James Figg

1724-04-28 The Daily Post (London, England) (page 1)
At the usual Place at Hockley in the Hole, on Wednesday next, being the 29th inst. will be perform'd a Trial of Skill by the following Masters.
Whereas I Robert Carter of the City of London, Master of the Noble Science of Defence, having by Ocular Demonstration found, that our Nation doth afford as good Proficients of the Sword as any other; and for a Specimen of the same, did Invite the Famous Mr. Figg, at the Conclusion of his last Encounter, as the only Person capable of exhibiting A trial thereof; Accordingly, I do hereby Re-invite the said Mr. Figg, that all Encouragers of the Science may be sensible of my Allegations, to meet me as above, and Exercise the usual weapons fought on the Stage.
I James Figg, from Thame in Oxfordshire, Master of the said Science, being not insensible of the Truth of Mr. Carter's Assertions having had the like Demonstration of him, as he of others; as aslo hearing of his advantageous Improvements, as has not only exceeded all he has experienced of late, but has likewise Equaliz'd him with any, will not fail to meet the said Mr. Carter as above, in order to give him an Opportunity of exerting his utmost Endeavours; and for my own Part shall, as I have always hitherto, do the like, not to recede from my usual Custom, and to give all Spectators intire Satisfaction.
N. B. The Doors will be open at Three, and Masters mount at Six precisely.

 

1724-05-12 The Daily Post (London, England) (page 2)
AT the usual Place at Hockley in the Hole, to-morrow being Wednesday, the 13th Inst. will be perform'd a Trial of Skill by the following Masters. Whereas I, Christopher Perkins, from Dublin, Master of the Noble Science of Defence, having since my last Encounter with Mr. Figg, heard several Reflections concerning the same, which proceeding from People not weighing the many Disadvantages a Person coming so remote might lie under, being prepossest with the superlative invincible Character of the said Mr. Figg; but since my last Experience, that all may be undeceived who may imagine me incapable of equalizing him in the Judgment of the Sword, I do once more Invite him to meet me as above, and Exercise the usual Weapons fought on the Stage. I James Figg from Thame in Oxfordshire, Master of the said Science, finding that Mr. Perkins, by his Discourse, has either found out some Deficiency in my Judgment, or kept some of his own in first (sp?) for me, or may be both, will not fail once more to give him an Opportunity of exerting the utmost of his Skill, by meeting him as above, assuring him, that I shall put so much of mine in Execution, as shall give a final Determination to all Disputes for the future, and which, I hope, at the same time will be to the satisfaction of all Spectators. N. B. The Doors will be open at Three, and the Masters mount at Six precisely.

 

1724-06-30 The Daily Post (London, England) (page 2)
AT the Amphitheatre at Hockley in the Hole, To-morrow the 1st July, will be an Engagement between two famous Lanistarians, Mr. Rowland Bennet from Ireland, and the celebrated inimitable Mr. James Figg, the former of which having been the Demolisher of the renown'd Mr. Buck, and taking a Disgust at the Dialect of the latter, as being disagreeable to the Hibernian Spirit, has summon'd him to prove the same by the Language of the Sword; so that a very hot dispute is like to arise for sometime, except their Communication be cut off.

 

1724-08-04 The Daily Post (London, England) (page 2)
AT Figg's new Amphitheatre, joining to his House, at the Sign of the City of Oxford, in Oxford Road Marybone Fields, To-morrow the 5th of August, will be perform'd a Tryal of Skill by the following Masters. Whereas I Rowland Bennet, from Ireland, Master of the Noble Science of Defence, who, when I last Encounter'd Mr. Figg, having at the same Time a great Impediment in my Shoulder, was thereby rendred incapable of Exerting myself, as also of putting such Methods in Execution, as I don't doubt would, however unexpected by the Populace (and which was plainly seen) not only have turn'd the Scale another way, but likewise have convinc'd all Persons, as I asserted before, of the Possibility of one Man's equalling, if not exceeding the Judgment of another, notwithstanding their ascribing to him the Character of being Invincible; for a second Tryal of which, I do hereby Invite the said Mr. Figg to meet me as above, and Exercise the usual Weapons practis'd on the Stage. I James Figg, from Thame in Oxfordshire, Master of the said Science, that the said Mr. Bennet may have an Opportunity of exerting himself, by exhibiting all the stupendious Varieties of the Sword he is Master of, whereby to undeceive all Persons in their Opinions and Character of me, will not fail to meet him at the Place and Time abovemention'd; where I shall endeavour, not only to frustrate his Designs, but also to return such as may continue my aforesaid Character, and create in all Spectators intire Satisfaction. N. B. That at the above Place all Care is taken for the Reception of Gentlemen, whereby they are secur'd from the Insults of the Mob, in throwing Stones, or such like; none being to be admitted but those of good Appearance, &c. Attendance will be given at Three, and the Masters mount at Five precisely.

