Bareknuckle Boxing Resources: NEW EDITION

great post, you most definately did your research. :thumbsup

 

There's one other book that picked my interest recently. Jon Bee (John Badcock) in his dictionary of slang (published in 1823) promises the following thing:

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But then no library who's listing is available online lists a book named "Fancy Chronology". So I'm guessing either he never finished it, or could it possibly be that he renamed it, and it turned into a book Magriel lists as:

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There's also a book

Bold as a Lion - The Life of Bendigo - Champion of England by J.P. Bean (2002)
it is also very well researched, with plenty of primary sources, same as Tom Spring book.

There's also a book called
Jem Belcher, Champion Prizefighter and His Historic Belcher Handkerchief - Including Jem Belcher's Treatise on Boxing
but it's a short and poor one, I wouldn't recomment to spend money on it.

There are books about Jack Scroggins (by R.A. Hartley, Richard Humphreys, 1989) and Dan Donnelly (In Regency Rogue — Dan Donnelly his life and legends, by Patrick Myler), but I don't have those.

Two books by Dick Johnson:
Bare Fist Fighters of the 18th and 19th Centuries, 1704-1861 (1987)
Bare Knucklers (1999)
but they are mor for easy reading than citations of primary sources.

Bucks and Bruisers - Pierce Egan and Regency England by John Cowie Reid (1971) - while not exactly about boxing history, but it gives better understanding of pugilistic scene of first half of 19th century.
Another one dedicated not exclusively to boxers and fights, but also to painters and writers and other interesting ideas and opinions about pugilism:
Noble Art - An Artistic & Literary Celebration of the Old English Prize-ring by Tom Sawyer (1989)

A more rare one is
Fisticuffs and personalities of the prize ring by Harry E. Cleveland (1923), it's a little chaotic in structure, here's it's table of contents:

Preface
Introduction
PART I
The Brewer, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker
Brewers
Bakers
Candlestick Makers
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor
Tinkers
Tailors
Soldiers
Sailors
Rich Man, Poor Man, Beggar Man, Thief
Rich Men
Poor Men
Beggar Men
Thieves
PART II
Battling Basket-Makers
Bellicose Boatmen
Belligerent Bricklayers
Bruising Butchers
Choleric Coachmen
Combative Costers
Milling Miners
Parsonic Pugilists
Poets of the Prize Ring
Scrapping Shoemakers
Smiting Smiths
Slogging Smugglers
Thumping Typo's
PART III
Amateur Bruisers
Colossean Battlers
Female Pugilism
Fighting Families
Fisticuffs in Strange Places
Monuments to Prize Fighters
Pigmy Millers
Pugilists Who Were Undefeated
Pugilists Who Never Won a Prize Fight
Pugilists' Association with Law-Breakers
Titanic Punchers
Tragic Deaths of Boxers
Index


Giants of the Ring - Story of the Heavyweights for Two Hundred Years by Robert A. Haldane (1948) consists of two parts, fisrt of which is about bareknuclers, entitled 'The bruisers', almost 50 pages long.

Extremely rare one
Fights For the Championship and Celebrated Prize Battles - or Accounts of All the Prize Battles for the Championship from the Days of Figg and broughton to the Present Day; and Also of Many Other Game and Extraordinary Battles Between First-Rate Pugilists of Ancient and Modern Times by Frank Lewis Dowling (1855) has a lot of round by round descriptions of bouts, here's a table of contents:

Introduction

Chapter I. The Early Champions. - Figg - Pipes and Gretting - George Taylor - Jack Broughton - Jack Slack - Bill Stevens - Meggs - Darts - Lyons, the Waterman - Peter Corcoran - Sellers - Tom Johnson - Bryan (Big Ben) - Dan Mendoza

Chapter II. Mr. Jackson

Chapter III. Jem Belcher. - Fights with Bourke, Fearby, &c.

