle,
+as the crow flies; and then wrestled through an exceedingly strong ring--a
+proof of lasting endurance and pluck seldom parallelled. Seventy-two men
+entered the ring for the head prize; exactly twenty-four more than in the
+previous year. In the first round, Rowantree threw Joseph Richardson; in
+the second, James Gibson; in the third, Thomas Gillespie; in the fourth,
+William Earl of Cumwhitton; in the fifth, George Dennison of Stainton; and
+in the final fall, William Richardson of Caldbeck.
+
+It is somewhat singular that Rowantree, an enthusiastic follower of
+wrestling, should not again enter the ring of the Border City, or, indeed,
+any other ring, where winning might be considered to confer distinction.
+Soon after achieving at Carlisle, the highest distinction a wrestler can
+attain, he won his last belt in the same arena where he gained his first
+one--at "Mumps Ha'," Gilsland. He got the belt without contesting a single
+fall; no one thinking proper to try the chance of a single tussle with him.
+
+Shepherding was his daily pursuit during the greater part of a long life;
+and at times he performed some extraordinary feats of pedestrianism. We
+regret, however, being unable to give exact data of the time and distances.
+They would have been interesting additions to his wrestling career. For
+many years he lived on an extensive sheep farm at Wiley Syke, near
+Gilsland, with one of his brothers. During the great storm of November,
+1807, when the snow drifted in some places to the depth of nine and ten
+feet, Rowantree's brother John, lost four-score sheep, and at one time
+upwards of two hundred more were missing. A neighbouring shepherd, named
+James Coulthard, perished in attempting to fold his sheep in
+Scott-Coulthard's Waste.
+
+At one time, Rowantree was tempted to enter the service of the Earl of
+Carlisle, as a game-watcher, on the Naworth Castle estates, and continued
+to be so occupied "a canny bit."
+
+When more than four-score years old, Rowantree went to live with a
+relative--Mr. Wanless, of the Bay Horse inn, Haltwhistle--under whose roof
+he spent the last twelve years of his life; and died there in April, 1873,
+at the patriarchal age of ninety-four. Some nine or ten months before the
+latter end--the final closing scene of a long life--he "hed sair croppen
+in," and was in fact nearly bent double. But previous to that time, his
+appearance was so fresh and animated, his step so firm and active, his
+intellect and memory so clear and retentive, that no stranger would have
+taken him to be anything like his real age.
+
+While living at Haltwhistle, if the old Kingwater athlete could only manage
+to fall in with any wrestling, dog-trailing, or hunting, or could get off
+shooting with a dog and gun, either by himself or in company, he was in the
+height of his glory. When sitting by the side of a wrestling ring, during
+this latter period of his life, as an onlooker, it was only natural he
+should become garrulous, and almost, as a matter of course, cynical in his
+remarks. "Sec bits o' shafflin' things," he used to say, "git prizes
+noo-a-days! If they'd been leevin' lang syne, we wad ha' thrown them ower
+th' dyke!" At other times, when a wrestler had laid down in favour of an
+opponent, he would exclaim: "Ah! ah! that wullent dea at aw, lads! Theer
+was nea sec lyin' doon i' my time. It was aw main-strength an' hard wark,
+than!"
+
+John Stanyan Bigg's rhyme, in the Furness dialect, slightly altered,
+presents a very apt picture of Robert Rowantree, as a cheerful and hearty
+old man, verging on ninety years:--
+
+    Auld Robin Rowantree was stordy and strang;
+    Auld Robin Rowantree was six feet lang;
+    He was first at a weddin', an' last at a fair,
+    He was t' jolliest of aw, whoiver was there;
+    For he keep't a lad's heart in his wizzen'd auld skin,
+    And work'd out his woes as fast as they wer' in;
+    Ye'd niver believe he'd iver seen trouble,
+    Tho' at times t' auld fellow was amaist walkin' double.
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM DICKINSON
+
+OF ALSTON.
+
+
+Alston, the capital of a lead-mining district of East Cumberland, stands
+very conspicuously perched on the side of a hill, overlooking the river
+Tyne, which flows eastward through a narrow valley below, on its course to
+the populous towns of Hexham, Newcastle, and Shields, and is then lost in
+the German Ocean. The miniature town of Alston has a market cross of the
+quaintest order, and a main street so "brant" and twisting, that strangers
+watch with amazement the ascent and descent of any kind of conveyance or
+vehicle, which may chance to be stirring. As a people, the Alstonians are
+thoughtful, studious, and intelligent. There are few places in Britain
+where a healthful class of literature, and general knowledge, are sought
+after with greater avidity, than by the mining population of the town and
+neighbourhood.
+
+At one time the district was fruitful in producing good wrestlers. Thomas
+Lee, the publican, Jemmy Fawcett of Nenthead, powerful John Horsley, Tom
+and Frank Golightly, William Dickinson, Tom Todd of Knarsdale, and other
+stars of lesser magnitude, rose and set in succession. At a period after
+those enumerated, the neighbouring valley of Weardale was equally
+celebrated in the production of a whole host of good wrestlers. Among them
+may be noted, John Milburn, Tom Robson, James Pattinson, John Emmerson,
+Joseph Allison, and many others. And we can bear testimony to their general
+conduct in the ring as being eminently praiseworthy.
+
+William Dickinson was born at Spency-croft, near Alston, about the year
+1792, and brought up in Alston town. He followed the trade or occupation of
+a lead miner. In height, he stood five feet ten-and-a-half inches, and
+weighed fully thirteen stones. In appearance, there was every indication of
+a stout compact built man, well made from top to toe, with nothing
+cumbersome about him. He had fine expansive shoulders, good loins, and was
+rather light built about the limbs. He usually appeared in the ring,
+dressed in a pair of Cashmere trousers, light coloured stockings, and high
+tied shoes. Though a great enthusiast at wrestling, Dickinson was generally
+considered to be indifferent about other recreations, and was rather easy
+about following his daily occupation very closely. Some of the more
+pugnacious Alstonians tried various means to get him enlisted among them as
+a fighter, but in this they were disappointed. "D--n thy snoot!" shouted a
+jeering comrade to him one day, "thoo can grip a chap's back smart eneuf;
+but thoo darn't hit a body for thy life! Thoo's far ower muckle
+shoo'der-bund for a trick like that!"
+
+Dickinson's career proved to be exceedingly brief, and few particulars are
+now remembered respecting him. While still in his teens, he excelled in his
+own neighbourhood as a strong athlete, and succeeded in carrying off
+several minor prizes. We cannot learn whether he attended the then noted
+gatherings at Melmerby or Langwathby. However, in October, 1812, when
+twenty years old, we find him figuring at a great meeting held at Penrith,
+where a sum of fifteen guineas, subscribed for by the Earl of Lonsdale,
+Squire Hasell of Dalemain, and others, was given to contend for. From the
+first to the third round, Dickinson threw--Thomas Parker of Pallethill,
+John Nicholson of Threlkeld, and John Harrison of Horrock-wood, and was
+himself toppled over in the fourth round by some one whose name is not now
+known. The head prize--ten guineas--was won by John Parker of Sparkgate,
+and the second by James Lancaster of Catterlan.
+
+In 1813--the following year--Dickinson attended the Carlisle wrestlings,
+where he attained considerable distinction. For the head prize, he threw
+Thomas Graham, Robert Forster, and Frank Watson. In the fourth round, he
+was thrown by Samuel Jameson of Penrith. On the second day, the young
+Alstonian beat down all opposition, and carried off the chief prize amid
+great applause. He threw in quick succession, and in a masterly manner the
+following men, namely--John Forster, John Hope, Robert Forster, Simon
+Armstrong, and, in the final fall, John Lowden of Keswick, a really
+formidable opponent.
+
+In 1814, he attained the highest wrestling distinction, by carrying off the
+head prize at Carlisle. It was calculated, from the amount of money taken
+at the gate, that not less than 15,000 people witnessed the wrestling on
+the Swifts. The meeting was disgraced by one pugilistic encounter, which
+_did_ take place, and by the foreshadowing of another which _did not_ take
+place. It appears a match had been arranged between Carter, a Lancashire
+man, and one Cooper, both professional boxers. The latter, for some cause
+or other, did not turn up, and Carter gave an exhibition of pugilistic
+science, in a large room at the Blue Bell inn, in the presence of the
+Marquis of Queensberry and a crowd of people, drawn by curiosity to witness
+the performance.
+
+The fight which _did_ take place, was for a purse of thirty-five guineas,
+between two local men--Tom Ridley, seaman, a native of Carlisle, commonly
+known as the "glutton," and Tom Nicholson of Threlkeld, wrestler. The
+battle was fought in a roped ring on the Swifts, used for wrestling. The
+severe blows dealt by the "glutton," told much in his favour, while
+Nicholson baffled and punished his opponent materially, by bringing him
+frequently to mother earth, with a heavy "soss." After the contest had
+lasted for half-an-hour--the Threlkeld man being much punished about the
+head, and Ridley about the body--the constables interfered and put an end
+to the combat.
+
+We gladly resume our account of the wrestling. Sixty-six men entered the
+ring, to compete for various prizes. Dickinson came upon the Swifts in
+excellent trim, looking every inch a man as he stripped for the contest.
+Although Tom Nicholson, William Richardson, Robert Rowantree, John Earl,
+and James Scott, failed to put in an appearance, still a good field of
+dangerous hands met to contend.
+
+In the first and second rounds, Dickinson threw John Baillie and John
+Routledge; and in the third had a keenly contested struggle with John
+Watson--a well known athlete in the early annals of the Carlisle ring--and
+succeeded in throwing him. Among others who came to grief in the third
+round were Tom Richardson, "the Dyer"--then a stripling in his teens, and
+Joseph Bird of Holm Wrangle. Turning out as fresh as a lark, in the fourth
+round, Dickinson grassed William Ward; and in the fifth, James Routledge;
+the latter of whom had previously done good service by disposing of John
+Nicholson of Threlkeld, William Earl of Cumwhitton, and Joseph Peart. In
+the sixth round, the hero of the day was fortunate enough to be odd man;
+and then at the last faced George Dennison, (who had previously carried off
+William Slee of Dacre, with a clean hype.) The final fall was a singular
+one. "Dennison," says Litt, "threw in his left side with much force,
+intending to buttock his opponent; Dickinson left go, and Dennison,
+disappointed of his object, staggered forward a considerable distance, but
+could not save himself from going down on his hands, otherwise he would
+have won the fall, as he had preserved his hold."
+
+The head prize--a belt, and eight bright guineas--was then handed to
+Dickinson, amid much cheering, especially from the Alstonians, and some
+commotion from the disappointed friends and admirers of Dennison.
+
+After tracing Dickinson's career, until his brow was decked with the green
+bay of victory, in the foremost wrestling ring of the kingdom, there ensues
+a sudden collapse. The Carlisle ring of 1814, was probably the last one in
+which he figured, for afterwards we lose sight of him altogether as a
+wrestler.
+
+About this date he married Sarah Eals, of Alston, innkeeper, who proved a
+shrew. Not living happily with her, and being himself a man who loved
+quietude and peace of mind, more than strife and contention, he left both
+the neighbourhood and his shrewish partner behind him, somewhat suddenly,
+and went into Scotland, where he lived for some time employed as a
+gamekeeper. He afterwards emigrated to America; and although doomed to be
+an exile from Alston and his native district, it is said he returned again
+to England, and died many years ago.
+
+
+
+
+GEORGE DENNISON
+
+OF PENRITH.
+
+
+For more than thirty years--from 1808 to 1840--George Dennison was a
+well-known character in the north; trusted and esteemed by all classes as a
+skilful bone-setter, all over Cumberland, Westmorland, and a great part of
+North Lancashire. Whenever a bad case of broken limbs or dislocated joint
+befel an unfortunate individual, throughout this wide district, the first
+move in most cases was either to, "Send for Dennison," or else, "We must go
+to Penrith."
+
+He succeeded Benjamin Taylor, another distinguished bone-setter, who sprang
+from New Church in Matterdale. Dennison, we believe, originally entered
+Taylor's service in the capacity of a servant, and was often called in to
+assist in holding patients. Being of a shrewd and observant disposition, he
+picked up many points connected with bone-setting, and soon became very
+useful to his master. At that time Taylor had a pupil under his charge, as
+stolid and slow at learning as any one well could be. It was hard work to
+get anything driven into his dull pate. Taylor often lost temper
+altogether, and used to exclaim: "Thoo blinnd divel! thoo can see
+nowte--nowte at aw; an' theer' tudder chap actually larnin' faster than I
+larn't mysel'! I can keep nowte frae _him_!"
+
+Dennison practised bone-setting for a life-time, throughout the north, with
+great success. And by concentrating his skill on one particular branch, he
+out-distanced the whole of the college-tutored doctors, far and near.
+
+"Cocking" was then a pastime much followed, and Benjamin Taylor's breed of
+game cocks were noted for their fighting properties. They were, however,
+(says Professor Wilson,) outmatched when sent over to Westmorland to fight
+in a main at Elleray. Several of the Dennison family, too, about that date,
+were likewise great "cockers." William Dennison, uncle to the bone-setter,
+by trade a nailer, figured conspicuously for several years at the Easter
+fights held at Alston.
+
+George Dennison was born and brought up at Penrith, one of the pleasantest
+small towns in the north country. In height, he stood five feet
+nine-and-a-half inches, and weighed fully thirteen stones; all over an
+athlete in appearance, a compact and well made man. He was an excellent
+striker with the right leg, effective with the "hench," and clever, also,
+at hyping. The most successful feat he achieved in the ring, was at
+Carlisle, in 1814, when he wrestled up with Dickinson of Alston; and at the
+same meeting, carried off chief prize on the second day. He did not
+continue to follow wrestling for any lengthened period, but wisely kept an
+eye steadily towards the vocation for which he was so eminently fitted.
+
+He figured more as an amateur in the ring than as a professional,
+especially after the excitable youthful stage was passed. At an early
+period in the outset of his career, he distinguished himself by throwing
+the noted John Harrison of New Church, Matterdale, twice in the wrestle up
+at some neighbouring country sports; and at Morland, in Westmorland, he
+threw Savage of Bolton, near Appleby, who was at one time looked upon as
+the don of a wide country-side.
+
+In July, 1812, there was a great gathering at the village of Newbiggin, a
+place which had become famous for the keen rivalry displayed at its annual
+wrestling contests. In this year, Armstrong, better known as "Solid Oak,"
+(provincially "Solid Yak,") put in an appearance, and came swaggering into
+the ring on the village green, boasting he would soon clear the deck for
+them. On stripping, he presented a gigantic mass of humanity, that
+certainly looked exceedingly formidable. He stood upwards of six feet,
+weighed fully eighteen stones, was solidly built from head to foot, and
+apparently carried no superfluous flesh. But as the Fates would have it,
+bounce and swagger, height and weight, and amazing strength, all proved of
+no avail in the scales, for in one of the early rounds, the "Yak tree" was
+dexterously carried off by the valiant bone-setter, and grassed amid the
+loud taunts and jeers of the assembled villagers. At the Penrith gathering,
+in October following, Dennison, then of Sockbridge, threw David Harrison of
+New Church, in the first round, and was thrown next time over by Joseph
+Bellas of Park-house.
+
+We have no list to show that Dennison attended the Carlisle meeting in
+1812, but the following year his achievements were very creditable. He
+wrestled successfully, for the head prize, as far as the fifth round,
+throwing in succession--Robert Cowan, George Young, John Glendinning, and
+Robert Langhorn, and--after one of the severest struggles on record--was
+brought to grass by one of Robert Rowantree's slaughtering cross-buttocks.
+In the second round, two young men, Tom Richardson, "the Dyer," and George
+Forster--one of three brothers, all wrestlers--were drawn together. The
+"Dyer" buttocked his opponent, and, in the fall, Forster unfortunately had
+his shoulder dislocated. Dennison being in attendance, there was no need to
+send for any bungling practitioner, or even to convey the sufferer off the
+Swifts. The work of setting the shoulder to rights, in the presence of
+12,000 wondering spectators, was not of long duration, and the operation so
+successfully performed, that Forster could hardly be restrained from trying
+his luck for the minor prize.
+
+On the second day, at Carlisle, Dennison, in the second round, threw George
+Little, a clever scientific wrestler, but immediately after, had to
+succumb to the superior strength and weight of John Lowden of Keswick.
+
+In 1814, Dennison made his last and most successful appearance in the
+Carlisle ring. He had worked himself through the three first rounds, for
+the head prize, without meeting with anything like a dangerous rival. In
+the fourth, he came against his fellow-townsman, Samuel Jameson, a
+cartwright, considered to be one of the best of his trade in the county. He
+was a strong, bony, five feet ten man, an extremely dangerous customer to
+deal with. His fame as a wrestler has, however, been totally eclipsed by
+that of his son, William Jameson, the champion of a later period. Having
+successfully disposed of Jameson, Dennison next came in contact with
+another equally good man, in the person of William Slee of Dacre, and
+proved again victorious. The next and final struggle occurred with William
+Dickinson of Alston. A reference to a description of the fall, a few pages
+back, in Dickinson's memoir, will show how the head prize was lost to
+Dennison, by the merest accidental slip on his part.
+
+Having missed first honours, he resolved to fight hard and perseveringly
+for the second prize. This was won bravely. Only eighteen wrestlers entered
+the ring, and the men who competed in the last two rounds, with the victor,
+were Joseph Peart and Francis Wilson, the latter named being second.
+
+After the year 1814, Dennison--then about thirty years old--determined to
+bid farewell to the wrestling ring, excepting sometimes trying an odd bout
+when officiating in the capacity of umpire. An increasing profession
+engrossed his attention, and he began to stick more assiduously to it. It
+is not often that talent is hereditary, but in the Dennison family it
+proved to be eminently so. His sons, George, John, and Joseph, have all
+distinguished themselves in the same honourable vocation.
+
+The cures that Dennison wrought in bone-setting were numerous and
+effective, and it is almost needless to remark, conferred more honour and
+distinction on him than any success gained in the wrestling arena. One
+remarkable cure may be mentioned; and as it was wrought on one of our most
+renowned wrestlers, it will fit in appropriately. Richard Chapman, when
+between ten and eleven years old, had a thigh bone badly broken. As a
+matter of course, Dennison was sent for, and the cure effected was simply
+perfection. Any one seeing the fine elastic form and marvellous activity of
+Chapman, would hardly imagine or give credence to the fact, that a few
+years before he had had a broken thigh bone. George Dennison, sitting or
+standing, as the case might be, among the multitude round a wrestling ring,
+and delightedly witnessing the Patterdale champion, tossing about his
+opponents like shuttlecocks, with a science and activity rarely
+paralleled, used to exclaim, in the well understood vernacular of the
+north: "Leuk, lads, leuk! Theer' yan o' my cures of a brokken thie'!"
+
+At the Keswick annual sports, held in Crow Park, in 1833, a somewhat
+singular coincidence occurred--the meeting of two athletes, and both of
+them indebted to Dennison for being able to appear. John Spedding of
+Egremont, a clever wrestler, and Richard Chapman, were called together.
