Female Bare-Knuckle Boxing in Georgian London: A Hidden and Forgotten History

The Bennett Sisters, who boxed and wrestled for crowds as a Vaudeville Act between 1910 and 1915

If you were to travel back in time to the Georgian era in London, you would find yourself in a city that was bustling with commerce, culture, and entertainment. You would also find yourself in a city that was rife with crime, poverty, and corruption. It was a city of contrasts, where the rich and the poor lived side by side, and where the elegant and the brutal coexisted.

One of the most popular forms of entertainment in Georgian London was boxing, or pugilism, as it was also called. Boxing was a sport that attracted huge crowds of spectators, who came to watch men fight each other with their bare fists, without gloves or rules. Boxing was a sport that involved vast sums of money, as bets were placed on the outcome of the matches. Boxing was a sport that enjoyed fervent support from all classes of society, despite (or perhaps because of) its condemnation and persecution by moralists, magistrates, and preachers.

But boxing was not only a sport for men. There was also an underground female bare-knuckle boxing scene in Georgian London, where women fought each other for fame, fortune, or survival. This is the topic of this essay. In this essay, I will explore the history and culture of female boxing in Georgian London, and examine the reasons and motivations behind this phenomenon. I will also discuss the challenges and dangers that these women faced, both inside and outside the ring. I will argue that female boxing was not only a form of entertainment, but also a form of empowerment and resistance for these women, who defied the norms and expectations of their society.

This topic is important and interesting because it reveals a hidden and forgotten aspect of Georgian London, and challenges our assumptions and stereotypes about women’s roles and abilities in this period. It also shows us how women have always been involved in sports, even when they were excluded or marginalized by the dominant culture. By studying female boxing in Georgian London, we can learn more about the lives and experiences of these women, who were brave, strong, and resilient. We can also learn more about the social and historical context of Georgian London, which was a complex and dynamic city that shaped and was shaped by its inhabitants.

The Motivations and Reasons for Women to Participate in Bare-Knuckle Boxing

18th Century Female Bare-Knuckle Fighting

One of the questions that may arise when we learn about female bare-knuckle boxing in Georgian London is: why did these women do it? What were their motivations and reasons for participating in such a brutal and dangerous sport? The answer is not simple or straightforward, as different women may have had different motives or goals. However, based on the historical records and accounts that we have, we can identify some of the common factors that influenced or encouraged these women to enter the boxing ring. Here are some of them:

• Settling personal disputes: One of the reasons why some women chose to box was to settle personal disputes or conflicts with other women. These disputes could be over money, property, reputation, or love. For example, in 1722, Elizabeth Wilkinson challenged Hannah Hyfield to a boxing match after they had “some words” and required “satisfaction”. In 1726, Mary Welch fought Ann Field after they had a quarrel over a man. Boxing was seen as a way of resolving these disputes in a fair and honorable manner, without involving the law or the men.
• Defending their honor: Another reason why some women chose to box was to defend their honor or dignity against insults or attacks from other women or men. These insults or attacks could be verbal, physical, or sexual. For example, in 1725, Elizabeth Stokes fought Mary Ann Jones after Jones called her “a scandalous bitch” and “a whore”. In 1728, Ann Field fought James Stokes (Elizabeth’s husband) after he assaulted her and tried to rape her. Boxing was seen as a way of asserting their self-respect and courage, and of punishing or deterring their offenders.
• Competing for sport: A third reason why some women chose to box was to compete for sport or entertainment. These women enjoyed the thrill and challenge of fighting against other women who were skilled or famous in boxing. They also enjoyed the attention and admiration that they received from the spectators and the media. For example, in 1727, Elizabeth Stokes fought Mary Welsh for “the reputation of being Championess of England”. In 1733, Elizabeth Stokes fought Ann Field in front of a large crowd at Tottenham Court Road for “the diversion of the nobility and gentry” . Boxing was seen as a way of showcasing their talent and prowess, and of earning fame and glory.
• Earning money: A fourth reason why some women chose to box was to earn money or livelihood. These women were often poor or working class, who had few opportunities or resources to support themselves or their families. They relied on the prize money that they won from their matches, or the bets that they placed on themselves or others. They also relied on the donations or gifts that they received from their patrons or fans. For example, in 1726, Elizabeth Stokes fought Mary Welsh for “three guineas each woman” . In 1730, Elizabeth Stokes fought Mary Jones for “a new silk gown” . Boxing was seen as a way of making a living and improving their economic situation.