 

1724-08-12 The Daily Post (London, England) (page 2)
AT Mr. Figg's new Amphitheatre, this Day being Wednesday the 12th Instant, will be an Engagement between the said Mr. Figg and John Rotchel, a Cambridgeshire Hero, who having given some signal Proofs of his Abilities in the Science, with such Success as few or none has done before him, it remains a doubt what the Issue of this may prove; whether the Oxfordshire Hero who has hitherto been inimatable will be rivall'd (tho' not easily) by this Cambridgeshire Champion, or still retain his wonted Appellations, the which nothing being able to determine but the Trial, it must be refer'd to that, and be it as it will, it is thought there will be as hot a Dispute for it as has been yet known.

 

1724-08-19 The Daily Post (London, England) (page 1)
AT Figg's new Amphitheatre, joining to his House, the Sign of the City of Oxford, in Oxford Road, Marybone Fields, this Day the 19th Instant, will be perform'd a Trial of Skill by the following Masters. Whereas I Christopher Perkins, from Ireland, Master of the Noble Science of Defence, who when I encountered Mr. Figg last, being, as it were, thereunto compell'd, notwithstanding the Impediment I then labour'd under, which rendred me unfit for that Purpose: Now these Disadvantages being removed, and that the said Mr. Figg, and all his Votaries, may see the Odds, I do hereby Invite him to meet me, as above, and Exercise by *Inversion (* i.e. beginning with the Staff, &c.) the usual Weapons practised on the Stage. I James Figg, from Thame in Oxfordshire, Master of the said Science, that the said Mr. Perkins, or any body else, may not have it in their Power to assert, I ever made use of any other Advantage than that of the Judgment of the Sword, will not fail to be ready to receive him at the Time abovemention'd; where, notwithstanding his Inverting the Order, I shall endeavour to give him to understand, that let him take hold of what Little of the Chain he pleases, the same Consequences will follow. Attendance will be given at Three, and the Masters mount at 5 precisely, by reason of the Decrease of the Days. N. B. Mr. Figg gives a Hat to be plaid for (instead of a Pair of Gloves, as was said in our Paper on Monday) to divert the Company before the Masters mount.

 

1724-09-08 The Daily Post (London, England) (page 3)
AT Figg's new Amphitheatre, joining to his House, the Sign of the City of Oxford, in Oxford Road, Marybone Fields, To-morrow the 9th of Sept. will be perform'd a Trial of Skill by the following Masters. Whereas I John Hoyle, from Beverly in Yorkshire, Master of the Noble Science of Defence, when I disputed with Mr. Figg's Pupil last, the Preference in the Judgment of the Sword, seeing Mr. Figg at the same Time to be disgusted at what (I believe) most of the Spectators thought very reasonable; but that such sinister Means of depressing my Character may not add to the magnifying his own, and not thinking myself inferior to any Master, as also to make Mr. Figg sensible thereof, I do hereby invite him to meet me as above, and Exercise the Weapons in the following manner, i. e. four Bouts at each Order of the Sword, instead of three, and the Staff to be omitted, the Reason of which preceeds from my Incapability of wielding it, by receiving a Wound in my Left Hand in the Service Abroad. I James Figg, from Thame in Oxfordshire, Master of the said Science, do, and shall always think that to be allowable which shall be thought so by the Encouragers of the Sword; and that it may not be thought that I take more Advantage of any Master than what the Judgment of the Sword affords, I will not fail to meet the said Mr. Hoyle on his own Terms; where, contrary to his above Assertion, I shall endeavour to be as Dextrous as may be, in giving him and all Spectators intire Satisfaction.