+Now, it so happened, the former had had a dislocated hip-joint set to
+rights by Dennison, just about the same time the accident occurred to the
+latter. Some little excitement was caused by these two stripping into the
+ring in perfect form, when they doubtless presented a gratifying spectacle
+to the skilful bone-setter, who was among the throng of onlookers: "Noo,
+than!" he exclaimed, "leuk at my twea men. I'll bet on brokken thie'-bean,
+agean hip-joint!" His opinion was quickly corroborated. "Thie'-bean" won
+cleverly, and afterwards disposed of John Nichol of Bothel, a formidable
+opponent, in the final fall, for the head prize. The winner then went to
+Greystoke, and won both the wrestling and high jumping; a neighbouring
+squire asserting: "Upon my word, Chapman can jump higher than any horse I
+have!"
+
+Twenty years or more had elapsed, since Dennison and William Richardson of
+Caldbeck, had been brought to grief, in the Carlisle ring, by the
+Kingwater champion, Rowantree,--when they met by chance at Springfield, on
+the road between Penrith and Keswick. The latter was returning homewards
+from Patterdale sheep fair. It so happened that both were rather "fresh i'
+drink." Nothing would do but they must have a fall or two. Each got one,
+when Dennison complained his arm was lamed. One of the byestanders,
+chaffing him, said: "It maks nea matter, Gwordie, aboot thy arm! If it is
+brokken, thoo can seun set it agean, thoo knows!"
+
+The two veterans chatted over old times, and Dennison working himself up to
+boiling point, in reference to the Carlisle wrestling of 1813, exclaimed:
+"Wully! we sud beath been weel bray't aw t' way heam, for lettin' greit
+Robin Row'ntree fell us. Confoond the numskull! Efter he'd carriet me off,
+I dud think 'at thoo wad ha' stopt his gallop for him!"
+
+George Dennison--justly regretted throughout the north--died May, 1840,
+aged fifty-five years.
+
+
+
+
+JAMES ROBINSON
+
+OF HACKTHORPE.
+
+
+Carlisle, the principal, the most influential and attractive wrestling ring
+in Cumberland and Westmorland, and the Lowther family--the leading one of
+the two counties--were for a considerable period closely allied. William,
+Earl of Lonsdale, was a most munificent patron of the ring, from its
+commencement in 1809, and for fully a quarter of a century afterwards. On
+several occasions, this nobleman subscribed the sum of twenty guineas, the
+full amount of prizes then given at the Border city; besides holding
+meetings at Clifton, near Lowther, and other places, for the entertainment
+of his guests. It is not to be wondered at, therefore, that his
+gamekeepers, wood-foresters, hinds, grooms, and other domestics, should be
+sometimes found practising the art and mystery of buttocking, hyping,
+swinging, and back-heeling, on sunny evenings in summer, under the shadow
+of some stately oak or sycamore, in the park surrounding Lowther Castle.
+
+Of James Robinson, one of the Earl of Lonsdale's gamekeepers, we have not
+been able to glean many particulars. He was a stout built, muscular man,
+rather low set, stood about five feet ten inches high, and weighed fully
+fourteen stones. He became a clever and effective buttocker; but excelled,
+we understand, more in defence, and as a stiff sturdy stander in the ring,
+than from any great amount of science he possessed.
+
+The earliest mention of Robinson, as a wrestler, which we can find, occurs
+at the great gathering at Penrith in 1812. In the first round there, he
+threw one J. Graham of Thomas Close, but owing to imperfect reporting, his
+name does not appear again in the list.
+
+In 1815, the Committee of the Carlisle wrestling ring circulated the
+following advertisement throughout Cumberland, Westmorland, and the
+northern counties:--
+
+     TWENTY GUINEAS.--To be Wrestled for at the Carlisle
+     Races, on Wednesday, the 4th of October, 1815, the sum
+     of Twenty Guineas, in the following Prizes:--First
+     Prize, L8. 8. 0. (He that wrestles the last fall with
+     the winner to receive L1. 1. 0.) Every wrestler, who
+     throws his man in the first wrestle, will be permitted
+     to contend for the second class of prizes, with the
+     exception of the winner of the first prize, in whose
+     place a wrestler will be chosen by the Clerk, to make
+     the dividing number even.
+
+     Second Prizes:--First, L4. 4. 0.; Second, L2. 2. 0.;
+     Third, L1. 11. 6.; Fourth, L1. 11. 6.; Fifth, 10s. 6d.;
+     Sixth, 10s. 6d.; Seventh, 10s. 6d.; Eighth, 10s. 6d.
+
+     No person to be permitted to contend for any of the
+     above prizes, unless he enrols his name with the Clerk,
+     on the Swifts, before ten o'clock in the morning of the
+     said 4th of October next, as the wrestling will
+     commence precisely at that hour. Any person making the
+     least disturbance, or attempting to force the ring,
+     will be taken into custody, as constables will be
+     specially appointed for that purpose. All disputes to
+     be determined by Joseph Richardson, Esq., umpire.
+
+The weather during the races proved exceedingly favourable, and the ground
+was in excellent condition. A greater concourse of people assembled than
+had been seen for years. The leading families of the two counties were
+represented. There were the Lowthers, the Vanes, the Grahams of Netherby
+and Edmund Castle, the Broughams, the Salkelds, the Crackenthorpes, the
+Senhouses, the Briscoes, the Hasells, the Wyberghs, and others.
+
+Sixty-eight men entered the wrestling ring to contend for the principal
+prize. Included in the list were a fair sprinkling of old veterans, and a
+whole bevy of young aspirants of considerable promise; namely, Robinson of
+Hackthorpe, (his first appearance, we believe,) William Slee of Dacre, Tom
+Todd of Knarsdale, Tom Richardson--"the Dyer," Joe Abbot of
+Thornthwaite-hall, Andrew Armstrong of Sowerby-hall, Thomas Peat of
+Blencow, Thomas Armstrong, the "yak tree," and the three Forsters of
+Penton, being among the number.
+
+Robinson entered the ring in excellent spirits, and threw his men generally
+very cleanly and cleverly. In the first round, he gained an easy victory
+over John Copley. The next time over, in coming against Armstrong, the "yak
+tree," all his activity and skill had to be brought into play, before the
+compressed mass of eighteen stones could be brought to grass. In the third
+round, he toppled over Edward Forster of Penton, in capital style; and, in
+the fourth round, James Richardson of Hesket-New-Market, brother to "the
+Dyer." The fifth time over, George Forster, another of the Penton brothers,
+(who had thrown Tom Todd in the previous round,) came quickly to grief,
+under the gamekeeper's brisk fire. Up to this point the Hackthorpe man had
+shown some really good play; but, says the _Carlisle Patriot_, before the
+final struggle commenced, Robinson and William Slee of Dacre had agreed to
+divide the first prize between them, so that they only played for honour.
+The "honour" of carrying off the head prize then fell to Robinson's share.
+
+On New Year's day, 1816, the annual meeting at Langwathby was numerously
+attended. A contributor to one of the local papers says:--"Most of the
+distinguished wrestlers of Cumberland and Westmorland were on the ground,
+and there never was displayed more skill in the art of wrestling than on
+this occasion. James Robinson, the noted champion, who won the first prize
+at Carlisle races, was also successful at Langwathby, and we think he bids
+fair to excel any man in the kingdom, in this species of amusement. He is a
+strong-boned, athletic man, but not tall. Before the wrestling commenced,
+considerable bets were made: the east against the west side of the Eden,
+which was won by the latter. The purse contended for, was two guineas. It
+is intended next year to give a much larger sum, as Langwathby is likely to
+become a distinguished place for wrestling, being situated in a
+neighbourhood abounding in first-rate players."
+
+In October, 1816, Robinson again attended the Carlisle meeting. Owing to
+being the victor of the previous year, a high chair was placed for him to
+sit upon, from which elevated position he commanded an uninterrupted view
+of the various falls. Entering his name among the contending parties, he
+threw Joseph Batey, in the first round; Joseph Brown, in the second; and
+William Rome in the third round. Coming against a miller, named William
+Clark--"a tight built lal fellow"--from Hesket-New-Market, in the fourth
+time over, Robinson was very adroitly brought to the ground, amid the
+deafening cheers of the assembled crowd. No sooner had Clark achieved this
+unexpected feat, than he created much laughter by marching up to the place
+of honour, with a dignified swagger, saying, as he sat down: "I think I's
+fairly entitled tiv a seat i' t' chair, noo, when I've thrown the greit
+champion!"
+
+The wrestling at Carlisle in 1817, was held in Shearer's Circus--and not on
+the Swifts as previously--when James Robinson, Tom Todd, John Mc.Laughlan,
+and John Liddle, were looked upon as the principal champions. As it turned
+out, however, Mc.Laughlan stalked through the ring an easy victor, none of
+the other three mentioned being able to make any headway against the
+enormous reach and height of the Dovenby giant. This is the last record
+known to us of the Hackthorpe gamekeeper as a wrestler.
+
+Robinson has been described by those who knew him, as a sturdy
+bullet-headed sort of fellow, whose ideas seldom soared above the velveteen
+coat and corduroy-trouser order of mortals; a rare hand at either creating
+a row or quelling one; probably more accustomed to the former than the
+latter. Nevertheless, he is still remembered in his capacity of gamekeeper,
+as being an active and trustworthy servant to the Earl of Lonsdale: a
+terror to all midnight prowlers and others addicted to trespassing among
+the game preserves at Lowther. He took a prominent part in suppressing a
+riot among the navvies employed in making the new road near Lowther, about
+1818 or 1819.
+
+As Robinson advanced in years, intemperate habits appear to have gained
+upon him; and for some time he led an irregular, harum-scarum sort of life.
+He either possessed an estate, or had some interest in one, at Hackthorpe,
+near Lowther, which he sold, and then foolishly set to work and squandered
+the money. Ultimately, he became reduced to considerable destitution, and
+at times fell into such sad states of despair, that one can easily conceive
+of similar thoughts passing through his mind, to those embodied in Miss
+Powley's pathetic ballad, "The Brokken Statesman":--
+
+    O, the fule rackle days! when in wild outwart ways,
+      I spent time but i' daftness, wi' raff an' expense.
+    Then the auld land's neglect, an' my friends' lost respect,
+      While I scworned to tek counsel--I ne'er rued but yence!
+
+    *....*....*....*
+
+    When drink hed browt sorrow--fresh money to borrow,
+      Wi' deep debt o' the riggin', puir crops o' the hill;
+    Wi' life at the barest, heart sorrow fell sairest;
+      Yet e'en then I thowt--Cummerland caps them aw still.
+
+In November, 1834, James Robinson was found drowned in Armathwaite bay,
+eight or nine miles from Penrith, and about the same distance from
+Carlisle. The waters being very full at the time, it was presumed he had
+missed his way in the dark, and fallen into the river Lowther, near
+Brougham--a tributary of the Eden. An inquest was held upon the body, but
+no evidence appeared to the jurors as to how or by what means he was
+drowned. At the time of this unfortunate event, Robinson was forty-five
+years old.
+
+
+
+
+THOMAS RICHARDSON
+
+OF HESKET-NEW-MARKET.
+
+
+Thomas Richardson, commonly known as "the Dyer," one of thirteen children,
+was born at Caldbeck, about the year 1796, and brought up in the
+neighbouring village of Hesket-New-Market, situate between Penrith and
+Wigton.
+
+Richardson's father held situations at Rose Castle, under Bishops Vernon
+and Goodenough. The latter prelate, taking an interest in the welfare of
+young Richardson, sent him to be educated, under the Rev. John Stubbs,
+formerly master of Sebergham grammar school; a man of considerable
+classical attainments, and of a very jovial disposition. The bishop
+intended his _protege_ for the Church; and, to attain such distinction,
+most of our readers will be aware, was the anxious hope of many
+middle-class families in Cumberland and Westmorland. In this case, the wish
+and aspiration were destined not to bear fruit. The lad steadily rejected
+all offers of advancement in that direction, his own oft expressed wish
+being to be brought up to husbandry, and to excel as an athlete. While the
+father and mother were not averse to his following agricultural pursuits,
+they were strongly against his wrestling proclivities. Whenever such
+gatherings were attended, the youngster had to "slipe off" unknown to his
+parents.
+
+On arriving at maturity, Richardson developed into a fine manly-looking
+man, standing five feet eleven inches high, and weighing from thirteen to
+thirteen-and-a-half stones, with broad massive chest, good length of arm,
+and strongly built throughout. In the ring, he excelled greatly at hyping,
+and if this chanced to miss, generally followed up with the "ham."
+
+The question has often been asked, how Richardson came to be familiarly
+spoken of as "the Dyer." It occurred after this manner. In the parish of
+Caldbeck, there happened to be several families, at one time, of the same
+name. This rendered it necessary to distinguish them by such appellations
+as "Fiddler Richardson," "Dyer Richardson," and "oald Jwohn
+Richardson"--the last named being "Belted Will's" father. John Richardson,
+Tom's grandfather, was a dyer at Caldbeck, and became much famed for his
+_blue_ dyes. At that time, blue-and-white checked shirts were generally
+worn in country districts, by middle and lower class persons; and the women
+donned blue linen aprons, and blue linsey skirts. These now disused and
+durable fabrics, were manufactured extensively at Ulverston, Kendal, and,
+on a lesser scale, at many other places in the north. It was a _sine qua
+non_ that the blue colours should be "fast."
+
+John Richardson served his apprenticeship in Kendal, under the Wakefields,
+and was there during the rebellion of "'45." When the first section of the
+Pretender's army retreated northwards through Kendal, it was market-day,
+and as a matter of course, a multitude of people were collected together,
+who mobbed the rear-guard of the troops. During the excitement which
+prevailed, one of Wakefield's dyers seized a gun belonging to a Highlander,
+and boldly and determinedly wrenched it from his grasp. This only proved
+the forerunner of more direful onslaughts. As the rebels were turning down
+the Fish-market, a musket shot fired from a window above, brought one of
+them lifeless from his horse, and two others were taken prisoners. Being
+thus provoked, the Highlanders turned about and fired on the multitude. A
+farmer, named John Slack, of New Hutton, was killed in the open street; and
+a shoemaker, and an ostler, were seriously wounded. When the Duke of
+Cumberland's army had passed through Kendal, John Richardson--having proved
+himself a trustworthy servant--was decorated with a cockade, and employed
+to carry despatches between the Wakefields and Colonel Honeywood, who was
+wounded in the skirmish on Clifton Moor, near Penrith.
+
+In after life, Tom Richardson's father kept an inn, and the _blue_ flag
+which floated over his tent at wrestling and other meetings, was the means
+of indicating his whereabouts to friends and customers.
+
+In the year 1813, when Richardson was about seventeen years old, he felt a
+strong desire to attend the races and wrestling at Carlisle. His father
+being much against the outing, some bickering took place between them.
+However, after breakfast, on the morning of the races, watching his
+opportunity, the lad slipped out unseen, and had to run part of the way, in
+order to be in time--the full distance to the border city being something
+like thirteen miles. Reaching Carlisle, he succeeded in getting his name
+entered for the head prize. This effected, he was soon called out against
+Joseph Slack of Blencow, a skilful wrestler, but getting past the meridian.
+After an exciting tussle, the youngster proved victorious. Next time over,
+he met George Forster of Denton, and buttocked him cleverly. Forster's
+shoulder was unfortunately put out in the fall, but set again quickly, as
+described in the sketch of George Dennison's career. In the third round,
+Richardson's further progress was cut short by one Robert Langhorn. Our
+youthful aspirant for fame, then entered for the second day's prize, but
+was thrown in the second round, by Simon Armstrong.
+
+The following year--1814--he again attended the Carlisle wrestling, and met
+with about similar success as before. For the head prize, Samuel Jameson of
+Penrith disposed of him in the third round. In the second day's entry,
+William Slee of Dacre did the same in the first round.
+
+In 1815, the "Dyer" appeared in the Carlisle ring for the third time. He
+threw Andrew Armstrong of Sowerby-hall, in the second round; and was thrown
+next time over by Tom Todd of Knarsdale, near Alston. For the second day's
+prize, he disposed in succession of his neighbour, William Clark, the
+miller, Joe Abbot of Thornthwaite-hall, and Robert Forster of Denton; and
+was brought to grief by Edward Forster, a brother of the last mentioned.
+
+The weather at the Carlisle meeting held in September, 1816, turned out to
+be extremely wet and uncomfortable, on both first and second days. As a
+natural consequence, there was a much thinner attendance than ordinary. The
+Earl of Lonsdale, the Marquis of Queensberry, Sir Philip Musgrave, and
+others of the nobility and neighbouring gentry, were present; but after the
+first day, scarcely any equipages, and very few ladies, were to be seen on
+the course. There was a fair average of good men entered; but the account
+we have to give of the wrestling is conflicting and unsatisfactory,
+presenting a finish lame and impotent in the extreme.
+
+In the first and second rounds, Richardson was called out against John Earl
+of Cumwhitton, and John Weightman, respectively. He succeeded in throwing
+both of these formidable antagonists. The former was an old veteran in the
+Carlisle ring, and the latter a powerful young man of twenty-one, with an
+eventful career before him. In the fourth round, Richardson and Joseph
+Graham were drawn together, and had an unsatisfactory bout. Respecting this
+fall, Litt says: "Being a spectator that year, we do not hesitate to say
+that the conduct of the umpires was extremely blameable. In the course of
+the wrestling, a fall between Thomas Richardson of Hesket, and Joseph
+Graham from Ravenglass, was given to the former. We assert that Graham was
+not allowed a fair hold, that it was a manifest snap, and after all it was
+a complete dog-fall. On wrestling when there were but four standers,
+Richardson was indisputably thrown; but such was the gross partiality shown
+towards him, that he was allowed to compound with the person who threw
+him." Disposing of George Coulthard, in the fifth round, Richardson was
+then called against Tom Todd of Knarsdale, to wrestle the final fall.
+
+As a somewhat different statement has been sent abroad in _Wrestliana_, we
+think it only right that the "Dyer's" own plea should be set forth. Well,
+after Todd and he had stood fronting one another, in the ring, for some
+time, but had not been in holds, "'turney" Pearson called Richardson to one
+side, and offered him a considerable sum of money if he would only take his
+coat, go out of the ring, and say he "darrent russel," or he "dudn't
+want to russel." To this proposal, Richardson indignantly replied: "No!
+I'll nowder dea sec a like thing for yee, nor nivver a man i' Carel toon!"
+It was currently reported, by the way, that Pearson had bet a good deal
+Todd would win the prize.[11] After some further squabbling, a row took
+place, and the ring was completely broken up.
+
+It was then given out that the two men were to wrestle next morning--the
+following day being Thursday. When Thursday morning, however, came, the
+meeting was put off till next morning. When Friday came, it was again put
+off, on account of the great fight between Carter and Oliver, at Gretna.
+Richardson stayed three whole days in Carlisle, over the affair, and never
+received a penny! Whatever "gross partiality" might be shown towards him in
+wrestling through the ring, he seems only to have fared badly in the end.
+Let those who can, answer for the treatment he received. The second prize
+advertised by the Carlisle wrestling committee, curiously enough, was not
+contended for at all; why so, was best known to the committee themselves.
+
+During the years 1817-18-19-20, there was no wrestling at Carlisle, in
+connection with the races. The proprietor of a circus certainly filled up
+the gap creditably, in 1817; but the three remaining years following were
+entire blanks.
