Horseracing, Walsall Grandstand, Subscriber's Ticket
Racing is believed to have started at Walsall in September 1755 on the Long Meadow, owned by Lord Bradford.
Such was the growing popularity that in 1809, Aris' Birmingham Gazette announced that "an elegant new Grand Stand has been erected, at great Expense, for the Accommodation of the Nobility and Gentry attending the Races". The grandstand was built on land leased from Lord Bradford and cost £1,300, the money raised by subscription in shares of £25 each. Although small by the standards of the day, it was an elegant structure, made of brick with a timber frontage, and designed by a Sutton Coldfield architect, Mr B. Wyatt.
By 1823 there were 34 subscribers, each of whom had a ticket which entitled them to free admission.
The Corporation extremely supportive of the racecourse as it brought visitors to the town and after each meeting a ball was held at the George Hotel.
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