Circus History: Ringling Bros and Variety Acts
To keep audiences entertained between horse acts, Astley hired a clown named Mr. Merryman, acrobats, and musicians in 1770. By blending these diverse physical arts into one continuous show, he created the modern circus format. This variety structure quickly spread across Europe as a highly popular theatrical spectacle.
Chapter 1
The birth of the modern ring
Chapter 2
The American big top revolution
Chapter 3
Daring feats of the air and ground
Chapter 4
Global traditions and the modern circus
Ch 1 · The birth of the modern ring
schopenhauer The Modern Circus Ring
Ride in a circle forty-two feet wide, let the physics keep you steady on the horse.
schopenhauer The circus expanded to France, surviving through the French Revolution.
Fun Fact
Circus ring size: Philip Astley calculated the 42-foot diameter because it creates the exact centrifugal force needed for a rider to stand on a galloping horse.
schopenhauer Astley added clowns and acrobats in 1770 to complete the variety show.
Glossary
ring (noun)
A circular area in which sports, exhibitions, or performances take place. In London, Philip Astley established the standard diameter of forty-two feet for circus performances in 1768.
A circular area in which sports, exhibitions, or performances take place. In London, Philip Astley established the standard diameter of forty-two feet for circus performances in 1768.
Quiz
Which Italian showman took over Philip Astley's Parisian circus during the French Revolution?
BETA
schopenhauer Match vintage acts to their circus rings to learn how the Ringling brothers made history.
Quiz
What is the standard diameter of a traditional circus ring established by Philip Astley?
Quiz
In which year did Philip Astley hold his first modern circus performance in London?
Quiz
Which early US President famously attended John Bill Ricketts's circus in Philadelphia in 1793?
Quiz
Who produced the very first modern circus performance in the United States in 1793?
Quiz
Which physical force helps trick riders stand on a horse's back in a 42-foot ring?