[Competitive Walking] Pedestrianism - A Pair of 1815 Newspapers Noting The Exploits of Several Well-Known Pedestrians

Two original copies of The Evening Star newspaper for November 16th & 17th 1815, 4pp, both noting the exploits of several well-known pedestrians of the day. Both are headed by a very nice woodcut illustration of Mr. Eaton, “The Blackheath Pedestrian”, the first day enthusiastically detailing the elaborate arrangements taken by Eaton before setting off for his two mile walk from (and ending at) The Hare and Billet Inn around half an hour later. It also features a short account of the Rochester pedestrian, Mr. Baker who had completed over 770 miles in around 16 days. The second day briefly notes that due to the snow, Eaton had completed his two miles in half an hour, and appeared to have spent the rest of the time in the pub. It also carries a lengthy account of the Rochester pedestrian on the 17th day off his walk, completing 51 miles in the day, apparently eating only a pennyworth of gingerbread on the way, his progress on the snowy paths helped by his attendants throwing coal ash in front of him. It additionally notes a large wager which had been placed on Baker, and is a reminder that betting was the reason that pedestrianism became so popular a sport in the late 18th/early 19th Centuries, with a number of the better walkers being professional. There is also a brief account of another pedestrian called Sardeson who walked from Tattershall to Horncastle and back (18 miles) in two and a quarter hours, again for a wager of one guinea. 

Approx. 320x480mm., light wear/splits along folds, minor spotting, though overall in good order.