RARE PHOTO OF 1861 BRITISH WRESTLING CHAMPION WM. SCHORA

"William Schora, Champion Wrestler of England at 6 score 6 pounds - 1861". Hand colored albumen photo with labeled mount, his trainer is holding up the Championship Belt. In the original frame with old glass, OS: 17" x 14 3/4", image size: 7 1/2' x 5 1/4". Toned.
The Lancashire Wrestling Championship was held 1861-1867 at the Copenhagen Grounds, Newton Heath (Manchester, England). Organizer of the Championship was proprietor of the grounds famous Mr. Thomas Hayes (1826-1894) of Manchester.
George Newbold of London was the most famous Victorian sporting publisher and produced most of these images of athletes of the1860s. His studio was housed at 303 & 304 The Strand -W C. There were only two other prominent local Manchester based photographers: Mr. Alcroft "the eminent photographic artist of London Road" and John Eastham of St Ann's Square. Those two photographers were mentioned as present at many local title matches in Greater Manchester areas during 1860s.