After the ban of boxing by Theodosius I in 393 AD boxing entered a long dark age until the 1700's. This saw prominant boxers such as Jack Broughton, George Taylor and Jack Slack.
However soon after in around 1760 there is a black period of boxing history. This saw a decline in popularity of boxing, as well as some legal interferance, though I don't have as much information on this as I'd like. There is more information on this time that than dark ages but very little has be written on it. I believe much that has been written it likely incorrect, however I want to note that there is a real lack of certainty, this is a good as I can do at the moment, and I hope for this to be built on in the future.
There is for sure plenty of information missing, and some may eventually be found.
I decided since there's so little information written, that the notes I have posted should get some sort of write up, and I have not found anything new for a while, perhaps it requires someone fresh, and maybe this will get other people looking. I intend to do short series covering from about 1760 until around 1770, both for narritive reasons, and because this is where I've mostly researched. If you have any information I have missed, please inform me.
By the late 1750's, Jack Slack seems to have been inactive as a champion, and the popularity of boxing seems to have declined since the Broughtonian glory days. It is in 1760 that the earliest of Stevens's contests I have found took place.
The Public Ledger Wednesday, January 16, 1760.
The old Broughtonian spirit, or manly exercise of boxing, is not yet extinct amongst us, since a bloody and desperate battle was fought yesterday in the fields, near Marybone, between one Stephens, a nailor, and one Swafford, a butcher, which lasted about fifteen minutes, and ended in favour of the former. A press-gang. Who attended, secured several useful hands, who, possibly, may be of more service to their country than being idle spectators at a boxing match.
However it seems that it was his next battle that firmly established him as one of the top boxers. This was a battle between himself and Jacob Taplin. According to Modern Manhood by Henry Lemoine, this took place in a Roman Amphitheatre, with around 3,000 spectators. Lemoine describe Taplin as having the better of Stevens initially, with Stevens recieving a fall. However Stevens would knock down Taplin with a blow to the left of his chest, knocking him down. While both would close and fall the next round, Stevens would afterward hit him over the left eye, and then to the right temple, which knocked Taplin down, and won Stevens the contest. A report claimed Taplin died from his injuries
Derby Mercury - 15-22 February 1760 (page 2)
Tuesday was fought in the Fields, near Mary-le-Bon, a most severe Battle, between Stephens, a famous Boxer, by Trade a Nailer, and one Taplin, a Carman, in whose Favour the Odds ran Three to One; the Fight was managed with great Skill and Dexterity on both Sides for about 12 Minutes, when Victory at length declared for the Nailer, to the no small Mortification of the knowing ones. Taplin had two of his Ribs broke, and received so many Bruises that it is though he can not recover. It is computed not less than 10,000 Persons were present.
Derby Mercury 15-22 February 1760 (page 2)
Taplin the Carman, who fought the desperate Battle with the Naylor the other Day, in Marybone Fields, is since dead of his Bruises.
In may 17th that year The Newcastle Courant reported that Stevens sent a formal challenge for Jack Slack. The is widely accepted as being for the Championship of England in later writings, it should however, be noted that Slack had lost to Taylor since defeating Broughton, and it does not appear he avenged this defeat. There is also no mention of a Championship of England in the reports of this fight, however references to such a championship are rare in the reports of this period.
1760-05-17 The Newcastle Courant (page 1)
LONDON, May 8.
We hear that the Nailer, the noted Bruiser, flushed with the Success he has already obtained, has, at the Request of some Gentlemen, sent a formal Challenge to Mr. Slack, now settled at Bristol, to meet and fight for any Sum.
Soon after we see a report of this fight.
1760-05-31 London Evening Post (page 3)
Yesterday, at the Tennis-Court near the Haymarket, after three bye Battles (one of which those versed in the Science deemed a remarkable good one) the Heroes, Slack and Stevens the Nailor, mounted the Stage; On their first Appearance, the Odds were twenty to one on Slack's Head; but in three Minutes the Nailor proved Conqueror, to the great Disappointment and Loss of the not Knowing Ones. This Battle, it is thought, may occasion, if the Civil Power permit, two more; one between the Heroes themselvea, and the other between their Seconds.
