Powell and Clarke - the Early Years
While writing my article on Powell and Clarke's Circus in Ireland I stumbled upon David Fitzroy's article of Powell and Clarke's Circus in Britain. I am putting it up here as a companion piece to the main Irish Article about Powell and Clarke in Ireland which can be found here. This article is published on a not-for-profit website for educational and research purposes. It is intended to provide historical and educational information and is not published for commercial gain. Every effort has been made to acknowledge and credit the original sources and copyright holders where possible. If you are the copyright holder of any material featured and have concerns, please contact us.
Powell & Clarke's Circus
By David Fitzroy.
Chapter 1: The Allied Circus
In 1860, a John Powell was proprietor of a small circus, which visited Bislo and Dudley in April followed by a short season in Worchester. The earliest reference located for Powell, Footit and Clarke’s great allied Circus was for its opening – believed to be its inauguration – at Dudley on 4th February, 1867. The proprietors were Anthony Powell, George Foottit - who got his name as he used to ‘foot it’ from one village to the next – and Augustus Alfred Clarke. The latter, born at 41 Clements Lane, London, dropped the Augustus and was known as Alfred. His younger brother, Charles, had three sons, who became the Clarkonians, famous flying trapeze artistes.
The four week Dudley season – at the king street theatre – ended on Saturday, 2nd march. On the following Monday. Alfred married Richard Cheney’s daughter, Elizabeth, at Wallingofrd – between oxford and reading – where later there first two sons were born in fish street.
The offspring of both the Powell and Clarke families, (see family trees, page 3), were proficient in many different circus skills, particularly equestrian ones. For most of the year, the allied circus toured England, with one or two day stands. Two performances were given daily, every Monday to Saturday. (see appendix a, for venues.)
In April, 1867, the circus, with acting manager, Chas Testo, required artistes and tentmaster, with the address: Mr. Ramsey – probably their agent – 21, Belvidere Place, Borough Road, London. In July, at Hereford, “crowded houses at each performance” witnessed a production of Dick Turpin’s Ride to York. Later the same month, they visited Weymouth, “giving two performances in the park. There was a good attendance in the afternoon and in the evening upwards of 2,500 persons were present.” Mr. Testo was the “very efficient ringmaster”. In September, the circus had a new acting manager, Mr. E.W. Spear.
On Friday, 22nd November, “Powell, footit and Clarkes circus exhibited twice in Leicester…It was the last tenting town but one, prior to their winter season at Nottingham…Mr. Clarke is a superior equestrian either in his leaping act or in the management of four horses…funny footitt brought from Paris, an excellent representation of the real animal…”
On 25th November , 1867 – three weeks later than originally planned – the trio opened at Nottingham, in “a substantial wooden building, which had been erected by Mr. W Stevenson, a local builder.” A review for 22nd December reads: “Great Allied Circus..The variety and entertainment at this place of amusement continues to draw good houses..Messrs Anthony Powell and Clarke are clever horsemen..while the droll humour of funny Footitt does not fail to amuse all who see him…” In Nottingham, The Chinese Carnival and Dick Turpins Ride to York were presented. On Sunday, 22nd March, 1869, the proprietors gave their route as “Monday, Ikeston; Tuesday, Belfer; Wednesday, Worksop, some distance away, (with a visit two weeks hence), was clearly an error and the town should perhaps be Brailsford.
On 4th May, Powell, Footit and Clarke’s “equestrian establishment made their grand entry into Scarbourogh. The procession was one of the largest and most inspiring which has ever visited the town. They gave two performances in the large marquee erected in Victoria Road to crowded audiences.” Later that month, the trio wanted “a young man as secretary and ringmaster”; and “two Girls (must be pretty) between the ages of 10 and 12, as apprentices to learn the equestrian art.” On 28th May, at Sunderland, “their tent was crowded to excess”; and at Carlisle, “about 1,500 people assembled to witness the performance, which was in all respects successful”. They subsequently announced: “To be disposed of the refreshment selling in the tent,” viz, to be on concessions.
The j. powells grand circus’, with manager, chas testo, late of th allied circus , spent the 1868.69 winter season at kiddeminister, where “Mr. Powell and his daughters, Angelina and Louise , and his sons john and Anthony, appeared nightly, together with two younger children …”; and where “on Boxing Night upwards of 2,000 persons attended”. This family is possibly related to the Powell’s in the Allied Circus.