+
+At the Langwathby annual Rounds, held on New Year's day, in 1818,
+Richardson carried off the head prize of two guineas, finally throwing John
+Dobson of Cliburn.
+
+While wrestling seemed altogether defunct at Carlisle, it was taken up with
+renewed vigour at Keswick. In August, 1818, the head prize offered was a
+purse of five guineas, which brought a great gathering of spectators, and
+all the best athletes of the day. The onlookers had the gratification of
+witnessing many keenly contested falls. The last two standers were
+Richardson, and William Wilson of Ambleside, then just coming out. Before
+going into the ring for the final struggle, some chaffing took place, the
+"Dyer" saying to Wilson in a swaggering sort of way, "I'll throw thee, noo,
+thoo'll see, like I threw t' last chap!" After a good deal of higgling, on
+Richardson's part, about wanting a "good hod," the two men finally closed,
+and Wilson being impatient to be at work at once, lifted his opponent to
+hype him, but missed his stroke. Some manoeuvring then took place, and
+the "Dyer" having materially improved his hold, threw in the "ham" quickly,
+and curiously enough succeeded in bringing over his dangerous rival, in the
+very manner he had "bragged" of doing.
+
+In answer to a paragraph which appeared in the _Cumberland Pacquet_,
+Richardson issued the following notice:--
+
+     SPORTING ADVERTISEMENT.--Thomas Richardson, who won the
+     principal prize at the last Keswick Regatta and Races,
+     having observed it mentioned in the Whitehaven paper of
+     the first instant, that he refused to "play again with
+     the man he threw, for five guineas, though challenged,"
+     begs to contradict such statement, as being a gross
+     falsehood; and he is sorry such an offer was not made
+     to him.--He now challenges his opponent, alluded to in
+     the Whitehaven paper, to wrestle him for ten guineas,
+     at any time or place.--Hesket-New-Market, Sept. 2nd,
+     1818.
+
+As this match never came off, it is impossible to say what the result might
+have been; nevertheless, we have strong leanings to the belief that the
+"Dyer" would have gained nothing, at that date, by coming into personal
+contact with Wilson, the best of five falls. As a hyper, the "Dyer" was
+admirable, and dangerous, too, among even the best Cumbrian wrestlers; but,
+in this particular respect, he was far behind Wilson in quickness of stroke
+and brilliancy of execution.
+
+On one of the days after the races at Keswick, Richardson had a match with
+Tom Lock of Ravenglass, and threw him cleverly.
+
+Some years after, the "Dyer" rambled away from home as far as Low Wood, to
+attend the annual wrestlings at Windermere. For some reason or other, he
+entered his name "Thomas Porter," and passed quietly through two or three
+of the earlier rounds as an unknown hand. Being called against Joe Abbot
+of Bampton, the latter bounced into the ring very full of stopping the
+further progress of the stranger. No sooner had they approached one
+another, than Joe opened his eyes very wide, stood as one petrified for a
+moment, and then exclaimed, "D--n! it's _thee_, Dyer, is it!" The two then
+took hold, but Joe made no effort towards getting the fall, and "Thomas
+Porter" obtained fall after fall until he succeeded, we understand, in
+carrying off the belt.
+
+Liberal prizes for wrestling and other sports were given at Greystoke
+Castle, by the Howards, and the meetings were always well attended by the
+nobility and the neighbouring gentry. Richardson won there one year,
+William Earl of Cumwhitton wrestling second.
+
+A close acquaintance existed between Richardson and Weightman. The former
+was master at the beginning of their career, but afterwards the latter
+became too powerful for him. In all they met eleven times, and out of that
+number of falls, Weightman scored six, and Richardson five. Among other
+places, the latter threw the Hayton champion at one of the Kirkoswald
+"worchet" meetings, and got the compliment returned at Wreay soon after,
+where the fallen man lamed his side.
+
+Sitting among the crowd that lined the Carlisle ring one year, the "Dyer"
+was called out against a big, raw-boned fellow, an awkward-looking
+customer, but one, nevertheless, who appeared young and inexperienced.
+"What's t'e gaen to mak' o' yon 'an, Tom?" asked Weightman. "Oh,"
+replied the "Dyer," in a tone of mock humility, "I's just gaen to fell
+him reet off hand, an' than he can ga heam till his mudder, pooar
+lad!"
+
+On another occasion, he was called out against Wilfrid Wright, at a meeting
+on Penrith fell. "Noo, Wiff," said he, "I's gaen to throw thee
+streight into yon furrow yonder!" and did so cleverly. When Wright had
+recovered from his astonishment, and was gathering himself up, he
+exclaimed: "Cush, man! I dudn't think thoo cud ha' deun't hofe sa clean!"
+
+Richardson continued to wrestle for many years, in the Carlisle and other
+rings, with moderate success. Later on, he lived at Penrith with a sister,
+who kept an inn there. When approaching fifty years old, he became so
+overgrown, that his weight appeared to be seventeen or eighteen stones,
+forming a marked contrast to what he was a quarter of a century
+before--then a lish, active, thirteen-stone man.
+
+He died at Penrith, about the year 1853.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[11] Henry Pearson, solicitor, was a rare upholder of wrestling, but too
+much given to betting to do full justice to all parties. It was currently
+reported he ventured so large a sum on Carter at the Gretna fight, that
+when Oliver was likely to win during the earlier rounds, he evinced a state
+of the greatest nervousness imaginable. An old stager has a distinct
+recollection of him as he stood "fumlen wid his fingers iv his mooth,"
+betraying the nervous "twitch" peculiar to men undergoing great mental
+excitement, and looking as if he might have gone off at any moment like
+touchwood or tinder.
+
+
+
+
+TOM TODD
+
+OF KNARSDALE.
+
+
+Tom Todd, a Northumbrian by birth, was born and brought up at "The Bogg,"
+in Knarsdale, near Alston, where his father was well known as a sheep
+breeder. He stood fully five feet ten inches high; his general wrestling
+weight being about twelve stones and a half. Todd's contemporaries have
+spoken of him as a most accomplished and scientific wrestler. He could
+buttock cleanly, hype quickly, and excelled in most other chips. Weighing
+and watching his opponents' movements narrowly, he seemed to anticipate
+what was coming, and prepared accordingly, both for stopping and chipping.
+In taking hold, like most good wrestlers, he stood square and upright; but
+in consequence of having a very peculiarly shaped back, like half a barrel,
+it was next to impossible to hold him easily, or to grip him with any
+amount of firmness. Like Richard Chapman, he could always "get out," if so
+minded, at starting.
+
+About the summer of 1810 or 1811, Tom Todd, then just merging into manhood,
+attended the annual "boon" mowing-meeting of John Bell of Kirkhaugh, the
+noted bone-setter, where as many as twenty or thirty strong men often
+congregated together. When the grass had been cut down, it was usual to
+broach a barrel of ale, and drink the contents on the green sward. During
+the time the nut-brown home-brewed was being handed round, the Alston band
+enlivened the scene with music; and then followed the most attractive part
+of the day's programme, namely, dog-trailing, jumping, and wrestling. At
+this rural festival Tom Todd won his first belt; and a lad, named Robin
+Carruthers, a farm servant, from the Bewcastle district, wrestled second.
+
+In 1815, Todd figured in the Carlisle ring, probably for the first time;
+and came against Tom Richardson, the dyer, in the third round for the
+principal prize. Being both young men, and not unequally matched in size,
+strength, and science, they had three desperate tussles before the struggle
+could be decided. Finally, the fall ended in favour of Todd. In the fourth
+round, Todd's career was cut short by George Forster of Penton.
+
+In contending for the second prize, Todd threw a clever wrestler, named
+Thomas Peat, a farmer's son, from Blencow, in the third round; and
+Armstrong, the "yak tree," in the fourth. Not being able to come to terms
+about holds, in the final fall, with Edward Forster of Penton, the two
+never wrestled out, but, says Litt, in dividing the money for first and
+second, Todd received more money than his opponent, it being the opinion
+of the umpire that he was the fairer stander.
+
+Todd made his appearance again in the Carlisle wrestling ring of 1816,
+where he played a conspicuous part. Meeting with no one particularly worthy
+of being called a dangerous competitor in the first five rounds, he went
+through with considerable ease, throwing in rotation, James Johnson, R.
+Armstrong, J. Scott, T. Hodgson, and William Clark of Hesket-New-Market.
+After the fifth round, the only two men left standing were Todd and
+Richardson, the dyer; and the fall which ought to have been decided between
+them, resulted in nothing but discreditable quarrelling and ill feeling. A
+fuller account of this unpleasant affair will be found in the sketch of
+Thomas Richardson's career. Todd's friends, as a natural consequence,
+thought that he was the better man, and ought to have won. Todd himself,
+after the event, seemed to be under a bond of secrecy on the subject. We
+have no desire to sully his memory, with the charge of a settled
+determination not to go to work with equal holds. We do not wish to twit
+him with taking a mean advantage of his opponent, in order to deprive him
+of the chance of a fair contest. We believe he had a soul above such an
+unwarrantable proceeding. It will, probably, be nearer the mark to say, he
+acted unwisely and unbecomingly, by conniving with his principal backer, as
+the sequel will show.
+
+Todd's usual remark was--when the subject chanced to be broached and
+discussed--that Richardson's backers pressed him very much to "lay down,"
+which he declined most definitely to do. But a week or two before his
+death, a far more disagreeable fact oozed out. He then acknowledged, to an
+intimate friend, mentioned hereafter--whom he rescued at the Gretna
+fight--that he received _half the money_, offered for the head prize, in
+1816. This, of course, was paid through the agency of one of the principal
+promoters of the Carlisle ring, in a left-handed manner, with an
+understanding that it should never be made public!
+
+About two years after the dishonourable act narrated, had broken up the
+annual wrestling at Carlisle, Todd used to tell of meeting Richardson, in
+the third round at some village sports, where he threw him easily.
+
+After this--and during the discontinuance of the popular gathering on the
+Swifts, for three years--we know nothing of Todd's career as a wrestler,
+until the Carlisle Meeting of 1822, when he again made a gallant but
+unsuccessful struggle to carry off the head prize. Being engaged as a
+gamekeeper, in the service of the Earl of Carlisle, on the Naworth Castle
+estates, he entered himself under the assumed name of "John Moses of
+Alston." Todd displayed considerable science and activity in the course of
+the day, and distinguished himself much and deservedly, by throwing
+several dangerous hands, among whom may be especially mentioned, John
+Fearon of Gilcrux, seventeen stone weight, John Liddle of Bothel, a
+fourteen-and-a-half stone man, (winner of the head prize at Keswick, a few
+weeks previously, where he finally disposed of William Cass of
+Loweswater)--and Robert Watters of Carlisle, a light weight, but an
+accomplished scientific wrestler. In the final fall, however, with Cass,
+the cup of success was again dashed from his lips. This time the
+weight--sixteen stones--and strength of the Loweswater champion, proving
+too much for twelve-and-a-half stones.
+
+Scarcely had the cheers died away which greeted the West Cumberland man's
+victory, when Louis Nanny of Haltwhistle--an enthusiastic frequenter of
+wrestling rings--offered to back the Knarsdale man in a match against Cass
+for a hundred pounds. Todd thought this sum too much to risk even handed,
+against such a powerful antagonist; but was willing to be backed, and
+contend at all hazards, for half that amount. The two east countrymen,
+however, had it all their own way, so far as the challenge was concerned.
+At that time, Cass being new to the Carlisle ring, and almost unknown as a
+wrestler, no one seemed bold enough to stand forward on his behalf; and,
+moreover, like a quiet, inoffensive man, he was perfectly content to rest
+upon the laurels he had just gained.
+
+This year Weightman--"aw ower his oan daft nonsense"--was thrown by Fearon
+of Gilcrux, in the first round, for the principal prize at Carlisle. Not
+being eligible, on this account, for entry in the second day's competition,
+Tom Todd stood on one side for him; when Weightman, in order to retrieve
+lost ground, took pains, and threw his men as fast as he came to them.
+"Talk aboot russlin'!" exclaimed an eye witness, "Wey, man, he just went
+thro' them like th' wind!"
+
+As time passed on, and Weightman came more prominently to the fore, Tom
+Todd found himself absolutely nowhere in the giant's grasp; he therefore
+thought it wiser and more prudent to retire from the ring, without making
+any further efforts to carry off first honours.
+
+When Todd was a young man, he kept a tight well-made little trail-hound,
+trained to the name of "Stand back," but which was entered at the different
+trails as "Towler." Harry Kirkby of Kirkhaugh, the clergyman's lame son,
+used to tell a tale about Todd and himself taking the hound one year to
+Melmerby Rounds. When the dogs were coming in, they looked to the
+spectators, "aw iv a cluster," as they neared the winning post. At this
+crisis, Todd roared out in a loud voice: "Standback! Standback!" apparently
+appealing to the crowd, and ran fussing about immediately in front, with
+his arms flying in the air. "An' dar bon!" said the priest's son, "the dog
+com' in like stooar, an' wan easily!"
+
+This artful trick has been often practised since, if not earlier than that
+time, at dog-trails--successfully on more than one occasion by the late
+Richard Gelderd of Ulverston, a keen dog-trailer. He had a "Standback," and
+at the Flan and other neighbouring sports, was trained to rush forward to
+the winning post, when the crowd were ordered in a stentorian voice:
+"Standback! Standback! an' let t' dogs cum in--can't ye!"
+
+At the great northern fight, between Carter and Oliver, at Gretna, in 1816,
+John Slack of Carlisle, shoemaker, then a young man in his teens, was
+thrown to the ground by the surging of the immense crowd, and might easily
+have been trampled to death. Seeing the impending danger, Tom Todd, and
+John Barnes, the constable, both powerful men, elbowed their way through
+the crowd, and succeeded in rescuing the fallen man, before he was
+seriously injured. On lifting him from the ground, Todd exclaimed, "Marcy,
+Jwohn! is that thee? My faiks! but thoo'd a narrow squeak for thy life
+theear!"
+
+Some time after the year 1822, Todd left the north of England, and went
+into the Highlands of Scotland, where he became gamekeeper to Sir Charles
+Ross of Belnagowan Castle, Ross-shire, and continued in that capacity for
+something like twenty-four or twenty-five years.
+
+Returning again to his native district, he settled upon the farm rented by
+his brother John, at Moscow, near the fashionable watering-place of
+Gilsland. A few years before he died, he gradually lost his sight, and at
+times grew "varra canker't an' twisty." Once when one of these fits was
+upon him, his denunciation of wrestlers and wrestling rings was hurled
+about in such unqualified language, that one was apt to think the
+transgressions committed in the Carlisle ring of 1816, still haunted his
+waking dreams--not probably for anything done personally, but for being
+made a cat's-paw at that time, by his principal backer.
+
+In the month of September, 1875, Todd, then in his eighty-fourth year, went
+to the house door, beckoned to the farm-workers that dinner was ready, and
+immediately after passed quietly away. From the fact of the Knarsdale
+athlete having attained this great age--and he was only one of many who
+did--we may draw pretty conclusive evidence, that the northern pastime of
+wrestling does not, as a rule, shorten life.
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM WILSON
+
+OF AMBLESIDE.
+
+
+Size, position, and population considered, it must be allowed that the
+district of High Furness, in North Lancashire, has produced its fair quota
+of wrestling celebrities. Foremost comes William Wilson, then Miles
+Dixon--according to Professor Wilson, "a match for any cock in
+Cumberland"--his brother James, and Roan and John Long, all men of great
+stature and power, capable of hurling their opponents
+
+    "Off the ground with matchless strength."
+
+These were all natives of the soil. In the early part of the nineteenth
+century, the wrestlings at the Ferry-on-Windermere, at Backbarrow, Bouth
+Fair, Finsthwaite, Oxenpark, Arrad Foot Races, and on many other village
+greens in Furness Fells, were often very keenly contested. Arthur Burns of
+Ullater, (who suffered from the deadly grip of Roan Long,) James Burns, a
+younger brother of Arthur's, Roger Taylor of Scathwaite, and John Wren of
+Bouth, the peatman, were all good wrestlers in their day and generation.
+
+Then came John Harrison of Lowick, sometimes called "Checky," from the
+colour of his shirt, who carried off one or two prizes from the Keswick
+ring in its palmiest days; later in life a landlord at Ulverston; a man of
+enormous strength, standing fully six feet high, stout limbed, and weighing
+something like seventeen stones. One feat, forcibly illustrating his
+uncommon strength, deserves record. During one of the statute fairs, two
+sturdy country servant men got to fighting in his house at Ulverston. He
+made no fuss of any kind, but quietly took up one under each arm, and
+carried them both, vainly struggling to be free, into the middle of the
+market place; then set them down on their legs, and, giving each a good
+bang against the other, left them to fight it out. Joseph Jackson of
+Grizebeck, in Kirkby Ireleth, sickle maker, though barely a twelve-stone
+man, gained many first prizes, and came off triumphant in a severely
+contested match with William Bateman of Yottenfews, near Gosforth.
+
+Cannon of Subberthwaite, Robert Casson and Brian Christopherson of
+Oxenpark, and Marshall, the forgeman, also deserve a passing word of
+praise, although none of them ever went out of their own neighbourhood to
+wrestle. Christopherson put forth promising powers at the Ferry and other
+places, and was highly complimented by Richard Chapman. At the Ferry, he
+was backed by a local sporting man, in a match with George Donaldson--a
+single fall--for two pounds; and, to the surprise of a crowd of anxious
+onlookers, won gallantly. There was little difference in the weight or
+height of the winner and the loser. Casson threw Harrison, Cannon, and all
+comers at Bouth Fair; and Marshall did precisely the same thing at
+Sparkbridge. On the last occasion, the excitement amongst the spectators
+became so intense, that the forgeman's progress was urged on after the
+following primitive fashion: "If thou'll nobbut thra' Cannon," shouted
+one, "I'll gi'e the' a pint!" "Thra' Harrison," roared another, "an'
+I'll stand the' a quart!" "I think," responded Marshall, with a fine stroke
+of humour--"I think, I'd better hev summat to be gaen on wi'. It'll
+mebbe help me to thra' them _beath togidder_!"
+
+
+William Wilson was born and brought up at High Wray, a village pleasantly
+situated on the western banks of Windermere lake. Near to his birthplace
+there has been erected a lordly baronial residence--Wray Castle--on a
+beautiful commanding site, overlooking all the higher reaches of
+Windermere, and forming one of the many attractive objects for sight-seers
+on the lake. Wilson was a nephew of the Dixons of Grasmere, and was
+commonly spoken of as "girt Will Wilson," in order to distinguish him from
+"lile Will Wilson" of Grasmere, or "wicked Will," as the latter was
+sometimes called, from the bottom and endurance he displayed in frequent
+pugnacious encounters. It was "lile Will," we believe, who once wrestled up
+at Bowness, with William Thwaites of Staveley, an eleven-stone man. They
+each got a fall. The next one--called by the umpires a dog-fall--was
+claimed by Thwaites, who, in consequence, refused to wrestle over again.
+The ring was soon broken up in disorder, and in the _melee_ which ensued,
+Professor Wilson struck Thwaites over the head with his stick, and bulged
+his hat in. "Did I do that, my lad?" asked Wilson. "Yes," replied Thwaites,
+"yee did it: I's suer an' sarten o' that." "Then," said Wilson, "here's a
+sovereign for wrestling so well. It'll mebbe help to get thee a new hat."
