Author: ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE
Title: The Siege of Badajoz having been received with universal applause will be repeated every evening.
Description: Lambeth: T. Romney, printer, c. 1812? Poster, 510 x 185 mm. small spike hole in the centre. This spectacular equestrian event showed "A Progressive Representation, in 14 Scenes, of the Glorious Storming and Capture, at the Point of the Sword and Bayonet, the Outwork and Town of Badajoz, by the Brace and Gallant Allied Army, commanded by...Lord Wellington..." The Siege of Badajoz, one of the bloodiest actions of the Peninsular War, took place in March-April 1812 leading to almost 5,000 allied casualties. Enraged by the heavy losses, the soldiers sacked the city, raided stores of alcohol and raped and killed up to 300 civilians. It took 72 hours for Wellington to restore order during which time several officers were killed by their own men. Presumably this aftermath was not portrayed by Astley's company. Also advertised is a performance of elevated rope dancing by Mr. Ducrow, presumably Andrew Ducrow, or his father who trained him. Andrew Ducrow [1793 - 1842] was the most celebrated equestrian of his day, originating many acts of horsemanship and later becoming the proprietor of Astly's Royal Amphitheatre.

Keywords: Ephemera


See more books from our catalog: Ephemera