Ritschel, DanielGolden, Marshal William2021-01-292021-01-292018-01-0111942http://hdl.handle.net/11603/20917The profound changes in middle-class athletics that began around the third quarter of the nineteenth century, both cultural and commercial, have been widely recognized by historians. Yet, one of the earliest and most important architects of this movement has not been recognized for his contributions as a wildly innovative Victorian sports entrepreneur: John Graham Chambers. Through his athletic association, Chambers was able to secure land in West Brompton, Fulham, for development. The commodious fields there became Lillie Bridge Grounds, opened in 1869. Thousands regularly attended athletic exhibitions, or, partook in competition themselves. While Lillie Bridge Grounds has hitherto remained little-known, what has been utterly ignored is Chambers' pioneering and original business model. This study aims to provide a thorough analysis of his groundbreaking profit-generating combination of sports and leisure which closely resembled a present-day amusement park.application:pdfamusement parkscommercial leisurenew journalismsportssports administrationVictorian BritainText