+
+William Wilson grew up a tall "lathy fellow," standing, when full grown,
+quite six feet four inches high, straight as a willow-wand and as lithe,
+and gradually grew until at twenty-two he weighed from fourteen to fifteen
+stones, with a good reach of arm, and a finely developed muscular frame. As
+a hyper, or "inside striker," as Litt calls him, he displayed superb form.
+For three or four years, he stood unmatched and irresistible in this
+particular stroke, and since his day no man has appeared worth calling a
+rival to him, except William Jackson of Kinniside. We are now alluding to
+the "standing hype," or as the author of _Wrestliana_ more properly defines
+it, "inside striking." It is a chip in which a tall wrestler, like Wilson
+or Jackson, has a great advantage, particularly over shorter opponents. The
+"swinging hype," in which Chapman, Donaldson, and Longmire were such deadly
+proficients, is more showy and artistic, consisting of a quick swing off
+the breast once round or nearly so, and then a turn over with the knee
+inside the thigh.
+
+Our information respecting Wilson's career as a wrestler is neither so full
+nor minute as we could have desired. The probability is that he won his
+first prize on the banks of his native Windermere, but at what age or under
+what circumstances is not now known. When a young man, Roan Long and he had
+a severe bout at Ambleside sports, which ended in Wilson throwing his burly
+opponent cleverly with the hype.
+
+The first definite notice, however, we have of him as an athlete was at the
+Keswick Regatta and Races in 1818, being at that time about twenty-two
+years old. While the Carlisle ring, on the Swifts, was closed for the space
+of four years, the wrestling in the Crow Park, Keswick, assumed an
+importance which it could scarcely otherwise have attained. In fact, for a
+time it was justly entitled to be considered the leading and most important
+wrestling gathering in the north. In aid of this distinction, there then
+existed on all sides of the metropolitan lake town, a numerous array of
+very distinguished athletes. Mr. Pocklington of Barrow House, was the chief
+supporter of the regatta and races at that date, and his personal exertions
+to promote the permanent establishment and success of these meetings were
+unceasing.
+
+In the year 1818, some remarkably good play took place in the wrestling
+ring. The two most successful competitors were in excellent "fettle,"
+namely, Tom Richardson and William Wilson. The latter gathered his men
+quickly and cleanly, and threw them as fast as he came to them. Coming
+against Richardson in the final fall, he lifted him from the ground with
+the intention of hyping, but failing to hold his man firmly, the Dyer
+turned in, and, after a considerable struggle, managed to bring him over
+with the buttock. After this tussle, Wilson always spoke of Richardson as
+being "swine back't," meaning thereby that his back was extremely slippery
+and difficult to hold, from the nature of its peculiar roundness.
+
+In the year 1819, Wilson carried off the head prize for wrestling, and a
+handsome belt, at the Ferry Regatta, Windermere. We have no account of the
+other competitors at this meeting.
+
+Wilson attended the Keswick gathering of the same year, for the second
+time, and it proved memorable above all others in his wrestling career,
+stamping him as "the best wrestler Westmorland ever produced." Many
+dispassionate judges at this time held the opinion, that this eulogium
+might be extended also to the neighbouring northern county. We have no
+doubt, if he had continued a healthy man, this verdict would have been
+confirmed over and over again. Although he did not succeed in winning the
+chief prize this year, he nevertheless distinguished himself ten times more
+than the victor who did, by throwing the man with whom no one else had the
+shadow of a chance. We refer to his struggle with John Mc.Laughlan of
+Dovenby, more than two inches taller than Wilson, and at that time five or
+six stones heavier.
+
+As a prelude to this fall, Clattan took hold of Wilson in the middle of the
+ring, in a good natured sort of way, and lifted him up in his arms to show
+how easily he could hold him. No sooner was he set down, than Wilson threw
+his arms around Clattan's waist, and lifted him in precisely the same way,
+a course of procedure which greatly amused the spectators. After these
+preliminaries had been gone through, the two men were not long in settling
+into holds, each having full confidence in his own powers and his own mode
+of attack. A few seconds, however, decided the struggle of these two modern
+Titans. No sooner had each one gripped his fellow, than quick as thought,
+Wilson lifted Clattan from the ground in grand style, and hyped him with
+the greatest apparent ease--a feat that no other man in Britain could have
+done.
+
+The cheering which followed the giant's downfall was tremendous, and might
+have been heard on the top of Skiddaw or Saddleback. "Hurrah! hurrah! Well
+done Wilson!" shouted a hundred voices, while round followed round of
+applause in rapid succession. It was one of these brilliant and exciting
+moments, when the miserable party feeling of envy and strife, which
+sometimes crops up between the two sister counties, was entirely swamped
+and forgotten. "Thoo wasn't far wrang," exclaimed a hard featured man, with
+an austere voice, to his next neighbour, sitting by the side of the
+ring--"Thoo wasn't far wrang, when thoo said Wilson wad throw him."
+"Wrang!" replied the other in ecstasies, "I wad think nut! Wilson's
+like a cooper, thoo sees. He kens hoo to gang roond a cask!"
+
+An old "statesman," from about Mungrisedale or Penruddock--wearing a pair
+of buckskin breeches, whose pint of nut-brown had just been upset in the
+_furor_--is remembered as having been so worked upon by the excitement of
+the moment, that he threw his hat in the air, and, in derisive language,
+addressed himself to anybody and everybody, as follows:--"Ha! ha! my fine
+fellow! If thoo says Clattan _isn't_ a gud russler, an' wasn't _olas_ a gud
+russler, thoo tells a heap o' lees, an' nowte but lees--thoo confoondit
+taistrel, thoo!"
+
+This fall is still talked of at the firesides of the dalesmen of the
+north--cottars, farmers, and "statesmen"--as one of the most wonderful and
+dazzling achievements ever witnessed in the wrestling ring.
+
+Returning again to the next Keswick meeting which followed, Wilson found no
+difficulty in walking through the ranks of 1820. When only four men were
+standing, Tom "Dyer" was drawn against Isaac Mason of Croglin, who at that
+time was looked upon as a dangerous customer in the ring. It was the
+opinion of some onlookers that the "Dyer" seemed to be afraid of Mason. Be
+that as it may, the two not being able to agree about holds--a procedure
+which has sometimes discredited parties in the ring, and is sorely trying
+to the patience of spectators--the stewards, after a considerable delay,
+very properly crossed them both out. Wilson and William Richardson were now
+the last standers, and the former carried off the Caldbeck hero with
+ridiculous ease. Litt says, "Richardson had not the shadow of a chance with
+him." This testimony is exceedingly significant, and says much for Wilson's
+powers as a wrestler.
+
+"Hoo 'at thoo let him hype the' i' that stupid fashion, thoo numb divel,
+thoo?" said Tom "Dyer," reproachfully, to the loser of the fall, while the
+latter was engaged in putting his coat on. "What! _he hes it off_--an' that
+thoo kens as weel as anybody," was the sturdy reply. "I cudn't stop him,
+ner _thee_ nowder, for that matter, if he nobbut gat a fair ho'd o' the'."
+
+The year 1822, found Wilson "rayder gaen back, an' thin o' flesh." He
+laboured under an asthmatic complaint, which increased upon him about this
+date, and began to tell much against his athletic attainments.
+Nevertheless, he attended the Keswick gathering once more. The wrestling
+was carried on in the bottom of a meadow, and not on the higher ground as
+previously. The ground being wet and slippery, was consequently disastrous
+to many of the wrestlers. Wilson threw Jonathan Watson, a dangerous hand
+to meet, in the first round, for the head prize; and in one of the
+subsequent rounds was drawn against Weightman of Hayton. Lifting the huge
+East Cumbrian "varra clean," but not being able to keep his feet, from the
+slippery and lumpy state of the ground, Wilson overbalanced himself and
+fell backwards, with his opponent on the top of him. This untoward
+accident, in all probability, lost him the chief prize. Cass of Loweswater
+brought Weightman to grief, in the last round but one, by striking at the
+outside, and throwing him off the breast.
+
+At the Windermere Regatta, held at Low Wood, during the same year--where
+the rain fell in torrents--it was generally expected that Wilson, who had
+conquered so many, would again be the conqueror. But the fates were against
+him. He came off the third stander, being thrown by Edward Howell, a clever
+wrestler from Greystoke, in the neighbourhood of Penrith, who won the belt
+and four sovereigns.
+
+So far as we have been able to ascertain, the year 1822 was the last one in
+which Wilson figured in the ring. If this be correct, his wrestling career
+will be limited to four or five years duration, at the utmost. No doubt,
+the complaint under which he laboured, was the principal cause of his early
+retirement. Although Wilson loved athletic exercises much, it must be
+understood, however, that he viewed them more as a means of recreation and
+pastime, than in any other sense; a thrifty ambition inducing him to look
+zealously to the main point of making both ends meet at home.
+
+We have heard it asserted that when he and his first wife were married in
+1820, they could only raise ten pounds of loose money between them. With
+this small sum to the fore, however, they ventured to take an inn at
+Ambleside, called the Golden Rule, which they rented for seven years,
+during which time they managed to save L700. They then took a larger inn,
+which was afterwards known as the Commercial. Some time elapsed, and they
+removed to the King's Arms, in Patterdale, at that period the only inn at
+the head of Ullswater.
+
+While he was an innkeeper at Patterdale, George Brunskill, the life
+guardsman, about the height of Wilson, and two stones heavier, was very
+anxious to try his skill with him. After much pressing, a friendly bout was
+consented to, on condition that Brunskill would be satisfied with one fall.
+The result was that Wilson "dud whack him;" the soldier being carried clean
+off "befooar he reetly kent whoar he was."
+
+William Wilson--whose brief, but distinguished career, has helped to confer
+an enduring lustre on the northern wrestling ring--died at Patterdale, in
+1836, about forty years old, and was buried in Ambleside churchyard.
+
+
+
+
+JOHN WEIGHTMAN
+
+OF HAYTON.
+
+
+For great size and well-proportioned figure, combined with amazing strength
+and activity, John Weightman was one of the most remarkable men ever bred
+in Cumberland. Born at Greenhead, near Gilsland, in 1795, he was brought up
+at the quiet pastoral village of Hayton, near Brampton, where he continued
+to live until the time of his death. In that neighbourhood, he was always
+spoken of as a remarkably simple minded man, being quiet and settled in
+appearance when about his daily work or any ordinary pursuit. Fierce
+passions, however, were then only asleep, shrouding a peculiar temperament,
+easily excited to mirth or to violent anger.
+
+In a physical point of view, he was a wonder, being endowed with tremendous
+bodily strength on one hand, and the agility of a cat on the other. He
+stood fully six feet three inches high, and weighed from fifteen to sixteen
+stones, presenting one of the finest gigantic models of the human frame
+ever seen, with a countenance free, open, and pleasant to look upon.
+Possessing a good reach of arm, and such formidable power in the
+shoulders, that in the act of wrestling he invariably beat his elbows into
+the ribs of an opponent--which vice-like pressure was so terrific in its
+results, and became so well known, that many strong men were glad to get to
+the ground, in order to escape his punishing hug. Had these natural
+advantages been supplemented with shrewdness and good generalship, capable
+of estimating the different points of an adversary--indispensable
+requisites to the finished wrestler--he would have been more than a match,
+the best of five or seven falls, for any man in the kingdom. One who knew
+him well, once laconically described him as: "A greit thumpin', giant like
+fellow; varra strang i' th' arm, but rayder wake i' th' brains!"
+
+In his prime, Weightman proved himself to be a clever leaper, either at
+long length or running high leap--"cat gallows." Many tales are current at
+Hayton and the neighbourhood of his clearing five-barred gates with the
+greatest ease. He once leapt over a restless black mare, sixteen hands
+high, which belonged to Sir James Graham of Edmond Castle; then turned
+round, and with another short run, went over again from the reverse side.
+Sir James was so delighted with this display of agility, that he presented
+the performer with half a guinea.
+
+When a young man, Weightman was as full of tricks of a "daft-like"
+character as ever mortal was, the recital of one or two of which may serve
+to illustrate his great strength and recklessness. Once upon a time, in
+passing through a toll-gate, he said to the keeper of it: "Ye divvent mak'
+ony charge, div ye, for what a man carries on his back?" "Oh dear, no, by
+no means!" was the ready reply. "Than here goes, my canny bairn!" cried
+Weightman, and presently the toll-collector was astonished to see him
+stalking through the gate, with a strong-built pony strung across his
+shoulders!
+
+A still "dafter" trick than the foregoing is told of him on another
+occasion, when he carried a donkey on his shoulders up stairs into a
+"loft," where a numerous body of lads and lasses were capering away at
+dancing; placed the "cuddy" in the midst of them; and nearly frightened the
+wits out of some of the "flayter sooart o' lasses!"
+
+Paradoxical as it may seem, Weightman was a remarkably light and graceful
+dancer; indeed so much so, that he could trip through the mazes of a dance
+with as much ease and nimbleness as any slim built youth in his teens. He
+had a very small and neat foot, which circumstance may in some measure
+account for his remarkable activity.
+
+As an athlete, Weightman won his first prize on the village green of
+Wetheral, about the year 1814, being then under twenty years old; and
+continued to carry off first honours from the same place for seven years in
+succession. In his twenty-third year, and while making himself a name as
+the champion of several minor rings, he was matched on Brampton Sands, to
+wrestle a man named Routledge, of "Clocky mill," the best of three falls,
+for two guineas a side. The miller was big, bony, and strong, and so far
+was formidable; but being both numb and faint-hearted, Weightman easily
+fettled him off in the two first falls.
+
+During Weightman's whole wrestling career, he never had a more steadfast
+friend or admirer than Dr. Tinling of Warwick-bridge. The doctor had no
+doubt formed a correct estimate of the young giant's powers, and saw
+clearly enough that if they were only exercised with ordinary care and
+skill, no man living had any chance of throwing him a series of falls. "Th'
+auld doctor could mak' him owther win or lose, varra nar as he hed a mind,"
+said a clever light weight wrestler, with a shrug of the shoulders.
+
+Notwithstanding the facility with which prizes _might_ have been gained, it
+was only on some occasions that Weightman attended the great annual
+gathering at Carlisle, and it was a much rarer event for him to go far from
+home to contend. However, in the early part of his career, he once wandered
+away to Egremont Crab Fair, and entered his name among the West Cumbrians.
+He was thrown there, by Ford of Ravenglass, a good hearted wrestler,
+standing six feet two inches, and weighing fifteen stones. On another
+occasion, in his young days, he went with Dr. Tinling to Newcastle, and won
+the wrestling there; his patron, the doctor, being overjoyed at his
+success. The prize was a handsome silver watch.
+
+Ford and Weightman were drawn together again, in the fourth round, for the
+head prize entry at Carlisle in 1821, when the same luck attended Ford as
+had done at the previous tussle. For the second prize at Carlisle, however,
+Weightman turned the tables upon the powerful West Cumbrian, by throwing
+him so ridiculously high in the air, that one of the spectators declared
+that "his legs seemed to touch the clouds!" Joseph Abbot, from the
+neighbourhood of Bampton, near Shap, a broad set, powerful man, contested
+the final fall with Weightman. At that time, "Joe was a greit hand for
+rivin' doon at th' gurse, an' crazy mad he was when he lost."
+
+Weightman not being satisfied with his success in contending for the head
+prize on the Swifts in 1821, a match was arranged to come off between him
+and the winner of the same--William Richardson of Caldbeck--for five
+guineas, on the Eden-side cricket ground, Carlisle, in the month of October
+following. Between four and five thousand people gathered together to
+witness the contest. There existed a great difference in the age of the two
+men: the Caldbeck hero being on the shady side of forty, and Weightman only
+twenty-six. The one might be called a veteran, and the other said to be in
+the prime of life. The younger man had the advantage, likewise, in weight
+by a stone or more; in height, by fully four inches and a half; and was
+naturally endowed with far more suppleness and activity. A considerable
+time elapsed before they could agree about holds; and yet, no sooner was
+this preliminary effected, than the champion of two hundred rings went down
+like a shot, and without appearing to have the least shadow of a chance.
+After the fall, the winner was so elated with success that he cut all sorts
+of ridiculous capers, and kept leaping backwards and forwards, over two or
+three chairs or forms which chanced to be standing in the ring, after the
+manner of school boys at their sports. The second fall was nearly a
+fac-simile of the first; and if Weightman could only have taken things more
+coolly and waited his time, the chances were a hundred to one that he would
+have been hailed victor. Instead of this--through Richardson's dilatoriness
+in taking hold, and otherwise delaying over trifling things--Weightman
+fairly lost temper, threatened and coerced in various ways, and finally
+shook his fist in Richardson's face.
+
+Some of the onlookers, sympathizing with the elder man, commenced a
+vigorous attack of hooting, on which Weightman turned his backside to the
+spectators in a saucy and defiant manner. After this open display of
+insolence a tragic finale seemed imminent. The ring was broken up in an
+instant; and the roughs of the crowd, headed by the notorious Tom Ridley,
+soon worked themselves into a state of furious excitement. They made a
+rush at the delinquent, some dealing out blows with their fists, while
+others kept up a constant shower of sods and such like missiles; nearly
+tore the shirt from the back of their victim; and finally forced him
+savagely through a thorn hedge on the top of the bank. In describing the
+_melee_ which took place, Weightman himself said: "Yan shootit, 'Tek th'
+watter, Weetman!'--anudder shootit, 'Tek th' dyke, thoo greit gowk,
+thoo!'--bit I niver kent reetly whoar I was, till I fund mysel' on Eden
+brig, wid Gwordie Maut[12] leadin' me seafly by the hand. I varily
+believe," added he, "'at Gwordie Maut seav't mee life!"
+
+Preliminary to this affair, and quite in keeping with its general
+character, it may be stated that on the morning of the match, as Weightman
+was riding into Carlisle on a spirited "black-brown" mare, which belonged
+to his uncle, he threw the money down on the ground, due for passing
+through the toll-gate at the foot of Botchergate. This Mr. Rayson, the
+keeper, refused to pick up. Getting annoyed at the delay which ensued, and
+in order to clear the way, Weightman struck at Rayson across the shoulders
+with his whip, and then leapt clean over the gate. For this offence he was
+taken to the police office in Scotch Street, from which place his friends,
+after some difficulty, managed to get him liberated, by paying a fine of
+forty shillings.
+
+Immediately after the unsatisfactory termination of this match, Weightman
+issued a challenge to wrestle "any man in Cumberland the best of five
+falls, for fifteen or twenty guineas." No one came forward to take up the
+gauntlet thus thrown down; and although, up to this date, Weightman had not
+won any prize of importance, nevertheless an impression had gone abroad
+that he was a formidable customer to meet in a number of rounds.
+
+The year 1822 was a very chequered one in Weightman's career, suffering in
+it, as he did, so many minor defeats. An account of his adventures, so far
+as they are known to us, and are noted in the local papers, may help to
+illustrate in some measure both his weakness and his strength. In the month
+of May, Forster of Penton threw him at Kirkbampton, after a very fine and
+severe struggle. At Micklethwaite races, near Wigton, in June, he was
+defeated by Jonathan Watson of Torpenhow; and at Durdar, by James Graham of
+The Rigg, Kirklinton.
