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James Polkinghorne, the Cornish Wrestler, Artist Unknown

James Polkinghorne, the Cornish Wrestler, Artist Unknown


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Royal Cornwall Museum

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James Polkinghorne, the Cornish Wrestler, Artist Unknown

Oil on canvas, English School, 19th century. In the 15th century, wrestling was the national sport of Cornwall and historical sources have written that, at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, Cornish men fought under a banner depicting two wrestlers in a lock. James Polkinghorne (1788-1854) was one of Cornwalls greatest wrestlers and his best known match, against Abraham Cann of Colebrooke in Devon, happened on 23rd October 1826 and attracted over 10, 000 spectators. Though the fight finished a draw, it was not without drama and Canns biographer relates the match in detail, noting the different Cornish and Devon styles of wrestling. The fight became so famous that a folk song was written about the event. As a Cornish wrestler, Polkinghorne was known as a hugger who fought barefoot, whereas his adversary dressed in the traditional Devon style, with heavy boots soaked in bullocks blood

Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture

TRURI : 1935.12

Media ID 19649910

© RIC

Artist Artwork Black Blue Brown Chair Cornwall English Gentleman Painting Sport Waistcoat White Wrestle Burns Chops Cravat Mutton Sportsman


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EDITORS COMMENTS
This 19th-century oil on canvas print showcases the enigmatic figure of James Polkinghorne, the legendary Cornish Wrestler. Wrestling held a significant place in Cornwall's history, with tales dating back to the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, where Cornish men fought valiantly under a banner depicting two wrestlers locked in combat. James Polkinghorne, born in 1788 and revered as one of Cornwall's greatest wrestlers, left an indelible mark on the sport. His most renowned match took place on October 23rd, 1826 against Abraham Cann from Devon. This monumental event attracted an astonishing crowd of over 10,000 spectators who eagerly awaited their clash. Although the fight ended in a draw, it was not devoid of excitement and intensity. Cann's biographer meticulously detailed this historic encounter, highlighting the contrasting wrestling styles between Cornwall and Devon. The match gained such prominence that it inspired a folk song commemorating its significance. In this portrait captured by an unknown English artist from the same era, we see Polkinghorne portrayed as a rugged yet dignified sportsman. Dressed simply in blue and white attire with touches of black and brown hues accentuating his robust physique; he sits confidently upon a chair at his side. Polkinghorne's distinctive features are emphasized - burns etched into his weathered skin tell stories of countless battles fought within wrestling rings while mutton chops frame his determined expression. A waistcoat adorned with a cravat completes his gentlemanly appearance. This remarkable artwork preserves both the legacy of James Polkinghorne and Cornwall's rich sporting heritage for generations to come.

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