N. B. Attendance will be given at Two, and the Masters mount at Four precisely, by reason of a Dispute between two other Masters, Mr. Clarkson, the Old Soldier, and Mr. Stevenson, known by the name of Greylock; who, after the former Masters have ended, will entertain the Spectators with an Exhibition throughout all the Weapons, and which is to be left to their Decision.


1724-09-09 The Daily Post (London, England) (page 1)
AT Figg's new Amphitheatre, joining to his House, the Sign of the City of Oxford, in Oxford Road, Marybone Fields, this Day the 9th of Sept. will be acted a Tragi-Comedy, call'd The Competitors. The principal Parts to be perform'd by the celebrated Mr. James Figg, Oxonian, and Mr. John Hoyle, Eborac, or Yorkshire Professor: The Master of Debate being which of them are the most Emphatical and Excellent in their Performances, it is to be left to (and they are to rise and fall by) the judgment of the then Assembly.

N. B. Attendance will be given at Two, and the Masters mount at Four precisely, by reason of a Dispute between two other Master, Mr. Clarkson the Old Soldier, and Mr. Stevenson, known by the Name of Greylock; who after the former Masters have ended, will entertain the Spectators with an Exhibition throughout all the Weapons, and which is to be left to their Decision.

 

1724-09-16 The Daily Post (London, England) (page 2)
AT Figg's new Amphitheatre, joining to his House, the Sign of the City of Oxford, in Oxford Road, Marybone Fields, this present Day, being the 16th of Sept. 1724. Will be perform'd a Tryal of Skill by the following Masters. I Edward Sutton, Pipemaker, from Gravesend, in the County of Kent, Master of the Noble Science of Defence, am strangely surpriz'd that Mr. Figg should have a Character beyond any other Master. Therefore, for the Credit of the Sword, do desire him to meet me as above at the usual Weapons, knowing myself equaliz'd with any, desiring him to exert the utmost of his Skill with the greatest Severity, not questioning in the least, but to give as good Satisfaction as ever was given on the Stage. I James Figg, from Thame in Oxfordshire, Master of the said Science, am under as great a Surprize, that the above Mr. Sutton should be ignorant of the Cause of my having that Character, having, as I thought, given both him and all others Demonstrations thereof, the which to repeat, I will not fail meeting him as appointed, in Order to see how far his Knowledge of Equality does extend, as also to undeceive him, if he imagines that through me he will advance it any farther. N. B. Attendance will be given at 2, and the Masters mount between 4 and 5 at farthest, because of the Decrease of the Days: As also that the usual Diversion at Blunts will be exercis'd for a Silver Spoon.

 

1724-10-21 The Daily Post (London, England) (page 1)
THIS present Wednesday the 21st Instant, at Mr. Figg's Amphitheatre, will be decided a great Controversy between the said Mr. Figg, and the experienc'd famous Edward Sutton of Gravesend Pipemaker, who abhorring the Thoughts of an Equal, much more a Superior, has invited our Oxonian Hero, who has hitherto undoubtedly been unequal'd, to dispute with him that Character, at which Time this famous Man of Kent is resolv'd to maintain the Appellation of their being unconquerable, and by the said Country 'tis thought he will gain the Point; but most others are inclinable to believe, that he will not only miss of the same, but also suffer a Repique.

 

1725-01-09 The London Journal (London, England) (page 4)
Last Sunday in the Evening an English Gentleman at a Coffee-house in St. Martin's-lane, talking of the extraordinary Dexterity of his Countrymen in fighting with the Fists, commonly called Boxing, an Italian Gentleman in the same Coffee-house offer'd a considerable Wager on the Head of one of his own Countrymen; whereupon a written instrument for 100 Guineas was immediately drawn up, which was signed by both of them, and lodg'd with the Master of the House. The Italian soon produced his Man, and as there is no doubt of his being soon match'd, the issue of this Combat is daily expected.


