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Astley's Amphitheatre (1773 - 1891)

 Organisation

Dates

  • Existence: 1773 - 1891

Biography

Astley's Amphitheatre also known as Astley’s Royal Amphitheatre, was founded by circus performer and entrepreneur Philip Astley in 1773 in Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, London. Astley’s was considered the first home of modern circus and as such had a lot of prestige among circus impresarios, who took over its management over the years.

The Amphitheatre was built out of wood and lit up by candlelight and later gas, which made if vulnerable to fire. It was destroyed by fire and rebuilt on several occasion including in 1794 and 1803.

Astley achieved such prestige during his lifetime that his amphitheatre continued operating long after his death first managed by his brother and then by some of the most successful names in British circus including Andrew Ducrow, William Batty, William Cooke and George Sanger who acquired it in 1871 and operated it for more than twenty years.

Found in 33 Collections and/or Records:

Arena of Astley's Amphitheatre, Surrey Road Print, 1 December 1815

 Item
Reference code: 178V11.20
Scope and Contents

Engraving on paper by George Jones (1786-1869), printed by W. Wise and published by Robert Wilkinson, No. 58 Cornhill. Two black and white illustrations, on top interior view of theatre with equestrian act on the edge and other performers in the centre, band on bottom right and audience on balconies, on the bottom external view of building.

Dates: 1 December 1815
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Original Artwork

Astley's Amphitheatre Print, c1900 - 1999

 Item
Reference code: 178V11.66
Scope and Contents

Black and white reproduction of the exterior of Astley's Amphitheatre, showing the entrance to the circus and announced acts.

Dates: c1900 - 1999
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Original Artwork

Astley's Handbill, c1869 - 1870

 Item — Box John Barmwell Taylor Box 2: Series 178T1
Reference code: 178T1.192
Scope and Contents

Christmas pantomime, A Terrible Tinker and Jack and the Bean Stalk at Astley's Amphitheatre, London. Huge Variety act containing trained elephants, Jack and the Beanstalk etc, 4pp.

Dates: c1869 - 1870
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / John Bramwell Taylor Collection / Handbills / Handbills for Assorted Venues, Mainly in London

Astley's Poster, c1800 - 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.49
Scope and Contents

Westminster Bridge Road. Now open for the summer season, under the direction of Miss Virginia Blackwood. White and marron type on off white background and black and white portrait of a lady with hat, shoulder cape and fur hand warmer in the centre. Printed by M'Corquodale and Co., Printers, Cardington Street, London, N. W.

Dates: c1800 - 1899
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Posters / Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian Circus Posters

Astley's Poster, Wednesday 9th July 1834 and during the week

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.50
Scope and Contents Mr. Davidge, The English Potier, Mrs. S. Foster, Mr. Elliott, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Mashall, Mrs. Pope, Mrs. Danson, Miss Daly, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Cartlitch, Mr. S. Smith, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Callcot, Mr. Bland, Mr. Fillingham and Mrs. J. Ducrow in Mazeppa and the Wild Horse, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Davidge, Mr. Smith, Mr. Elliott, Messrs. George Needaam, T. Needhaam and Bullock, Mrs. J. Ducrow, Mrs. Weston and Miss Enscoe in Mill of Bagdad, Mr. Ducrow's Scenes in the Circle, Fairy actors and...
Dates: Wednesday 9th July 1834 and during the week
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Posters / Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian Circus Posters

Astley's Programme, c1864 - 1868

 Item
Reference code: 178K43.4
Scope and Contents 14th November and all the week. Miss Ada Isaacs Menken as Mazeppa, Mr. Gresham, Mr. Montague, Mr. Atkins, Mr. Johnstone, Mr. G. Craig, Mr. Webber, Miss Julia Seaman, Mrs. E. F. Edgar, Miss Minnie Clifford, Mr. Basil Potter, Mr. Henry Frazer, Mr. J. Craddock, Mr. W. Templeton, Miss Liversey, M. Milano and Miss Annie Cooke in Mazeppa, Sig. Redmond on his Indian rope trick, Mr. Dulcimer Pipes, Mr. Atkins, Mr. W. Templeton, Mr. Johnstone, Mr. G. Atkins, Mrs. E. F. Edgar and Miss Minnie Clifford...
Dates: c1864 - 1868
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Programmes / Early Circus Programmes

Astley's Programme, c1864 - 1868

 Item
Reference code: 178K43.5
Scope and Contents Saturday 19th October, Monday 21st and following nights. Farewell performance of Miss Adah Isaacs Menken, Mr. Felix Rogers, Mr. David Evans, Mr. Walter Carle, Mr. Arthur, Mr. Craddock, and Miss Josephine Fiddes in Good for Nothing, Mr. David Evans, Mr. Walter Carle, Mr. H. River, Mr. Felix Rogers, Miss Josephine Fiddes, Mrs. Bishop, Miss Julia Craven, Mr. Bassil Potter, Miss Adah Isaacs Menken, Mr. Vivian, Mr. Craddock, Mr. Bentley, Mr. Arthur and Miss Duberry in Mazeppa and the Wild Horse....
Dates: c1864 - 1868
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Programmes / Early Circus Programmes

