Philip Astley

NAME Philip Astley

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Known as the "father of the modern circus," Astley created the first modern circus performance on January 9, 1768.

BIRTH Born on January 8, 1742, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, England.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Philip Astley came from a modest background. He was the son of Edward Astley, a cabinetmaker and veneer-cutter, who taught him the value of craftsmanship and hard work.

CHILDHOOD Astley's early life was marked by challenges, particularly in his relationship with his father. Edward Astley was known to have a "short fuse," which contributed to a strained relationship with Philip. At the age of nine, Philip began an apprenticeship with his father but was more passionate about horses than woodworking. This desire ultimately led him to seek opportunities beyond his father's trade.

In his youth, Philip lived in Lad Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyme, where he likely assisted his father in the family business. However, the environment was not conducive to his aspirations, prompting him to leave home at 17 after several disputes with his father.

EDUCATION Astley's education was informal and largely centered around practical skills rather than traditional academic learning. His early experiences with horses came from working alongside his father and later through military service. In 1759, he enlisted in the 15th Light Dragoons under Colonel Eliott. This military career provided him with extensive training in horsemanship and introduced him to professional equestrian techniques.

During his time in the military, Astley developed exceptional riding skills and learned from notable trainers like Domenico Angelo. His military service not only honed his equestrian abilities but also shaped his future career as an entertainer.

CAREER RECORD Astley served as a cavalry officer in the British Army, developing exceptional horse-riding skills. After his military career, he showcased equestrian acrobatics, which became the foundation of his circus.

1768: Founded Astley's Amphitheatre in London.

1770: Opened a second amphitheatre in Dublin.

Late 18th century: Toured extensively throughout Europe.

1794: Built a new amphitheatre on Westminster Bridge Road.

APPEARANCE Philip Astley was a physically striking figure for his time. Standing at six feet tall, he was notably taller than the average man of the 18th century, which made him stand out in any crowd. He also had a booming, stentorian voice that added to his commanding presence. These physical traits, combined with his military background and confident demeanor, contributed to his larger-than-life persona and ability to captivate audiences.

Astley's appearance and voice were key assets in his career as a performer and showman, helping him project authority and charisma both in the circus ring and in public life.

Philip Astley portrait

FASHION He often wore military-inspired attire, incorporating his cavalry background into his onstage persona.

CHARACTER Astley was ambitious, inventive, and charismatic, with a knack for captivating audiences and innovating in entertainment.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Astley introduced clowns to his circus to provide comic relief, demonstrating a keen understanding of humor's importance in entertainment.

RELATIONSHIPS Philip Astley married Patty Jones on July 8, 1766, in London. Patty, whose full name was Martha (or Mary) Jones, came from a notable family background, as her grandfather had been the 4th Baronet of Wolverton.

Patty actively participated in Astley's performances. In his first public show on Easter Monday, April 4, 1768, Patty provided musical accompaniment on a drum while Astley performed his equestrian tricks.

Philip and Patty had one son: John Philip Conway Astley, born in 1767. John followed in his father's footsteps and became a talented equestrian performer. He played a significant role in the family business, becoming the star of Astley's shows and even performing for Queen Marie-Antoinette at Versailles. John's success contributed to the expansion of Astley's circus empire, including the establishment of a permanent amphitheater in Paris.

MONEY AND FAME Philip Astley's innovative approach to circus entertainment and astute business sense led to considerable wealth and fame. His first Astley's Amphitheatre, opened in London in 1773, was a financial success. 

Interior View of Astley's Amphitheatre, 1777

The prosperity of his circus enabled him to rebuild quickly after fires destroyed his venues. By 1782, Astley had accumulated enough wealth to establish the first purpose-built circus in France, the Amphitheatre Anglais in Paris. His success allowed him to open the Olympic Pavilion in Westminster in 1806, utilizing profits from his amphitheatre.

Astley's reputation extended beyond England. He was invited to perform before Louis XV of France at Versailles in 1772, a testament to his international acclaim. He established 18 permanent circuses in cities throughout Europe, expanding his fame across the continent. Patronized by numerous royals, Astley further cemented his status. His "Royal Amphitheatre" remained famous throughout the 19th century, even after his death, and was mentioned by literary giants Charles Dickens and Jane Austen.

Astley's impact on entertainment is enduring. He is widely regarded as the "father of the modern circus," a title that has stood the test of time.

MUSIC AND ARTS Music played a significant role in Astley's circus performances. The amphitheatre featured live music, including bands and orchestras, to accompany the various acts.

In 1780, Astley published The Favorite airs for the violin, German flute, harp, or harpsichord.

Philip Astley's big idea was simple, yet brilliant: he invented the circus ring. Before him, circus acts were haphazard affairs, a jumble of unrelated tricks. Astley, however, saw the potential in a circular arena. A ring, he realized, would allow performers to use centrifugal force to their advantage, making their stunts more spectacular. And so, the 42-foot diameter ring was born, a standard that circuses still use today.