Chapter IV. Harry Pearce (The Game Chicken). - Fights with Bourke, Gulley, and Jem Belcher

Chapter V. Mr. Gulley. - His two battles with Gregson

Chapter VI. Tom Cribb. - His fights with Jem Belcher, Bob Gregson, Jem Belcher (second time), and Molyneaux (twice)

Chapter VII. Tom Cribb (Continued). - Fights between Tom Spring and Ned Painter - Tom Oliver and Bill Neat - Spring and Painter (second time) - Tom Spring and Jack Carter - Oliver and Painter - Spring and Oliver - Neat and Hickman (the Gas Man)

Chapter VIII. Tom Spring. - His fight with Bill Neat. - His two battles with Jack Langan

Chapter IX. Jem Ward. - His fights with Josh Hudson and Phil Sampson (first time). - Fight between Tom Cannon and Josh Hudson - Ward and Phil Sampson (second time)

Chapter X. Jem Ward (Continued). - His fights with Tom Cannon, for J1,000, Peter Crawley, Jack Carter, and Simon Byrne

Chapter XI. The Later Champions. - Fights between Deaf Burke and Simon Byrne - Caunt and Bendigo - Bendigo and Deaf Burke - Nick Ward and Deaf Burke

Chapter XII. The Later Champions (Continued). - Fights between Ben Caunt and Brassey - Caunt and Nick Ward (twice)

Chapter XIII. The last fight between Caunt and Bendigo

Chapter XIV. The Later Champions (Concluded). - Second fight between the Tipton Slasher and Tass Parker. - Fights between Bendigo and Paddock - The Tipton Slasher and Paddock - Harry Broome and the Tipton Slasher - Harry Broome and Harry Orme

Chapter XV. Celebrated Prize Battles. - Fights between Ned Turner and Jack Scroggins (twice) - Jack Randall and Ned Turner - Jack Martin and Jack Scroggins - Jack Randall and Jack Martin - Ned Turner and Jack Martin - Jack Martin and Ned Turner

Chapter XVI. Celebrated Prize Battles (Continued). - First fight between Ned Neale and Whiteheaded Bob. - First fight between Jem Burn and Ned Neale - Dick Curtis and Barney Aaron - Whiteheaded Bob and Jem Burn (two fights) - Alec Reid and Bishop Sharpe - Young Dutch Sam and Ned Neale (two fights) - Young Dutch Sam and Tom Gaynor

Chapter XVII. Celebrated Prize Battles (Continued). - Fights between Owen Swift and Hammer Lane - Owen Swift and Lazarus - Jack Hannan and Dan Dismore - Young Molyneaux and Hammer Lane - Johnny Broome and Jack Hannan, for J1,000 - The extraordinary battle between Hammer Lane and Yankee Sullivan

Chapter XVIII. Celebrated Prize Battles (Continued). - Fights between Dick Cain and Ned Adams - Jemmy Massey and Jemmy Welsh - Bill Hayes and Mike Madden - Alec Keene and Jack Grant - Harry Orme and Nat Langham

Conclusion

 

Some of pre-Figg's masters of pugilism:

 

A version of first appearance of pugilism in England (I haven't tried to research it yet, it's coming from secondary source written long time after that).
It first appeared in second half of 17th century (approximately 1670 or thereabouts). The combat was generally waged with sticks, and the winner was that who drew first blood from the head of the opponent (or at least it was so in Lancashire and Yorkshire and other nothern counties of that period). The part that included "boxing" in such combats consisted only of beating an opponent thrown to the ground into unconsciousness (sometimes resulting in death). At some point this kind of pugilism was to most degree abolished by a reformation, introduced by Roger Faller, who excluded the usage of sticks or kicking of opponent with a foot, with only usage of fists allowed for hitting. This kind of combat was sometimes "altered" by fighters holding stones in their hands to cause more damage, this modification of fighting was called "dripping", while the combat using other kinds of weapons (I understand the author means sticks) was called "noscent".

 

Curious example of two reports about a bare-knuckle fight between Belcher and Bourke in 1802, where you would get two completely different impressions about the event, depending which of the two you read, the local source - York Herald, or the London newspaper, non-local Morning Post.

