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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.
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Racing on Leith Sands
24 October 1720 |
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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.
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A Black Gelding
called Swallow, belonging to Captain Charles Croket; John
Stuart Rider, riding Livery, white Fustain.
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A Bay Mare
called Rosielips, belonging to Captain Robert Lyle Esquire;
John Bulman Rider, riding Livery, Red and White.
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A Grey Store-Horse
called Sloven, belonging to Sir William Blacket; John
Goodman Rider, riding Livery, white Fustain.
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A Grey Mare
called Highland Lassie, belonging to Eliza Thomson Esquire;
John Turner Rider, riding Livery, white Fustain.
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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. |
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Caledonian
Mercury 24 October 1720 p.463
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Racing on Leith Sands
21 November 1720 |
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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']
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A Bay Mare
called Lazy-Legs, belonging to Mr Lockart of Carnworth;
George Oliver Rider, riding Livery, Green Silk
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A Grey Store-Horse
called Bald, belonging to the Right Honourable the Duke of
Roxburgh, Magnes Berry Rider, riding Livery, Green
Silk
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A Bay Mare
called Squirrel, belonging to Lord William Hay, John Young
Rider, riding Livery, White Faustain
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A Grey Horse belonging to
Capt. William Erskine, named Small Hopes, Edward Kendal Rider,
riding Livery, Blew Satin.
[Note the spelling of 'Blew']
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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
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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. |
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Cock Match on Leith Links
28 January 1721 |
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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. |
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Caledonian Mercury 26
January 1721 |
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