1760-06-03 The Leedes Intelligencer (page 2)
LONDON, May 29.
The Heroes of the Fist are likely to come into Play again. Hero Slack is matched for a considerable Sum against Stevenson the Nailer, to fight on Monday next at the Tennis-Court in James-street, near the Hay-market. If the latter should hit the right Nail on the Head, that no Doubt will occasion a second Trial of Skill, in which Butcher must come off victorious; This will be productive of a third Combat; the Event of which none knows, except those in the Secret.
This rematch would take place this year, with the reports describing it like so
1760-06-06 The Derby Mercury (page 1)
LONDON, June 5.
on Monday the famous Battle was fought between Slack and Stephens, the Nailer, at the Tennis-Court in James-Street, Haymarket, at which were present several Noblemen and Persons of Distinction. The Combatants had only three Bouts; in the first Slack struck his Antagonist a violent Blow on the Side of his Head; at the second, Stephens hit Slack under the short Ribs, and gave him a desperate Fall; and finally pursuing his Advantage, gave him so dreadful a Blow on his Stomach, that he lay for some Time senseless on the Stage, and was obliged, after about three Minutes and a half Contest, to submit to the superior Strength of his Adversary. The Streets were crowded with Spectators to see the Combatants pass and repass.
We hear that upwards of 10,000l. has been won and lost by the last Battle between Slack and the Nailer.
It is said that Slack very kindly advised the Nailer to make his Will, and get his Coffin ready, for he had but a short Time to live. Great Men like others are sometimes mistaken.
In July 1760 there was another notable contest between Fosscot the Drover, and Cheltham, which was attended by Stevens "and most of the noted bruisers", with Fosscot winning in an upset, as reported in Leeds Intelligencer - Tuesday 08 July 1760.
The Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 08 January 1761 also reports a battle described as "thought to be the most obstinate Battle ever fought", in which Hunt of Pensford defeated Collins of Weston, after nearly one and a half hours. This battle was for 10 Guineas
Stevens would then fight George Meggs.
Derby Mercury - Friday 13 February 1761
We hear that a Trial of Skill will be decided in a few Days, between William Stephens the Nailor, and George Maggs, large Sums having been laid on this Occasion.
The Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 26 February 1761 claims that this battle was delayed to the next Monday, having oringally been scheduled for the previous Monday, at the request of several noblemen. However the outcome of the match was reported the next day!
Derby Mercury - Friday 27 February 1761
This Day at Noon, the Match between Maggs and the Nailor was fought at the Tennis Court in James Street, near the Hay Market. The Odds at first were greatly for the Nailor, but it was decided in favour of the former, who obtained the Victory over his Antagonist
Somewhat later reports give a more detailed account.
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 05 March 1761
Monday last the Trial of Skill between George Maggs, of Pensford in this County, and Stephens the Nailer, was decided at the Tennis-Court in St. James-Street, near the Hay-Market, London. There were assembled the greatest Concourse of Nobility, Gentry, &c/ ever known on the like Occation. The Champions mounted the Stage between Twelve and One. At first setting to, Maggs struck the Nailer down; afterwards the Nailer knocked him down twice; and for ten Minutes he seemed to have the Advantage: However, the heroic Maggs, by his great Skill, uncommon Strength, unequal'd Courage, and matchless Agility, soon changed the Scene; struck the Nailer down six Times successively; and finally stript him of all Laurels he had acquired by his many former Victories.--- Smallwood was Second to Maggs, and Faulkner to Stephens.---
According to the most exact Accounts, the Battle lasted just seventeen Minutes and a half.
A certain Royal Personage was present, and won large Sums. 'Tis said upward of 50,000l. depended on the Issue of this Battle: One Nobleman lost above 2000l.
We hear that Maggs and the Nailer were weighed a few Days before they fought; and that there were only five Pounds Difference, which was in Maggs favour.
