Figg's Great Room

Figg's New Amphitheatre, or Figg's New Theatre adjoining his house at the sign of the City of Oxford, Oxford Road (likely in Adam and Eve Court) in Marylebone.

A scholar of Timothy Buck of Clare Market, the celebrated James Figg began his career as a Master of the Noble Science of Defence at the Boarded House in the Bear Garden in Marylebone Fields, at "the Backside of Soho Square" around 1714. By 1724 he was advertising combats at the new Amphitheatre. Although Figg's Amphitheatre is occasionally described by historians as a "boarded house," and mistakenly conflated with the Boarded House in the Marylebone Bear Garden, the new amphitheatre was never advertised as a boarded house and was distinct from those premises. Figg's "farewell to the Bear Garden" was a combat on Friday, August 9, 1723. The Amphitheatre featured "Trials of Skill" (combats with weapons) and, less frequently, “Trials of Manhood” (combats with fists).

Figg leased his premises from Mr. Bouch, a mason, who disputed Figg's having built the Amphitheatre "without leave or lease." At the hearing on the matter on November 17, 1726, Master of the Rolls Sir Joseph Jekyll decided in Figg's favour. In early January 1727, the Amphitheatre was advertised as "Mr. Figg's regularly licens'd Amphitheatre, at his House, the Sign of the City of Oxford in Oxford Road." Subsequently, the combats were advertised as taking place at "Mr. Figg's Great Room, at his House, the Sign of the City of Oxford in Oxford Road, Marybone Fields."

In 1729, the Earl of Essex appointed Figg Gate-Keeper to the Upper St. James's Park. The Great Room was taken over for a period in the early 1730s by Figg's pupil Thomas Sibblis, with the location of the Amphitheatre identified as "Sibblis's Great Room, (Late Mr. Figg's) in Oxford Road, in the Adam and Eve Passage." Figg died December 8, 1734. Almost a decade later, in 1743, the pugilist John Broughton erected a new amphitheatre, advertised in the papers as "Broughton's new Amphitheatre." This was located in Oxford Road, at the "back of the late Mr. Figg's" or "near the late Mr. Figg's, in Oxford Road": it is unclear if the new amphitheatre was located where Figg's had been adjoining to his house, or if it was built at a new location nearby. Wheatley and Cunningham suggest that "Figg's successor in reputation was Broughton"; it should be noted, however, that Figg was the foremost swordsman of his day while Broughton's high reputation years later was in the fistic world.

—Allison Muri, with grateful acknowledgment of advice on Figg's career from the British prize-ring historian Tony Gee

 

At Figg's new Amphitheatre, joining to his House, the Sign of the City of Oxford, in Oxford Road, Marybone Fields, on Wednesday the 19th Instant, will be perform'd a Tryial of Skill by the following Masters. Whereas I Ch[r]istopher Perkins, from Ireland, Master of the Noble Sicence of Defence, who when I encountred Mr. Figg last, being, as it were, thereunto compell'd, notwithstanding the Impediment I then labour'd under, which rendred me unfit for that Purpose: Now these Disadvantages being removed, and that the said Mr. Figg, and all his Votaries, may see the Odds, I do hereby Invite him to meet me as above, and Exercise by *Inversion (*i.e. beginning with the Staff, &c.) the usual Weapons practised on the Stage, I James Figg, from Thame in Oxfordshire, Master of the said Science, that the said Mr. Perkins, or any body else, may not have it in their Power to assert, I ever made use of any other Advantage than that of the judgement of the Sword, will not fail to be ready to receive him at the Time abovemention'd; where, notwithstanding his Inverting the Order, I shall endeavour to give him to understand, that let him take hold of what link of the Chain he pleases, the same Consequences will follow. Attendance will be give at Three, and the Masters mount at 5 precisely, by reason of th eDecrease of the Day. N.B. Mr. Figg gives a pair of Gloves to be plain for to divert the Company before the Masters mount.
—Daily Post 1526, Monday, August 17, 1724

 