+
+On the Monday of one of the weeks in July, he won the belt at the New Inn,
+Armathwaite, finally throwing John Peel. On Wednesday afternoon, he went in
+company with his friend, Bill Gaddes, to Hesket-i'-the-Forest, and carried
+off a silver cup and half a guinea, for which there was no sport, "none of
+the faint-hearted youths daring to contend with him." At Plumpton races,
+the same evening, he was thrown with ease by a youth of eighteen, named
+Launcelot Graham of Hutton-end; but succeeded in getting the belt for the
+last eight standers--he and Thomas Peat tossing up for it, after
+endeavouring for nearly half an hour to get into holds. On the Thursday of
+the same week, he won the first prize of half a guinea at Stoneraise.
+
+At Keswick in August, he was fairly capsized by William Cass of Loweswater,
+in the last round but one of the first day's sport; and on the second day,
+through the wet and slippery state of the ground, he was again brought to
+grief, in the final fall, by Jonathan Watson. During the same month, at
+Wigton races, he carried off the first day's prize of two guineas, in grand
+style; Tom Richardson, the Dyer, being second. The prize at Great Barrock
+races also went to Hayton.
+
+At the Carlisle races, held in September, worse luck followed Weightman in
+contending for the head prize than had done on the previous year--being
+thrown in the first round by John Fearon of Gilcrux. This unfortunate
+defeat, however, was the means of arousing the lion in him; and for the
+second prize "he just bash't them doon as fast as he com at them." The last
+standers were Clayton of Dovenby, Robert Watters, and Joseph Graham of
+Dufton: Weightman receiving four guineas as his share, and Graham two
+guineas as second stander.
+
+In August, 1823, Weightman carried off the second day's prize of three
+pounds, at the Keswick regatta, disposing of William Sands of Whitehaven in
+the final fall.
+
+Following immediately after, came the great annual gathering at Carlisle,
+where it was publicly announced: "If wrestlers don't take hold within half
+a minute after peeling, the fall to be given to the one most willing to
+commence playing." William Litt, the author of _Wrestliana_, was chosen
+umpire. Weightman, the favourite at starting, was in grand "fettle;" looked
+fresh and ruddy, without carrying an ounce of superfluous flesh; and by the
+cool and determined way he began each round, evidently meant winning. In
+the third time over, he brought James Robinson quickly to his knees; in the
+fourth, John Hudless; in the fifth, John Allison; and in the sixth, was
+fortunate enough to be odd man. Then came the final struggle with John
+Robson of Irthington mill, who tried hard to "bear the prize away;" but his
+struggling was of no avail, for at each move Weightman kept gathering him
+up and improving his grip, and it soon became the miller's turn to drop
+powerless to mother earth, in like manner to those compeers who had fallen
+before.
+
+The following sketch of Weightman appeared in the columns of the
+_Cumberland Pacquet_, and is supposed to be from the pen of William Litt.
+"As for the victor, Weightman, he is to a stranger a complete puzzle. To
+judge from the almost universal disrepute with which he is regarded in
+Carlisle and its vicinity, you expect to behold in him every
+personification of a finished blackguard; but the very first glance is
+sufficient to stagger any ideal opinion respecting him. I never saw a man
+of equal birth and education, that had so much of the gentleman in his
+appearance, and there is, even in his conversation, an unassuming mildness
+equally striking. As a wrestler, if much cannot be said of his science, his
+_powers_ will not be limited by those who have either tried or seen him
+wrestle:--for, to cut the matter short, I do not think there is a man in
+the world possessing any chance with him, the best of five or seven falls.
+His behaviour in the ring was strictly correct; but such is the general
+opinion of his powers, that though the wrestling was never previously
+surpassed, yet the almost certainty of his winning greatly allayed that
+anxiety for the final result which is essential for creating and keeping
+awake the interest which the scene usually excites."
+
+A letter appeared in the columns of the _Carlisle Journal_, dated September
+16th, 1823, touching facetiously upon a point which, in later years, has
+been successfully carried out. The writer says:--
+
+     SIR,--As a great admirer of athletic sports, I always
+     make a point of being present at the wrestling at our
+     races, but being "small of stature," I frequently miss
+     a good deal of the sport. To gain a complete view I
+     should willingly pay a small sum, and I have no doubt
+     if those concerned in the management of the sports
+     would provide seats for those willing to pay, that they
+     would be soon filled, and the funds be materially
+     increased, as well as a great convenience granted to me
+     and those of my fellow creatures who have not the good
+     fortune to be above six feet. I am, Sir, &c.,
+
+                                            JOHN _LITTLE_.
+
+About this date, it was currently reported that Weightman had engaged to go
+to London to undertake the duties of porter at Carlton Palace. No finer
+looking man could have been selected for this post, but it was not his luck
+to exchange the bleak north for such desirable quarters. Had he been
+removed to so aristocratic an atmosphere, it is more than probable that his
+hot Border blood would have led him into no end of difficulties; as it did,
+for instance, at the magistrates' office in Carlisle, when he quarrelled
+over a disputed fall in the wrestling ring, with a big burly fellow, named
+Tom Hodgson from Wigton. During the trial, Weightman lost all control over
+his temper, and swore eighteen or nineteen times, although reprimanded for
+his profanity again and again. On being told that the magistrates intended
+to fine him a shilling for each and every oath he had sworn, in accordance
+with an old act recorded in the statute books, he exclaimed: "Fine me for
+ivery oath I've sworn? That's a bonny go! Wey, I med as weel mak' it _an
+even pund_, than!" And accordingly he did so.
+
+In the autumn of 1824, the two sons of Henry Howard of Corby Castle--Philip
+and Henry Francis--drove in a pony-phaeton to Hayton, and asked for
+Weightman. When they arrived, he was "hard at wark plewin', in a field
+behint the hoose." Meanwhile, his mother--good soul--not knowing well how
+to show the greatest amount of civility to her visitors, invited them, in
+homely phraseology, to "a sup milk, an' a bite o' breid an' cheese." When
+Weightman made his appearance, he was pressed to attend the forthcoming
+wrestling meeting on Penrith fell, which he consented to do after some
+persuasion. Accordingly, he put in an appearance at the races held at
+Penrith early in October, where a large muster of first-rate men had
+assembled. Weightman, however, naturally anticipating onlookers with
+friendly feelings, from Corby and Greystoke castles, had come with a fixed
+determination to carry off the head prize against all comers. Putting his
+full powers into play, therefore, whenever he was called into the ring, man
+after man fell before his slaughtering attacks, in an astonishingly brief
+space of time; leaving Joseph Abbot of Bampton, second stander. And so
+delighted was the young heir of Corby with Weightman's achievements, that
+he brought the victor with him in his carriage from Penrith to Warwick
+Bridge.
+
+The annual wrestling meeting on the Swifts at Carlisle, in September, 1825,
+says a local report of that date, "was attended, as usual, by myriads of
+country people, for whom this manly amusement appears to have charms quite
+unknown to the degenerate race pent up within the walls of smoky and
+enervating towns. The ring was under the entire management of Mr. Henry
+Pearson, and the most complete order prevailed. It is calculated that from
+twelve to fifteen thousand persons were lookers-on at the first-day's
+sports." The first prize was eight guineas; and one guinea was given to the
+last thrown man, or second stander. Among other well known wrestlers who
+attended, and whose names are not mentioned hereafter, may be noted, John
+Robson, Jonathan Watson, Tom Richardson, George Irving, William Earl,
+Joseph Abbot, and Wilfrid Wright. Weightman, for the second time, carried
+off first honours, with great ease: all efforts put forth to stop his
+onward career being futile and unavailing in the extreme. In the third
+round, he met Dan Burgh of Crookdale-hall; and in the fourth, Thomas Miller
+of Crookdykes. In the fifth round, James Graham of Kirklinton laid down,
+because, (as the victor slyly remarked,) "he kent it was nea use
+russellin'!" In the sixth round, Weightman was lucky enough to be odd man;
+while, in the final fall, the perfidious tricks and sturdy attacks of Jacob
+Armstrong availed him nothing--for quick as thought his various moves were
+frustrated, and he was sent to grass, sprawling on his back, in a style
+which neither he nor any of his partisans had anticipated.
+
+In the following year, 1826, Weightman was again the successful competitor
+for the head prize in the Carlisle ring. He was opposed, from the second
+round, by the following wrestlers, namely, Thomas Lawman, Wilfrid Wright,
+John Robson of Irthington mill, Joseph Robley, and George Irving. The
+description given in the _Carlisle Patriot_ of the event, is curious as
+being the production of one to whom the North Country sport was evidently a
+novelty, and on that account it may be worth quoting. The writer says:--
+
+     "The wrestling on Wednesday, attracted thousands upon
+     thousands of country people, to witness their favourite
+     sport. The play, according to pully-hauley critics, was
+     scientifically excellent. The men squeezed, nipped,
+     buttocked, etc., in the most charming style; and great
+     was the applause of the vast mass congregated around
+     the ring, when some sturdy athlete measured his long
+     length on the ground. On the first day, the grand
+     contest lay between the celebrated Robson, a fine young
+     fellow of about twenty-two, weighing fifteen stone, ten
+     pounds, and the still more celebrated Weightman, also a
+     young man, but of more experience, and five pounds
+     heavier than the weighty Robson. This pair of modern
+     Ajaxes stood up nobly to each other. 'A breathless
+     silence (says a spectator) reigned throughout the
+     ring.... They laid hold like men--like true
+     athletae--each confident in his own powers. The struggle
+     begins--now--now--now--huzza! the invincible Weightman
+     is again victorious! Honour and glory once more for the
+     East of Cumberland!!' So says our scientific
+     informant--but not so Mr. Hercules Robson and his
+     friends. They declared that the fall was not a fair
+     one, and the mighty business of the ring was for a
+     while suspended; but the umpire, Mr. Todd, and a great
+     majority of the spectators decided otherwise--and
+     Weightman soon finished the game, and pocketed the
+     first prize, by finally laying low the able-bodied
+     George Irving."
+
+In spite of the umpire's decision, Robson and his friends continued to harp
+on about what they called the unfairness of the fall on the Swifts, until
+they issued a challenge to the effect that Robson was prepared to wrestle
+Weightman for L20,--which was readily accepted by the latter. According to
+agreement, the two men met about three weeks after, in Crosby Willows, a
+meadow near Low Crosby, which turned out a hollow affair after all, nothing
+really occurring, except several tedious attempts to get into holds. While
+the rain was pouring in torrents, and the spectators becoming restless at
+the absence of sport, an amicable finale was ultimately arrived at by
+Robson shouting across the ring: "We'll russel nea farther, Weetman, i'
+this doon-pour o' rain. Cu' thy ways here, my lad, an' I'll gie the' a leg
+on to my nag." Weightman offering no opposition to this proposal, the two
+were soon mounted, and rode together to a neighbouring house of
+refreshment, where a few friendly glasses passed between them, which
+probably helped to fill up the existing breach. In after years, Weightman
+always spoke of Robson with much respect, describing him as "a canny weel
+donn't lad, an' a varra gud russeller."
+
+Robson, who excelled principally as a "hyper," measured six feet two inches
+in height, and increased in weight and bulk, year by year, until at the age
+of twenty-four he weighed as many stones as he numbered years. He died
+young--in March, 1830--his coffin being so large that it was impossible to
+get it into the room where the corpse lay, without taking the window out.
+He had a narrow escape from being robbed about three years before his
+death. Returning from Carlisle, some highwaymen attacked him while passing
+through the woods between Corby and Ruel Holme. He, however, got clear off
+from the miscreants, and arrived at home without harm or loss of property,
+although he was fired at in making his escape.
+
+Weightman won twice at Melmerby Rounds, getting a guinea and the belt each
+time, the usual award to the victor. On one of these occasions, when
+returning home through the village of Cumrew, his companions and he being
+fresh in drink, smashed a window to atoms, and had fifteen shillings to pay
+for their wanton mischief.
+
+At Penrith in 1827, it was generally expected that Weightman would be the
+victor, but it turned out otherwise. He was thrown in the fourth round by a
+mere stripling, under twenty years of age, named John Loy, who, it is only
+fair to state, gained the fall in rather a surreptitious manner.
+Weightman's own account of the affair was this: "A bit iv a lad stept oot
+of a corner o' the ring, an' _pretendit_ he wasn't gaen to russel; but
+aw at yance, t' lal taistral snapt't, an' bash't me doon iv a varra
+nasty fashion."
+
+During the same year, William Cass of Loweswater, the winner at Carlisle in
+1822, challenged any man in the north to wrestle a match for twenty
+guineas. In reply to this challenge, Weightman sent the following letter to
+the editor of the _Cumberland Pacquet_:--
+
+     SIR,--In reply to the challenge of Mr. Cass, given in
+     your paper of last week, to wrestle any man in
+     Cumberland, Westmorland, or Lancashire, for twenty
+     guineas, I beg to inform him through the same medium,
+     that I and my friends will be at the Duke's Head Inn,
+     Scotch-street, Carlisle, at two o'clock in the
+     afternoon of Saturday, October the 27th, where I hope
+     his friends will meet us to arrange preliminaries and
+     deposit the money.--I remain, Sir, yours very
+     respectfully,
+
+                             JOHN WEIGHTMAN.
+
+The wrestling world in the northern counties looked forward to this match
+with intense interest, but Cass thought backing out to be safer policy than
+encountering an opponent so formidable.
+
+In the year 1828, some preliminary steps were taken towards arranging a
+match between Weightman and Mc.Laughlan, the innkeeper, at the annual
+gathering at Carlisle in the autumn; but like the preceding ones, it came
+to nothing--finally ending in a tie, and then a wrangle. Mc.Laughlan at
+that time was a great overgrown giant, weighing at least five or six stone
+heavier than his rival. Referring to this meeting many years after,
+Weightman said: "Clatten com up--i' fun iv his way o' 't--gat hod o' me
+afooar I kent reetly whoar I was, an' flang me doon like a havver sheaf.
+Sec bairnish nonsense as that, ye know, suin rais't my dander, an' i' th'
+next roond I dud whack him! I pait him weel back iv his oan mak o'
+coin."
+
+An acquaintance one day asked Mc.Laughlan how he liked Weightman's "grip"
+at Carlisle. "Oh, Lord! it was fair vice wark!" exclaimed the giant, giving
+an involuntary shudder at the mere thought of being screwed up in the
+"vice."
+
+In October, 1829, Weightman bore away the chief prize from the Penrith ring
+a second time. The entry included Cass of Loweswater and George
+Irving--both thrown by Weightman--and most of the best men in Cumberland
+and Westmorland. At the conclusion of the wrestling, the winner could have
+been backed against any man in England for L100.
+
+At Wigton--date uncertain--where there was a strong muster of good men from
+the East and West, the head prize of eight guineas fell into Weightman's
+hands.
+
+At one time or other, Weightman won seventeen silver cups, and once, on
+being asked what became of them, candidly replied: "I selt ivery yan o'
+them, an' drank th' brass."
+
+An anecdote illustrative of his fearless courage and successful resistance
+to apparently overwhelming odds, must not be forgotten. In the year 1829,
+his uncle sold a cow to a butcher in Carlisle, named Roberts, we believe.
+The payment for it not being forthcoming at the proper time, nor any
+prospect of it, Weightman was despatched to recover the amount owing, and
+rode to Carlisle on a brown filly for that purpose. Coming up with Roberts
+on Eden bridges--in company with another butcher and a
+confederate--Weightman told him he wanted "owther the coo back with him, or
+the brass to pay for it." The only reply to this question was the filly
+being struck so forcibly with a thick stick, that it was nearly "fell'd" to
+the ground with the stroke. Boiling with indignation at this treatment,
+Weightman cried out: "If ye strike the beast agean, I'll strike ye doon!"
+Again the filly was struck, and the fray began in earnest. Leaping off his
+horse, Weightman seized the two butchers, taking one in each arm, and
+"clash't the'r heids togidder till bleud flew aboot like onything!" Their
+confederate also joined the fray in a skirmishing mode of attack, and
+although it was now three against one, they were rapidly getting the worst
+of it. Seeing the tide thus turning against them, one of the rascals
+resorted to the knife, and inflicted a great gash on Weightman's hand, the
+mark of which he bore to his dying day. An onlooker, who interfered on
+Weightman's behalf, was immediately knocked down, under the wheels of a
+cart, and severely injured. Things becoming thus desperate, several
+bystanders stepped forward at this stage of the affray, and put an end to
+the dastardly attack.
+
+Although Weightman possessed no lack of courage when it was called into
+action by such an event as the foregoing, he was, nevertheless, often very
+diffident and reserved in the affairs of everyday life. "I's nobbut
+shy--I's nobbut varra shy, an' divvent like to ax onybody," was a phrase
+frequently on his lips, when any trivial favour had to be solicited.
+
+At one time of his life, his company was a good deal sought after by 'Torny
+Armstrong, and two neighbouring 'statesmen, named Bleaymire and Jordan.
+"Sec chaps," said he, in regretful tones,--"sec wild divvels as thur, aye
+wantit a feul; an' I sarra't for yen langer than I sud ha' deun." After his
+wrestling days were over, Weightman continued his irregular habits and mode
+of life, and as age crept on he was by times reduced to considerable
+straits in order to make both ends meet. Hard-fisted poverty, and the
+pressure of circumstances in various ways, not unfrequently forced his
+simple Cumbrian speech to shape itself into proverbial phrases, which
+sometimes lingered in the memories of those who heard them for weeks and
+months after. Take the following as examples: "Fwok sud aye be menseful,
+an' menseful amang fwok." And again: "Jwohn Barleycworn's ruin't mony a gud
+heart, an' 'ill ruin mony mair yet."
+
+Poor Weightman! When Mr. Scott was taking the portrait, by photography,
+which illustrates this volume, the old man was greatly surprised at the
+process, and asked with much simplicity: "Is it a thing he hes mannish't to
+pick up by his oan ingenuity, d'ye think?--or hes't been put into him by
+God Almighty?"
+
+In his eightieth year, being reduced to the most abject poverty, alone in
+the world, and without friends to assist him, an appeal was made through
+the local papers for assistance, which met with a generous response on the
+part of the public, and served to "keep hunger frae t' dooar" while his
+health continued to be anything like good. But at the close of the year
+1874--in the midst of one of the severest winters on record--Weightman had
+a stroke, which laid him prostrate; and having no one near to minister to
+his wants, the parish authorities stept in and insisted upon his being
+removed to the poor-house at Brampton. This was sore news to the poor man,
+and went sadly against the grain, but there was no help for it. And in
+January, 1875, he, whose exploits in the wrestling ring had been cheered to
+the echo, again and again, by tens of thousands, at last found a pauper's
+grave--his corpse being followed thither by a couple of infirm old men from
+the workhouse, and none else.
+
+Such was the end of the powerful and gigantic John Weightman.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[12] "Gwordie Maut," in common phraseology, stood for George Armstrong, a
+well known character in Carlisle, who kept a public house, between the
+bridges in Caldewgate. "Gwordie" stood to Matthew Nutter, the artist, for
+the model of the stooping figure of the Maltster on the sign of the "Malt
+Shovel," in Rickergate.
