1700s
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1700s
1764
In London, Richard Carew published The Survey of Cornwall, a document detailing English wrestling. The document describes the wrestling styles of Cornwall, Devonshire, and Lancashire. Lancashire wrestling, also known as "catch-as-catch-can," is an ancestor of both Olympic free-style and American professional wrestling.
1769
Philip Astley established England's first modern circus. In its early years, shows included equestrian acts, acrobatic acts, clowns, and skits. By 1806, Astley added boxing, wrestling, and horseracing to his show after moving into a building called the Olympic Theatre.
1798
Eighteen-year old William Richardson of Caldbeck wins his first professional wrestling meet. According to record, despite attending nearly every wrestling event in England, Richardson never lost a single fall between 1801 and 1809. Richardson was 175 cm (5'9") and weight about 91 kg (200 lb). His official prize for winning was usually a leather belt with his name on it and enough cloth to make a pair of pants. Most of the real money made rode on side bets.
Sources:
http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/wrestlingframe.html
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/eppp-archive/100/201/300/ejmas/kronos/2001/03-01/NewHist1700-1859.htm
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