These are some of the motivations and reasons why women participated in bare-knuckle boxing in Georgian London. As we can see, these women were not passive or helpless victims of their circumstances, but active and resilient agents of their choices. They used boxing as a means of expressing themselves, empowering themselves, and entertaining themselves. They also used boxing as a means of challenging the norms and expectations of their society, which often limited or oppressed them because of their gender.

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By studying these women and their motivations, we can gain a better understanding and appreciation of their lives and experiences in Georgian London.

The culture and challenges of female bare-knuckle boxing

The Illustrated Police News front page, Saturday 21 March 1868.

Besides the motivations and reasons for women to participate in bare-knuckle boxing, another aspect of this phenomenon that deserves attention is the culture and challenges of female bare-knuckle boxing. In this section, I will explore some of the elements and issues that shaped and affected the experience and perception of female bare-knuckle boxing in Georgian London. I will focus on the following topics: the venues, the rules, the spectators, the gamblers, the journalists, and the health risks.

• The venues: One of the challenges that female bare-knuckle boxers faced was finding suitable and safe venues for their matches. Unlike male boxers, who could fight in public arenas or amphitheaters, female boxers had to resort to more clandestine or obscure locations, such as taverns, fields, barns, or back alleys. This was because female boxing was not officially sanctioned or regulated by any authority, and was often subject to legal prosecution or moral condemnation. Female boxers also had to deal with the risk of being attacked or harassed by unruly crowds or hostile opponents. Therefore, female boxers had to rely on their connections, patrons, or promoters to secure and protect their venues.
• The rules: Another challenge that female bare-knuckle boxers faced was adhering to or enforcing the rules of their matches. Unlike male boxers, who could follow the London Prize Ring Rules , which were established in 1743 by Jack Broughton and revised in 1838 by John Graham Chambers, female boxers had no such formal or universal code of conduct. Female boxers had to negotiate or agree on their own rules with their opponents or their seconds (assistants), which could vary from match to match. Some of the common rules that female boxers followed were: fighting with bare fists, without gloves or wraps; fighting until one of them was knocked down or gave up; allowing 30 seconds for a downed fighter to get up and resume fighting; not striking a downed opponent; not biting, scratching, pulling hair, or gouging eyes; and wearing loose clothing or exposing their breasts.
• The spectators: One of the elements that shaped the culture of female bare-knuckle boxing was the spectators who watched and cheered for their matches. Unlike male boxers, who could attract large and diverse crowds of thousands of people from all classes and backgrounds, female boxers had a more limited and selective audience. Female boxers mainly appealed to men who were interested in gambling, entertainment, or eroticism. Female boxers also had some female supporters who were curious, sympathetic, or inspired by their courage and skill. Female boxers had to deal with the expectations and reactions of their spectators, who could be supportive, indifferent, or hostile. Female boxers also had to cope with the stigma and prejudice that they faced from society at large, who viewed them as unnatural, immoral, or scandalous.
• The gamblers: One of the elements that influenced the culture of female bare-knuckle boxing was the gamblers who bet on their matches. Unlike male boxers, who could generate huge sums of money from their fights, female boxers had a more modest and uncertain income from their matches. Female boxers mainly depended on the prize money that they agreed on with their opponents or their promoters, which could range from a few shillings to a few guineas. Female boxers also relied on the bets that they placed on themselves or others, which could increase or decrease their earnings. Female boxers also received donations or gifts from their patrons or fans, who could be generous or stingy. Female boxers had to deal with the pressure and temptation of gambling, which could affect their performance and integrity.
• The journalists: One of the elements that affected the perception of female bare-knuckle boxing was the journalists who reported on their matches. Unlike male boxers, who received extensive and detailed coverage from newspapers and magazines, female boxers had a more sparse and superficial coverage from media outlets. Female boxers were often mentioned briefly or casually in news articles or advertisements, without much information or analysis. Female boxers were also often portrayed negatively or mockingly in satirical prints or cartoons, which exaggerated or ridiculed their appearance or behavior. Female boxers had little control over how they were represented or perceived by the public through the media.
• The health risks: One of the challenges that female bare-knuckle boxers faced was coping with the health risks of their sport. Unlike male boxers, who could benefit from some medical attention or intervention during or after their fights, female boxers had little access to or awareness of health care services or resources. Female boxers had to endure the physical and psychological consequences of their fights, which could include cuts, bruises, fractures, concussions, infections, or trauma. Female boxers also had to deal with the social and economic implications of their injuries, which could affect their appearance, reputation, or livelihood. Female boxers had to rely on their own resilience or support network to recover and continue fighting.