+
+
+
+
+JOHN MC.LAUGHLAN
+
+OF DOVENBY.
+
+
+In the early part of the nineteenth century there lived at the rural
+village of Dovenby, a few miles north-west from Cockermouth, by far the
+tallest man in Cumberland--a man who stood six feet six inches in height,
+and who was one of Pharoah's lean kine, having at that date an hungry,
+unsatisfied look about him, which was anything but pleasant to the vision.
+This was John Mc.Laughlan, a labouring man, better known as "Clattan," who
+at certain seasons of the year, gained a livelihood by working in the woods
+at Isel, and at other times by paring turf on the pastures about Aspatria.
+
+The parents of this gigantic youth were both natives of the Highlands of
+Scotland, having migrated early in life southwards, and settled in
+Cumberland. The father was remarkably dexterous at sword exercise and
+fencing with the stick; who, in a friendly contest, sometimes took delight
+in showing his skill by hitting his opponent at pleasure, and on almost any
+part of the body he chose.
+
+"Clattan" was born about the year 1791; and as a lad practised wrestling
+upon the village green, with other Dovenby boys of a similar age. Growing
+up to manhood, and becoming master of a moderate share of science and
+action, he invariably lifted his opponents from the ground, and carried
+them off with the outside stroke; his principal mainstay, however, being
+his great height and immense weight. In the ring, he was exceedingly
+good-natured and affable, and would put himself to any amount of
+inconvenience rather than allow his body to fall awkwardly or heavily on a
+vanquished foe. He did not, however, follow wrestling closely. He only
+appeared upon the horizon by fits and starts, as it were; and in tracing
+his career, it will be found that two or three lengthy intervals intervene
+between his retirements and reappearances.
+
+As an athlete, Mc.Laughlan was somewhat late in flowering, having reached
+the age of twenty-six before he accomplished any feat worthy of record. In
+1817, he put in his first public appearance at Carlisle, at the wrestling
+in Shearer's Circus. Here he managed to mow down all competitors, including
+Tom Todd of Knarsdale, James Robinson, the gamekeeper, and, finally, his
+friend and neighbour, John Liddle of Bothel. About this date he was "a
+lang, thin, strip iv a chap, like a ladder; hed a varra laddish like leuk;
+a feut gaily nar as lang's a fender; an' was rayder wake aboot the knees."
+Or, to change the simile--as a native of Cartmelfell once aptly phrased it:
+"Big an' beany as he was, he was nobbut like a splinter blown off a man!"
+
+After his temporary success at Carlisle, fortune seems to have deserted him
+for many years. In 1819, he suffered his most memorable defeat at the hands
+of William Wilson of Ambleside, in the Keswick ring, who carried him off
+with a sweeping hipe. In 1824, he appeared at Wigton sports, and was thrown
+in the third round by Thomas Hodgson, the police-constable; and again in
+the third round of the second day, by James Graham of Kirklinton. In
+August, 1825, however, Clattan carried off the head prize at Whitehaven;
+Jonathan Watson being second.
+
+We are not aware that he wrestled in any ring from the last date mentioned,
+until his return in the year 1828, when he had grown amazingly in bulk,
+being then about twenty-two stone weight. At that time he was considered to
+be the most powerful man in Cumberland, and as an athlete had no rival, if
+we except Weightman of Hayton. It was an exaggerated, but nevertheless a
+very common saying, that he could lift a cottage house with ease, and carry
+it away with him on his back!
+
+The year 1828--with its curious winding-up scene--was the most noteworthy
+one in Clattan's wrestling career. In the month of August, he carried off
+the head prize at Workington races, with the greatest ease; George Irving
+of Boltongate being the second stander.
+
+At Keswick in September, almost the self-same scene was enacted, with
+Irving again second. Big men, like Cass of Loweswater, being, as it were,
+mere children in Clattan's arms.
+
+Following immediately in the rear of the Keswick races, came the annual
+gathering at Carlisle, where the Earl of Lonsdale still continued to give
+the sum of twenty guineas for prizes. Notwithstanding the morning on which
+the wrestling took place being gloomy and foreboding, hundreds and
+thousands poured into the old Border city from every available direction,
+and it was computed that at least 6,000 persons were gathered round the
+wrestling ring. Whilst ninety-two names were being enrolled for the head
+prize, including most of the crack men of the day, a group of itinerant
+ballad singers stood bawling to the assembled multitude, such home-spun
+staves as the following:--
+
+    "Now, Weightman, you must do your best
+      To bear the prize away;
+    For Clattan he is coming;
+      Don't let him win the day."
+
+We have reasons for saying that Weightman was _not_ at the wrestling on the
+Swifts that year. We believe he was engaged driving cattle at the time, at
+some considerable distance from Carlisle. His name was certainly entered by
+some person or other, and he was called out in the first round against
+Hutchinson of Featherstone Castle; but there being no response on
+Weightman's part, the ticket naturally fell to Hutchinson's lot.
+
+Having only to contend against men of ordinary calibre--the heaviest and
+tallest of whom would be fully six or seven stone deficient in weight, and
+about the same number of inches in height--Clattan, wearing a pair of
+Nankeen trousers, stalked through the Carlisle ring, in the most
+unobtrusive manner imaginable, and without making the least display of his
+giant strength. In the first round he was called against Rickerby of Old
+Wall, and Robinson of Renwick in the second. Despite some futile struggling
+on the part of these two men, he lifted them up and laid them down as
+easily as Gulliver would have done a couple of Lilliputians. In the third
+round, William Earl of Cumwhitton went to work with a will, and completely
+foiled Clattan by keeping well away from him. Not being able to gather Earl
+and hug him as he had done the previous ones, the tussle became an animated
+one, and for a time seemed to be of a doubtful character; but on improving
+his hold, the big man managed to twist Earl awkwardly to the ground by
+sheer strength. Next followed, in quick succession, the overthrow of Joseph
+Graham of Dufton, James Graham of Kirklinton, and Tom Richardson, the Dyer,
+at the hands of Clattan.
+
+Only two men were now left standing, namely, George Irving of Boltongate,
+and Clattan; and by Irving asking Clattan, as a favour, not to throw
+himself heavily on him, the result was understood to be a foregone
+conclusion. Good-naturedly acting upon this request, Clattan without more
+ado, whipped Irving off his feet, turned him smartly round, and then let
+go his hold, in order to avoid falling on his man. Meanwhile, Irving having
+cunningly retained _his_ hold, claimed the fall, which according to the
+rules of the game, was awarded to him by the umpires. The scene which
+followed baffles all description. The crowd danced, laughed, yelled, and
+ran wild with commotion. Clattan was completely nonplussed by the _ruse_,
+and bore the result for a time with Job-like patience; but at length his
+good nature fairly broke down. He fumed and tore about like one half
+crazed, ground his teeth, and swore he "wad russel him for fifty pund to a
+pund--for a hundred pund to a pund--for any amount he liket!" But Irving,
+having accomplished his ends, was far too wary a customer to be drawn into
+any further trial which meant defeat. Meanwhile, Irving's friends hoisted
+him shoulder high, and bore him away in triumph; and poor Clattan could
+only content himself with a final shot at his enemy by crying out: "If iver
+I git hod o' thee agean, my lad, _I'll mak the' put thy tongue oot_!"
+
+After this mishap, the tide of popularity seems to have set in against
+Mc.Laughlan in all directions. At Dovenby races, held in June, 1829, he put
+in an appearance, but no sooner was his name called than it created much
+discontent among the competitors: one wrestler swearing that he was "as big
+as a hoose side," and another asking derisively for a ladder, "to clim' on
+t' top of his shooders wid!" In order to dispel this outburst of feeling,
+the stewards offered the giant a liberal sum if he would take the post of
+umpire, and give up contending; which proposal he accepted in the most
+cordial manner. The chief prize for wrestling (after the withdrawal of the
+big man,) was carried off by Jonathan Robinson of Allerby mill.
+
+A correspondent of the _Cumberland Pacquet_, in speaking of the Penrith
+races in 1829, says, he "cannot imagine upon what principle of justice the
+individuals acted, who brought a man fifty miles from home by an open
+advertisement, and then debarred him." The same correspondent, also,
+complains that Mc.Laughlan was excluded from the Carlisle ring of the same
+year, in the face of an advertisement which distinctly stated it was "open
+to any man."
+
+At the great gathering at Cockermouth in August, 1830, Clattan was allowed
+to enter his name without opposition in the first day's list, where he
+carried off the head prize, throwing James Little, George Murgatroyd, John
+Birket, and finally William Earl.
+
+In 1837, his last victory, we believe, was gained at Liverpool, after
+mowing down John Nichol of Bothel, Jonathan Thomlinson, and Thomas
+Armstrong of Carlisle, in the heavy weight prize.
+
+Clattan figured again in the Liverpool ring in 1840, at which date he would
+be about fifty years old; but the fates were against him. He was drawn
+against John Selkirk of Beckermet. It is worthy of remark, (says a report
+in the _Carlisle Journal_,) that Selkirk's father threw Mc.Laughlan
+twenty-six years ago; and Mc.Laughlan was overheard to say, it would be a
+shame to let both father and son throw him. But so it proved, for after a
+very severe struggle, in which Selkirk showed himself to be a wrestler of
+no ordinary ability, the first fall was given in as unfair, and they had to
+wrestle over again. In getting hold a second time, Mc.Laughlan put all his
+powers in requisition, but to no avail, for Selkirk threw him in a masterly
+manner.
+
+One incongruous element of Clattan's character has still to be mentioned,
+namely, his _weakness_ for sparring and boxing. His temperament was made up
+of too many good-natured components to allow of his ever degenerating into
+a mere prize-fighter. The big man, to the best of our knowledge, had a
+determined "set-to" once, and only once. It occurred at a Bridewain held in
+the Vale of Lorton. William Mackereth and Clattan--who had been close
+friends for years--fell out over some trifling affair, and a keenly
+contested fight was the result. After the struggle had continued some time,
+Mackereth succeeded in driving Clattan from one stand to another, until the
+giant finally gave in. Clattan threatened to "fettle him off when he com
+back frae sparring," with the professors of the noble art mentioned
+hereafter; but he proved to be far too good natured to attempt to carry
+any such threat into execution.
+
+Clattan's "experience with the bruising fraternity"--we quote from a clever
+notice, which appeared in the _Whitehaven News_--"was confined to
+travelling with the celebrated pugilists, Tom Molyneaux, the Black, (who
+twice contested the championship with Tom Cribb,) and Jack Carter, the
+latter of whom fought a terrible battle with Oliver at Gretna Green in
+1816.... With these heroes, John made a tour in the provinces and Scotland,
+extending over four or five years, in the course of which he gave and took
+more hard knocks, as an exhibition sparrer, from his formidable and
+dexterous colleagues, than would satisfy the ambition of most men; but, as
+we have said, the big man never acquired a taste for fighting. It was
+scarcely possible, under any circumstances, to surprise him out of one of
+the quietest dispositions and finest tempers with which giant was ever
+blessed; and the sole use he made of the hard schooling he received at the
+hands of Molyneaux and Carter, and the countless yokels, ambitious of
+fistic distinction, was to amuse a few of his patrons. The art and mystery
+of bruising was practised nowhere more extensively and industriously than
+by a chosen band of youths who frequented John's house in the Market-place,
+Whitehaven. To oblige these young gentlemen, and test their dexterity,
+'Clattan' has been known to sit down in a chair, to ensure something like
+equality of height, and 'set himself'; and very dexterous had young
+Whitehaven to be if it could hit and get away, even under these
+circumstances, without a counter tap, as from a playful steam hammer....
+Many wonderful tales are told of 'Clattan.' He could crack nuts with his
+thumb and forefinger as easily as a schoolboy could crush a gooseberry, and
+we forget the enormous weight he could suspend round his wrist while he
+wrote his name against the wall."
+
+Mc.Laughlan was an innkeeper in Whitehaven for a great number of years,
+being the landlord of "The Highlandman," or "Rising Sun," in the
+Market-place. Here he drove a flourishing trade, which resulted in a great
+measure from frequenters of his house always finding him to be civil and
+obliging.
+
+At Whitehaven, Clattan joined the town band formed by Mr. Heywood, clerk to
+the magistrates. In this capacity, he invariably marched first in
+processions, and did what he could to make sweet music out of the
+instrument he played, an immense trombone, his giant-like form towering
+above his fellows, like that of Goliath of Gath among the Gittites.
+
+Leaving Whitehaven about 1838 or 1839, he settled in Liverpool, where he
+was employed about the docks for several years. His wife, Betty, afterwards
+kept a lodging-house in Sparling-street; but more latterly they lived
+retired and in comfortable circumstances, principally through the kindness
+of one of his sons, the captain of a trading vessel.
+
+Mc.Laughlan died in Liverpool, in October, 1876, at the advanced age of
+eighty-five years.
+
+
+
+
+BULL BAITING.
+
+
+It must be exceedingly gratifying to all ranks of society throughout the
+United Kingdom, who take any interest in the social progress of the
+inhabitants, in the onward march from semi-barbarism to a higher state of
+civilization--from indulgence in brutal amusements, pursued with eager
+gratification during the eighteenth century--to note a gradual stamping out
+of vicious pursuits, and the growth of more harmless amusements.
+
+Amongst the lower order of our crowded towns and rural districts, amongst
+the middle classes of society, and even amongst the higher orders--the
+cream of society--the welcome change is strikingly evident. The lower
+orders were probably the most prone to indulge in the vile and degrading
+pursuits, which have in a great measure been rooted out, but they were by
+no means the only culpable parties. The higher and middle classes freely
+lent their countenance and support--lent their assistance not alone by
+being present at, but by liberal contributions aided in getting up, the
+horrible scenes witnessed at the bull-ring, the bear garden, the cock and
+rat pits, the boxing ring, and badger worrying. Even royalty, with its
+gorgeous trappings, and long list of titled favourites, smiled at and
+enjoyed the ferocious pastime.
+
+A laudable endeavour to abolish them was made in the year 1800. A bill was
+introduced by Sir W. Pulteney, into the House of Commons, for the abolition
+of bull baiting and other cruel sports; but Mr. Wyndham--the leader at that
+time of a powerful party of country gentlemen--opposed the bill on the
+ground that it attempted to suppress a national amusement, which was not
+more cruel than fox-hunting; a pastime so important that a clever writer
+has said, "You ruin the country as soon as you put an end to fox-hunting."
+Mr. Wyndham, on the one hand, was supported by Mr. Canning, and on the
+other hand opposed by Mr. Sheridan. Up to the year 1835, an agitation was
+fostered against brutal sports, and the time-honoured institutions of seven
+centuries were then, by Act of Parliament, for ever blotted out from the
+town and country pleasures of Great Britain and Ireland.
+
+The defunct pastimes, we have under consideration, were amongst the most
+exciting as well as brutal amusements of the eighteenth century, and to a
+record of them in the "good old times," this short article will be devoted.
+In nearly every town, and in most rural districts, there was the attractive
+bull ring. The gatherings never attained the gigantic and imposing
+dimensions of the Roman Coliseum and the Spanish Amphitheatre bull
+fights--institutions no better than a species of bull baiting, and attended
+with greater cruelty and bloodshed than the English bull ring. The national
+mind in our own country was never so thoroughly embued with the horrible
+pastime as the citizens of Rome and Madrid; but was sufficiently brutified
+as to be considered at the present time a disgrace to humanity. The sad
+sights, however, which gladdened the eye, and drew forth shouts of
+applause, from "good Queen Bess" and her followers, when she entertained
+the ambassadors from Continental courts, with a display of bear and bull
+baiting, are happily at an end.
+
+We shall now proceed to the more immediate object of our article, namely, a
+notice of bull baiting in our own country, and more particularly in the two
+northern counties of Cumberland and Westmorland. In England, the baiting
+was done, as our readers will doubtless be aware, with a breed of dogs
+peculiar to the country, called "bull" dogs. This breed, so famous in
+story, might probably have become extinct after bull baiting was abolished,
+had it not been for the numerous dog shows which have since taken place
+throughout the country, where prizes are given for purity of breed and
+excellence of form. Their principal characteristics are indomitable
+courage, and an instinctive propensity to pin their huge adversary by the
+nose. In order to effect this object, well bred dogs would rush furiously
+at the bull, and although they might be unsuccessful and stand a chance of
+being tossed high in the air, they never failed in returning again and
+again to the attack. Wonderful stories may be gleaned, in all parts of the
+kingdom, illustrative of their never dying resolute courage. In the quality
+of endurance, under punishment, they may be likened to the English game
+cock--the agonies of death even not being able to quench their fighting
+propensities.
+
+The following well authenticated anecdote, related by Bewick, the wood
+engraver, illustrates this point in a most barbarous and disgraceful
+manner. Many years ago, at a bull baiting in the North of England, a young
+man, confident of the courage of his dog, laid some trifling wager, that he
+would, at separate times, cut off all the four feet of his dog, and that,
+after each amputation, it would attack the bull. The cruel experiment was
+tried, and the gallant and courageous dog continued to rush at the bull,
+upon its four stumps, as eagerly as if it had been perfectly whole!
+
+Another anecdote of the bull dog has more of a ludicrous dash about it. A
+father and son, in a northern village, had a young pup, descended from a
+famous breed, out for exercise and training. The son accosted the rough old
+paterfamilias with: "Doon on ye'r knees, fadder, an' boo like a bull!" The
+"fadder" did as he was desired, and began "booin'." Before many "boos" had
+been repeated, however, the pup had seized the sham "booin'" bull firmly
+by the nose. Delighted at the ready tact displayed by the dog, young
+hopeful roared out: "Bide it, fadder! bide it! It'll be t' _makkin_' o' t'
+pup!"
+
+Carlisle is the first northern town at which we shall notice bull baiting.
+Our account has been gathered from tradition and from spectators of the
+scenes. The old bull ring stood in the market place, in close proximity to
+the "stocks," on that space of ground lying between the ancient cross and
+the front of the town hall. There, from time immemorial, was the savage
+pastime witnessed by generation after generation. If we cannot carry it
+back to the dim mystical times, when
+
+    Kinge Arthur lived in merry Carleile,
+      And seemely was to see,
+    And there with him Queene Genever,
+      That bride soe bright of blee--
+
+It requires but a limited stretch of the imagination to picture it in full
+swing at the time when the three brave foresters of Inglewood
+flourished,--Adam Bell, Clym o' the Clough, and William o' Cloudeslee,--and
+when the two former rescued the latter from the hangman's cart in the same
+market place.
+
+    And Cloudeslee lay ready there in a cart,
+      Ffast bound both foote and hande;
+    And a strong rope about his necke,
+      All readye ffor to hange.
+
+Men have been maimed for life, and even gored to death, in bull baiting
+frays, held in front of the Carlisle town hall. A large ferocious animal,
+known as the "Linstock bull," was baited no less than three times. It once
+broke loose from the ring; threw the multitude into wild disorder; knocked
+down several of the bystanders, who came in contact with its onward
+progress; and ran a butcher, named Gibbons, up against the wall! At this
+exciting moment a cry from the crowd rent the air, which appalled the
+bravest heart, but happily no material damage was done. For, curiously
+enough, the man's life was saved through the animal's horns growing far
+apart; the bull being one of the Lancashire long-horned breed, formerly
+very common throughout the north country.