The York Herald.
----
belcher and bourke.
The Boxing Match made some time since at Newmarket, to be fought by the above persons, it was agreed by the parties, should be decided on Thursday (June 17,) betwixt the hours of twelve and two, at the village of Grewelthorpe, about six miles from Ripon. The above village is in the West Riding; the division of that part of the county and the North Riding taking place there. Accordingly, in the morning of Thursday, a stage was erected at the bottom of a close adjoining the house of Mr. Pickersgill; the money, amounting to one thousand four hundred and fifty pounds a side, deposited by the parties, and every necessary preparation made. In consequence of information having been previously sent to the Magistrates, of the business that was to take place, the very Rev. the Deans of Ripon and Middleham, with several of the Justices for the North and West Ridings, attended at Grewelthorpe, and signified their determination to put a stop to all such outrageous proceedings; but finding that the business was likely to be proceeded with, and that a number of people were assembling, they ordered the Riot-act to be read, which was accordingly done about twelve o'clock, by Mr. Taylor, the town clerk of Ripon. Betwixt one and two o'clock, however, Belcher, with his seconds, &c. went on the stage, and was followed by Bourke ; upon which Mr. Trapps went down to inform them, that if they did not instantly quit the stage, and the neighbourhood, they and their parties would be apprehended. They immediately obeyed, and left Grewelthorpe soon after. Thus, in consequence of the very prompt and praise-worthy conduct of the Magistrates, has this disgraceful business been prevented from taking place in Yorkshire. Had it been fought, we believe Belcher would certainly have beaten his antagonist: he appeared cool and collected ; showed much strength of nerve and bone. Bourke, on the contrary, though the heaviest by far of the two, appeared sickly, much agitated, and seemed unwilling for the engagement.--We are informed that Belcher is an extremely well-behaved young man, and that he was forced into the match from the over-bearing behaviour of Bourke. We hope it will be the last time we shall have to notice such transactions in our columns ; and recommend it to both, to apply to their lawful avocations, and endeavour to gain their livelyhood by proper industry, and a peaceable and orderly conduct.


The Morning Post.
----
the boxing-match.
It appears, that on Tuesday, June 17, a stage, on which it was intended that Belcher and Bourke should exhibit a fresh trial of their skill and strength, was erected in a bye place about twenty miles distance from Middleham, in Yorkshire, and so conveniently situated for the purpose, that no persons present could have been deprived of a full view of the fight. On the Thursday following, at one o'clock, Fletcher Reid, Esq. on the part of Belcher, and Captain Fletcher, on behalf of Bourke, met on this spot, to make good the stage of one thousand four hundred and fifty guineas a side, being the sum which Belcher and Bourke were matched to fight for. The conditions having been fulfilled, Belcher appeared on the stage at a quarter before two o'clock, attended by Joe Ward, as his second, and Bill Gibbons, as his bottle-holder; and shortly after Bourke joined them, with Crabb, as his bottle-holder, but no second. The two bruisers shook hands, and Bourke observed, " that it would now be determined which was the best man ;" to which Belcher replied, " we was surprised he did not know that already." There were several hundred persons present on the tiptoe of expectation to see the conflict commence; but the combatants could not set to, as Harry Lee had not ascended the stage, who was Bourke's promised second. On his name being called out among the crowd, he answered to it; but when asked why he did not appear in his place, he gave no other explanation than that he would have nothing to do with the fight.
This circumstance produced general dissatisfaction, as it was declared that this determination on the part of Lee, could have only been occasioned by a previous understanding between him and Bourke's friends, who now began to think of the large sums they had at stake, and the little chance they had of success. No bets could be procured on the ground without staking considerable odds. As Bourke refused to accept any other second in the room of Lee, all hopes of a contest now vanished, and the champions retired from the stage. Belcher, however, unwilling to disappoint the company, offered to have a few rounds with Bourke for pure love, but he declined, and immediately sat off in a post-chaise.
Mr. Fletcher Reid, who backed Belcher, made him a present of fifty pounds for his trouble, and five pounds to bear his expences to London. He also made a present to Ward, the second, and to the bottle-holder, with money to bear their expences to town.
The Yorkshire people, it appears, did not encourage the idea of prize-fighters coming among them, any more than the Magistrates of Berkshire ; for about one o'clock they were visited by two Magistrates and the Dean of York, who desired that no fight might take place; but having no posse comitatus to enforce their orders, the battle would have proceeded, had it not been for the circumstance we have stated.

 

But when you think you have figured out the true version of event...