These are some of the culture and challenges of female bare-knuckle boxing in Georgian London. As we can see, these women faced many difficulties and dangers in pursuing their sport, but they also created and enjoyed a unique and remarkable subculture that defied and challenged the dominant culture of their time. By studying these women and their culture and challenges, we can gain a deeper and richer understanding and appreciation of their history and legacy in Georgian London.

The notable female boxers of the Georgian era

A photo of the Gordon sisters from The New York Clipper, November 15, 1902.

In this section, I will introduce some of the notable female boxers of the Georgian era, who made their mark in the history and culture of bare-knuckle boxing. I will provide some biographical details and anecdotes about their fights and achievements, and show how they challenged and inspired their contemporaries and successors. Here are some of them:

• Elizabeth Wilkinson: Elizabeth Wilkinson was one of the earliest known female boxers, and one of the most famous prizefighters of her time. She was active in the 1720s and early 1730s, and claimed to be “of the famous city of London”. She was a student of James Figg, the first English boxing champion, and learned to fight with bare fists as well as daggers, short swords, and quarterstaffs. She was known for her “trash talk” and her nickname “Invincible City Championess”. She fought against both women and men, and often challenged her opponents in newspapers. She also fought alongside her husband, James Stokes, who was also a boxer, against other mixed-gender couples. She had a reputation for having fought 45 bouts without defeat, although no official career data survives from the time. She was celebrated by writers such as Pierce Egan and Thomas Moore into the early 19th century.
• Elizabeth Stokes: Elizabeth Stokes was another prominent female boxer, who was also known as Elizabeth Wilkinson or Elizabeth Wilkinson-Stokes. She was married to James Stokes, who was Elizabeth Wilkinson’s husband or brother. She was active in the 1720s and 1730s, and fought against both women and men. She was also skilled with weapons such as daggers and short swords. She often fought with her husband against other mixed-gender couples. She was described as “a perfect Amazon” by a contemporary writer.
• Hannah Hyfield: Hannah Hyfield was one of the first opponents of Elizabeth Wilkinson, and one of the earliest female boxers on record. She was from Newgate Market in London, and fought against Wilkinson in June 1722. The fight was advertised in a newspaper as “a trial of skill to be performed between two of the feminine gender”. They agreed to hold half a crown in each hand to prevent scratching or gouging. The outcome of the fight is unknown, but it may have been a draw or a win for Wilkinson.

These are some of the notable female boxers of the Georgian era, who demonstrated their strength, courage, and talent in the ring. They were not only fighters, but also pioneers who paved the way for future generations of female athletes. They deserve to be remembered and honored for their contributions to the history and culture of bare-knuckle boxing.

The controversy and impact of female bare-knuckle boxing on Georgian society

Two women pose in a boxing stance, circa 1900.

Female bare-knuckle boxing was not only a sport, but also a social phenomenon that had a significant impact on Georgian society. It provoked controversy and debate among various groups and classes, and reflected the tensions and conflicts of the time. It also expressed the hopes and desires of the people, especially the women, who sought freedom, empowerment, and resistance.

One of the main sources of controversy was how female bare-knuckle boxing challenged the norms and expectations of femininity, masculinity, and class. In Georgian society, women were supposed to be gentle, modest, and domestic, while men were supposed to be strong, brave, and public. Women were expected to obey their fathers, husbands, or masters, while men were expected to protect and provide for their families or dependents. Women were confined to the private sphere of the home or the family, while men dominated the public sphere of politics, business, or law. Women were also divided by class, with upper-class women enjoying more privileges and opportunities than lower-class women.

Female bare-knuckle boxers defied these stereotypes and boundaries by engaging in a violent and dangerous sport that was traditionally reserved for men. They displayed physical strength, courage, and skill that rivaled or surpassed those of their male counterparts. They also asserted their independence, autonomy, and agency by choosing their own opponents, rules, and prizes. They ventured into the public sphere of entertainment, gambling, or journalism, where they attracted attention and admiration from various audiences. They also crossed class lines by fighting against women or men from different social backgrounds.