Oxford Journal - Saturday 07 March 1761
Monday the tryal of Skill between the Nailor (who so easily beat Slack some Time since) and Maggs from Bristol, was determined at the Tennis-Court in James-street, by the Hay-market, before several People of Distinction, and a great Number of Spectators ; when Maggs in about eight-teen Minutes and a half, tore the Laurels from the Brow of the most powerful Nailor, and gained to himself, the Honour of being the Champion amoungst the Broughtonians.
'Tis said several Knowing Ones were out of the Secret
In Modern Manhood Henry Lemoine states that Jack Slack, who had been training Meggs bribed Stevens to throw the fight, with Stevens admitting to having done such. This may be true, however the newsreports I have seen never claim anything like this, and hold Stevens and Meggs both in pretty good regard.
I think "the Champion amoungst the Broughtonians" can be understood as being Champion of England, which solidifies the Champion status of William Stevens and George Meggs.
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 12 March 1761
There are three Brothers of the Name of Maggs, all noted Boxers, who have Challenged any three Men in England to fights what is called a Welch Main, for any Sum.--- The Bristol People, it is supposed, have carried away above 10,000l. won at the late Battle in the Hay Market ; and are so elate with their Success, that they offer to back their Champion for 1000 Guineas, against anyone Man in the World. Gazetter.
George Meggs is normally dismissed if given any attention at all. Seem as an unskilled bum who was given the title in a fixed fight. Boxiana sums him up as "Of no particular note as a Pugilist".
Whether or not his win over the Nailor was indeed a fix, he appears to have been better than he is dismissed as.
Sadly there is scant information on what happened next with George Meggs, as far as I am aware this information comes from Pancratia in 1812.
From Pancratia
In July, 1766, (apparently should be 1762) George Meggs fought a pitch battle for a considerable sum with one Millsom, a baker, of Bath, at Calne, in Wiltshire; the contest laster 40 minutes, when Millsom was acknowledged the conqueror.
In the August following, Meggs having challenged Millsom to another combat, was again severely beat.
The same Millsom also vanquished Parsit Meggs, George's brother, a celebrated West-country bruiser.
The only corrobarating evidence for these contests I have so far found is this:
Oxford Journal - Saturday 01 January 1763
On Monday next a Battle is to be fought at the Tennis-Court at Barton Hundred, near Bristol, by Maggs and Milsom. Many Bets are depending, the Courage and Strength of the Champions being well known to the Gentlemen of the Fist, &c.
While I would rather have more to go on, I am inclined to believe these contests took place, and so it appears that the championship soon passed for Meggs to George Millsom.
1762 also saw William Stevens, The Nailor, return to the ring
Derby Mercury - Friday 01 January 1762
Yesterday a Bruising Match was fought near Strutton-Grounds, Westminisrerm between Stevens, a Nailer, and his Brother, against one Carrits and his Brother, when the Nailer beat his Antagonist, but the Brother of the Nailer was beaten. It was a very hard Battle on both Sides; and Smallwood and the Nailer's Second having differ'd, the two Seconds fought, and Smallwood was beat in two Minutes
As stated in the prologue, this time seems to have seen legal interferance with boxing, which may be part of why information is so hard to come by.
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 10 June 1762
The Battle which was to have been fought Yesterday between the noted Stephens The Nail, and Turner the Coach-Spring Maker, at the Repository on Saffron-Hill, for 100l. each was put a Stop by the Activity of Mr Justice Welch, being contrary to a late Act which suppressed these Meetings, as only Nurserier for Thieves, &c. The Odds were greatly in Favour of the Coach Spring Maker against the Nailer
I will include this report of another contest from around this time
Oxford Journal - Saturday 10 March 1764
Yesterday Afternoon a very severe Battle was fought in the Spaw Field, near Sadler’s Wells, between two redoubted Covent Garden Heroes, one of whom is well known by the Name of Tom Thumb. The Odds ran greatly in Favour of this Champion, but after Boxing some Time, he received such a desperate Fall from his Antagonist, that it fractured his Skull, whereby the Knowing Ones were plaguily taken in.
Tom Juchua, known by various forms as Disher was then reported as taking part in a a very notable match.
