The Rest Is History 592. Mad Victorian Sport
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Aug 17, 2025 Dive into the fascinating origins of football and its clubs, alongside the odd interplay between public hangings and early sporting events. Discover the historical significance of iconic venues like the Oval and the remarkable endurance feats of Victorian pedestrian Richard Manx. Unravel the compelling stories behind rugby, cricket's Ashes rivalry, and the peculiar spectacle of competitive dog and monkey events. This intriguing exploration uncovers how sports evolved within the cultural landscape of 19th-century England.
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Drama, Diets and Dark Nights at The Oval
- Manx's Oval challenge drew huge London crowds, night lamps, specific diets and dramatic emotional moments.
- He nearly quit near the end but completed 1,000 measured miles—later found to exceed the target by 12 miles.
Sport As Business Emerges
- Manx's success proved the Oval could generate large crowds, press attention and steady revenue.
- That commercial model presaged stadium-based professional sport and monetized fixtures.
The Ashes Began At The Oval
- The 1882 Sporting Times obituary 'the Ashes will be taken to Australia' originated after Australia's famous victory at the Oval.
- That phrase birthed the enduring England-Australia cricket rivalry called The Ashes.
