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A Man of Many Parts
By Graham Elson
Life is full of characters and recently I met and became good friends with one such interesting and charismatic person, Fred Bentley, now residing in the sleepy but getting busier village of Boreham, Essex.
Fred was born on 19th December 1927 and for the first two years of his childhood lived on Pump Lane in the village of Springfield, moving to Lawn Lane part of the same village. Unfortunately as times move on the area has changed from the quiet and barely populated area to one more closely aligned to the County Town of Chelmsford.
Childhood for Fred was harsh with no running water, gas or electricity but clearly was the foundation for the strong and resilient man he became.
For many including Fred, conscription was the order of the day and following his eighteenth birthday (1946) was called into service with the Royal Artillery. An astute Fred managed to secure the job of driving for the regiment’s Colonel Edgecombe. He cherished this role because in between calls of duty it enabled him to absorb himself into his favourite pastime of Physical Exercise and fitness.
Fred was demobbed in 1948 and now at the peak of fitness and wanting to maintain this physique, signed up for a Council organised course in North Wales centred on the art of wrestling. This wasn’t noted for being the most popular sport and to a degree this was part of the attraction. The course only lasted three weeks but this inspired his love for the sport which continued to be a major part of his life for many years to follow.
Fred cherishes his memories of that relatively short stay and the following photos record how much respect he holds for his tutors.
Having completed the wrestling techniques course, Fred realised he wanted to expend his energy in promoting the sport. He started the Chelmsford Wrestling Club at the Police HQ until he moved in 1949 to new premises, The Three Cups Public House, Springfield Road, Chelmsford. The sport grew in popularity and so the club became very successful. From this training base, a number of wrestlers ended up as professional wrestlers, well known throughout the wrestling fraternity and latterly TV.
The following shows the holds used in many bouts, demonstrated of course by Fred in the light coloured trunks.
Not content with running managing and to a certain degree funding the Chelmsford Wrestling Club, he continued into the early sixties embracing what would become the pinnacle of wrestling recognition, especially the introduction of Saturday TV Viewing.
However, wrestling was his first love and having made his first wrestling ring, known as the squared circle, went on to create a further six all being very much in demand. Specifications in those days were for three ropes which allowed the showmanship, the ability to eject fellow wrestlers from the ring, the skills required to show techniques and entertain the crowd.
So now we have Fred the wrestling instructor, promoter for boxing and wrestling rings and also a professional wrestler.
Perhaps these photos prove the natural entertainer and showman Fred has always been, (and can still be today but perhaps not quite so energetic!!).
As the wrestling spot on Saturday TV grew in popularity we saw the start of well known stars such as Jackie Pallo, Mick McManus, Billy Two Rivers, Steve Logan, Les Kellett to name a few.
Dale Martin Promotions set up in Chelmsford every fortnight in the then “Corn Exchange”, now better known as “The Chancellor Hall” and Fred was asked to provide the ring. Fred, now wrestling professionally, would have his team set up the ring and quickly found himself sparring with Mr TV, Jackie Pallo, (Jackie also trained at times at the Chelmsford Club). Fred did many warm up bouts with many well known wrestlers during headline promotions. In addition Fred would be a corner second during these evenings of high entertainment, a role which required you to look after the wrestlers during the rest period in between rounds.
Fred became known as “Smiler Fred Bentley” or “Farmer Fred Bentley.” Although always smiling he cannot remember how the name came about! He was also known for his bottom bumping across the canvas when he was thrown around the ring.
Many of the wrestlers from the Chelmsford Club followed the selection process for moving into the higher echelon of premier wrestlers. That selection was not easy and only the best succeeded. Why? They would have to be assessed by top wrestlers, notably Les Kellett who had a reputation for being hard and tough.
During this period Dale Martin expanded their wrestling empire, as wrestling gained greater viewing numbers. Fred’s promotions also became busier, (boxing rings still remained an important part of his business), setting up rings for Dale Martin as well.
Freds activities at the Chelmsford Wrestling Club came to an end during the early sixties due in part to his increasingly busy time as a professional wrestler and promoter.
Fred continued to tour as a professional wrestler demonstrated by the collection posters shown at the end of this transcript.
As his reputation grew, during 1984, well known sports promoter Barry Hearn asked Fred to provide the largest Boxing Ring ever built.
Unfortunately Fred suffered a health setback in 2000 when he had to have a quadruple heart bypass. This devastating situation curtailed any thoughts of continuing as a wrestler.
He was, however, able to continue providing boxing and wrestling rings until legislation under Health and Safety brought about many technical and specification changes to both boxing and wrestling. During 2002 all rings had to have four ropes, external and internal measurements were adjusted and canvas padding increased.
Despite providing top quality rings and more promoters entering the industry, the changes led to Fred withdrawing from the hire and erection of rings; the business was no longer commercially viable. A sad day indeed.
It was not the time for Fred to retire, after all he was only 75 years of age. He had already become involved with hiring and setting up of marquees since 1984 and this became his main focus of attention. This was later taken over by his son in law, Graham, and son Paul generating much interest in this growing industry. The business is now owned and managed by son Paul and his wife, maintaining a family run, and very successful company.
Upto the time of his death Fred continued attending regular luncheons with veterans and new comers into the wrestling fraternity.
Fred Bentley passed away on Saturday 10th May 2025, Aged 97. He left us peacefully following a few days of deteriorating health. Freds funeral and wake were held at Dunmow Crematorium on Monday 9th June 2025 where many of his friends and family celebrated his life. He will be and is, missed by many.
During his life he picked up many awards
Below (2022) the most prestigious award in recognition of the long years dedicated to the sport.
Finally a tiny selection of Fred’s hundreds of wrestling appearances.
Graham Elson
15822
Wrestling Heritage 