A Macdrabble tale

WILLIAM “BENDIGO” THOMPSON

 

Bendigo’s Ring is at the top of Padstow Hill. It was the training ground for William “Bendigo” Thompson, Nottingham’s legendary prizefighter.

 

The youngest of twenty one children, he was brought up on the mean streets. When he was fifteen his father died leaving Bendigo determined to keep his mother out of the Workhouse.

 

Boxing clever he learnt the art of beating taller and heavier bare-knuckle fighters winning the championship and the money. His swashbuckling mother spurred him on.

 

In his final years he used his reputation to draw adoring crowds to his evangelical meetings.

 

A true Giant among men.