Oxford Journal - Saturday 16 June 1764
Yesterday there was a great Boxing Match at Guildford, for a considerable Sum of Money, between Kannan a Butcher in Clare Market, and one Ditcher, a noted Pavior ; when after a Battle of fifty-eight Minutes, the Pavior beat his Antagonist. Their Seconds were Slack and Faulkner
Leeds Intelligencer - Tuesday 19 June 1764
Wednesday there was a great boxing match at Guildford, for a considerable sum of money, between Koant, a butcher in Clare-market, and on Dicher, a noted Paviour ; when after a battle of 58 minutes, the Pavious beat his antagonist. Their seconds were Slack and Faulkner.
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 21 June 1764
Wednesday there was a great Boxing Match at Guildford, for a considerable Sum of Sum of Monet, between Kannam, a Butcher in Claremarket, and one Dicher, a noted Paviour: The Butcher knocked the Paviour down six or seven Times succeslively, and the Odds were in his Favour l but the Paviour recovering his Wind, in his Turn threw the Butcher several dreadful Falls; which obliged him to give out, after having fought exactly 46 Minutes and a Half. Their Seconds were Slack and Faulkner.
It is said there were above 4000l. depending on this Boxing Match ; several Persons of Distinction also were present ; and before the Battle began, the Bets were Three to One, and Two to One on the Butcher ; so that the Knowing ones were largely taken in.
1764 also saw John Riddell fight, who the Derby Mercury of Thursday 26 May 1785 claimed was undefeated, and an advert for Jack Slack returning to the ring, though I have yet to see a report of the result.
Oxford Journal - Saturday 17 November 1764
On Monday last a Battle for Twenty Guineas was fought at Castle Bromwich, between Reddel and Dallaway, two famous Champions both of Birmingham; when Reddel proved Victorious, after an obstinate Contest of near Twenty Minutes ; in which he acquired vast Reputation as a Bruiser, as well for his coll Intrepidity, as the forcible Judgment with which he placed his Blows. There were a prodigious Concourse of People, and Bets depending on the Amount of several Hundred Pounds
Monday 10 December 1764 - Dublin Courier
We hear that there will be shortly a Trial of Skill in the most noble and antient Art of Boxing, between the celebrated Mr. Slack (who some Years ago defeated the redoubted Hero, Mr. Broughton) and one Wyburne of this City.- Several considerable Betts are depending upon this Occasion, and the Gentlemen Gladiators expect excellent Diversion
Henry Lemoine also gives an account of this contest.
From Modern Manhood
MUCH about this time, or a little after-wards, a famous battle was fought at Guildford, between Thomas Juchau, a Pavior, otherwise known by the name of Disher, and one Coant, a Butcher from Clare-market. Before the fight, the odds were 4 to 1 upon Coant, and for the first 25 minutes the Pavior could scarce get a blow at his antagonist, and was knocked down five or six times. At 35 minutes, the odds were so great, that money was offered at any rate; but just then Disher changing his mode of fighting, gave him such a blow as turned the odds greatly in his favour. After three or four rounds more, the Butcher coming full up to the Pavior, and missing his stroke, fell flat on his face, and not being able to continue the contest, gave it in, and the Pavior was pronounced victorious. The engagement lasted 47 minutes.
Pancratia then states that in 1765 Millsom lost to Juchau, passing the title onto him.
From Pancratia
August 27, 1765, Millsom, who had so successfully beat the two Meggs, fought a battle with Thomas Juchau, at Colney, near St. Alban's, in which he failed enjoying his usual triumph, Juchau proving the conqueror.
The title is then soon passed onto William Darts
From Pancratia
May, 1766, Tom Juchau fought a famous boxing match with William Darts, a dyer, at Guildford, for 1000 guineas, which after a most severe battle of 40 minutes, was won by Darts.
I am working with the assumption that these accounts are true, because there is really nothing else to go on, however these two battles are highly questionable. Henry Lemoine mentions Juchau taking part in no other contests, and states that "some time after this" he agreed never to box again as part of his marrige. I have also found no other reports of Juchau boxing.
