Entertainment

1700s

I started by looking through some of the old papers to see what entertainment was offered in Edinburgh as an alternative to viewing photographic exhibitions in the early days of photography.  I then looked back further to see the earliest references I could find to these activities.

Here is what I found.

 

Racing on Leith Sands

24 October 1720

A List of Horses booked, that are to Run for the Silver Plat of 50 Pounds Stirling Value, set out by the Lord Provost, Baillies and Town Council of Edinburgh upon the Sands of Leith this day being the 24th Instant.

-   A Black Gelding called Swallow, belonging to Captain Charles Croket; John Stuart Rider, riding Livery, white Fustain.

-   A Bay Mare called Rosielips, belonging to Captain Robert Lyle Esquire; John Bulman Rider, riding Livery, Red and White.

-   A Grey Store-Horse called Sloven, belonging to Sir William Blacket; John Goodman Rider, riding Livery, white Fustain.

-   A Grey Mare called Highland Lassie, belonging to Eliza Thomson Esquire; John Turner Rider, riding Livery, white Fustain.

-   A Black Gelding called Rock, belonging to Sir James Cunningham; Kenneth Wright Rider, riding Livery, strip Satin.

The Horses are to Start Half an Hour after Eleven a Clock in the Forenoon.

Caledonian Mercury   24 October 1720  p.463

 

Racing on Leith Sands

21 November 1720

A List of Horses booked, that are to Run for the Silver Plat of 25 Guineas Value, set out by the Lord Provost, Baillies and Town Council of Edinburgh upon the Sands of Leith, Munday the 21st November instant:  [Note the spelling of 'Munday']

-   A Bay Mare called Lazy-Legs, belonging to Mr Lockart of Carnworth; George Oliver Rider, riding Livery, Green Silk

-   A Grey Store-Horse called Bald, belonging to the Right Honourable the Duke of RoxburghMagnes Berry Rider, riding Livery, Green Silk

-   A Bay Mare called Squirrel, belonging to Lord William Hay, John Young Rider, riding Livery, White Faustain

-   A Grey Horse  belonging to Capt. William Erskine, named Small Hopes,  Edward Kendal Rider, riding Livery, Blew Satin.
[Note the spelling of 'Blew']

-   A Black Gelding called Rock, belonging to Sir James Cunningham; Kenneth Wright Rider, riding Livery, strip Satin.

The Horses are to Start Half an Hour after Eleven a Clock in the Forenoon.

Caledonian Mercury   21 November 1720  p.538

There were also races at Lanark, Peebles and Gala Rigg near Sterling, typically for any horse, mare or gelding, each to carry 8 stone including the weight of the whip, saddle and bridle, a Silver Plate, sterling value £12 or £25 being awarded to the best of three heats.

 

Cock Match on Leith Links

28 January 1721

There is a Cock Match in the Cock Pit in the Links of Leith on Saturday next, the 28th Instant at 9 a clock Forenoon, for a considerable Price.

Price 6 Pence for each Seat.

Caledonian Mercury    26 January 1721

 

Entertainment in Edinburgh  -  19th Century

1.  Royal Patent Gymnasium  -  adverts

2.  Royal Patent Gymnasium  -  background

 

Adverts in the Edinburgh & Leith Post Office Directories, old Newspapers and elsewhere:

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