1725-01-16 The London Journal (London, England) (page 4)
The English Gentleman, who lately wagered with a Foreigner at Slaughter's Coffee House in St. Martins Lane (as mentioned in our last) that he would find one of his Countrymen who should beat the Italian in Town, famous for Boxing and Victories that Way (on whose Side the foreign Gentleman made his Wager), as soon as the Articles were signed, applied himself for a Man to the celebrated Mr. Fig, who has procured him a Grazier, known far and near for a stout Boxer; and he is now entertained at Mr. Fig's House for Instruction and proper Diet till the Day of the Battle. We are assured that some Thousand Pounds have been laid on this Occasion, and that a great Body of Butchers, who have been Witnesses of the Grazier's Dexterity, have waited on the Gentleman, his Patron, with a Request, that he would let each of them go a Guinea with him; but the Gentleman is so satisfied with his Man, that their Request was not granted. The Combatants have had an Interview, when the English Champion took the Italian by the Hand, and invited him to one Bout for Love (as he termed it) before-hand; but he declined it. In a Word, the Publick daily enter into this Affair with so much Passion for the Event, and Gentlemen are so warm on both Sides, that it looks like a National Concern.


1725-01-28 The Caledonian Mercury (Edinburgh, Scotland) (page 5103)
London, Jan. 21. Yesterday, pursuant to several confiderable wagers laid between some Italian and English Gentlemen at Slaughter's Coffee-house in St. Martin's Lane, there came on a notable Boxing Match, at Figg's celebrated Amphitheatre in Oxford Road, between Stopa l'Aqua, a Venetian Gondalier or Waterman, and John Whetacre an English Drover. The Battle was fought with equal Spirit and Resolution on both Sides, but not with equal Stature, Strength or Skill, the Italian being the tallest by several Inches, but the Englishman the most sturdy, for he received all the Attacks of the Italian without much Hurt or Concern, gave him several terrible Falls without having one himself, and beat him so sorely, that he was forc'd at last to cry out Basta, which signify'd that he was basted enough. There was a numerous and uncommon Appearance of Spectators, Count Staremberg and other Foreign Ministers being present, together with several of the English Nobility and Members of Parliament, to see which Nation carry'd the Day.

 

1725-10-30 The London Journal (London, England) (page 2)
LONDON.

The following Copy of Verses was written Extempore, last Wednesday Se'nnight, by a Gentleman who was a Spectator of the famous Tryal of Skill between the Two Great Masters of the Noble Science of Defence, Messieurs Figg and Sutton; but came much too late to be inserted in that Week's Journal.

I.
Long was the great Figg, by the Prize fighting Swains,
Sole Monarch Acknowledg'd, of Marrowbone Plains;
To the Towns, far and near, did his Valour extend,
And swam down the River from Thame to Gravesend;
There liv'd Mr. Sutton, Pipe-maker by Trade;
Who hearing that Figg was thought such a stout Blade,
Resolv'd to put in for a Share of his Fame,
And so sent to challenge the Champion of Thame.

II.
With alternate Advantage two Trials had past,
When they fought out of the Rubbers on Wednesday last.
To see such a Contest, the House was so full,
There hardly was room left to thrust in your Skull.
With a Prelude of Cudgels we first were saluted,
And two or three Shoulders most handsomely fluted;
Till wearied at last with inferior Disasters,
All the Company cry'd, Come, The Masters, The Masters.

III.
Whereupon the bold Sutton first mounted the Stage,
Made his Honours, as usual, and yearn'd to engage;
Then Figg with a Visage so fierce and sedate,
Came and enter'd the List with his fresh shaven Pate;
Their Arms were encircled by Armigers Two,
With a red Ribbon Sutton's, and Figg's with a Blue.
Thus adorn'd, the two Heroes 'twixt Shoulder and Elbow,
Shook Hands, and went to't, and the Word it was Bilboe.

IV.
Sure such a Concern in the Eyes of Spectators,
Was never yet seen in our Amphitheatres;
Our Commons and Peers from their several Places
To half an Inch distance all pointed their Faces,
While the Rays of old Phoebus, that shot thro' the Sky-light,
Seem'd to make on the Stage a new kind of Twilight,
And the Gods, without doubt, if one could but have seen 'em,
Were peeping there thro' to do Justice between 'em.

V.
Figg struck the first Stroke, and with such a vast Fury,
That he broke his huge Weapon in Twain I assure you;
And if his brave Rival this Blow had not warded,
His Head from his Shoulders had quite been discarded;
Figg arm'd him again, and they took t'other Tilt,
And then Sutton's Blade run away from its Hilt.
The Weapon's were frighted, but as for the Men,
In truth they ne'er minded, but at it again.

