A Camborne man has completed his “life’s work’ after publishing a book about the history of Cornish wrestling. 

Dr Mike Tripp has written a ‘History of Cornish Wrestling’, published by the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies.  

The A4 paperback not only recounts what is known of the history of this ancient Cornish sport which, alongside hurling, makes our culture so distinctive, but it sets it in the evolving social, historic and economic contexts of different ages.  

Mike also depicts in the book how Cornish ‘wrasslin’ fits into the history of sport. 

Born in Camborne in 1950, Mike is a Cornish sportsman playing rugby for Camborne, cricket for Beacon and athletics for Cornwall.  

He trained as a PE and history teacher in 1968 and completed his BEd in 1972.  

Mike gained an MSc in the sociology of sport in 1996, and his doctoral thesis in 2010 was entitled ‘The persistence of difference, a history of Cornish Wrestling’.  

He has produced a substantial body of research papers through continuing research after retirement. 

Wrestling could be the oldest continuously practiced sport in the world. There are versions of wrestling to be found in pretty much every culture.  

The Cornish have a form distinguished of wrestling by the wearing of a jacket, the presence of ‘Sticklers’ – three judges – and no grappling on the ground! 

Dr Tripp said: “I am a proud Cornishman. It’s as if I have spent my adult life studying and equipping myself to write the History of Cornish Wrestling, and here it is. A life’s work!’. 

Terry Knight, the publications officer of the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies said: “We are delighted to publish a work of this scope.  

“The book is as much an introduction to Cornish studies as it is a history of a founding pillar of Cornish culture through the ages. We believe Mike Tripp’s ‘History of Cornish Wrestling’ is an exceptional contribution to the scholarly Cornish library.” 

Nev Meek, president of the federation, said: “This is a book which deserves to be widely read at home in Cornwall and everywhere where Cornish people celebrate their identity and culture – an absolute must for the Cornish bookshelf. It is competitively priced and we hope will provide the ‘go-to’ Christmas gift for Cornish people this year.” 

• ‘Cornish Wrestling – A History’ is available from Publications Officers, Federation of Old Cornwall Societies, 5 British Road, St Agnes, TR5 0TX; email: [email protected];  telephone 01872-552921.