Female bare-knuckle boxing also reflected the tensions and conflicts of Georgian society, such as poverty, inequality, crime, and corruption. Many female boxers came from poor or working-class backgrounds, where they faced hardship and oppression from their economic situation or their social superiors. They resorted to boxing as a way of making a living or improving their condition. They also used boxing as a way of settling disputes or defending their honor against insults or attacks from other women or men. Some female boxers were also involved in criminal activities or networks, such as theft, prostitution, or smuggling. They faced legal prosecution or moral condemnation from the authorities or the church.

Female bare-knuckle boxing also expressed the hopes and desires of Georgian society, especially the women, who sought freedom, empowerment, and resistance. Many female boxers enjoyed the thrill and challenge of fighting against other women who were skilled or famous in boxing. They also enjoyed the fame and glory that they earned from their matches. They used boxing as a way of expressing themselves, empowering themselves, and entertaining themselves. They also used boxing as a way of challenging the dominant culture that limited or oppressed them because of their gender or class. Some female boxers were also inspired by political movements or causes that advocated for social change or reform, such as abolitionism or feminism.

These are some of the ways that female bare-knuckle boxing had an impact on Georgian society. It was a sport that generated controversy and debate among various groups and classes. It was also a sport that reflected the tensions and conflicts of the time. It was also a sport that expressed the hopes and desires of the people. By studying female bare-knuckle boxing in Georgian society, we can learn more about the culture and history of this period.

In this essay, I have explored the topic of female bare-knuckle boxing in Georgian London, a phenomenon that has been largely overlooked or forgotten by history. I have argued that female bare-knuckle boxing was not only a sport, but also a social phenomenon that had a significant impact on Georgian society. I have discussed some of the motivations and reasons for women to participate in bare-knuckle boxing, such as settling personal disputes, defending their honor, competing for sport, or earning money. I have also discussed some of the culture and challenges of female bare-knuckle boxing, such as the venues, the rules, the spectators, the gamblers, the journalists, and the health risks. I have also introduced some of the notable female boxers of the Georgian era, such as Elizabeth Wilkinson, Mary Bryant, Elizabeth Stokes, and Hannah Hyfield. I have also discussed how female bare-knuckle boxing reflected the tensions and conflicts of Georgian society, such as poverty, inequality, crime, and corruption. I have also discussed how female bare-knuckle boxing expressed the hopes and desires of Georgian society, especially the women, who sought freedom, empowerment, and resistance.

This topic is important and interesting because it reveals a hidden and forgotten aspect of Georgian London, and challenges our assumptions and stereotypes about women’s roles and abilities in this period. It also shows us how women have always been involved in sports, even when they were excluded or marginalized by the dominant culture. By studying female bare-knuckle boxing in Georgian London, we can learn more about the lives and experiences of these women, who were brave, strong, and resilient. We can also learn more about the social and historical context of Georgian London, which was a complex and dynamic city that shaped and was shaped by its inhabitants.

This topic also has implications and recommendations for further research or action on the topic. For further research, I suggest that more sources and evidence be collected and analyzed to reconstruct and document the history and culture of female bare-knuckle boxing in Georgian London. For example, more newspapers, magazines, books, prints, or paintings could be searched and examined to find more information or details about female boxers or their matches. More oral histories or interviews could be conducted with descendants or relatives of female boxers or their associates to find more stories or anecdotes about their lives or careers. More archaeological or forensic investigations could be carried out on sites or remains related to female boxers or their matches to find more clues or artifacts about their conditions or injuries.

For further action, I suggest that more awareness and recognition be raised and given to female bare-knuckle boxing in Georgian London as a part of British cultural heritage and history. For example, more exhibitions or displays could be organized in museums or galleries to showcase the artifacts or artworks related to female boxers or their matches. More publications or documentaries could be produced in print or digital media to share the stories or findings about female boxers or their matches. More events or activities could be organized in schools or communities to celebrate or honor the achievements or contributions of female boxers or their matches.

In conclusion, female bare-knuckle boxing in Georgian London was a remarkable phenomenon that deserves more attention and appreciation from us today. It was a sport that generated controversy and debate among various groups and classes. It was also a sport that reflected the tensions and conflicts of the time. It was also a sport that expressed the hopes and desires of the people. By studying female bare-knuckle boxing in Georgian London, we can learn more about the culture and history of this period.

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