 |
|
|
 |
The Museum
|
 |
Lonsdale, 5th Earl of
1800-1873
Hugh Cecil Lowther Lonsdale, 5th Earl of Lonsdale was a landowner in Cumberland, and also a noted huntsman, steeplechaser, yachtsman and boxer. As president of the National Sporting Club he founded and presented the 'Lonsdale belts' for boxing.
Given his passion for such pursuits, it is not surprising that his gravestone records him as "A great English sportsman." Wherever he went " with his side whiskers, his 9" cigars and his gardenia buttonhole he was to the crowds the perfect specimen of the sporting grandee."
The Lonsdale Belt is a trophy awarded to a boxer winning any British title bout, at any weight. The first was presented by the 5th Earl of Lonsdale in 1909. Any boxer winning three title bouts within the same division retains the belt. Several have kept two belts, but only Henry Cooper has taken home three.
JJ Fox & Robert Lewis, 19 St James's Street,
London, SW1A 1ES
Tel:+44 (0)20 7930 3787 Fax:+44 (0)20 7495 0097
