Sport Gallery

Captain Tom Gundry, champion Cornish wrestler. Probably early 1880s

A studio portrait photograph of the champion Cornish wrestler, Thomas Gundry, wearing a wrestling jacket and two championship sashes. Gundry was born at Higher Prospidnick, Sithney, on 16th October 1818 and died at Stennack, Camborne, on 22nd October 1888. His obituary in the Mining Journal of 27th October 1888 reads "Captain Tom Gundry is dead. This brief announcement will be read with regret by Cornishmen in every quarter of the world. Captain Tom was the best known of the old school of Cornish wrestlers, and will be remembered for his prowess in the ring, and not as a mine agent. Born 70 years ago Captain Tom was bred in the parish of Sithney and from a child developed a strong passion for the favourite sport of the West Countryman. In the old days, wrestling was cultivated to a far higher degree than now; the leading gentlemen of the county, assisted by their patronage, presence, and financial support; and a match was the signal for an exodus of miners to witness the bouts. Captain Tom held the championship for a long period; he won many cups, and wrestled, not only in Cornwall and Devon; but in London also. It is said of him that whilst he unquestionably bought many backs, he never sold his own. He was at one time agent at Camborne Consols, and at another period agent at North Basset. Of late years he now and then assisted as stickler in the wrestling field. He expired at his home near Camborne, on Tuesday evening." He was married four times, the last at Treslothan, Camborne in May 1880. Photographer: John Charles Burrow

© From the collection of the RIC

Bowling Club, Lostwithiel, Cornwall. September 1988

Members of the victorious Lostwithiel Bowling Club team are pictured with the Kenyon Cup, which they won for the first time in their 62 year history. They contested the outdoor cup with the other divisional runners up at Porthleven, beating Redruth in the semi-final and Camborne in the final. Back row from left to right: Brian Sweet, Charles Breize, Pete Hambly, Nip Fenton, John Cobbin and Bob Bennett. Front row from left to right: Dennis Walford, Alan Pearce, Gordon Levitt, Brian Croft, Lionel Richards and David Rule. Photographer: Jonathan Barker

© RIC, photographer Jonathan Barker