In the 1920s, most villages held annual sports events in the summer. One page in the Tiverton Gazette towards the end of July 1925 included a report from ‘the little village of Ashill. Sideshows were plentiful and well patronised. The sports were well managed, the events being run off to schedule’. On the same page, advance notice was given of similar events being held over the coming weeks in Clyst Hydon, Willand and at Cullompton Rugby Club. In Ashill, children of all ages had their running races and men the usual 100 yards, half mile, mile and a steeplechase. Women were offered the Ladies Thread Needle race, the Flappers Race, a slow bicycle race and a race for Married Women!

Most of these local events featured Tugs o’ War. Willand Sports and Races sound a bit more formal as both their Athletics and Equestrian events are advertised as being run under National Laws and Rules. The most intriguing race was to be run at Clyst Hydon on horseback the ‘Bun and Cigarette Race’! If any one has any idea what this entailed, please let us know.

Although the Museum’s Archive collection includes several posters for Sporting events, there is only one which dates from the 1920s.

Thelbridge Sports 1924

The Tug of War has an ancient history having been practiced, in various forms, all over the world from the earliest civilisations. In Greece, there is evidence dating from 500BC. It was included in the Olympic Games between 1900 and 1920. Sweden was the first country to form a national organisation in the 1930s and elite competition was rejuvenated by the formation of an international federation in 1960. Today there are World Championships every 2 years and European Championships in between. There are about 80 member countries of the Tug of War International Federation (TWIF).

We have three photos of tugs of wars and you’ll some in out Waggon Gallery over the holidays as part of our Country Summer.

This is the tug of war competition at the Tiverton Agricultural Show when it was held at the Athletics Ground (now Amory Park).

Little is known about this photo but it obviously dates from a time when hats were still required!

This photo is in a large collection relating to the town’s connection with HMS Hermes. The men firing the muskets are dressed in ‘1800 style’ naval uniform and the event is describes as ‘recreation on shore’. There is no indication of the date.

Written by Museum Volunteer Sue B

References

The Tug of War Association, http://www.tugofwar.co.uk/history-of-tug-of-war accessed 30 May 2025

Tug of War International Federation https://tugofwar-twif.org/ accessed 20 May 2025