+
+In old times, an aged woman, of coarse features and Amazonian strength,
+figured prominently in the Carlisle ring, and was invariably accompanied by
+a savage dog, called "Pincher." Her shrill voice was often heard, far above
+the hubbub of the crowd, with such exclamations as, "Weel done,
+Pincher!--good dog, Pincher!--stick till't, Pincher! Ha! ha! Pincher's
+gripp't it noo!" And then, all at once, up went the veritable Pincher,
+twenty feet in the air, turning "bully necks" three or four times, and
+falling on the ground with a heavy thud, stunned and bleeding.
+
+After prevailing at Carlisle for four or five centuries, and continuing as
+time rolled on without any abatement to the end, both vicious and brutal,
+bull baiting was finally suppressed _within_ the limits of the ancient
+border city, about the end of the eighteenth century.
+
+The last public bull baitings at Carlisle took place in the cattle market
+on the "Sands"--then _outside_ the city boundaries--in the months of August
+and September, 1824. Long before the time fixed to commence the proceedings
+on the first occasion, thousands of persons--many of them females--were
+assembled. The adjoining bridge was thronged, houses were covered, and
+every eminence densely packed with eager expectant human beings. All the
+scum and blackguardism of the old border city had quitted it. No such
+outpouring could be remembered to have taken place, except when the noted
+professors of pugilism, Carter and Oliver, contended at Gretna. The bull to
+be baited was of the black Galloway breed, and had been purchased under
+peculiar circumstances, by a few disreputable characters. In contending
+against its canine assailants, it laboured under the great disadvantage of
+being without horns.
+
+The primary cause of the baitings was owing to the fact of the animal
+having shown itself vicious, or in local phraseology, "man keen," by
+attacking its owner, Mr. Rome of Park-house farm, near Rose Castle.
+Suddenly turning round, in an open field, it tossed Mr. Rome over three
+"riggs," injuring him so much that recovery was for some time considered
+doubtful. It was supposed the bull had been irritated by a butcher's boy.
+This may have been the case; but too much reliance is often placed on the
+general docility of bulls. They are well known to be liable to sudden
+outbursts of passion. This dangerous element may be said to be wedded to
+their nature, and hence the deplorable accidents that sometimes happen. Due
+caution was wanting in this case. The Park-house bull had previously shewn
+symptoms of an unruly disposition, and yet Mr. Rome unguardedly entered the
+"bull copy" to drive away some cows. The attack was so sudden, that there
+was no chance of escape, and the owner would in all probability have been
+killed on the spot, but for the opportune assistance of two men servants,
+who succeeded in driving off the excited and furious beast with pitchforks.
+
+On two separate occasions, the unfortunate beast was bound to the stake on
+the Sands. It would have been, comparatively speaking, a merciful end to
+the animal's life to have killed it at once, without inflicting the torture
+of baiting, for the alleged purpose of rendering the beef tender. The bull
+was fastened by a heavy chain, some twenty yards long, sufficient to give
+it room to make play. At one time the conduct of the crowd was so confused
+and disorderly, that several persons were injured, by the frightened animal
+rushing about, and sweeping them off their feet with its chain. No one,
+however, received any serious injury.
+
+Several noted dogs were slipped at the bull. A yellow one, known in
+sporting circles as David Spedding's "Peace;" a dark brindled one, owned by
+Dan Sims, the publican; and a bitch, belonging to one Kirkpatrick; all
+seized the bull cleverly by the nose, and made "good work." The yellow dog
+especially had the knack of laying hold, and maintaining its grip to
+perfection. Its usual mode of attack was to run between the fore legs of
+the bull, fasten itself to the under lip, and then hang on like grim death.
+
+Much amusement was created, by an Irishman running fussing about, and
+shouting at the top of his voice: "Hould on there, hould on, till my dog
+saizes the big baiste!" Pat let go. His dog made a bold dash at the bull,
+and good sport was anticipated by the onlookers; but no sooner was the dog
+turned upon by the enraged animal, than it showed tail, and ran for safety.
+This "funking" on the part of the Irishman's dog, created loud laughter
+among the crowd, and was followed by such bantering remarks as, "Arrah,
+Pat, arrah! Ye'r dog's not game!"
+
+In the hubbub, a man named Robert Telford, an auctioneer, was knocked over
+by a sudden swerve of the ponderous chain which fastened the bull, and for
+some time lay sprawling helpless in the dirt. He had a narrow escape from
+being tossed in the air, boots uppermost, or else savagely gored.
+
+Scarcely had the barking and growling of the dogs subsided, or the yelling
+and shouting of the assembled rabble died away, when one of the onlookers,
+who had been somewhat disappointed in the scenes enacted, pronounced it to
+be but "a tamish sort of affair, after all!" A local celebrity,[13] also,
+on leaving the ground, delivered himself of the following opinion, in slow
+pompous tones: "Bad bait--bad bait! Bull too gross!"--the meaning of which
+was that the bull was too fat to display that ferocity and activity which
+some of the spectators had expected it would have done.
+
+So fagged and spiritless had the animal become after one of the baits, that
+a rough-spun butcher--a madcap of a fellow--had the temerity to leap
+astride its back, and to ride up Rickergate in that ungainly fashion; while
+the poor beast, now completely deadened to attack or viciousness of any
+kind, was being slowly lead in the direction of some shambles or
+outbuildings in East Tower street.
+
+A disaster which befel the comedian, Riley, a few years before Mr. Rome was
+nearly killed at Park-house farm, had a somewhat ludicrous termination. The
+author of the _Itinerant_, in professionally "starring" through the
+provinces, remained for some time in the neighbourhood of Furness Abbey,
+and was engaged to lend his assistance there. The entertainment going off
+very successfully, a "leetle" too much wine followed on the heels of it.
+This we presume, for the quantity imbibed by Mr. Riley rendered his
+perception not quite so clear as it might have been. The way to his
+quarters was by a footpath through some fields; and jogging along by the
+dimmish light of an obscured moon, he rambled off the path, and got into a
+field in which a pugnaciously inclined bull was kept. Snatches of song and
+other sounds arousing the brute from his night's slumber, he rose and
+prepared to attack the son of _Thespis_, and gave notice of his intentions
+by several long drawn "boos," which "boos" Mr. Riley attributed to some one
+coming after him from the concert. The bull followed up, and got nearer and
+nearer, with his "boo--boo--boo!" A collision suddenly took place close to
+the hedge, and in the twinkling of an eye the gentleman was tossed up, and
+landed secure, but prostrate, on the other side of the hedge, without any
+harm but a good shaking. Looking up, the astonished comedian exclaimed:
+"You are neither a musician nor a gentleman, by ----, if you are!"
+
+During the eighteenth century, and for thirty or forty years into the
+present one, farmers, small tradesmen, indeed, most families living in the
+country, who could afford it, at the fall of the year, salted and stored by
+as much beef as served the family through the winter. Hence bull
+baiting--until suppressed--prevailed in most of the northern towns and
+villages, in the month of November. The weather was then suitable for
+salting a supply of beef for winter use, and an extra quantity either of
+bull or heifer beef was quite saleable at that season of the year. An
+erroneous idea prevailed--had indeed become a settled conviction, that bull
+beef was much better--should not be used as food, in fact, without the
+animal had been subject to the usual barbarous baiting.
+
+In many places there prevailed a stringent regulation, that bulls should
+not be slaughtered, until they had passed the ordeal of baiting; and
+curious observances were enforced should the practice be omitted. In
+Kendal, for instance, a singular custom was to be observed when any butcher
+killed a bull, and attempted to dispose of the beef, without the animal
+having been fastened to the bull ring and baited. The seller of the carcass
+was obliged to have put up conspicuously, a large sign board, with the
+words "Bull Beef," painted in legible letters, and to have a lantern stuck
+up, with lighted candles burning in it, as long as the tabooed beef
+remained unsold. This singular regulation or custom continued in use, and
+was regularly observed as long as bull baiting was permitted in the town.
+
+The Kendal bull ring was fixed on a green at the High Beast Banks, and had
+been so fixed for generations. There the disgusting, demoralizing
+saturnalia, with all its ruffianly concomitants, was held before a yelling
+crowd of professedly civilized spectators. This brutal indulgence was
+continued to the mayoralty of Mr. William Dobson, in 1790, when the
+corporation interfered and put a final stop to it. We are surprised that in
+Kendal, where the Quaker element in the population was so strong, the
+odious "sport" should have been allowed to continue so long. The followers
+of George Fox, we feel assured, would consider any encouragement given to
+such degrading brutality as morally criminal.
+
+Great Dockray and Sandgate, in the pleasant and busy market town of
+Penrith, were the scenes of many uproarious bull baits. In one day, no less
+than five beasts have been tied to the stake, and unmercifully tortured.
+They would all be required, and many carcasses besides, at that season of
+the year when salt beef was prepared for winter consumption. At Penrith,
+the bull baitings were regularly attended by crowds of spectators, from all
+the surrounding country villages. The inhabitants of the town, too,
+deserted their quiet homes to witness the exciting but barbarous practice.
+In Penrith, as well as other places, the idea was rooted in the minds of
+the people that bulls intended for slaughter, and sold for human food,
+should be baited. If the carcass of a bull, in the shambles of a butcher,
+had not been subjected to the usual process of brutal cruelty, it would
+have been rejected. The village of Stainton, as well as Penrith, was noted
+for bull dogs of a pure and courageous breed. Those normal tribes of
+gipsies, tinkers, and potters, who roamed over Cumberland, Westmorland, and
+the borders of Scotland, during the latter part of the eighteenth century,
+were celebrated for breeding and training bull dogs of a superior
+description.
+
+The small but interesting market town of Keswick--highly celebrated at the
+present day, as the head quarters of numerous lake and mountain
+excursionists--likewise had its bull ring, to which, through a lengthened
+period of time, hundreds of unfortunate animals were tied and baited. No
+greater desecration can be imagined to one of the most attractive districts
+in Great Britain--revealing at every step scenes displaying vividly the
+sublime beauty and grandeur of God's choicest handiwork--than the mad
+uproar, the wild confusion, and gross brutality of a bull bait. The echoes
+of the surrounding hills were made to resound with the furious merriment of
+an excited multitude, in the full enjoyment of a cruel "sport." From the
+beautiful Vale of Saint John, from the lower slopes of Blencathra and
+Skiddaw, from the confines of the picturesque lake of Bassenthwaite, from
+the surroundings of the more imposing Derwentwater, from many scattered
+villages, like Borrowdale, crowds hastened to share in the gross enjoyment
+of a hideous outrage on humanity.
+
+The bull ring at Keswick,--as well as at Carlisle, Penrith, Wigton, Kendal,
+and other places in the Lake country--was frequently the means of starting
+a combat between some pugnaciously inclined Tom Crib, and any one who,
+through intimidation, could be drawn into a fight. "Shaking the bull ring"
+was tantamount to a challenge from some foolhardy individual, to "hev it
+oot" with any one inclined to step forward; and it rarely happened at
+"statute fairs" but that at least some two or three pugilistic encounters
+followed the "shaking."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[13] Mr. William Browne, who began life in Carlisle as a bookbinder, and
+ended as auctioneer, appraiser, and high-bailiff to the County Court.
+
+
+
+
+BADGERS AND BADGER BAITING.
+
+
+Baiting the badger differed from bull baiting in one respect, inasmuch as
+the former was generally practised in some room or yard, mostly attached to
+a public house. It was often a private affair, got up by some sporting
+landlord, for the purpose of drawing customers to his hostelry, as well as
+to have an opportunity of seeing the badger drawn; while bull baiting,
+except on great state occasions, was always a public affair.
+
+The badger, in former times called the "Grey," is a small animal, which at
+no remote period was, comparatively speaking, plentiful in Cumberland and
+Westmorland, and in various parts of the north of England. It abounded,
+too, in Scotland, and its cured skin was used in making the Highlander's
+hanging pouch. It measured about three feet from the snout to the end of
+the tail, and weighed from seventeen to thirty pounds. Few animals are
+better able to defend themselves, and fewer still of their own weight and
+size dare attack them, in their native haunts. When in good case, they are
+remarkably strong, fight with great resolution if brought to bay, can bite
+extremely hard, and inflict very severe wounds. It is strange that it
+should have been so persistently and ruthlessly hunted and destroyed, so
+as to lead to the almost entire extermination of the herd in this country.
+
+In _Reminiscences of West Cumberland_, (printed for private circulation, in
+1882,) William Dickinson gives the following account of the capture of some
+of these animals:--"On March 29, 1867, a badger was captured in a wood
+adjoining the river Derwent, by Mr. Stirling's gamekeeper. It was a full
+grown animal, in prime condition, and was secured without sustaining any
+injury. A few years before that a badger was caught near St. Bees. It was
+supposed to have escaped from captivity. Within my recollection, a badger
+was taken by a shepherd and his dogs, on Birker moor, and believed to be a
+wild one; and none had been known for many miles around by any one living.
+They are not now known to breed in Cumberland; but the late Mr. John Peel
+of Eskat, told me the brock or badger had a strong hold in Eskat woods, and
+that he once came so suddenly on a brock asleep, as it basked in the sun,
+that he struck it with his bill hook, and wounded it in the hind quarter.
+Its hole was so near that it crawled in and was lost. The place is still
+called the Brock-holes."
+
+An interesting experiment has been tried on the Naworth Castle estate, the
+Border residence of Mr. George Howard, a dozen miles or so from Carlisle.
+About the year 1877 or 1878, four healthy and well developed badgers were
+let off, some two miles eastward from the castle, near the side of the
+river Irthing, which flows through a wide sweep of charmingly diversified
+scenery. The place occupied by them is a piece of rough, woodland, "banky"
+ground, quiet and secluded, the soil being of a dry sandy nature. The
+badgers, in the first instance, were lodged in an old fox earth "bield,"
+part of which they have held in undisturbed possession ever since. They
+appeared to fall in naturally with their new quarters, and soon took to
+digging and making the hole, and its various ramifications, much larger and
+more capacious.
+
+Curiously enough, after the lapse of some years, the foxes returned to
+their old retreat, and for two successive seasons there has been a breed of
+young cubs reared in the same burrow with the badgers. Each species of
+animal has taken up a separate part or side-branch of the hole for its own
+particular use and abode; and, so far as appearance goes, the two families
+have lived together happy and contented for the time being.
+
+A similar illustration of foxes fraternising with badgers is amply borne
+out in a valuable communication to _The Times_, of October 24th, 1877, by
+Mr. Alfred Ellis of Loughborough, who, after some difficulty, introduced a
+breed of badgers, in semi-wild state, to a covert within fifty yards of his
+own residence. Mr. Ellis says, "The fox and the badger are not unfriendly,
+and last spring a litter of cubs was brought forth very near the badgers;
+but their mother removed them after they had grown familiar, as she
+probably thought they were showing themselves more than was prudent."
+
+The neighbouring dogs are not known to have molested the Naworth badgers in
+any way, and it is now supposed the estate can number about a dozen in
+numerical strength. The nocturnal habits, natural to badgers, make it very
+difficult to study their actions and mode of life, with any amount of close
+observancy, as they rarely leave their holes till near nightfall, and are
+back again generally by daybreak.
+
+There is not much which properly comes under the game laws near the
+badgers' place of rendezvous, but Mr. Brown, the head keeper, is under the
+impression that they are destructive to some kinds of game; in fact, he
+says, they take anything they can lay hold of in the shape of eggs or young
+birds. They dig a good deal for fern roots, and feed upon them, turning up
+the ground in the same way that a pig does. It would appear also that they
+are very fond of moles. Any of these animals left dead by the keepers or
+foresters, in the vicinity of their haunts, invariably disappear quickly
+and are no more seen.
+
+Shy, reserved, and alert as the badgers are, they may be come upon
+sometimes, by chance or accident, on the banks of the Irthing; and when
+seen in the dusky twilight of a summer evening, "scufterin'" along through
+the long grass or "bracken" beds, they might be easily mistaken for a
+litter of young pigs.
+
+In addition to the food incidentally mentioned, the badger lives upon
+frogs, insects, wasps' nests, fruit, grass, and a great variety of other
+things. Its habits are perfectly harmless in a wild state; and yet few
+animals have suffered so much cruel torture, in consequence of vulgar
+prejudice. The hams, as food, were esteemed superior in delicacy of flavour
+to the domestic pig or wild hog. In this country, the hind quarters only
+were used for food; while in some parts of Europe and in China, the whole
+carcass was held in high esteem, and considered to be very nutritious.
+
+In hunting and capturing them, the usual plan was to dig a hole in the
+ground, across some path which they were known to frequent, covering the
+pit lightly over with sticks and leaves. Another mode of catching them was
+by means of a sack being carefully fitted to the entrance of their burrows.
+When supposed to be out feeding, two or three dogs were set to hunt the
+adjoining grounds, and the badger was thus driven homewards, and safely
+secured in the sack.
+
+The mode of baiting was generally pursued as follows. Sometimes, according
+to choice, the animal was put into a barrel; while at other times, a trench
+was dug in the ground, fourteen inches deep and of the same width, and
+covered over with a board. But the plan most frequently adopted was to have
+a square drain-like box constructed, in the form of a capital letter L.
+The longer part measured something like six feet in length, and the
+shorter part four feet. The box was throughout thirteen or fourteen inches
+square, with only one entrance way. When a batting display took place, the
+badger was placed inside the box at the far end of the shorter compartment.
+It will be apparent, from being so placed, that it had some advantage over
+any dog attacking in front. The dog had to proceed up the longer leg of the
+box, and then turning sharp round, found the object of its search
+cautiously crouching, and on the watch for any advancing foe.
+
+A strong fresh badger was never unprepared for fight, and, by being thus on
+the alert, had the opportunity of inflicting a fearful bite at the outset;
+so severe, indeed, that any currish inclined dog at once made the best of
+his way out, howling with pain, and thoroughly discomfited. And no coaxing,
+no inducement in the world, could make the craven-hearted brute attempt a
+second attack.
+
+On the contrary, one of the right sort rushed immediately into close
+quarters, seized the badger with as little delay as might be, and
+endeavoured to drag it forth into open daylight. It required a dog of rare
+pluck and courage, however, to accomplish this feat--one, in fact,
+insensible to punishment; and few could be found willing to face and endure
+hard biting, and force the badger from its lair. Pure bred bull dogs will
+naturally go in and face anything, but it is in very few instances that
+they make any attempt to draw. Long experience showed that the best and
+truest that could be produced, were a cross between a well bred bull dog
+and a terrier, commonly known as bull terriers. Sufficiently powerful and
+courageous dogs were, also, to some extent, to be found amongst rough wiry
+haired terriers--the Charlieshope Pepper and Mustard breed of Dandie
+Dinmonts--which "fear naething that ever cam wi' a hairy skin on't;" and
+the handsome, smooth, glossy-coated black and tan dog, "fell chield at the
+varmin," which would buckle either "tods or brocks." Bedlington
+terriers,--a distinct breed of Northumbrian origin, long known and esteemed
+in Cumberland and other northern counties--have frequently proved
+themselves admirable adepts at drawing the badger. These dogs, properly
+speaking, are more "fluffy" coated than wiry--have greater length of leg
+than the Dandie Dinmonts--are full of spirit and stamina--remarkably active
+and alert--and very fierce and resolute when called into action.
