Wimbledon Common
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| Area | Wimbledon Village |
|---|---|
| Picture Reference | Wim_20_5-58 |
| Original Format | Postcard |
| Notes / History | Between 1780 and 1815, the area of the Common near Portsmouth Road, was a popular venue for bareknuckle boxing. Large crowds gathered to watch champions such as Henry Pearce, the "Game Chicken" and Edward Bourke, the "Fighting Butcher". There is evidence of several black boxers in Britain during the late18th century. These include Bill Richmond, a former servant of the Duke of Northumberland, who is known to have fought on Wimbledon Common and Epsom Downs. |