Going back to 1765, we also find an account of Darts boxing
Oxford Journal - Saturday 19 January 1765
Yesterday died of his Bruises, Gregory, the famous Whitechapel Drover, who on Monday last fought the noted Dart, a Dyer in Southwark, on Putney-Common, and Warrants are issued out for apprehending him.
I also found this account, which is mostly important because of a later account of a Paviour boxing, which may otherwise appear to be Juchua
Derby Mercury - Friday 13 September 1765
Tuesday Morning early a Battle was fought in St. George's fields, between James Ellis, a Carman, and William Round, a Paviour, called Stick-in-the-Mud, for five Guineas a Side, besides, many Bets depending ; when, after a Contest of near twenty-two Minutes, Round beat his Antagonist ; but they were both so much bruised, that they were obliged to be carried home by their Companions ; and neither of them were able to speak when put to Bed
Of the fighters of the black period, Darts is one of the better known, and honestly one I have spent less time looking into.
In 1767 we find George Meggs taking part in another contest, but I have not been able to find the result
Oxford Journal - Saturday 31 January 1767
A letter from Bristol say that George Meggs, the famous Hero of Pensford, in Somersetshire, who beat William Stevens, the Noted Nailer, at the Tennis Court, on which there were so many Thousand Pounds depending, is now matched to fight with Richard Hunt, a Kingswood Collier, whom he hath once beat before ; but as it was a very long Battle between them at that Time, and not altogether fairly decided at last, Hunt is the present Challenger. They are to fight on a raised Stage on Clarken Down, near Bath, for One Hundred Guineu a Side of their own Money. There will be a great deal won and lost at this Battle, if the Champions are suffered to decide it
Later that year Darts fought William Stevens, The Nailor
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 06 August 1767
A boxing match for several considerable sums of money, is to be fought one day this week, between Stevens the nailer and Dart the dyer, at Colnbrook, if not prevented by the magistrates.
Once again we can see there was an issue of police interferance in this era.
Oxford Journal - Saturday 22 August 1767
Yesterday a Battle was fought between Stephens the Nailor and Dart the Dyer, in a Booth which was erected for that purpose in four Hours, at a Plac called Pyle, near Colnbrook, for a considerable Sum of Money : Notwithstanding the Nailor was knocked down the first Blow, the Dyer gaver out in a few Minutes, and so the Hum ended.
Leeds Intelligencer - Tuesday 25 August 1767
Yesterday a severe battle was fought at Colnbrook, between the noted Dyer and the Naylor, on which upwards of 1000l. were depending. The odds, at first, were six to one in favour of the Dyer; but, after a contest of fifteen minutes, the Naylor came off conqueror, by which the knowing-ones were greatly taken in.
As can be seen, the Dyer's reign was ended by Stevens shortly after it began, and not, as is generally reported by Tom Lyons in 1769.
Around this time there was an especially brutal match reported between James Bromley and Samuel Freeman
Derby Mercury - Friday 21 August 1767
On Monday the 10th Instant, was fought at Ashby-de-la-Zouch, a great Boxing Match, between James Bromley, a Blacksmith, of Crich, in this County, and Samuel Freeman, of Birmingham, for One Hundred Guineas. An incredible Number of People from all Parts assembled on this Occasion: The Combatants fought an Hour and a Half, and though they were both almost spent, and hardly able to stand, much Blood being spilt, and each Man most terribly bruised, yet neither would submit: At length, a Surgeon who attended, declared, if they were not immediately parted, Death must be the Consequence: Proclamation was then made, that all Wagers were void, and that it was a drawn Battle, the Seconds having interfered and parted the two Antagonists against their Will. —The Derbyshire Dons went off in Triumph, boasting their Hero walked from the Place of Action; when Freeman was obliged to be carried to bed, in a Chair
Another hard fought contest was reported between Primroe and Lyton.
