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Image Licensing : Captain Tom Gundry, champion Cornish wrestler. Probably early 1880s
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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. Gundry was born at Higher Prospidnick, Sithney, on 16th October 1818 and died at Stennack, Camborne, on 22nd October 1888. His obituary in the Mining Journal of 27th October 1888 reads " Captain Tom Gundry is dead. This brief announcement will be read with regret by Cornishmen in every quarter of the world. Captain Tom was the best known of the old school of Cornish wrestlers, and will be remembered for his prowess in the ring, and not as a mine agent. Born 70 years ago Captain Tom was bred in the parish of Sithney and from a child developed a strong passion for the favourite sport of the West Countryman. In the old days, wrestling was cultivated to a far higher degree than now; the leading gentlemen of the county, assisted by their patronage, presence, and financial support; and a match was the signal for an exodus of miners to witness the bouts. Captain Tom held the championship for a long period; he won many cups, and wrestled, not only in Cornwall and Devon; but in London also. It is said of him that whilst he unquestionably bought many backs, he never sold his own. He was at one time agent at Camborne Consols, and at another period agent at North Basset. Of late years he now and then assisted as stickler in the wrestling field. He expired at his home near Camborne, on Tuesday evening." He was married four times, the last at Treslothan, Camborne in May 1880. Photographer: John Charles Burrow. Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture. © From the collection of the RIC
TRURI : VUswt.5
Media ID 18369437
Filename: TRURI-VUswt-5.tiff
Size: 5927 x 8579 (9.9MB)
Date: 5th February 2019
Source: Royal Cornwall Museum
County: Cornwall
Location Name: 50.21277, -5.294775
Cornwall Helston Mine Miner Personality Sport Wrasslin Sportsman Wheal
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Captain Tom Gundry: The Legendary Cornish Wrestler". This studio portrait captures the essence of Captain Tom Gundry, the renowned champion Cornish wrestler of the late 19th century. Taken in the early 1880s by photographer John Charles Burrow, this image showcases Gundry's formidable presence as he proudly dons a wrestling jacket adorned with two championship sashes. Born on October 16th, 1818, in Higher Prospidnick, Sithney, Captain Tom was a true icon of his time. His obituary in the Mining Journal of October 27th, 1888 mournfully declares his passing and highlights his indelible mark on Cornish history. Known for his exceptional skills in the ring rather than as a mine agent, Captain Tom's passion for wrestling blossomed from an early age. During an era when wrestling held greater prominence and garnered support from esteemed gentlemen across Cornwall and Devon, Captain Tom reigned supreme as the undisputed champion for many years. He not only triumphed locally but also ventured to London to showcase his prowess against formidable opponents. Though rumors suggest that he may have influenced certain outcomes through strategic means, it is widely acknowledged that Captain Tom never compromised his own integrity or sold himself short. Even after retiring from active competition, he continued to contribute to the sport as an occasional stickler. Married four times throughout his life and residing near Camborne at the time of his demise on October 22nd, 1888; Captain Tom's legacy lives on within every corner of Cornwall and beyond. This remarkable photograph immortalizes him as a symbol of strength and skill—a testament to one man's unwavering dedication to Cornish wrestling.
