Leisure in Newport 1750-1914

1750-1850

The local gentry had residences in town for their own entertainment. Large inns - for example, the Crown, the Red Lion, and the Royal Victoria. They hosted major celebrations and dinners after hunting, coursing and shooting meetings. There were cockpits down Green Lane, at the public house known as the Fighting Cocks, and on the site of the former livestock market in Stafford Street, but these were eventually outlawed and of course were limited to those with spare money for gambling. The well-off patronised a theatre in Newport. First performances were in a barn at Chetwynd End and also in the original Adams’ market hall. The Stanton family who had theatres in Stafford, Wellington and Uttoxeter built a theatre in Upper Bar, and performed every other year for two to three months depending on patronage. Newport races were recorded sporadically from1838 until 1861. There was a new course on the Marsh road, now Audley Avenue, with both flat and steeplechasing. A grandstand was erected in 1839. This still stands today in Audley Avenue, and is called ‘Audley Villa’.

In 1750 leisure for the working classes was limited by low wages, long hours and often long distances to get to and from work. The main entertainment seemed to be drink. After 1830 Beer Shops opened up serving cheap ale to working men. Drinking and large meetings often lead to violence and riots. Amusement was not as refined or varied as today even ice skating on the local pools was limited to men. The medieval fairs still existed particularly 28th May and the Gawby Market at Christmas where workers were hired. here there was an element of entertainment with stalls and food, swings and menageries. Richardson's Theatrical Booth came to the May Fair and stood in the High Street. This was 30 feet high and 100 feet wide. Other annual events included the Crab Wakes at Chetwynd End which involved a dinner, donkey, sheep & wheelbarrow races and climbing the greasy pole. These went on until the 1860s. Maypole dancing was always traditional on 1st May. The town also celebrated notable events in the lives of the local landed families, such as the Leveson-Gowers of Lilleshall Hall, the Cotes of Woodcote, the Burton Boroughs of Chetwynd Park and the Bougheys of Aqualate Hall, by processions and ox roasts.

1850-1914

After 1850 entertainment became more genteel, varied and organised, though there were still riots in the High Street provoked by drink. The symbol of the new age was the new Market Hall, often called the Town Hall, and this was erected in 1860. It was designed as a centre of entertainment and social life. The Hunt Ball, local club dances, meetings, bazaars, concerts and theatrical shows took place in the large assembly room upstairs, which had a sprung floor.

There was much self improvement with Mutual Improvement Societies, Mechanics Institutes, Working Mens Clubs and from 1883 a Literary Institute. There were choirs, orchestras, literary readings and trips out on the railway from 1849. As education improved after 1873 there was even more self help. In 1890 the Agricultural Society was founded becoming a major event in the town`s social calendar. Much of this was sponsored by the local gentry particularly Sir Thomas Boughey. From 1870 came the organised sports with their national codes, rules and laws promoted by Tom Collins headmaster of the Grammar School; this school providing most of the players. Newport Football Club played major teams such as Aston Villa and even under floodlights. The cricket club moved to Audley Avenue and had a professional by 1900.There were cycling clubs from the 1880s and Newport had its own cycle maker. The bowling club was set up in 1903. The railways and the steam traction engine allowed the movement of major entertainments such as fairs and circuses lit and powered by electricity. From the 1880s Pat Collins` May Fair had become a massive attraction and filled Newport High Street. The town was also visited by Sanger`s Circus and Buffalo Bill`s Wild West Show. The decline of drinking meant more civilised leisure activities and in 1895 it was reported that skating on Aqualate Mere had become a pleasant pastime dominated by ladies!

A full album of images relating to this theme can be found by clicking on 'More Images: Leisure in Newport 1750-1914' on the lefthand menu.