Newcastle Chronicle - Saturday 23 May 1767
Yesterday morning the fighting butcher, known by the name Primroe, fought with one Layton, a paviour, in a field near the Foundling hospital, for a wager of 20l. besides considerable betts :
The batte lasted near 32 minutes, and Primrose came off conqueror ; though both parties were so much bruised that they were carried away in a coach.
It always seemed odd to me that Boxiana would ignore Stevens's later fights over a single alledged fix, and even stranger with him apparently regaining the title.
A second reference to George Millsom is found around this time, him getting married!
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 29 October 1767
Sunday was married at St. Michael’s church, Mr. George Milsom, Apothecary, of this city, to Miss Fanny Hales, youngest Daughter of the late Alderman Hales.
And we also see his old opponent George Meggs back in action
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 06 October 1768
Monday last the bruising match, which has been long in agitation between the notes Maggs of Pensford, and one Ellis, of Glastonbury, was decided with the space of five minutes in favour of Maggs.- Many considerable betts were depending on the issue of this battle.
His brother also fought the Dyer, all be it, unsuccessfully.
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 04 May 1769
On Tuesday last, the famous bruising match between the noted Darch, the dyer, and Parfit Maggs, (brother to George Maggs, who a few years since beat the Nailer, at the Tennis-Court in the Haymarket, London,) was fought at Cannard's-Grave, near Shepton-Mallet in this county. The battle lasted 11 minutes, when victory declared for Darch.-Very considerable betts were depending, but the odds were in favour of the victor.
A little after we find Stevens fighting George Millsom
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 15 June 1769
On Monday next a bruising-match between the noted Stevens, the nailor, and one George Milsom, a collier, for 50l. each side, will be fought at the Riding-School in Bristol.— Very considerable betts are depending on the issue of this battle
George Millsom won this contest, which also makes me think Meggs beating the Nailor fairly is plausable.
Oxford Journal - Saturday 24 June 1769
On Monday last a long depending Battle was fought at the Circular Stables in this City, between the noted William Stevens, the Nailor, and George Milsom, a Collier, of Kingswood, for Fifty Pounds a Side, where the Knowing Ones were taken in. It is supposed there were ten thousand Persons present; amoung whom were two Noblemen, and several of the principal Gentlemen of the neighbouring Countis, as well as from Wales. The Champions mounted the Stafe a little before Eight in the Evening, and fought between six and seven Minutes, when Victory was declared in Favour of Milsom
However, it appears Millsom did not when the Championship in this fight, as another report says that, somehow, George Meggs is champion. There are many possibilities. One is that simply Pancratia was wrong, it is possible Meggs didn't lose the Championship, he may have regained it in as of yet lost contests, or the report may be an error, or could mean something else.
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 22 June 1769
On Monday the great bruising-match between Stevens, the Nailer, and George Milsom, a collier of Kingswood, was fought at the Riding-school in Bristol. the battle lasted about seven minutes, when victory declared for the latter. - It is thought there were present near 400 persons, and the box collection was very considerable, as great numbers paid 2s. 6d. for their admission. The betts were in favour of the Nailor till a few hours before the combat, when six to four were laid on Milsom's side, who was the favourite of the knowing-ones.- The noted Darch, who lately beat Parsitt Maggs, was second to Milsom ; and George Maggs, the present hero of England, was second to the Nailer. - Immediately after the battle, Darch challenged George Maggs to fight him for 100 guineas and the door collection ; but it is said that Maggs made no reply
Pancratia also states that Darts fought around this time.
From Pancratia
On June 27, 1769, Bill Darts, who had long carried on a successful pugilistic career, fought and lost a long- depending battle with Lyons, a waterman, at Kingston, on Thames. Darts for the first half of the battle had a most astonishing advantage, the odds were ten to one in his favour ; Lyons, however, recovered himself, and in 45 minutes severely beat him.
This fight is often said to have cost Darts the Championship, which he then reclaimed, but this appears to be incorrect. William Darts also had another contest arranged for this year
Derby Mercury - Friday 01 September 1769
We now hear that the famous Boxing Match, between the noted Darts and Mr. Turner, will certainly be fought on the Race Ground, the Day after the Races.
However he pulled out, claiming a hand injury.