On 22nd November, 1868, the era reported: “Portsmouth. Allied Circus. The large brick building …situate in Lake-road was opened on the 16th inst. By Messrs Powell, Foottit and Clarke as an arena for horsemanship, &c…The builder Mr. Helby, has spared no expense in making it most comfortable and roomy for this class of entertainment; it being capable of holding upwards of three thousand people…The equestrian performers include Mr. Anthony Powell, Mr. Alfred Clarke and the young Welden…The clowns are Messrs Foottit, O’Neil, Cashmore, Elwell and Benhammo…”
Further extracts from Portsmouth reviews include: ‘Mdlle. Josephine and Mr. Alfred Clarke in their double act of horsemanship…Mr. Anthony Powell in his character from Pickwick”; “Mr. Alfred Clarke has returned…Anthony Powell’s characteristic act, The life of a Sailor, is nightly hailed with bursts of applause”; “Young Clarke on the slack wire”; and “Master Charles in a juggling act on horseback”. The artiste in the last two is Alfred’s brother. During the final week, “each night was devoted to benefits”.
In March, 1860, wanted were “Four or Five Pretty Girls aged from 6 to 8 years, to travel with Powell. Foottit and Clarkes Circus during the summer.” It is surprising such young girls should ‘work’ away from home. In the late 19th century, most large circuses had a resident core of artistes, who would, for short periods, appear as ‘guests’ in other circuses , or, be rested. (Yes, it did happen in those days!) On such occasions, the company would be supplemented with others engaged for a few weeks.
Following the fourteen week winter season in Portsmouth, the allied circus returned on 27th July, for a one day only ‘tenting’ visit. In September, “a 95 foot tent with an extra quarter which makes a 120 foot” was advertised for sale. During the 1869/70 winter, the wagons and equipment required for ‘touring’ were stored in Ipswich.” On 20th February, 1870, an era advertisement requested: “all engaged please meet on morn of Wednesday, 23rd inst…Powell, Foottit and Clarke’s Great Allied Circus, Ipswich.” AN Ipswich review, dated 23rd February, read, the three propitiators, “having concluded their winter season at the town, some weeks since, commenced their ensuing tenting season today, (Wednesday), with two performances in the New Cattle Market… “Incredibly, the artistes had been required to assemble only a few hours before the new season’s first public performance.
Soon after being engaged, some employees – particularly tentmasters – apparently found the work too demanding: since ‘Wanted’ in March, 1870, was “a sober steady tentmaster” and a “stud groom”; in April, “two solo cornets”; again in May, a “Tentmaster”; in July, a ‘Second Cornet Player”; and in July, once more an “experienced Tentmaster”. During the next three months, various artistes and musicians were required. In all the advertisements, the address given was the ‘White Hart Inn, Wallingford”.
Included in the opening performance of the 1870-71 winter season at Bath were Mr. Anthony Powell, with his Spanish steed, Black Hawk, “and young Clarke (quite a youth), with some very clever and dexterous juggling tricks.”
Powell, Foottit and Clarke’s Allied Circus visited bath on 27th June, 1871, and gave two performances, in which “Mr. C. Clarke’s juggling astonished many” and Mr. A Powell presented his Arabian horse, Black Hawk. The three proprietors advertised for fresh artists on 2nd July, again giving the “White Hart Inn” address. However, a few days after this date, there was an unexpected split in the partnership. The Powell and Clarke families left, the ‘Allied Circus’, which uninterruptedly continued to tour – but thence onwards with Foottit as sole proprietor.
In September and October, 1871, Foottit gave his address as “6, Wellington Place, Blackfriars, Road, London”. Footits great allied circus visited Loughbrough, on 20th October, when the spacious tent was crowded, two days later, Foottit requested: “all parties engaged to be at the circus on William Brown Street, Liverpool, at 10 am on November 6th.” The breakup of the partnership was probably amicable, since among those engaged in Liverpool was Mr. Charles Clarke, who one week appeared as a slack wire dancer” and another week was re-introduced as a “juggler &c. &c.”