VI.
Such a Force in their Blows, you'd have thought it a Wonder,
Every Stroke they receiv'd, did not cleave them asunder;
Yet so great was their Courage, so equal their Skill,
That the both seem'd as safe as a Thief in a Mill.
While in doubtful Attention Dame Victory stood,
And which Side to take could not tell for her Blood
But remain'd like the Ass 'twixt the two Bottles of Hay,
Without ever moving an Inch either way.

VII.
Till Jove, to the Gods, signify'd his Intention
In a Speech that he made them too tedious to mention;
But the Upshot on't was, that at that very Bout,
From a Wound in Figg's Side the hot Blood spouted out.
Her Ladiship then seem'd to think the Case plain;
But Figg stepping forth with a sullen Disdain,
Shew'd the Gash and appeal'd to the Company round,
If his own broken Sword had not given him the Wound.

VIII.
That Bruises and Wounds a Man's Spirit should touch,
With Danger so little, with Honour so much!
Well, they both took a Dram and return'd to the Battle,
And with a fresh Fury they made the Swords rattle;
While Sutton's Right Arm was observed to bleed,
By a Touch from his Rival, so Jove had decreed;
Just enough for to show that his Blood was not Icor,
But made up like Figg's of the common red Liquor.

IX.
Again they both rush'd with as equal a Fire on,
That the Company cry'd, Hold, enough of cold iron,
To the Quarter Staff, now Lads; so first having dram'd it;
They took to their Wood, and I'faith never sham'd it,
The first Bout they had was so fair and so handsome,
That to make a fair Bargain, it was worth a King's Ransom;
And Sutton such Bangs to his Neighbour imparted,
Wou'd have made any Fibres, but Figg's to have smarted.

X.
Then after that Bout they went on to another,
But the Matter must end on some fashion or other;
So Jove told the Gods he had made a Decree,
That Figg shou'd hit Sutton a Stroke on the Knee.
Tho' Sutton disabled, as soon as it hit him,
Wou'd still have fought on, but Jove wou'd not permit him;
'Twas his Fate, not his Fault, that constrain'd him to yield,
And thus the Great Figg became Lord of the Field.

 

1727-06-10 - 1727-06-17 The Ipswich Journal, or, The Weekly-Mercury (page 3)
LONDON, June 13.
The Company at Mr. Figg's Amphitheatre was agreeably entertain'd this Week; and pretty much at his own Expense; for there having been some private Disputes between him and Mr. Sutton, the Gravesend Champion; the last was determined to end them, in that publick Manner; so to it they went in Earnest; The Hero of the Day was Mr. Sutton, who came off Victorious; and his Opponent 'tis thought will not be fit for Action for some time, being wounded in the Belly, and, to use their own Term, made a Devil of; that is, Cloven in the Foot.

 

1730-10-10 - 1730-10-17 The Ipswich Journal, or The Weekly-Mercury (page 4)
LONDON, October 15.
Yesterday the invincible Mr. James Figg fought at his Amphitheatre Mr. Holmes, an Irishman, who keeps an Inn at Yaul near Waterford in Ireland, and came into England on purpose to fight this English Champion, when Mr. Figg (fighting with his usual Bravery and Judgment) at the second Bout cut him over the left Wrist to the Bone, in so desperate a manner, that he was disabled and went of the Stage; this being the two hundred and seventy-one Prizes Mr. Figg has fought, and was never conquer'd. There was the fullest House that ever was known on the like Occasion.

 

1731-12-09 The Grub-Street Journal (page 2)
Saturday, Dec. 4.
Yesterday a prize was fought, at the French Theatre in the Hay-Market, between Mr. Figg and Mr. Sparks; at which performance his Serene Highness the Duke of Lorrain, &c. were present; when the beauty and judgment of the sword was delineated in a very extraordinary manner by those 2 Champions, and with very little blood-shed. C. -- Mr. Figg cut Mr. Sparks cross the Belly, and gained the day with great applause. P.

 

Not a single mention of Figg participating in a boxing bout. He always fought using weapons (swords, quarterstaff, etc).