On February 19th St Columb Major Old Cornwall Society welcomed 25 people to the illustrated talk on Cornish Wrestling by Simon Margetts. Among those present were 2 older residents who had taken part in wrestling in their earlier years.
Simon spoke of the history of Cornish Wrestling dating back many hundreds of years, possibly started during the Dark Ages. Cornish Wrestling has spread all over the world as far as Australia. In Cornish Wrestling moves are made by holding onto opponents’ jacket. The aim is to grip the tough canvas like jacket and ‘throw’ your opponent flat onto his back. It is forbidden to grab hold of arms or wrists.
Some famous people such as Richard Trevithick, John Wesley and Billy Bray took part in wrestling. A wrestling match between James Polkinhorne, landlord of the Red Lion Pub in St Columb Major, and Abraham Cann in 1826 is remembered by a plaque above the Red Lion. The talk was both interesting and entertaining. Several questions were asked. Phil Ellery thanked Simon for his talk.
The next meeting will be on Monday March 18th start time 7.3opm, venue Vyvyan Room, Columba Centre when Andrew Langdon will talk about Discovery, Restoration and Repair of Crosses in Cornwall. All welcome.