In April, 1872, artistes replying to ‘wanted’ advertisements were to write “direct to G. Foottit, 5 Chester Terrace, Harrow Green, Leytonstone, London.” In September, 1872, foottit advertised ‘For Sale – Two Canvas Tents one 80 foot, the other 90. Both in good order.”
No further research has been undertaken on Foottit or his circus. For the record. This account was published on 18th November, 1875 – “Sale of Circus Horses. Yesterday, at the city repository, barbican, London, Mr. Rymill sold by auction the stud and appointments formerly the property of Mr. Foottit, the well circus proprietor. He died in Manchester about four months ago. The stock consisted of stock horse many of them in very bad condition and these realized somewhat low prices. Besides the above there was a large number of ring and trick horses, the highest price given for any one animal being 100 guineas for Maud, a dun mare, described as being good for bare-back, pad, double acts and four horses. The sale also contained the well-known performing donkeys, Jack and Jill, besides the large stock of show and living carriages, dressing and circus tents, wardrobes, armour, &c. the principal buyers were Messrs. Howes and Cushing, Sanger, Jeith (of Manchester), Rizarelli (of Bolton), &c.”
Chapter 2 : The Paragon Circus
For many months, the venues of the Powell’s and Clarkes – after they left the allied circus – are unknown. Nevertheless they were preparing for the launch of a new circus. An era advertisement of 4th February, 1872, reads “wanted – artistes in all branches of the Equestrian Profession for forthcoming tenting season. Also stud groom and tentmaster. Address, Messrs. Powell and Clarke, the grange, Walham green, Fulham, London.” Two weeks later, they still “wanted –male and female equestrians” and announced “selling in the tent to be disposed of”. On 3rd March, Powell and Clarke’s Mammoth Circus wanted a “solo cornet player…Route Saturday, Wandsworth, Monday, Croydon…”
On 28th April, Powell and Clarke’s paragon circus – a title they subsequently retained – wanted artistes to write to “permanent address, white hart Inn, Wallingford”. This address was that of the Clarkes and was frequently given in advertisements, rather than there route. In June, the circus wanted “a euphonium player, also double drummer. Letters to be forwarded – address Geo Spencer, bandmaster, no 8, Danby St., Heyworth St., Everton, Liverpool.” It was not uncommon for musicians to be engaged by bandmasters, who sometimes gave their own addresses.
On 3rd august, the paragon circus visited Seaham harbor, (on the Durham coast), where it was reported: “there was some clever riding by Messrs. Charles and Alfred Clarke and others.” In September: Powell and Clarke’s Circus paid Kendal a visit on the 7th, but in consequence of a breakdown on the road, they were only enabled to give one entertainment in the evening. The circus was however on that occasion crowded.” After a difficult journey with a delayed arrival, one can imagine the weariness of the artistes to have to perform after the tent has been erected.
The paragon circus opened the 1872-73 winter season at Stockton-on-tees, where it remained for 22 weeks. Included in the company were the two proprietors plus Master James Powell, Miss Kate Powell, Mrs. Powell, Mr. j Powell and Mdlles Louise Powell. The latter two are probably from Powell’s Circus. The opening performance saw the earliest located appearance of Kate Powell in any circus – although she will have performed in public previously. On 21st march, she took a benefit.
The next winter, Powell & Clarke’s circus was stationed at Southampton. Among those programmed were Anthony’s brother and sister, master James and miss Kate, on their bare-backed steeds; Mr. j Powell, with his trick pony, Diabolique; and miss Louise, equestrienne. On 22nd February, 1874, the Southampton circus required artistes “for remainder of season here and for tenting. A good carriage painter and carver can join at once.”
On 10th mar, 1874, Powell & Clarke wanted a double drummer and a tentmaster, “address to be forwarded white hart inn, Wallingofrd, Berkshire.” Unfortunately, their next advertisement was not until nine weeks later, when, instead of their address, they gave their route – two ‘one day stands’ in surprisingly Ireland! The paragon circus thus crossed the Irish Sea sometime between 10th may and 10th July, 1874. For its first winter season in Ireland, the circus played Londonderry, where due to its popularity; it remained for about eighteen weeks. On 28th February, 1875, Powell & Clarkes circus required artistes for their “tenting season” and offered “for sale, band carriage new last summer.” In April and May, they wanted sole cornet, 35s (present currency 1.75), tentmen and a tentmaster. There were frequent advertisements for performers.
