The First Bookmakers

faxinatin

The first Soomer was from York,

Sooming a word for being able to add quickly in your head.

No so sure about there spelling

cubone.co.uk

thats an old book imo , anything about you in it :-)

Pete the first Blackleg of note was Facetious Jemmy who could not read or write.
but his illiteracy was soon forgotten when there speed of sooms and prompt payment took over
when he started to compete with the aristocrats, it was only a time before the rough and ready illiterate became King of the Ring,

yes Helo under ducker and Diver. loved by all lololol

Roger Longrigg must have lived a long time, if he wrote that book in 1840 -

as he also had 'The history of horse racing' ( a far from illustrious tome ) published in 1972.

However ... 'The problem of gambling' .... by E Benson Perkins - including the law relating to gambling, by F G Neave - The Epworth Press - published in 1919 may be of interest.

On the other hand ... as it was published under the auspices of the social welfare department of the Weslyan Methodist Church ..... I think we can give it a swerve. ;)

When you go back to this times it makes you realise how tough our parents and ancestors had it in Britian (a little off topic). The diseases and the work conditions were bad etc.

Don, when will you publish your book about swerving and turning the 'aris?