But the ring was just the beginning. Astley was a master showman, a genius at putting together a good show. He understood that variety was the spice of life, so he packed his performances with a dazzling array of acts: acrobats, clowns, jugglers, tightrope walkers, and, of course, horses. He even trained animals to perform, adding another layer of spectacle to his shows.

In 1770, Astley opened his own amphitheater in London, a grand stage for his groundbreaking performances. This venue, with its circular ring and diverse acts, became the blueprint for modern circuses.

Astley's legacy is undeniable. He took a disparate collection of performers and turned them into a cohesive, thrilling spectacle. He gave the world the circus as we know it. And for that, we should all be grateful.

Astley's Amphitheatre in London circa 1808.

LITERATURE Astley wrote several books on horsemanship, including The Modern Riding Master in 1775 and Astley's System of Equestrian Education in 1801.  However, Astley has been described by some as illiterate, so his publications were likely produced with assistance, focusing on his areas of expertise rather than literary pursuits.

Astley is the subject of several biographies and historical accounts, such as Philip Astley: Circus Genius by F. E. L. Priestley, which explores his life and the development of the modern circus.

Astley's Amphitheatre is mentioned in works by Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and William Makepeace Thackeray.

NATURE Astley's work with horses suggests a deep connection to the natural world. He had an intimate knowledge of horses, their nature, and behaviors. His unique training method, based on repetition and reward, showcased his patience and understanding of animal behavior. His performances centered around demonstrating the bond between horse and man.

Astley's early career involved outdoor performances in open fields, suggesting he was comfortable working in natural settings. However, his later work focused on creating indoor amphitheaters, moving away from natural environments.

PETS Although not traditionally considered pets, horses were undeniably a significant part of Astley's life. He developed a fascination with horses from an early age and possessed a natural ability that led to his career as a showman. Known as the "horse whisperer" of his day, he demonstrated a unique bond with these animals.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Equestrian pursuits and acrobatic riding were not just his profession but also his passion.

Astley showed a keen interest in map-making. He published Astley's new, improved and correct Map of the Empire of Germany, Holland, etc. in 1800 and in 1808, he created A New map of Europe. 

Astley published Natural Magic or, physical amusements revealed in 1785, suggesting an interest in illusions and tricks

SCIENCE AND MATHS Astley’s innovation of the 42-foot diameter circus ring demonstrated an intuitive understanding of physics, optimizing centrifugal force for riders.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Astley believed in bringing joy to people through entertainment, a philosophy that shaped his career.

POLITICS Although not overtly political, Astley's work often entertained people across social classes, bridging divides through shared enjoyment.

SCANDAL Philip Astley's military career played a pivotal role in shaping his future as a showman and circus innovator.

MILITARY RECORD Enlisting in the 15th Light Dragoons aged 17 in 1759, Astley quickly distinguished himself as a skilled horseman, earning the role of regimental horsebreaker. Under the tutelage of Dominic Angelo, he learned advanced riding techniques that would later become the foundation of his circus performances.

During the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), Astley saw active service, participating in several notable battles. He captured a French regimental standard at Emsdorf on July 16, 1760 and led a daring rescue of the Duke of Brunswick at Warburg later that year. Despite being wounded twice, Astley's bravery earned him a promotion to sergeant-major.

Upon his discharge in 1766, General George Eliott presented Astley with a fine charger named Gibraltar, a fitting reward for his military service.

Even in his later years, Astley's military spirit remained strong. In 1793, at the age of 50, he rejoined his old regiment to fight against France. He once again distinguished himself in action, contributing to his growing fame. His accounts of these military exploits captivated audiences and solidified his reputation as a skilled horseman and a man of action.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS His career demanded exceptional physical fitness, particularly as an equestrian performer.

HOMES Born and raised in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, England, Astley spent his youth living in Lad Lane in the town center.

London became the primary stage for Astley's career. He established his first riding school and amphitheater there, maintaining a significant presence throughout his life. Despite multiple fires that destroyed his venues, he rebuilt them, demonstrating his commitment to the city.

Astley's influence extended beyond England. He spent considerable time in Paris, where he established a permanent amphitheater and owned a home on Rue du Faubourg du Temple. 

TRAVEL Astley expanded his circus internationally, performing in cities across Europe, including Paris and Brussels.

DEATH Philip Astley died on October 20, 1814, at the age of 72 in Paris. His death was attributed to gout in the stomach, which caused stomach ailments in his final days.

Astley passed away in his Parisian home on Rue du Faubourg du Temple. Following his death, he was buried in the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, which was formerly known as the Mont-Louis Cemetery. Unfortunately, Astley's grave in Père Lachaise Cemetery is no longer visible today

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA British television networks, such as the BBC, have featured Astley in documentaries exploring the history of the circus. These programs often highlight his military background, his innovation of the 42-foot ring, and his contributions to entertainment.

Museums featuring the history of performance art and the circus, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, have included exhibits that honor Astley's groundbreaking contributions.

ACHIEVEMENTS Invented the modern circus in 1768.

Innovated the 42-foot diameter ring for equestrian performances.

Pioneered the integration of clowns, acrobats, jugglers, and animal acts into circus shows.

Expanded the circus as a global phenomenon.