At Figg's new Amphitheatre, joining to his House, the Sign of the City of Oxford in Oxford Road, Marybone Fields, this Day the 9th of Sept. will be acted a Tragi-Comedy, call'd The Competitors. The principal Parts to be perform'd by the celebrated Mr. James Figg, Oxonian, and Mr. John Hoyle, Eborac. or Yorkshire Professor: The Matter of Debate being which of them are the most Emphatical and Excellent in their Performances, it is to be left to (and they are to rise and fall by) the Judgment of the then Assembly.
     N.B. Attendance will be given at Two, and the Masters mount at Four precisely, by reason of a Dispute between two other Masters, Mr. Clarkson the Old Soldier, and Mr. Stevenson, known by the Name of Greylock; who, after the former Masters have ended, will entertain the Spectators with an Exhibition throughout all the Weapons and which is to be left to their Decision.
—Daily Post 1546, Wednesday, September 9, 1724

 

At Figg's new Ampthitheatre, joyning to his House, the Sign of the City of Oxford, in Oxford Road, Marybone Fields, to-Morrow, being the 23d of September, will be held, as is expected, a great Controversy, in the Language of the Sword, between Edward Sutton, Pipe-maker, from Gravesend, and John Parkes from Coventry, both celebrated Masters of Defence, which of the two are the most excellent in their Performances, the latter being out of the Question as to his Capability, has referr'd all to Tryal; and the former asserts, that if the latter expects to find him as easy to be wrought upon as Tobacco Pipe Clay, he will find himself under a gross Mistake.
—Daily Journal 1146, Tuesday, September 22, 1724

 

A new Bear Garden, called Figg's Theatre, being a stage for Gladiators or Prize-fighters, is built on the Tyburn Road. N.B.—The gentlemen of the science taking offence at its being called Tyburn Road, though it really is so, will have it called the Oxford Road.
—Daniel Defoe, A Tour through Great Britain, London, 1725, vol. ii. p. 191

 

At Mr. Figg's New Amphitheatre, joyning to his House, the Sign of the City of Oxford in Oxford Road, Marybone Fields, on Wednesday next, will be a very hot Dispute between the two famous Hero's, the celebrated Mr. Figg and Edward Sutton, who in their Way being stir'd up with the like Emulations of Cæsar and Pompey, the one bearing no Equal, and the other no Rival, are both resolv'd to put an End to such Disputes for the future, by exerting the utmost of their Skill and Courage, so that it is thought there will be as fierce a Contest between these two, as was between the others at the Plains of Pharsalia.
—Daily Post 1730, Monday, April 12, 1725

 

At Mr. Figg's New Amphitheatre, joyning to his House, the Sign of the City of Oxford, in Oxford-Road, on Wednesday the 11th of this Instant August, will be perform'd a Tryal of Skill, between the following Combatants. We Edward Sutton, Master of the Noble Science of Defence, Champion of Kent, together with an eminent Female Heroine, of that celebrated County, having heard of the Valour of the famous Mr. Stokes, and his much admir'd Consort, the City Championess, do invite them to three Bouts at each of the following Weapons, viz Back Sword, Sword and Dagger, Sword and Buckler, and Quarter-Staff, and we don't doubt of giving unanswerable Proofs that we deserve to belong to the renowned County, that was never Conquer'd, not even by William the Conqueror himself. We James Stokes, Citizen of London, and his Wife the celebrated City Championess, having heard a good Character of Mr. Sutton and his Heroical Countrywoman, do accept their Challenge, and will engage them accordingly, where we will make them know, that there is a great deal of Difference between a Parcel of half-starv'd Normans, and a couragious Couple, who belong to the chief City of the most Warlike Island in the World. The Boxes will be set at Three, and the Combatants mount at Five. For the Diversion of the Spectators, there will be Cudgel-playing before the Masters mount. Fight Wet or Dry.
—Daily Post 1831, Saturday, August 7, 1725

 

