Thame in Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
James Figg (1684-1734)
Photographed By Stephen Palmer, September 23, 2023
1. James Figg Marker
'Champion of England' for trials of skill
born in Thame and associated with this inn then called The Greyhound
Erected 2011 by Oxfordshire Blue Plaques Board.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1684.
Location. 51° 44.83′ N, 0° 58.69′ W. Marker is in Thame, England, in Oxfordshire. Marker is on Cornmarket, on the right when traveling south. Plaque is on the front of the James Figg pub. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21 Cornmarket, Thame, England OX9 2BL, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 19 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. John Fothergill (1876-1957) (within shouting distance of this marker); Group Captain Frank H Kirby (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); W.B. Yeats (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Lieutenant Alfred John Lester (approx. 19 kilometers away); All Hallows Graveyard (approx. 19 kilometers away); Thomas Bennett (approx. 19 kilometers away); Judge Sir William Blackstone (approx. 19.3 kilometers away); St Mary-le-More Church (approx. 19.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thame.
Also see . . .
1. International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Excerpt:(Submitted on September 23, 2023, by Stephen Palmer of Ascot, England.)"Although fisticuffs as a sport started in England about 40 years before his rise to prominence, James Figg is considered to have been the first heavyweight boxing champion. He was also the first to teach and promote boxing both as a skill and a competitive sport."
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2. Oxford Blue Plaques.
Excerpt: "His proud boast was ‘Here I am Jemmy Figg from Thame. I will fight any man in England.’ The former Greyhound Inn is traditionally held to have been his headquarters in his early days."(Submitted on September 23, 2023, by Stephen Palmer of Ascot, England.)
Photographed By Stephen Palmer, September 23, 2023
2. James Figg Marker
Anna Maria Ireland (courtesy of the New York Public Library), circa 1794
3. James Figg: Master of ye Noble Science of Defence
NYPL indicates: Inscription in cartouche reads in full: James Figg, Master of ye Noble Science of Defence on ye right hand in Oxford Road near Adam & Eve court teaches Gentlemen ye use of ye small back sword & Quarterstaff at home & abroad.
Biographical/historical: According to the British Museum, which holds copies of this print, the inscription "Will. Hogarth ft." is misleading, and the print was actually made by Anna Maria Ireland, the daughter of printmaker Samuel Ireland. In 1965 the art historian Ronald Paulson confirmed that this was a forgery, probably made ca. 1794.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2023, by Stephen Palmer of Ascot, England. This page has been viewed 44 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 23, 2023, by Stephen Palmer of Ascot, England. 3. submitted on September 24, 2023. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
