Dan Snow's History Hit Georgian Christmas
Dec 18, 2024
In this lively discussion, Rob Smith, a Footprints of London tour guide and expert on the city's history, reveals the raucous nature of Georgian Christmas celebrations. Listeners will be amused by tales of bare-knuckle boxing and absurd antics like an 18th-century showman cooking beef under his arms. Rob also highlights the cultural landscape shaped by the likes of Joey Grimaldi, the world's first clown, and contrasts the festive revelry with the more subdued Victorian times. It's a window into a vibrant, lewd, and extraordinary holiday spirit!
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Human Beef Roast
- The White Conduit Fields hosted a showman who cooked beef while inside a brick oven.
- This Georgian-era David Blaine miraculously emerged unroasted.
Boxing Day Origins
- A bare-knuckle boxing match took place on Boxing Day, 1788, at the White Conduit Fields.
- Over a thousand spectators watched the 25-minute bout.
Lord's Cricket Club Origin
- Cricket matches and picnics clashed at White Conduit Fields, leading to a riot.
- Defeated cricketers, led by Mr. Lord, relocated, establishing Lord's Cricket Club.