History Extra Podcast Summary: "Bruisers and Bare Knuckles: The Brutal World of Victorian Boxing"

Episode Overview In the February 21, 2025 episode of the History Extra Podcast titled "Bruisers and Bare Knuckles: The Brutal World of Victorian Boxing," host Ellie Cawthorn delves into the gritty and exhilarating world of Victorian-era boxing. Featuring an in-depth interview with Sarah Elizabeth Cox, the historical boxing consultant for the newly released Disney and Hulu series "A Thousand Blows," the episode uncovers the raw realities, societal impacts, and colorful personalities that defined boxing in 1880s London.

Introduction to Victorian Boxing

Ellie Cawthorn sets the stage by highlighting the allure of Victorian boxing, emphasizing its widespread popularity across different social strata. The episode is inspired by the new television series "A Thousand Blows," which transports viewers to the boxing rings of Victorian London.

Interview with Sarah Elizabeth Cox: Background and Connection to the Show

Sarah Elizabeth Cox introduces herself as the historical consultant for "A Thousand Blows." She explains her role in ensuring the show's historical accuracy and her personal fascination with Victorian boxers Alexander Monroe and Hezekiah Moscow. Sarah mentions, “I was the historian who... researched them around six years ago and they've now been incorporated into the show with characters that are not the real Hezekiah Moscow and Alec Munro, but are based on them” (04:10).

Victorian Boxing in the 1880s: Prize Fighting vs. Regulated Boxing

Sarah delves into the distinction between prize fighting and regulated boxing during the 1880s. She explains that prize fighting was typically bare-knuckle and fought for substantial monetary rewards, often conducted illegally to avoid police crackdowns. In contrast, regulated boxing adhered to the Queensberry Rules introduced in 1867, which mandated the use of gloves and established structured rounds.

• Prize Fighting: Often took place in secluded areas like marshes or fields to evade law enforcement. Despite legal restrictions, it remained rampant, with Sarah noting, “there is prize fighting happening absolutely everywhere” (04:22).

• Queensberry Rules: Introduced gloves, three-minute rounds with one-minute breaks, and prohibited wrestling tactics. Sarah describes them as “making the game safer, it makes it more gentlemanly” (08:49).

Popularity of Boxing and Its Societal Impact

Boxing's immense popularity stemmed from its accessibility and its role in both entertainment and personal discipline. Sarah points out, “It was something that could keep these poor kids out of criminality as well” (11:53). The sport attracted individuals from various backgrounds, including tradesmen, publicans, sailors, and immigrants from the Caribbean.

• Community and Support: Despite the harsh realities, there was a strong sense of community among boxers. Sarah mentions, “there are constantly benefits being held as fundraisers for boxers in need” (19:41).

Key Figures and Notable Matches

Sarah highlights several prominent figures and matches that left a significant mark on Victorian boxing:

• Jem Smith: The English heavyweight champion known for his traditional bare-fist fighting style. In a pivotal 1888 match against Peter Jackson, Smith was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct, an event that Sarah describes as “an absolute shambles and a fix and a fraud” (24:47).

• Peter Jackson: A charismatic and handsome black Australian boxer who became a sensation upon his arrival in the UK. Despite his popularity, Jackson, like George Godfrey before him, was barred from competing for the world championship in America due to racial segregation.

• Sugar Goodson: Known for his infamous 1882 bare-knuckle fight in a chapel, which was sensationalized by the press for its scandalous setting and the involvement of undercover police. Sarah recounts, “the entire thing is described in the press. It's massive” (22:14).

Women's Involvement in Victorian Boxing

While women's boxing was rare and often viewed as a novelty, Sarah sheds light on pioneering female boxers who defied societal norms:

• Billy and Mrs. Noon: A husband-and-wife boxing duo from Birmingham who performed in public, blending entertainment with combat.

• Sisters Mills (Violet and Rosalind Mills): Described as muscular maids, they toured with showmen like Alf Ball, performing boxing acts that challenged contemporary gender roles. Sarah notes the confusion some viewers have about the presence of black individuals in Victorian London, clarifying, “there were at least around a dozen black male boxes active just in the 1880s” (28:19).

Accuracy of the TV Show Representation

Sarah assesses how well "A Thousand Blows" captures the essence of Victorian boxing:

• Setting and Atmosphere: The show accurately portrays the Blue Coat Boy Pub, a real establishment managed by Punch Lewis. The set design effectively recreates the vibrant and chaotic environment of boxing nights.

• Character Depiction: While the show takes creative liberties, especially with characters like Sugar Goodson, it maintains the historical spirit. Sarah appreciates the show’s portrayal of the transition from bare-knuckle fighting to regulated boxing, describing it as a “messy changeover period” (31:50).

Conclusion

The episode concludes by acknowledging Sarah Elizabeth Cox's contributions to both historical research and the television series. Listeners are encouraged to explore more about Victorian boxing through Sarah's website and additional resources provided by the History Extra team.

Ellie Cawthorn wraps up by directing listeners to a video on the History Extra YouTube channel that explores the real history behind "A Thousand Blows," ensuring that the rich history of Victorian boxing continues to engage and educate audiences.

Notable Quotes

• Sarah Elizabeth Cox: “There is prize fighting happening absolutely everywhere” (04:22).
• Sarah Elizabeth Cox: “It was something that could keep these poor kids out of criminality as well” (11:53).
• Sarah Elizabeth Cox: “The entire thing is described in the press. It's massive” (22:14).
• Sarah Elizabeth Cox: “there are at least around a dozen black male boxes active just in the 1880s” (28:19).
• Sarah Elizabeth Cox: “If it's not accurate, is it at least feasible?” (31:50).

Timestamp References

• 04:10 – Introduction of Sarah Elizabeth Cox and her connection to "A Thousand Blows."
• 04:22 – Discussion on prize fighting prevalence.
• 08:49 – Explanation of the Queensberry Rules.
• 11:53 – Popularity and societal impact of boxing.
• 19:41 – Community support among boxers.
• 22:14 – Sugar Goodson's notorious chapel fight.
• 24:47 – Jem Smith vs. Peter Jackson match details.
• 28:19 – Women's boxing and racial diversity in Victorian London.
• 31:50 – Accuracy of the TV show representation.

For more detailed insights into Victorian boxing and the making of "A Thousand Blows," visit grapplingwithhistory.com and explore additional content on the History Extra YouTube channel.