Ripon, June 30, 1802.
mr. editor,
Having read an incorrect account, in one of the country papers, of the proceedings at the village of Grewelthorp (six miles from this place), relative to the boxing match between Belcher and Berks, which was to have been fought there on Thursday last, as I take in your Magazine, to prevent misrepresentation, I take the liberty to send you the following account of the transaction--
" The Reverend the Dean of Ripon, and the Reverend Mr. Read, of Sand Hutton, (who are acting Justices of the Peace for the three Ridings of this County) having had information the evening before of the intended battle, desired the town-clerk to attend them. They arrived in the field where the stage was erected about ten o'clock on Thursday morning, and found a very large concourse of people assembled, whose numbers increased until twelve o'clock, when, after communicating with some of the parties concerned, they found that the combatants had resolved to fight, and had given out they would not be prevented. Upon this the two justices, with the town-clerk, and about a dozen constables, went to the stage, which the constables (as ordered) began to pull down, and in part accomplished, but were prevented by the interference of the mob, who forcibly took possess on of their tools, with loud and repeated huzzas. The town-clerk then, by desire of the justices, read the riot-act thrice, the mob continuing, at times, loud huzzas, to prevent its being heard. This was a little after twelve o'clock. Immediately afterwards the town-clerk addressed the crowd, and requested them to go peaceably home, informing them, that if they continued together a certain time longer, they would all be guilty of felony. Notwithstanding this, the mob, very soon afterwards, repaired the stage ; upon which the justices again interfered, and, with the few constables, began to pull down the stage a second time, but were again prevented by the mob. They then walked off the ground into the village, the mob still continuing assembled, both in the field and in the village, in very large crowds. About half past one o'clock the combatants both came from the village, and ascended the stage, Belcher taking the precedence of Berks. They were then called to, and told, that if they remained there they would be very soon taken into custody. Upon this they both quitted the stage, without fighting, and, accompanied by the mob, immediately quitted the village, so that, at two o'clock, there were not a dozen strangers in the village, nor were any bye-battles fought.
" A great number of gentlemen, who call themselves amateurs of the art, were attending on the occasion. The match was said to be for fifteen hundred pounds a side.
" Your's, &c."


and then a letter from one of the combatants himself


To the Editor of the Daily Advertiser and Oracle,
sir,
The wager for which I was to have fought with Belcher, at Grewelthorp, in Yorkshire, was for one thousand four hundred and fifty guineas a side ; Captain Fletcher betting upon me, and Mr. Fletcher Reid upon Belcher : the match was to be fought between twelve and two.
Captain Fletcher was on the stage half an hour before Mr. Fletcher Reid could make up the sum betted. Belcher did not come upon the stage till half past one, and then appeared in boots; consequently not very likely with an intention to fight. Immediately on his coming on the stage, Captain Fletcher came to me at the house, and desired me to put on my fighting-dress, and be ready immediately, which I directly did. I was then asked by Fletcher Reid, " Where is your Second ?"--" I answered, " Let us fight without Seconds, for Harry Lee has refused to be one, on account of the magistrates."
I had wished to fight before the hour named, to prevent the interference of the magistrates ; for, though no man can more respect their authority, which I would not attempt to resist, I thought it would be fair enough to get the start of them.
Mr. Bolton, of York, held the bets, to the amount of two thousand nine hundred guineas.
I had been in training seven weeks, at Middleham, and was never in better condition. I ran and leaped with many people, and always beat them. I was exceedingly well treated by the people there, and must say, that Captain Fletcher behaved amazingly well, and like a gentleman to me. I told him, it was not for the sake of money, but of my honour, that I wanted to fight.
Belcher had not been ten minutes on the stage, when two or three gentlemen came and told him to get off, for that the magistrates had issued their warrants.
Belcher, on this, was directly going off, when I said, " Belcher, stop, and fight at all risks, and we shall see who is the best man." I must say it is not true, as stated in some of the papers, that Belcher made a reply, that " he thought I knew that already," for he made no answer, but acted the part of Orator Mum.
It appears odd to me, that Joe Ward was at Grewelthorp the day before, but did not appear the day appointed for the fight at all. I do not wish to impute any thing wrong to him, but think it very strange.
The above is a true statement, which nobody will deny, and which Belcher, if he has a regard for truth, dares not contradict.
I am, Sir, your's, &c.
Jos. Berks.
London, July 1.



Now go figure, what really happened there. :huh

 

Master of the Ring: The Extraordinary Life of Jem Mace Father of Boxing and the First Worldwide Sports Star by Graham Gordon was published less than a month ago.

 

Table of contents of the first 26 issues of Famous Fights Past and Present newspaper, which was published in 1901. Ignore the text on the rest of that page, it's in Russian.

 

Famous Fights Past & Present, table of contents for issues:
27-52
53-78

 

Some great stuff, Senya, keep writing! :good

Btw, you know I´m also a big bareknuckle boxing- fan, I you want to discuss something than let me know it...

 

Thats great, I have to agree with Luigi. Bareknuckle boxing is really an interesting topic. I hope that you write more soon.

Eazy

 

Posted this to classic pugilism yahoo group before.

Contemporary (1792-93) views of some renowned pugilists (published in Sporting Magazine).

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