The Tragic Death of Mr. Chickens Circus Clown

written by J.P. Browne

Ireland has had several famous clowns and some not so famous. The most famous by far would be Johnny Patterson whose death is a source of much discussion among Circus Historians. Much has been written about Johnny Patterson, with the works of historian the late Dr. Richard McMinn been the definitive word on that performer whose works can he found here. The title though of the most tragic death in an Irish Circus belongs to an obscure performer of the name of Mr. Chickens. Unfortunately, I have never been able to find a first name for the performer or if the surname Chickens was a stage name or an actual surname. Mr. Chickens was a clown and a purveyor of a small show in Ireland. While performing in Newtown-Limavady near Coleraine on the 13th of October, 1858 during a performance he unfortunately tipped over a naphtha flare lamp covering himself in lit naphtha. Naphtha been a type of early kerosene used in boat lamps at this time. Adding to the lit naphta was the fact that Mr. Chickens costume which most likely a type of flammable felt meaning he instantly went up in flames much to the horror of the audience in the ring watching him die.

The Coleraine Chronicle (1) tells of what happened next. “The audience were overawed, and the unfortunate man was allowed to rush from the tent in a state of distraction. He was observed by a young man in the street, who immediately stripped off his coat, and, throwing it round him, extinguished the flames. Medical assistance was instantly at hand, but the injury was so great that it baffled the surgeon's skill, and the unfortunate man sank gradually, till death put an end to his sufferings on Saturday night last.”

Bibliography:

1. Melancholy accident in a circus. Coleraine Chronicle, 13/10/1858 page 4