THE TRAGIC DEATH OF THE BALDWIN PONY - SHEFFIELD 1889
CRUELTY AT THE CIRCUS
To provide the background to this article, I located the following section in the on-line edition of the 1911 Britannica Encyclopaedia
"JOHN SANGER (1816-1889), English circus proprietor, was born at Chew Magna, Somerset, in 1816, the son of an old sailor who had turned showman. In 1845 he started with his brother George a conjuring exhibition at Birmingham. The venture was successful, and the brothers, who had been interested spectators of the equestrian performances at Astley's Amphitheatre, London then started touring the country with a circus entertainment consisting of a horse and pony and three or four human performers. This enterprise was a success from the beginning, and in due course John and George Sanger became lessees of the Agricultural Hall, London, and there produced a large number of elaborate spectacles. In 1871 the Sangers' leased Astley's where they gave an equestrian pantomime every winter, touring in the summer with a large circus. Subsequently the partnership was dissolved, each brother producing his own show. John Sanger died while touring, at Ipswich on the 22nd of August 1889, the business being continued by his son."
There are other online sources which go into far greater detail about the Sangers, their family and of course the circus.
I found the following court report in The Times dated March 8th 1889. It revolves around an incident that occurred in a travelling circus
THE BALDWIN PONY. - At the Sheffield Police-Court
THE BALDWIN PONY. - At the Sheffield Police court, yesterday
morning, John and George Sanger, proprietors of a circus in Sheffield, were
summoned for cruelty to the Baldwin pony. The prosecution was instituted by the
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and evidence adduced by them
showed that the pony was placed in a basket and hoisted to the roof of the
circus. It was then taken out and let down by wires. When 20ft. from the ground
one of the wires snapped and the pony was so injured by the fall that it had
eventually to be shot. The prosecution admitted that the pony's death was the
result of an accident, but it was held that it suffered great terror and pain
while suspended 30ft. from the ground, and also while being let down. This was
the cruelty alleged, and to support this witnesses stated that the pony was seen
to quiver and look frightened. For the defence two veterinary surgeons and other
witnesses were called to prove that the pony was not afraid, that it was
securely fastened by girths, and that it was quite calm and comfortable until
the accident happened. The magistrates, although disapproving of the
performance, did not think the defendants had been guilty of cruelty. The
defence had shown that two previous ascents and descents were made successfully.
The case would, therefore, be dismissed. It was stated on behalf of the
defendants that under no circumstances would such a performance be repeated.
From the evidence and the eyewitnesses that both sides produced it is not possible to reach a definite conclusion on the charge of cruelty. In these more enlightened times, the mere thought of suspending a horse thirty feet in the air in front of a paying audience would provoke public outrage, and a custodial sentence. But by the standards of the time, this was the norm. The defence stressed that "two previous ascents and descents were made successfully" and it was this statement that probably gave the benefit of the doubt to the Sangers.
The matter that still puzzles me is why it was called "The Baldwin Pony". I have not got a clue and so if anyone can help me, please contact me. I would also like to know where the circus took place in Sheffield. From the information I have it looks as though it was a travelling circus. There is an old photograph in the Sheffield archives dated 1880 that shows the Sanger's circus on Pinstone, Street with the now demolished St. Paul's Church, in background.
Whilst researching this article I also came across the
following snippet on the Old Heeley website.
ELEPHANTS ON THE LOOSE IN WOODSEATS!
by Alan Montgomery
The BIG TREE HOTEL was originally called MASONS’ ARMS, although the customers preferred to call it BIG TREE.
One day SANGER’s CIRCUS passed through and stopped for rest and refreshment at the Hote1. Some elephants which were tethered to the tree broke loose, and dragging away many of the branches. Although the tree survived this ordea1for some time, it was eventual1y replaced thanks to loca1 benefactor.
It must have been quite a sight - elephants rampaging through Woodseats!
Sources
Wikipedia
The Times, Mar 08, 1889; pg 5; Issue 32641; col D
1881 Census
Old Heeley website
This page was last updated on 26/03/07 11:18