Astley Circus Pioneer


Astley Circus Pioneer

One of the earliest circus performances took place here.

Location: Cornwall Road, Waterloo

Description: On Easter Monday 1768, war hero Philip and his wife Patty Astley first performed an entertaining riding show here which which became the foundation of modern circus.

After making the highest ranking officer Sergeant Major of Horse in the cavalry with the 15th Dragoons, they came up with the idea of giving shows on a field here known as Ha'penny Hatch.

Philip Astley rode three horses at a time, picked up handkerchiefs from the floor while cantering and did handstands in the saddle. Indeed, in newspaper adverts, they boasted 'upwards of thirty different feats, with former cavalry officer Mr Astley sword in hand, as in real action and Mrs Astley 'rides two horses with one foot in each saddle, and fires a pistol'.

The blue plaque here is on the London Underground electrical substation and visible from the end of Roupell Street by the bakery Konditor & Cook. Roupell Street and Cornwall Road are built on what was Hapenny Hatch. The plaque nicely features a horse and rider based on an early picture of Astley's Circus.

Themes: ComedyComedy Theme  QuirkyQuirky Theme
Astley Circus Pioneer

One of the earliest circus performances took place here.

Ranking This Month: 2384/3091

Pages Hit This Month: 7


Your Comments:

Name:
Email:
Your email will ONLY be used once, to confirm the publication of your comments. We value your contribution and privacy.

Anti-spam Security: Please enter this code:


Other places nearby:


Champagne Charlie lived here», 2.8km

Kenneth Williams was born here», 2.4km

Sulgrave Boys Club», 5.6km

Graham's King Willy Days», 4.5km

The Entertainer's School», 4.5km

Leslie Phillips' School», 8.8km

Home to Harry & Spike», 3.6km

Tommy Trinder was born here», 3.9km

A House of Laughter», 1.8km

Eric's First London Digs», 3.7km

Location Pinpointed:


Open Street Maps», Google Maps»