+
+The badger is not often much hurt in the drawing, the thickness of their
+skin being sufficient to prevent them from taking any great harm. The
+looseness of the skin is such that they can turn easily, and, moreover,
+they are so quick in moving about, that the dogs are often desperately
+wounded in the first assault, and compelled to give up the contest.
+
+To give an idea of the extreme sensitiveness for cleanliness which
+characterize the habits of the badger, let the following example be taken.
+On being drawn from its barrel by the dog, it not unfrequently happens in
+the scuffle which ensues, that the animal is rolled over and over, among
+the mire of the road, or the dirt of some neighbouring dunghill. Should the
+badger, however, be able to escape to its place of refuge in the barrel,
+even for a minute or two, the onlooker is surprised to find it turn out
+again as "snod" and clean, as if the dragging process through the dirt had
+never been undergone.
+
+Several proverbial sayings are current, which have been drawn from the
+nature and habits of this animal. For instance, a man of much and long
+continued endurance, is said to be "as hard as a brock;" and any one, upon
+whom age is creeping, and whose hair has lost a good deal of its original
+brightness, is said to be "as grey as a badger." Relph of Sebergham, in
+detailing in his native patois, the woes of a young and lusty love-sick
+swain, gives an illustration of one of the modes of hunting the animal:--
+
+    Nae mair i' th' neets thro' woods he leads,
+      To treace the wand'rin' _brock_;
+    But sits i' th' nuik, an' nowt else heeds,
+      But Jenny an' her rock.
+
+In addition to the haunts of the badger incidentally mentioned,
+Brock-stones, in Kentmere; Brock-holes, at the foot of Tebay Fells;
+Graythwaite woods, in Furness Fells; Greystoke forest, near Penrith;
+Brockley-moor, in Inglewood forest; Brock-hills, near Hesket Newmarket; and
+Brocklebank, on the east side of Derwentwater;--these and many other like
+coverts in the Lake Country, (as their names indicate,) were all
+strongholds and places of much resort for these animals, in the olden time.
+
+Within the memory of living man, badgers have burrowed in the sand hills on
+Brocklebank, where it was not uncustomary for the tag-rag and bob-tail
+fraternity of Keswick, to hunt and capture them for the purpose of baiting.
+
+About the year 1823, Tom Wilson, a shoemaker--reared at The Woodman inn,
+Keswick--remembers one being caught in a sack at the foot of Brockle-beck,
+when a novel but extremely foolish experiment was tried in the way of
+hunting it. It was let off in the midst of a gang of rough men, half-grown
+lads, and dogs, in deep water, near Lord's Island on Derwent Lake, and the
+chances are that the poor animal perished by drowning. At all events, it
+soon disappeared under the surface, and was never seen again by man or dog.
+
+A husbandman, named Jonathan Gill, captured another on Great How, a steep
+wooded mountain which rises on the east side of Thirlmere lake. These are
+the two last badgers in the Keswick locality, of which we have any tidings.
+It is more than probable that the Brocklebank herd became dispersed or
+extinct about this period.
+
+
+
+
+ADDENDA
+
+MIDNIGHT CHASE OF A BULL BY PROFESSOR WILSON.
+
+THOMAS DE QUINCEY.
+
+
+Represent to yourself the earliest dawn of a fine summer's morning, time
+about half-past two o'clock. A young man, anxious for an introduction to
+Mr. Wilson, and as yet pretty nearly a stranger to the country, has taken
+up his abode in Grasmere, and has strolled out at this early hour to that
+rocky and moorish common (called the White Moss) which overhangs the Vale
+of Rydal, dividing it from Grasmere. Looking southwards in the direction of
+Rydal, suddenly he becomes aware of a huge beast advancing at a long trot,
+with the heavy and thundering tread of a hippopotamus, along the public
+road. The creature is soon arrived within half a mile of his station; and
+by the grey light of morning is at length made out to be a bull, apparently
+flying from some unseen enemy in his rear. As yet, however, all is mystery;
+but suddenly three horsemen double a turn in the road, and come flying into
+sight with the speed of a hurricane, manifestly in pursuit of the fugitive
+bull. The bull labours to navigate his huge bulk to the moor, which he
+reaches, and then pauses panting and blowing out clouds of smoke from his
+nostrils, to look back from his station amongst rocks and slippery crags
+upon his hunters. If he had conceited that the rockiness of the ground had
+secured his repose, the foolish bull is soon undeceived; the horsemen,
+scarcely relaxing their speed, charge up the hill, and speedily gaining the
+rear of the bull, drive him at a gallop over the worst part of that
+impracticable ground down to the level ground below. At this point of time
+the stranger perceives by the increasing light of the morning that the
+hunters are armed with immense spears fourteen feet long. With these the
+bull is soon dislodged, and scouring down to the plain below, he and the
+hunters at his tail take to the common at the head of the lake, and all, in
+the madness of the chase, are soon half engulphed in the swamp of the
+morass. After plunging together for about ten or fifteen minutes all
+suddenly regain the _terra firma_, and the bull again makes for the rocks.
+Up to this moment, there had been the silence of ghosts; and the stranger
+had doubted whether the spectacle were not a pageant of aerial
+spectres--ghostly huntsmen, ghostly lances, and a ghostly bull. But just at
+this crisis, a voice (it was the voice of Mr. Wilson) shouted aloud, "Turn
+the villain! turn that villain! or he will take to Cumberland." The young
+stranger did the service required; the villain was turned, and fled
+southwards; the hunters, lance in rest, rushed after him; all bowed their
+thanks as they fled past; the fleet cavalcade again took the high road;
+they doubled the cape which shut them out of sight; and in a moment all had
+disappeared, and left the quiet valley to its original silence, whilst the
+young stranger, and two grave Westmorland "statesmen," (who by this time
+had come into sight upon some accident or other) stood wondering in
+silence, and saying to themselves, perhaps,
+
+    "The earth hath bubbles as the water hath;
+      And these are of them."
+
+But they were no bubbles; the bull was a substantial bull, and took no harm
+at all from being turned out occasionally at midnight for a chase of
+fifteen or eighteen miles. The bull, no doubt, used to wonder at this
+nightly visitation; and the owner of the bull must sometimes have pondered
+a little on the draggled state in which the swamps would now and then leave
+his beast; but no other harm came of it.
+
+
+
+
+INDEX.
+
+
+Abbot, Joseph, Bampton, and Tom "Dyer," 165,
+  and Weightman, 190, 198
+
+"A bit iv a lad stept oot of a corner o' the ring," 202
+
+Alston town, description of, 135
+
+" wrestlers, 135
+
+Arlecdon moor wrestling meetings, 68
+
+Armstrong, "Solid Yak," 131, 143, 151
+
+Armstrong, Jacob, thrown by Weightman, 199
+
+Ashburner, Tom, Grasmere, and Roan Long, 92
+
+Atkinson, Robert, Sleagill giant, 8
+
+
+BADGERS AND BADGER BAITING, 235
+
+" at Naworth, 236
+
+Balmer, John, nearly drowned in Windermere, 78
+
+Bateman, William, Yottenfews, 176
+
+Barrow, John, Windermere, 77
+
+Bedlington terriers, 241
+
+Best, George, Yarrow, xliv
+
+Bewick, Thomas, and his Ainstable cousin, 14,
+  bull baiting, 222
+
+Bigg, John Stanyan, quotation from, 134
+
+Bird, George, Langwathby, 33
+
+" Joseph, Holme Wrangle, 66, 71, 72
+
+Border wrestling at Miles end, xlv
+
+Bowstead, John, brother to Bishop of Lichfield, 32
+
+Bridewain or Bidden Weddings, 15
+
+Brown, Rev. Abraham, wrestler, 63
+
+Brunskill, George, and William Wilson, 185
+
+BULL BAITING, 219
+
+Bull-dogs and Bull-terriers, 240
+
+Burns, Arthur, Ullater, and Roan Long, 92, 175
+
+
+Caldbeck, familiar name at, 157
+
+Carlisle wrestling, list of men who contended at first annual meeting, 107
+
+Cass, William, and Tom Todd, 171,
+  and Weightman, 184, 203, 204
+
+Casson, Robert, Oxenpark, 177
+
+Chapman, Richard, 33, 146, 167
+
+Christopherson, Brian, Oxenpark, 176
+
+Clark, William, Hesket-new-market, 153, 160
+
+"Clattan," (_see_ Mc.Laughlan)
+
+Cock-fighting prohibited by the Puritans, xxvii
+
+Cock-fighting at Elleray and Alston, 142
+
+"Cork lad of Kentmere," 3
+
+Cornish wrestling, xxv, xxviii
+
+Cromwell, Oliver, at a wrestling meeting, xxvii
+
+Crow park, Keswick, 179
+
+CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORLAND WRESTLING, ANCIENT, 1
+
+
+Dandie Dinmont terriers, 241
+
+DENNISON, GEORGE, 141
+
+" thrown by William Dickinson, 140,
+  sets a dislocated shoulder in the Carlisle ring, 144
+
+Devonshire wrestling, xxv, xxviii
+
+DICKINSON, WILLIAM, 135
+
+DIXON, MILES, 74
+
+" JAMES, 84-103
+
+" George, "aw t' Dixons errant doon yet," 85
+
+"Dixon's three jumps," 13
+
+Dobson, John, Cliburn, 24, 163
+
+Dodd, Adam, Langwathby, 24, 28, 32, 64
+
+Dodd, Robert, Brough, 7
+
+"Doon on ye'r knees, fadder, an' boo like a bull," 222
+
+
+Eals, Sarah, Alston, a shrew, 140
+
+Earl, John, Cumwhitton, 120, 160
+
+Earl, William, and "Clattan," 212, 214
+
+ENGLISH WRESTLING, OLD, xxiv
+
+
+Faulds Brow sports, 56
+
+FAWCETT, JAMES, 36-24
+
+Fearon, John, Gilcrux, 171, 172
+
+Fidler, John, Wythop hall, 67
+
+Ford, T., Ravenglass, 56, and Weightman, 189, 190
+
+Forster Brothers, the, of Penton, 168, 193
+
+Foxes and Badgers fraternising, 237
+
+"Fwok sud aye be menseful, an' menseful amang fwok," 206
+
+
+"Gwordie Maut" and Weightman, 192
+
+Gibson, Alexander Craig, "Folk Speech of Cumberland," 97
+
+Golightly, Thomas, Alston, 24, 129
+
+Graham, Sir James--black mare, 187
+
+Graham, James, and Weightman, 193, 199,
+  throws "Clattan," 210
+
+GRAHAM, HARRY, 116-66
+
+Grecian wrestling, ancient, ix
+
+Gretna fight, the--Carter and Oliver, 173
+
+
+Harrison, Thomas, Blencow, 10
+
+" John, New Church, 54, 143
+
+" John, Lowick, "Checky," 175
+
+Herdwick sheep, 58
+
+High street mountain, sports on, 11
+
+Hodgson, Tom,--quarrel with Weightman, 197,
+  throws "Clattan," 210
+
+Hogg, James, Ettrick Shepherd, xxxviii
+
+Holmes, John, King of Mardale, 32
+
+Holmes, John, tailor, 93
+
+"Hoo 'at thoo let him hipe the' i' that stupid fashion?" 183
+
+Howard, Mr. Philip, Corby Castle, and Weightman, 197
+
+Howell, Edward, Greystoke, 184
+
+Huddleston, Mr. Andrew, 10
+
+
+"If thoo says Clattan isn't a gud russler," 182
+
+Indian wrestling, xviii
+
+Irish wrestling, xlvi
+
+Irishmen, two, and Tom Nicholson, 111
+
+Irving, George, 204, 210, 212
+
+"I's nobbut shy--I's nobbut varra shy," 206
+
+
+Jackson, Joseph, sickle maker, 176
+
+Jameson, Samuel, Penrith, 54, 145, 159
+
+" William, 34
+
+Japanese wrestling, xii,
+  contrasted with Northern English, xvii
+
+Jordan, John, Great Salkeld, 117
+
+"Jwohn Barleycworn's ruin't mony a gud heart," 206
+
+
+"Keg," the Keswick bully, 111
+
+
+LANGWATHBY ROUNDS, 27
+
+Liddle, John, Bothel, 171, 209
+
+LITT, WILLIAM, 61;
+  and William Richardson, 50,
+  and Miles Dixon, 83,
+  describes Weightman, 195
+
+_Little_, John, facetious letter on Carlisle ring, 196
+
+LONG, ROWLAND, 90-51, 179
+
+LONG JOHN, 96
+  --throws Tom Nicholson, 104
+
+Longmire, Thomas, 93
+
+Lonsdale, Earl of, patronizes the wrestling ring, 149
+
+Lowthian, Isaac, Plumpton, 34
+
+Lowden, Charles, challenged, 58
+
+" John, Keswick, 67, 96, 104, 138, 145
+
+
+MACKERETH, WILLIAM, 115-96,
+  and "Clattan," 215
+
+"Marcy, Jwohn! is that thee?" 173
+
+Marshall, the forgeman, at Sparkbridge, 176, 177
+
+Mason, Isaac, Croglin, 29, 32, 182
+
+Maughan, Isaac, Alston, 25
+
+Mc.Donald, Anthony, Appleby, 33, 34
+
+MC.LAUGHLAN, JOHN, 208-110, 153,
+  and William Wilson, 181,
+  and Weightman, 203
+
+MELMERBY ROUNDS, 20
+
+Michie, Robert, Hawick, xliii
+
+Miles End athletic Border games, xlv
+
+Morton, Thomas, Gale, 25, 33
+
+" Joseph, Gale, 26
+
+Mulcaster, Richard, on the art of "wrastling," 5
+
+Muncaster bridge, "built by men from Grasmere," 86
+
+
+Nanny, Louis, Haltwhistle, 171
+
+Nicholson, Matthias, Penruddock, 11
+
+NICHOLSON, THOMAS, 99
+  --thrown by Miles Dixon, 83,
+  match with Harry Graham, 117
+
+Nicholson, John, 46, 100, 109
+
+"Noo, lads, I've clear'd rooad for yee," 92
+
+
+Olympic games, ix
+
+"Owther the coo back, or the brass to pay for't," 205
+
+
+Parker, John, Sparkgate, 54
+
+" Joseph, Crooklands, 75
+
+Parkyns, Sir Thomas, treatise on wrestling, xxviii,
+  rules and conditions, xxxii
+
+Parkyns, Sir Thomas.
+  Some account of his life, xxxiii
+
+" and Professor Wilson, similarity between, xxxvii
+
+Pearson, Henry, great upholder of wrestling, 106, 161, 199
+
+Pearson, Shepherd--a curious bet, 49
+
+Peart, Cuthbert, and Jemmy Fawcett, 40
+
+Peat, Thomas, Blencow, 24, 32, 194
+
+Pocklington, Mr., and Keswick regatta, 179
+
+Pooley, Ralph, Longlands, 35
+
+Powley, Miss, "Echoes of Old Cumberland," 20, 27, 155
+
+Puritan anathema against Cumberland and Westmorland, 2
+
+Pythian games, ix
+
+
+Relph, Rev. Josiah, quotation from, 242
+
+Reminiscences of West Cumberland, by William Dickinson, 236
+
+Richardson, John, Staffield hall, 130
+
+Richardson, John, Caldbeck, and Scotch rebels, 158
+
+Richardson, Lady, Lancrigg, 87
+
+RICHARDSON, THOMAS, "THE DYER," 156
+  " and Tom Todd, 168, 169,
+  and William Wilson, 180
+
+RICHARDSON, WILLIAM, Caldbeck, 43
+
+" 118, and Dennison, 147,
+  and William Wilson, 183
+
+Ridley, Tom, "the glutton," and Tom Nicholson, 112, 138,
+  and Weightman, 191
+
+Robinsons of Cunsey, and Roan Long, 94
+
+ROBINSON, JAMES, 149-195, 209
+
+Robinson of Renwick, 212
+
+" Jonathan, Allerby, 214
+
+Robley, John, Scarrowmannock, 24
+
+" Joseph, Scarrowmannock, 56
+
+Rodgers, Jonathan, Brotherelkeld, 75
+
+Routledge of "Clockymill," 189
+
+ROWANTREE, ROBERT, 126-54
+
+
+Salmon poaching in the Derwent, 113
+
+Savage of Bolton, 143
+
+Scotland, wrestling in, xxxviii
+
+Scott, Sir Walter, at St. Ronans games, xxxviii
+
+SCOTT, JAMES, Canonbie, 119
+
+Scougal, George, Innerleithen, xl
+
+Selkirk, John, Beckermet, throws "Clattan," 215
+
+Skulls of Calgarth, 97
+
+Slee, William, Dacre, 139, 152, 159
+
+Snow storm of 1807, great, 133
+
+Spedding, John, Egremont, 147
+
+Stagg, John, blind bard, 15
+
+Stamper, George, Underskiddaw, 110
+
+"Standback," assumed name for trail hounds, 172
+
+"Stangings" at Langwathby, 30
+
+Steadman, George, Drybeck, 35
+
+Stephenson, Thomas, and Jemmy Fawcett, 41
+
+Stone Carr, ancient sports at, 8
+
+
+Taylor, Benjamin, bone setter, 141
+
+Thompson, Joseph, Caldbeck, 33
+
+Thompson, Teasdale, High Rotherup, 23
+
+Thwaites, William, and Professor Wilson, 177
+
+Tinling, Dr., Warwick bridge, 189
+
+Tinnian, Job, Holme Cultram, 47
+
+Todd, "Brandy," Wigton, 48
+
+TODD, TOM, Knarsdale, 167-160, 161
+
+Trail Hounds, 172
+
+Turkey, wrestling match in, xxi
+
+
+Ward, William, North Tyne, 128
+
+Watson, Jonathan, 184, 193, 194, 210
+
+Weardale wrestlers, 136
+
+WEIGHTMAN, JOHN, 186-160, 171
+
+" and Tom "Dyer," 165,
+  and William Wilson, 184,
+  and "Clattan," 211
+
+WESTMORLAND AND CUMBERLAND WRESTLING, ANCIENT, 1
+
+"What's t'e gaen to mak' o' yon 'an, Tom?" 166
+
+"When a bit iv a tailyer can thra' me," 93
+
+Whitfield, "Pakin," 38
+
+WILSON, WILLIAM, 175-55, 88, 163
+
+Wilson, William, "Wicked Will" of Grasmere, 177
+
+Wilson, Professor, and Sir Thos. Parkyns, similarity between, xxxvii
+
+" on the wrestling at Carlisle, 18,
+  fracas with Tom Nicholson, 104
+
+" Midnight chase of a bull, 244
+
+" 78, 81, 83
+
+Windermere lake, wrestling on frozen surface of, 14
+
+Woodall, John, Gosforth, 8
+
+Wrestling on St. Bartholomew's day, xxv
+
+" and riots near the Hospitall of Matilde, xxvi
+
+Wrestling match for L1000, xxviii
+
+" not a Scotch game, xliv
+
+Wright, Wilfrid, and Tom "Dyer," 166
+
+"Wully! we sud beath been weel bray't," 148
+
+
+G. AND T. COWARD, PRINTERS, CARLISLE.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Wrestling and Wrestlers:, by
+Jacob Robinson and Sidney Gilpin
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