Astley's Programme, Monday 9 October 1864 and during the week

 Item
Reference code: 178K43.6
Scope and Contents Miss Adah Isaacs Menken, Mr. J. Elphinstone, Mr. Basil Potter, Mr. T. J. Anderson, Mr. Atkins, Mr. E. Garden, Mr. W. M. Terrott, Mrs. St. Henry, Miss Kate Carson, Mr. J. Russell, Mr. J. B. Johnstone, Mr. Webster, Mr. Bedford, Mr. Templeton, Mr. Prichard, in Child of the Sun, Miss Carline Parkes, Mr. Webster, Mr. Prichard, Miss Amy Cleveland, Miss M. Morton, Miss Harriett Pelham, Miss Pelham, Master Granger, Miss Louise Laidlaw, Miss Minnie Sidney, Miss Nelly Nesbitt, Mr. Atkins, Miss Lizzie...
Dates: Monday 9 October 1864 and during the week
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Programmes / Early Circus Programmes

Astley's Programme, c1864 - 1868

 Item
Reference code: 178K43.7
Scope and Contents Monday 11th November and following evenings. Farewell performance of Miss Adah Isaacs Menken, Mr. Felix Rogers, Mr. David Evans, Mr. Clifford, Mr. Bentley, Miss Beatrice Marston and Miss Julia Craven in That Rascal Jack, Mr. Evans, Mr. Walter Carle, Mr. H. Rivers, Mr. Felix Rogers, Miss Josephine Fiddes, Miss Julia Craven, Mr. Basil Potter, Miss Adah Isaacs Menken, Mr. Vivian, Mr. Craddock, Mr. Bentley, Mr. Arthur and Miss Duberry in Mazeppa and the Wild Horse. Black type on white background...
Dates: c1864 - 1868
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Programmes / Early Circus Programmes

Astley's Programme, Monday 3 July 1865 and during the week

 Item
Reference code: 178K43.8
Scope and Contents Miss Adah Isaacs Menken, Mr. Johnstone, Miss Nisbitt, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Atkins, Mrs. C. Wharton, Miss Ada Edson and Miss Minnie Sidney in The Wandering Minstrel, Mr. Gresham, Mr. T. J. Anderson, Mr. J. B. Johnstone, Mr. Atkins, Mr. Weaver, Miss Josephine Fidder, Mrs. C. Wharton, Miss Nisbitt, Mr. Basil Potter, Miss Adah Isaacs Menken, Mr. Johnstone, Mr. Cradddock, Mr. Shelton, Mr. Harry Croueste, Miss Ninnie Sidney and Miss Clifton in Mazippa or the Wild Horse of Tartary, Mr. G. Craig, Mr....
Dates: Monday 3 July 1865 and during the week
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Programmes / Early Circus Programmes

Astley's Royal Amphiteatre of Arts Poster, 27 November 1843

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.29
Scope and Contents For the benefit of the Benevolent Fund Society held at M. J. enon's, City Arms, Hunter Street, Kent Road, Victories of Murat, The Soldier of France, Mr. Anthony Powell equestrian act, Mr. R. Smith equestrian act, Mr. Kemp magic pole, Miss Isabelle on Poverty and Abundance equestrian act, Mr. T. Lee, Mons. Masotta, Mons. Verdy as the Trois Olympians equestrian act, Pageant of Grace or the Dames and their Fleet-Footed Steeds, Messrs. T. Barry, Twist and Kemp clowns, Hercules, King of Clubs....
Dates: 27 November 1843
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Posters / Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian Circus Posters

Astley's Royal Amphitheatre of Arts Poster, Moday 18 September 1843 and five following evenings

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.27
Scope and Contents Sir Edward Lytton Bulwer's Siege of Granada, Mr. Mosley equestrian act, Conquest of Granada or The Steed of the Silver Star and Last Struggle of the Moors, Invasion of Spain, Four Real White Mules of Cordova, The Chiarini Family, French rope dancers, Master John Powell and Le Petit Isabelle as The Russian Peasants, Old Weller The Prince of Whips, Bustling Mr. Pickwick, Aerial Puck, Mr. R. Smith introducing Pegasus, Apollo and his music footed steed of Olympus, Signor Felix Carlo as the...
Dates: Moday 18 September 1843 and five following evenings
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Posters / Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian Circus Posters

Astley's Royal Amphitheatre Poster, Monday 30 June 1828 and during the week

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.18
Scope and Contents

Westminster Bridge. Jack O'Lantern; or Harlequin Sprite of the Dismal Swamp comic pantomime, Mr. Wilkinson and Miss Woolford on The Conquest of the Amazon, equestrian entreè, The Flying Indian elastic cord act, Battle of Navrino; or the Arab of the Red Desert. Black type on brownish background, also contains description of acts and lists of performers.

