Wrasslin Collection

Captain Tom Gundry, champion Cornish wrestler. Probably early 1880s
A studio portrait photograph of the champion Cornish wrestler, Thomas Gundry, wearing a wrestling jacket and two championship sashes

William Matthews, champion Cornish wrestler. 1911
William Matthews, champion wrestler (left) with an unknown man, thought perhaps to be Dave Emmett. Nicknamed Piper, Matthews is wearing the presentation belt he won in 1911

Cornish wrestling group, Randfontein, Transvaal, South Africa. Around 1900
Cornish wrestlers, officials, trophies and prizes pictured outside what appears to be the Transvaal miners sports clubhouse

Cars parked in a field for a Cornish wrestling match at an unknown location, Cornwall. Around 1930s
Cars parked for a Cornish wrestling match in a rugby field. The registration number RL-9006 can be clearly seen on one of the vehicles

Cornish wrestling match at an unknown location, Cornwall. Around 1930s
A large crowd watching a Cornish wrestling match in a rugby field. Thought to show the wrestler, Francis Gregory. The three older men in the ring with the wrestlers are sticklers (referees)

Cornish wrestling match, Gyllyngdune Gardens, Falmouth, Cornwall. Around 1930s
A crowd watching a Cornish wrestling match in front of the Princess Pavilion. The two older men in the ring with the wrestlers are sticklers (referees)

A crowd of people gathering to watch a Cornish wrestling match at an unknown location, Cornwall. 1970
An open air wrestling match, with a crowd of people watching, cars parked around the outside of the ring and an open marquee. Photographer: Charles Woolf

A crowd of people gathered to watch a Cornish wrestling match at an unknown location, Cornwall. 1970
An open air wrestling match, with a crowd of people watching, some of whom are sitting on hay bales. There is a stickler (referee) in the ring and the two wrestlers, wearing the traditional jackets

Wrestling match, probably at Newquay, Cornwall. 1964
Two young men engaged in a Cornish wrestling match in open air, with a crowd of people watching. Buses and cars are parked on the green. Photographer: Charles Woolf

Wrestling match at an unknown location, Cornwall. 1959
Two young men engaged in a Cornish wrestling match in open air, with a crowd of people watching. The three older men are the sticklers (referees). Photographer: Charles Woolf

Wrestling match, Padstow, Cornwall. Around 1910
A crowd watching a Cornish wrestling match at Padstow. Photographer: Unknown

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"Wrasslin: A Timeless Tradition of Strength and Skill" Step back in time to witness the awe-inspiring world of "wrasslin, " a captivating sport that has enthralled audiences for generations. From the early 1880s, when Captain Tom Gundry showcased his prowess as a champion Cornish wrestler, to William Matthews' triumph as the reigning champion in 1911, these formidable athletes have left an indelible mark on history. Even beyond the shores of Cornwall, wrasslin's influence reached far and wide. In Randfontein, Transvaal, South Africa around 1900, a group of dedicated Cornish wrestlers proudly displayed their skills and shared this ancient art with distant lands. The passion for wrasslin continued to thrive throughout the decades. Cars parked in fields became makeshift arenas where intense matches unfolded during the 1930s. The picturesque landscapes of Cornwall served as backdrops for unforgettable battles between skilled competitors who grappled with determination and finesse. Gyllyngdune Gardens in Falmouth witnessed epic clashes during this golden era of Cornish wrestling. Enthusiastic crowds gathered eagerly to witness these displays of strength and technique that left them breathless with anticipation. As time marched on into more recent years like 1970, spectators still flocked to unknown locations across Cornwall to catch a glimpse of this beloved sport. The energy was palpable as people from all walks of life united under one banner – their love for wrasslin. Whether it was Newquay in 1964 or various other venues throughout Cornwall such as those captured in photographs from around the late 1950s or early '30s; each match brought forth its own unique blend of excitement and camaraderie. Wrasslin is not just about physicality; it embodies tradition, heritage, and community spirit.