The Great Prize Fight at White Oak Green, 1846

An illustrated talk by Tony Cooper

The Great Prize Fight

Although well documented at the time, details of this extraordinary day have largely been forgotten. The talk covered the build up to the prize fight and outlined the events of 12th May 1846. It took place on the edge of Wychwood Forest in front of an audience of 1000 people. As the day unfolded many of those involved would have witnessed a truly astonishing spectacle in this quiet area of West Oxfordshire, although for some it would have brought trouble and strife.

Using contemporary newspaper accounts, census returns, maps, fieldwork and local records Tony gave a detailed account, concentrating on the life of one of the combatants and what happened to him on the day in question. The story also involves an energetic vicar, a magistrate, a parish constable, an ostler, a carrier and many other characters ...

Tony Cooper is a local historian from the village of Finstock. He is a member of the Finstock Local History Society and has given talks on wartime farming, John Kibble, a local stonemason, and has re-enacted a Victorian Friendly Society Club Day. He is a keen metal detectorist and would be most willing to arrange a field survey on any land in the Wychwood area.




From Our Guest Book

  • "Excellent to have this centre as a focus for Churchill's history - especially in relation to William Smith."

  • "Beautiful setting, very peaceful & informative"

  • "What a lovely treat to stumble upon. Thank you for preserving a part of our Heritage"

  • "A fascinating display in a very beautiful setting."

  • "Beautiful restoration, very nicely done! Unexpected hive of information."

  • "A fascinating visit. William Smith was a wonderful man! "

  • "Why haven't we been here earlier? We shall certainly return!"

  • "Congratulations to all on this initiative.  So well-organised and user-friendly."

  • "Great building, well restored. Charming!"

  • "Lovely spot, so grateful this part of the old church was saved."

  • "Fantastic, absolutely first class. Most interesting and informative."

  • "A fine chance discovery"

  • "Such a wonderful enterprise. The locality should be proud of it."

  • "A little gem I didn't know existed."

  • "Very good new interactive displays, very comprehensive."