Derby Mercury - Friday 08 September 1769
This Day about Twelve o'Clock, the two Champions at Boxing, made their Appearance on the Stage, erected for the Occasion on Sinsin-Moor, when Darts, (the Dyer) pair forfeit to Mr. Wm. Turner, alledging a Lameness in one of his Hands; and this ended the Affair, which has caused so much Talk amoungst the Knowing-Ons, without any Trial of Manhood.
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 14 September 1769
We hear from Derby, that when the two boxing champions, Darts and Turner met, the former declined fighting, alledging a lameness in one of his hands.
As previously stated it is unclear how George Meggs was Champion in 1769, as the reports of fights I have seen would suggest it would belong to George Millsom. Thankfully this was soon cleared up.
In the meantime William Darts would fight the acclaimed Death, though Boxiana and Pugilistica both state that by this point Death was past his best.
From Pancratia
On March 25, 1770, a battle was fought between Bill Darts and Stephen Oliver ; although the latter displayed great skill and excellent bottom, he was obliged to yield to the superior strength of Darts, who at this time was considered the hardest hitter through the whole range of pugilists. Though the real name of the unsuccessful candidate for pugilistic fame in the battle just related, is Oliver, he is more generally known by the nick-name of Death, said to have been given him through the paleness of his visage, during his pugilistic contests ; he formerly had won several battles, and was one of Brousrhton's greatest favorites. He was well made, very light, never exceeding 12 stone ; not possessing much strength, he was fully compensated by his astonishing agility; Oliver has fought more battles than any man in England, and though frequently over matched, often conquered, but his sparring, notwithstanding it was thought excellent some years back, is now equalled by any pupil of Mendoza's or Humphries's; this indisputably shews the moderns have improved in science.
This is sometimes listed as a Championship fight, with Darts becoming the Champion once again. In light of the previous finds, however, I do not think this is true.
Later this same year George Meggs and George Millsom would, seemingly once again, do battle.
Middlesex Journal May 8th 1770
Maggs and Milsom have agreed to fight for one hundred pounds at Frome, on Monday next the 14th instant
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 24 May 1770
On Monday last the much talked-of buising-match between George Maggs, of Pensford, and George Milsom, of Kingswood, was decided on Leigh down near Bristol, within four minutes, in favour of the latter.- Very large sums were depending on the issue of this battle, and many of Magg's friends were so sanguine in his behalf, that bets of two to one against Milsom were laid to a considerable amount.
I have speculated before if these later bouts were confused and turned into the bouts in 1762, however I believe the 1763 advertisement suggests against this. There really is a lot of ambiguity with so little information, much of which isn't very reliable.
Another bout from this time featured Tom Juchau's brother, this one too was rather brutal.
Reading Mercury - Monday 11 June 1770
Thursday noon a brusing match was fought in Moor-fields, between a Butcher, and one Disher, brother to the noted fighter Disher, which lasted 75 minutes, when Disher was carried off with no appearance of life, and the Butcher was so much brused that it is though he cannot recover.
I am yet to find another fight of George Millsom, perhaps his fight with Meggs was his last. It is therefore unclear what happened next.
The tradional lineage is that in 1771, Peter Corcoran defeated Darts to become Champion of England
From Pancratia
May 16, 1771, during Epsom races, a battle was fought between Bill Darts, and Peter Corcoran, for £100 a side. Captain O'Kelly made the match, and backing his countryman to a large amount, but previous to the battle, gave Dart £100 to play CROSS; accordingly when they met, after a little sparring, Corcoran gave Darts a blow on the side of the head, which drove him against the rail of the stage, when he immediately gave in. It was so evident that Darts had FOUGHT BOOTY, that none of the sporting men would afterwards back him: thus by one dirty action Darts lost all the fame he had been for so many years acquiring.
This match too was claimed to be a fix, apart from by Boxiana.