At Mr. Figg's New Amphitheatre, joyning to his House, the Sign of the City of Oxford, in Oxford-Road, Marybone Fields, To-morrow, being the 1st of September, will be perform'd a Tryal of Skill by the four following Masters. Whereas I Joseph Hamlin, the bold Hibernian, and I Thomas Philips, the Black from Jamaica, Masters of the Noble Science of Defence; the former having by Misfortune receiv'd a Cut on the Face, fighting with Mr. Sutton, the largest that ever was given; and the later having fought George Bell, Scholar to the Celebrated Mr. Figg, on Wednesday last: We do therefore invite the said Mr. Sutton and George Bell at the usual Weapons practis'd on the Stage, not doubting but to give as general Satisfaction as ever was given. In white Drawers, white Stockings, and Pumps. I Edward Sutton, from Gravesend, Master of the Noble Science of Defence, and I George Bell, Scholar to the Invincible Mr. Figg; the former a bold and applauded Hero, who fears no Man; and the latter, tho' Young, yet had the Honour of pleasing a great Number of worthy Gentlemen last Wednesday; will not fail meeting this bold Hibernian, and the Jamaica Black, as above specified, where nothing shall be wanting on all Parts, to please all Gentlemen, and gain a general Applause. Mr. Sutton desires the bold Hibernian to take care of the other side of his Face; and George Bell desires the Black to take care of his Leg.
     N.B. Attendance will be given at Three, and the Master mount at Five precisely, by reason of four Masters Performance.
—Daily Post 1851, Tuesday, August 31, 1725

 

We hear that the Gentlemen of Ireland having been long picking out an Hibernian Heroine to match Mrs. Stokes, the bold and famous City Championess; there is now one arrived here, who by her Make and Stature, seems mighty enough to eat her up. However, Mrs. Stokes being true English Blood (and remembering some late Reflections that were past, upon her Husband by some of that Country Volk) is resolved to see her out Vi at Armis. And little Jemmy Stokes, to shew himself a true Briton, invites Mr. Perkins (the only Swordsman among the Hibernians) to use the best of his skill to retrieve the Honour of his Country, or he may expect to come lamely off. This being like to prove a notable and diverting Engagement, its not doubted but abundance of Gentlemen will crowd to Mr. Figg's Amphitheatre on Wednesday, the 24th Instant, on purpose to see this uncommon Performance.
—Mist's Weekly Journal 30, Saturday, November 20, 1725

 

At Mr. Figg's New Amphitheatre, joyning to his House, the SIgn of the City of Oxford, in Oxford Road, Marybone Fields, To-morrow, being the 24th of this Instant November, will be perform'd a Tryal of Skill by the following Combatants. We Christopher Perkins, Taylor, from Dublin, Master of the Noble Science of Defence, and Champion of Ireland (who have lately fought the best English Masters with a general Applause) together with Bonduca O Brian, the bold Female Hibernian, having heard of the Valour of the famous Mr. Stokes, and his much admired Consort the brave City Championess, do invite them at the following Weapons, viz. Back Sword, Sword and Dagger, Sword and Buckler, and Quarter-staff; and we don't doubt of giving convincing Proofs of the Hibernian Bravery, to the entire Satisfaction of all Spectators. We James Stokes, Citizen of London, and his Wife the celebrated City Championess, having. heard an extraordinary Character of Mr. Perkins, and his Heroical Countreywoman, do accept their Challenge with a hearty Good Will; and are resolved to make them know, that there is a great deal of Difference between the Irish Dear Joys, and a couragious Couple, who belong to the chief City of the most Warlike Nation in the World. Note, the Place of Exercise is dry over Head, being inclosed all round and all over. Attendance will be given at Eleven, and the Combatants mount between One and Two precisly, With the usual Diversion beforehand.
—Daily Post 1923, Tuesday, November 23, 1725

 

At Mr. Figg's New Amphitheatre, joining to his House, the Sign of the City of Oxford, in Oxford Road, Marybone-Fields, on Wednesday next, being the 6th of April, will be perform'd a Tryal of Skill by the following Masters. Wheres I James Collins, Cambridge Professor of the Noble Science of Defence, hearing how the World has been amus'd with the Terrible Name of Mr. Figg, which is so high extoll'd, as if (Mackbeth like) he is not to be Conquer'd by any of Woman Born; therefore to make it appear that this Terribleness is only Nominal, as also that there is a Macduff still left to attack him, I do hereby invite the said Mr. Figg to meet as above, and Exercise all he is Master of, at the usual Weapons practis'd on the Stage. I James Figg, Oxonian Professor of the said Science, for better understanding the said Mr. Collins, as being amus'd with this manner of Elocution, will not fail meeting him according to his Invitation; where, if instead of the Fate of Macduff, he should share that of Lenox, it is to be hop'd it will be imputed to his own Inadvertency, rather than any Seeking of mine. N.B. The Doors will be open'd at Two, and the Masters mount at Five exactly.
—Daily Post 2037, Tuesday, April 5, 1726

