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PHILIP ASTLEY
Philip Astley (1742-1814) is considered the creator of the modern circus. He was born January 8, 1742 in Newcastle-under-Lyme, in the West Midlands, England, the son of Edward Astley, a veneer-cutter and cabinet-maker. Edward had a short-fuse and a passion for horses, traits he passed on to his son. At age 17, Philip left home after one of many disputes with his father and enrolled in the 15th Light Dragons, a cavalry regiment newly formed by Colonel Granville Elliott... (more...)
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- Dominique Jando