Oddly I found a report that appears to have been that match, perhaps this was a rematch, however it is odd that he'd be expected to win after throwing the first won, or otherwise losing it
Oxford Journal - Saturday 30 May 1772
Yesterday afternoon a great bruising match was fought on Epsom Downs, between the famous Darts the Dyer, and one Cotrell. The odds, before the engagement began, were ten to one on the former, but after two minutes conflict, Darts was beat,, to the great disappointment of the Knowing Ones, several of whom were pretty deeply taken in.
It also appears that this news report is calling this match a fix, so presumably there was an error with the date at some point
Stamford Mercury - Thursday 18 June 1772
It is said that a certain sporting Captain, who so warmly espoused the late boxing match at Epsom, between the Hibernian Publican and Darts the Dyer, cleared no less than 1500l. by the battle, the conquerred party 500l. by bye bets.
Two years after his fight with Millsom, it appear George Meggs would fight again, however once again unsuccessfully.
Public Advertiser - July 22, 1772
We hear from Cirencester, that the famous Maggs was beat by his Antagonist Stanley, after a Contest of Half an Hour
Corcoran was then reported to have lost a match in the 1775-04-22 The Middlesex Journal And Evening Advertiser (page 2), to William Allen, however in a report of his fight with Sellers he is described as having never been beaten before, and that Sellers became
Stevens would also fight Sellers
Oxford Journal - Saturday 05 September 1778
Yesterday a great Boxing-Match was fought on a Stage erected for that Purpose on Hounslow-Heath, between the celebrated Stevens, a Nailor, and Sellers, the Sawyer; when after two or three Rounds, Victory decleared in Favour of the latter. The Odds, two to one on the Victor. After this a very desperate Battle was fought for thirty Minutes between two Pupils of the First, which proved as severe a Contest as has been known for some Time. Not a Shock-Head within twenty Miles of London but was present on the above Occasion.
The list of bankrupts in Norfolk Chronicle - Saturday 26 April 1783 includes "Thomas Juchau, of St. Leonard, Shoreditch, paviour."
Also from the list of bankrupts in Hereford Journal - Wednesday 09 December 1795
"Thomas Juchau and Thomas Arceer Juchau of Bateman's-row, Shoreditch, Middlesex, paviours"
And there are several other similar ones including
Kentish Gazette - Wednesday 23 April 1783
Thomas Juchau, of the parish of St. Leonard Shoreditch in the county of Middlesex, Pavier, Dealer and Chapman ; to surrender on the 29th of April instant, and 6th and 31st of May next, at eleven each day, at Guildhall, London.
George Meggs is reported on Cyberboxingzone to have had 3 later contests, two in 1787 and one in 1790. And in the 1800's he was reported to still be alive and well off
Monthly Mirror May 1, 1803
Bath, April 29.—On Monday died in this city, George Ring, formerly a baker, and celebrated as one of the first pugilists in the kingdom. He was rather under the middle size, but the quickness of his eye, and the muscular power of his arm, and his general activity, brought him always off victorious, though opposed to men of far superior size and strength. To, his method of fighting, Ward, Mendoza, Humphries, and other noted heroes of the fist, it is said, owed their celebrity; for he introduced what is termed the present scientific mode of combat. But the glory of George Ring was of short duration: hard blows, frequently experienced, and a life of continued dissipation, brought premature old age, poverty, and neglect; at a period when he ought to have been in the bloom of health and vigour, every “puny whipster” could “knock him about the scone, and he durst not tell him of his action of battery.” As a contrast to the above character, we cannot avoid noticing that the celebrated George Maggs, whose fame rang through this country nearly fifty years ago as the champion of England, when he beat the noted Stephens, the nailor, in London, is now living in this city, a hale, hearty, respectable old man; a handsome and venerable pile of stately ruins.
Thank you for reading, I thought this period deserved a write up, I'm not the best at prose, but I hope this was reasonably easy to follow as a single narritive, once again, if you have any more information, especially if it changes what I have found in terms of lineage, please post it.
Thanks to Senya for several of the newspaper articles in this short series. This was all written in a single day, so also please inform me of any writing errors and I will correct them
Submitted November 30, 2018 at 01:00AM by BitPlayerVesti https://ift.tt/2FOB8JQ
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