 

Several Gentlemen having laid great Sums of Money on this Battle, it is thought there will be the most Company as has been some Years.
     At Mr. Figg's New Amphitheatre, joining to his House, the Sign of the City of Oxford, in Oxford Road, Marybone Fields, on Wednesday next, being the 20th of April, will be perform'd a Trial of Skill by the following Masters.

————Hard Steel succeeded then,
And stubborn as the Metal were the Men.   Dryden.

Whereas I Edward Sutton from Gravesend, Master of the noble Science of Defence, having in my late Engagement with Mr. Wells, the Misfortune to be taken ill, and for that Reason was prevail'd upon by the Gentlemen to go off the Stage, without fighting the last Bout at Quarter-staff, altho' I did not receive the least Damage in any of the foregoing Weapons; which has caused some People to imagine, that my desisting proceeded more from Fear than Indisposition. I am therefore oblid'g to convince the World of that Error, by inviting the said Mr. Wells to meet me as above, to exercise the usual Weapons fought on the Stage; and I design to cut off this Limb of Defence, (for I can stile him no otherwise) only as an Introduction to come at the Head. I John Wells from Bury St. Edmonds, Master of the said Science, will not fail to meet Mr. Sutton at his Time and Place; and believe I shall this Time make him sick before his last Bout at Staff; and if I should disable him, of which I don't the least doubt, I shall take no farther Notice;

But give the vanquish'd Hector leave to rail,
And vent his Spleen as Strength and Nature fail.    Clark upon Snell.

N.B. The Doors will be open'd at Three, and the Masters mount at Five exactly.
—Daily Post 2049, Tuesday, April 19, 1726

 

This Evening there is to be an Hearing before the Master of the Rolls, between Mr. James Figg the famous Prize-Fighter, and Mr. Bouch a noted Mason, his Landlord, concerning the Amphitheatre built by the said Mr. Figg at his House in Tyburn-Road, without Leave or Lease from his said Landlord.
—Daily Journal 1823, Thursday, November 17, 1726.

 

Yesterday in the Evening came on before Sir Joseph Jekyll Kt. Master of the Rolls, a Hearing between Mr. Bouch, Landlord to Mr. Figg, the famous Prize-fighter, and the said Mr. Figg, about the Amphitheatre built in Oxford Road near Marybone Fields, which went for the latter, with Costs of the Suit.
—Daily Post 2238, Friday, November 25, 1726

 

At Mr. Figg's regularly licens'd Amphitheatre, at his House, the Sign of the City of Oxford in Oxford Road, Marybone Fields, this Day being the 5th of January, will be perform'd a Trial of Manhood by the following Men. Whereas the British Nation arrogates to itself th Precedency of all other Nations in the Performance of the Noble Olympick Games, viz. Wrestling, Boxing, and such like Exercises as serve to discover their Manhood, more especially since the Conquest over the Venetian Gondalier: But seeing that Victor is since overcome by the famous Gritton, who bears the Character of the greatest Boxer in England; now to convince the World, that the renowned Country of Muscovy is able to produce Abundance who are capable of making these bold Britons sensible of their Arrogancy and Error, I, a Native of the said Russian Empire, do hereby dare the said famous British Hero to dispute the same with me as above, for and under the Penalty of forfeiting the Twenty Guineas, as already agreed on by Articles. I John Gritton, Champion, for Great Britain, will not fail agreeing with every Article, as to Time, Place, Money, and all Things else that are specified in our said Articles: When, instead of Twenty Guineas, if any will back their Nation for Two Hundred, it shall be immediately answered, at, or before, the Tiime of this Grand Decision.
     N.B. Attendance will be given at Ten, and the Combatants to commence at Two, under Forfeiture of the said Articles of Twenty Guineas by him that fails. Prices, Gallery 5 s. Pit 2 s. 6 d.
—Daily Post 2273, Thursday, Jan. 5, 1727.

