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Astley, Philip

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Astley, Philip (1742–1814)

English equestrian and theatre impresario who was the first to introduce the circus as a form of entertainment. Celebrated by many as the best horse-tamer of his day, his original circus of 1798, ‘Astley's Amphitheatre’, which stood near Westminster Bridge in London, appeared in Charles Dickens's novel The Old Curiosity Shop (1840).

Born in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Astley joined the cavalry. After serving abroad, he returned to London to give displays of horsemanship. Later, he added other animal acts and acrobats. He eventually owned 19 circuses in England, Ireland, and France.



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