Philip Astley, the Newcastle-under-Lyme Showman Who Created the Modern Circus in London
Explore the London site where Newcastle-under-Lyme-born Philip Astley created the modern circus in 1768 and discover Staffordshire’s remarkable connection to entertainment history.
As part of my series exploring the links between Staffordshire and London, I went to explore the area where one of our local entrepreneurs changed entertainment forever.
Tucked away in Lambeth, near Waterloo, is the spot where Philip Astley, born in Newcastle-under-Lyme in 1742, staged what is recognised as the world’s first modern circus.
Standing there today, surrounded by railway arches, old streets and the modern London skyline, it is hard to imagine that this was once an open field known as Ha’Penny Hatch.
But on Easter Monday, 4 April 1768, Astley and his wife Patty performed horse-riding displays here that would go on to create an entirely new form of entertainment.
Astley, a former cavalryman and exceptional horseman, realised that performing in a circular ring helped riders maintain balance. He began combining equestrian displays with acrobats, clowns, musicians and performers, creating the format that became the modern circus.
“From this small corner of London, a global entertainment industry was born, all thanks to a man from Newcastle-under-Lyme.”
The famous 42-foot circus ring still used around the world today traces directly back to him.
From this small corner of London, a global entertainment industry was born, all thanks to a man from Newcastle-under-Lyme.
There is something quite incredible about standing in the place where such a huge cultural idea first began, especially knowing it started with a Staffordshire entrepreneur taking a chance on a new idea nearly 260 years ago.
Philip AstleyBorn in Newcastle-under-Lyme in 1742, Philip Astley was the son of a cabinetmaker who grew up to become a military hero, the original ringmaster and ‘father of the modern circus’.In 1768, Astley acquired ...View Full Resource on Staffordshire Past Track
Back home, his legacy is finally being recognised properly through the Philip Astley Project and the Philip Astley Centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme, helping tell the story of the man who changed entertainment history forever.
Not bad for a lad from Staffordshire.
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