 

At Mr. Figg's Great Room, at his House, the Sign of the City of Oxford, in Oxford-Road, Marybone-Fields, To-morrow being the 8th of March, will be performed a Trial of Skill, by the following Masters;
     Whereas I Robert Barker, Butcher, from Dublin, and Professor of the Noble Science of Defence, having in Eighty-five Engagements with the most celebrated Masters in the said Science, given such signal Proofs of my Ability therein, as have oblig'd them to confess me their Superior: But the Fame of the great and surprizing Mr. Figg having spread itself as it were universally, stiling him the Inimitable, the Invincible, and such like terrifying Characters, as has served rather to spirit me up with an Emulation of his Performances, than to prepossess me with any Dread of encountering this mighty Hero; for which Reason, and thro' the Instigation of several eminent Persons, as well Masters as others, I have been prevailed upon to come over, to lower the Pride of this hitherto unequal'd English Champion; which, that this Eighty-sixth Battle (as all other heretofore) may not fail of, I do hereby request him to meet as above specified, and try the same at all he is capable of performing at the usual Weapons practis'd on the Stage.
     I James Figg, Oxonian Professor of the said Science, for the Honour of the English Performances, rather than any Ambition of my own, or Self-Ostentation, will not fail according with the Request of this yet unparallel'd Hero; when I shall communicate to him, in as emphatical Terms as I can, the Difficulty of this Undertaking, and which I don't doubt will determine between him and me any more Debates, or future Controversies whatever.
     Attendance will be given at three, and the Masters mount at five precisely.
—Daily Journal 1917, Tuesday, Mar. 7, 1727.

 

To be Sold very reasonable,
     At Mr. FIGG's, at the Sign of the City of Oxford, in Oxford-Rode, Penns for Game Cocks; also a Stage and matt; with a Sconce that holds sixteen Lights; all very good.
—Weekly Journal or British Gazetteer 179, Saturday, October 26, 1728

 

Mr. Macguire, the Prize-Fighter, had his Nose cut clear from his Face by Mr. Sutton, at Mr. Figg's Amphitheatre last Wednesday.
—Daily Post 3612, Friday, Apr. 16, 1731.

 

At Mr. Sibblis's Great Room,
(Late Mr. Figg's)
In Oxford Road, in the Adam and Eve Passage, this present Wednesday, being the 16th of April, a Trial of Skill in the Noble Science of Defence will be perform'd between the two following Masters, viz.
     I Felix Mac-Guire, of the Kingdom of Ireland, Tutor in the Science of Devence, and Professor of the Theory therein, invited hither by no other View than that of Universal Conquest, have determin'd to engage that chosen Master, Mr. William Gill, whose Fame, like a Passing-Bell, seems to have rung Terror through my Native Country, and fill'd the Souls of Men with panic Fear; if Honour can bring him to a Compliance of giving me Battle, at the Time and Place above-mentioned, I am his Humble Servant; his Condescension is all I hope, being in as good Repute in Ireland as he is here, so that his Character cannot be lessen'd by fighting me, but mine be extended that Length a vindictive Sword and no Favour can carry it. Felix Mac-Guire.
     I William Gill of the City of Gloucester, late Scholar to that great Master, Mr. James Figg, and now too much a Master to dread the Threats of any Man, will not fail, at the Time and Place appointed, to meet this brave and bold Inviter, when my Life shall be forfeited, if I do not give him the bloodiest Memento Hibernia ever bore in her Standard, which from that time shall be quarter'd with the Arms of Gloucster instead of Great Britain, whilst a brandish'd Sword, issuing from a Briton's Hand, adorns the Crest, and gives the Herald a Name as lasting as Eternity. The Time appointed shall convince him of the Truth hereof, to which I ever did, and always will refer myself.
William Gill.
     There will be the usual Diversion of Cudgel-playing, by Capt. Vinegar's Company, before the masters mount.
     Attendance will be give at Three and the Masters mount at Five.
     Note, This being the first Trial of Skill perform'd here this Season, 'tis not doubted but the Spectators will be very numerous, therefore Gentlemen are desired to be early, that they may be commodiously seated.
—Daily Post 3934, Wednesday, Apr. 26, 1732.