Dates: Monday 30 June 1828 and during the week
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Posters / Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian Circus Posters

Astley's Royal Amphitheatre Poster, Thursday 18, Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June 1818

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.19
Scope and Contents

Westminster Bridge. The Dandy Family and the Ascot Jockies, Mr. Avery equestrian act, The Troop of Voltigeurs acrobatics and clowning, Mr. Makeen on The Peasant's Frolic, Mr. Sloman comic singer, Mademoiselle Ferzi tightrope act, Mess. Brown and Williams clowns, Peregrine Pickle or Hawser Trunnion on Horseback, A Real Fox Chance. Black type on off white paper, also contains description of acts and listing of performers.

Dates: Thursday 18, Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June 1818
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Posters / Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian Circus Posters

Astley's Royal Amphitheatre Programme, c1800 - 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178K43.1
Scope and Contents M. Alphonse Thevelin, aerial gymnast, Mr. Alfred Cooke, family and pupils on 3rd week of the Equestrian Gala, The Chase or Life on the Turf, Mr. William Cooke's Scenes in the Arena, equestrian gala including, Miss Clarissa Cooke in aerial poses, Young Godolphin in the Postilion of Lilliput, Mr. W. Barlow in Punch in Paris, Mr. Boswell in Polandric Exercises, Madlle. Marie in Leap of Banners, Madlle. Rebecca and Mr. W. Barlow in Sylph-Like Echo and Charming Narcissus, Mr. Alfred Cooke, The...
Dates: c1800 - 1899
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Programmes / Early Circus Programmes

Astley's Royal Amphitheatre Programme, Monday 28 June 1852 and during the week

 Item
Reference code: 178K43.2
Scope and Contents Mr. Alfred Cooke, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Craddock, Mr. Widdicomb, Mr. Tibbs, Signor Chiarini, Mr. Baswell, Mr. T. Barry, Mrs. Aldred Cooke, Miss Lydia Pearce, Mrs. Moreton Brookes, Mr. C. Leclercq Junior, Mr. S. Smith, Mr. Hustleby, Mr. Johnson, Mr. F. Hustleby, Miss Fenton and Miss T. Avery in St. George and the Dragon or the Seven Champions of Christendom, Batty's Scenes in the Arena including, Cavalcade, Tom Thumb on two horses, Madlle. Louise Massotta in Leap of Streamers, Signor Chiarini...
Dates: Monday 28 June 1852 and during the week
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Programmes / Early Circus Programmes

Astley's Royal Amphitheatre Programme, Saturday 22nd October, Monday 24th October and during the week 1853

 Item
Reference code: 178K43.3
Scope and Contents Miss Kate Cooke, Europe's National Amphitheatre, Mr. Aldred Cooke, Mr. James Barlow, Mr. A. Bridges, Mr. William Barlow, Mons. Schmidt, Sig. Carlottie, Sig. Francois, Sig. Croueste, Sig. Bezzini, Mr. R. Smith, Mr. Stonette, Mr. Widdicomb, Master Victor Cooke, Master Alfred Cooke, Master Harry Cooke, Master Bradbury, Master Tom Thumb, Master Gee, Master W. Gee, Mister William Cooke, Miss Kate Cooke, Mrs. Alfred Cooke, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Bradbury, Mad. Bridges, Mad. Schmidt, Mad. Bezzini,...
Dates: Saturday 22nd October, Monday 24th October and during the week 1853
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Programmes / Early Circus Programmes

Astley's Theatre Programme, 5 November 1883

 Item
Reference code: 178K43.26
Scope and Contents Westminster Bridge Road. Mr. Harry J. C. Vernon, Mr. J. G. Wilton, Mr. Fred Evans, Mrs. J. F. Brian, Mr. W. D. Gresham, Mr. Metcalfe, Mr. George Reeves, Miss Louise Neville, Mr. Alfred Balfour, Miss Kate Forrester, Miss M. Reeves and Miss Maud Forrester in Giddy Godiva or The Girl who was Sent to Coventry, Mr. Lewis Sealey, Mr. Harry J. C. Vernon, Mr. L. Webster, Mr. J. G. Wilton, Mr. Richards, Mr. A. Balfour, Miss Kate Neville, Mrs. J. Elmore, Mrs. J. F. Brian, Mr. W. D. Gresham, Miss Maude...
Dates: 5 November 1883
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Programmes / Early Circus Programmes

Circus Friends Association Collection

 Fonds
Reference code: NFA0122
Scope and Contents

This collection consists of a large library of books and journals, as well as archival material including posters, programmes, photographs, films, handbills, research material, scrapbooks, original artwork and many other items of ephemera relating to British, Irish and European circuses

Dates: 1795 - 2020
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive

Early Circus Programmes, c1800 - 1999

 Sub-Series
Reference code: 178K43.1-28
Scope and Contents

Early British circus and variety programmes including Astley's, Batty's and Lord George Sanger's circus.

Dates: c1800 - 1999
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Programmes

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