By Ruslan Pashayev
The Snipe Inn Rules
The brutality of 19th century Lancashire wrestling made change inevitable. Before these new rules were introduced in 1856 the men wrestled in spiked shoes, similar to football boots, to prevent slipping.
“The conditions are two back falls out of three, Lancashire fashion, catch as catch can; the competitors to wear drawers and pumps, and though spikes are allowed in the latter they were not to exceed a quarter of an inch in length and not to be wilfully used on the person’s body and resin or other ingredient to be applied to the person by either party.”
Change came in 1856. The Snipe Inn Grounds at Audenshaw, Lancashire was truly among the most important sport venues in the early history of Lancashire catch-as-catch-can wrestling. It was here where the 1856 first written rules of Catch-as-catch-can were brought into existence under the guidance of Mr. Nelson Warren, proprietor of the public house and owner of the grounds. They were to become known as the “Snipe Inn Rules,” a milestone in the history of wrestling.
Announcements of the change were made in the press:
“Mr. Nelson Warren, the proprietor, wishes to inform the patrons and professors of wrestling that in any matches which may come off here, on no account will he permit the use of spiked shoes or putting the hang in, &c.” (Bell’s Life in London, May 11th, 1856)
“Mr. Nelson Warren, the proprietor of the Snipe Inn Wrestling Ground, Ashton-under-Lyne, wishes to inform any one making matches to come off on his ground, that he will not allow them to wrestle in spiked pumps attempt to throttle each other, or commit any act of brutality.” (Bell’s Life in London, September 21st, 1856).
A wrestling tournament at the Snipe Inn Wrestling Ground “in the Lancashire fashion, catch as catch can, the first back fall without shoes or using any brutality, catch weight. To wrestle in pairs and the deciding pair to wrestle two back falls out of three for the first prize.” (Bell’s Life in London, September 21st, 1856).
According to the newly introduced Snipe Rules wrestlers had to wear nothing but drawers and pumps. This was later changed to no shoes, only stockings, wrestling on the green turf.
The rules were quickly established and referenced in publicity of forthcoming matches:
“Enoch Walker of Mossley challenges Abraham Buckley of Mill Bottom, near Oldham to wrestle “the best of three back falis Lancashire fashion, to wrestle according to the Snipe Inn Rules” (Bell’s Life in London, December 6th, 1856).
The rules stated neither party could use resin or be rubbed with pernicious drugs or grease of any description. All foul acts or wilful brutality, any unmanly techniques and tactics of the past, namely hanging (putting on the hang), throttling, kicking (as well as biting and gouging) were strictly prohibited.
Victory was by two out of three fair back falls. A fair back fall required two shoulders pressed to the ground to decide the match. Rolling falls were permitted and one of the most popular ways to give a fall was “to roll opponent over.”
Ten minutes rest was allowed between the throws and if the contest was not concluded it was to be renewed on the day by day principle at the same time and place until decided.
Catch-as-catch-can challenge matches and tournaments under the above conditions were held at the Snipe Inn quite regularly, but it was only in the 1860’s that the local sports arena became the heart of Lancashire wrestling and hosted one of the most prestigious titles of the Golden Era of Lancashire Wrestling, as illustrated by this announcement of the match between Cross and Norton:
CROSS AND NORTON. MATCH FOR £100.
(Extracts from Bell’s Life in London, May 1st, 1859).
Ashton is the epicenter of Lancashire wrestling.
“The inhabitants of Ashton-under-Lyne have long been notorious for their admiration of, and the patronage they bestow upon the athletic sport of wrestling, and more important contests annually come off in that vicinity than in any other part of the county.”
All the best Lancashire wrestlers come from Ashton.
“In addition to the inherent love of this species of combat, by which the breasts of many of the hard-working artisans of that locality are animated, they possess amongst them several men who have proved themselves adepts when engaged in the exciting exercise.”
The Snipe Inn Ground in Ashton.
“Another reason may be given why events of this kind are so prolific at Ashton, namely, the erection, some years ago, by Mr. Nelson Warren, of the Snipe Inn, which is situate on the Manchester road, about a mile from the town, of a substantial and commodious ring, the dimensions of which are 50 yards by 40, and it is upwards of 150 yards in circumference.”
Attendance at the Snipe Inn Grounds.
“Within this arena, on Monday afternoon last, John Cross of Hooley Hill and Richard Norton of Stalybridge met to contend against each other for £50 a side, and the excitement by this match caused upwards of 2,000 persons to be present. The usual excellent arrangements of these grounds were adhered to, and good order prevailed.”
The Snipe Inn Rules.
“The men should wrestle the best of three back falls Lancashire fashion, catch as catch can, neither combatant to be rubbed with grease, drug, or resin, All foul acts to be banished, and ten minutes to elapse between each throw.”
Athletes.
“In respect of weight both men were under seven score 5lb. Cross is 24 years of age, and by trade a collier, whilst Norton is much his senior, being now about 35.”
Referee.
“Mr. G. Piers of Manchester filled the office of referee”
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