 

At Mr. SIBBLIS's Great-Room,
(Late Mr. FIGG's)
In Oxford Road, Tomorrow, being Wednesday, the 28th of February 1732–3, will be performed a Trial of Skill in the Noble Science of Defence between the two following Masters, viz.

Whereas three Battles were fought last Season, between Mr. Wm. Hannah, the famous Hibernian Gladiator, and Edw. Sutton from Gravesend, the unconquer'd Kentish Hero, and the Battles being equal; by the particular Desire of several Persons of Quality, they are to mount the Stage, and go through all the Weapons new pratised on the Stage, at the Time and Place above-mentioned, when the Spectators may expect to see the best Performance that has been seen for many Years past; which shall be the utomost Care of
Your Humble Servants,
William Hannah,
Edward Sutton.
     N.B. There will be great Diversion of Cudgel-playing, by Capt. Vinegar and his Company, before the Masters mount.
     Attendance will be given at Three, and the Masters mount at Five precisely, to go through the Exercise.
     Note, There is the same Conveniency for the Reception of Gentlemen, as formerly at Mr. Figg's, and to go through the House without being incommoded by the Mob.
—Daily Journal 3792, Tuesday, February 27, 1733

Figg's, a "boarded house," or amphitheatre in Marylebone, by the Oxford Road, built by James Figg or Fig, the celebrated prize-fighter, or "master of defence," a native of Thame in Oxfordshire. He died in 1734, and was buried (December 11) in Marylebone churchyard. Bear-baiting, tiger-baiting, and female fighting were among the occasional attractions of the house, known by the sign of the City of Oxford. A Mrs. Stokes was the famous female champion.

At the Boarded House in Marybone Fields, on Wednesday next, March 16 [1720] will be performed a Trial of Skill between John Parkes from Coventry and James Figg from Thame in Oxfordshire, master of the whole science of defence, at the usual weapons fought on the stage.
N.B. They never thought to have fought any more; but being desired by a great number of gentlemen which were present when they fought six scholars of each master's at the Fountain Tavern in the Strand; and the two Masters fought three bouts and gave great satisfaction.—Weekly Journal, March 10, 1720.

The fight with Sutton, the pipe-maker of Gravesend, has been sung by Dr. Byrom:—

Long liv'd the great Figg, by the prize-fighting swains
Sole monarch acknowledg'd of Marybone plains,
To the towns far and near did his valour extend
And swam down the river from Thame to Gravesend.

See! where the British youth, engaged no more,
At Figg's, at White's.
Pope, Satires of Dr. Donne Versified, Sat. iv.

From Figg's new Theatre he'll miss a night,
Though cocks and bulls and Irish women fight.
Bramston, The Art of Politicks, 1731.

My evenings all I could with sharpers spend
And the thief-catcher make my bosom friend;
In Figg the prize-fighter by day delight
And sup with Colley Cibber every night.
Bramston, The Man of Taste, 1733.

To Figg and Broughton he commits his breast
To steel it to the fashionable test.
Soame Jenyns, The Modern Fine Gentleman, 1746.

There is a mezzotint of Figg by Faber, and Hogarth has perpetuated his portrait in the second plate of the Rake's Progress, as also in Southwark Fair, where he appears on horseback. Figg's successor in reputation was Broughton. [See Broughton's.]

[Figg's.] In a card designed by Hogarth for James Figg, he is described as "Master of ye noble science of defence" dwelling "on ye right hand in Oxford Road near Adam and Eve Court."

[The inscription reads in full: "James Figg, Master of ye Noble Science of Defence on ye right hand in Oxford Road near Adam & Eve court teaches Gentlemen ye use of ye small back sword & Quarterstaff at home & abroad." Art historian Ronald Paulson determined in 1965 that the trade card was a forgery, probably made around 1794.—Ed.]