The commencement of the 1875-76 winter season was advertised thus: “Powell and Clarke’s Paragon Circus, Townhall Street, Belfast. Will open on Monday, October 11th” – in a substantial and commodious building recently erected – “with an unequalled company of male and female artistes incl. the following Prince Sadi D’Jalma, The Mysterious Mortal; The Great Ethardo, and his talented sons, Willie and Ernest; Miss Kate Powell, the greatest horsewoman of the age; A. and W. Alexander; the clowns and grotesques are headed by Mr. Charles Keith, the popular roving English Clown; and Mr. W. Templeton, the comic vocalist and jester…sole props. Messrs A. Powell & A. Clarke.” The circus remained in Belfast for over six months.
The marriage of one proprietor’s brother, Charles Clarke, to the other proprietor’s sister, Kate Powell, is thought to have taken place during this Belfast season. Sometime after the wedding, the newly married couple left the paragon circus. Thereafter they obtained joint engagements in various circuses – their earliest such confirmed venue being in April, 1876, with Keith & Weldon’s Circus in Preston. Their first child was born in august 1876.
Powell and Clarke’s circus spent the 1876-77 winter in Belfast, where Alfred’s fifth child was born. For the next eleven years, no research into this circus was done and subsequently only a limited amount undertaken.
In March, 1886, an advertisement read: “Wanted for Powell & Clarke’s circus, Ireland, for tenting season. Clowns, gymnasts and band. Married men preferred. Twenty ladies required for parade… Address, Powell & Clarke, Railway Hotel, Townhall Street, Belfast.”
In July, 1886, the circus: “wanted…an experienced tentmaster, one that will be there in the morn to pull the stable tents down and not get drunk and leave his employment. Address, 11, elephant lane, Dublin.” Judging by the frequency such a person was “wanted’, it would appear few could endure that task – with six build-ups and pull-downs each week.
With a few exceptions, during 1887-90, Powell & Clarke advertised in the Era only when wanting staff for the start of their ‘Tenting Season’. The address given was that of the Railway Hotel – possibly a forwarding one, since no Belfast circus reviews were located at the time of the advertisements. Consequently, for these years, few town they visited have been determined.
An advertisement for 9th April, 1887, was in its entirety – “wanted. Join immediately, solo cornet. Wire Powell and Clarke, Belfast.” In the next few weeks, the proprietors wanted “a tentmaster, who understands a two pole tent”, a “stud groom: and a “solo cornet”. In May and July, they gave their address as 11, Tyrone place, Sackville St., Dublin.
In October and November 1889, ‘Miss Isabelle O’Brien, equestrienne, Mr. James Powell, jun, bareback rider, the brothers Alfred and John Powell, acrobats and violin players” – all relatives of Anthony Powell – were with quinnette;s circus at Southport. Later that year, they were with elphinstone;s circus at jarrow-on-tune.
It is probable that during 1890, (or perhaps 1889), the partnership of Anthony Powell and Alfred Clarke disbanded and their circus either ceased or changed hands. Evidence, that they no longer had their own circus is provided, by the number of engagements these families subsequently had with other circuses.
In July, 1890, for the first located time since 1875, (when on Powell and Clarke’s circus), the brothers Alfred and Charles were together – on Rowland’s circus, in jersey; and in October, both were with that circus in hull. In December, 1890, among those on Rowland’s circus in Coventry were Messrs Alfred and Charles Clarke, (bareback riders), miss Isabella O’Brien and Mr. James Powell. From hence onwards, Alfred and Charles were frequently on the same programme.
In January, 1891, “James Powell, jun., and miss jenny O’Brien, with their two sons, Alfred and john, with seven good acts and three ring horses” were in Ipswich with Tudor’s circus. In April, 1891, artistes appearing at the opening of Clarke’s circus at Grimsby included Mr. James Powell, bare-back rider, and with Mdlle Isabelle Powell, double act; Mr. Alfred Clarke, somersault and jockey act; and Mr. Charles Clarke, magic barrel. This group, plus other family members, were together for several years. In July, 1893, at the opening of Mortimer’s Whitby Circus were James O’Brien, Me Alfred Clarke, Miss Annie Clarke, Mr. Charles Augustus Clarke and Mr. Ernest John.
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