#ThrowbackThursday – 9 January
It’s 9 January, and that means it’s time for another edition of Throwback Thursday! Today, we’re taking a look back at three prominent events that went down on this day in history:
1768 – The Greatest Show on Earth
Love it or hate it, there’s nothing quite like going to the circus. From the acrobatics to the animal tricks, and from the vibrant colours to the dazzling costumes, it’s a spectacle to behold, one that creates an atmosphere of excitement and wonder.
The modern circus as we know it was reportedly established on 9 January 1768 when Philip Astley staged his first performance in London, England. A former cavalry officer, Astley captivated audiences with his horse trick-riding, demonstrating feats of balance and agility that showcased the sheer force generated by galloping in a circle.
His success – slow at first, but gradually increasing with each showing – led to the inclusion of acrobats, musicians and eventually clowns in his circus, transforming the spectacle into a more diverse entertainment format.
In 1770, Astley constructed Astley’s Amphitheatre, a permanent venue that solidified his circus’ popularity. His performances caught the attention of audiences across Europe, including King Louis XV of France. By the late 18th century, the term “circus” began to emerge as a broader description for similar performances, with Astley establishing 18 circuses throughout Europe before his death in 1814.
Across the Atlantic Ocean, the first American circus debuted in 1792, led by equestrian John Bill Ricketts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His shows attracted notable spectators, including President George Washington.
As the 19th century progressed, traveling circuses gained popularity, culminating in the grand spectacles of P.T. Barnum and James Anthony Bailey, who launched the renowned “Barnum and Bailey Circus” in the 1880s. This circus was so expansive, it required three rings for simultaneous performances.
The circus evolved further with the Ringling Brothers, who later acquired Barnum and Bailey, creating a legacy that continues to resonate today. From Astley’s initial show to the grand productions of the 19th century, the circus has left an indelible mark on entertainment history, captivating audiences for centuries.
1839 – Immortalised in Time
Back in the day, photography was a laborious craft. From taking the photo to developing it, the process required a great knowledge of photographic techniques, chemistry and equipment (and especially a great deal of patience).
Of course, one has to remember that photography was an incredibly new technology, especially during a time when those interested had to resort to paintings, sketches and illustrations to capture a person’s likeness or a specific moment in time.
In early 1838, French artist and photographer Louis Daguerre innovated the process when he captured a groundbreaking image of the Boulevard du Temple in Paris, France using his eponymous daguerreotype process.
The location in the photograph appears almost deserted, a result of the lengthy exposure time – around 10 minutes – which could not capture the movement of cars and trams. Remarkably, the only figures visible are a man having his shoes polished and the shoeshiner, marking this as the first known photograph of a person.
Announced to the public on 9 January 1839 by the French Academy of Sciences, the daguerreotype became the first widely available photography method, and it dominated the field for the next two decades. This process involved using a sheet of copper coated with silver halide. After exposure to light, the plate was treated with heat and chemicals to reveal the image.
Although the exposure times were lengthy, the daguerreotype’s relatively quick processing – taking about half an hour – allowed commercial photography to flourish, a significant improvement over previous methods that could take hours on end. This innovation paved the way for the future of photography, transitioning from cumbersome processes to a more accessible medium as we know it today.
1982 – Happy Birthday, Kate Middleton!
Today marks the 42nd birthday of Catherine “Kate” Middleton, the Princess of Wales.
Born on 9 January 1982 in Reading, England, Middleton’s journey into the spotlight began at the University of St Andrews, where she met fellow student Prince William – the son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and the grandson of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II – in 2001.
Their romance blossomed during their time in Scotland; after graduating in 2005, Kate held several jobs, including a brief stint as a project manager and accessories buyer for her family’s party supply business. However, as her relationship with Prince William gained public attention, her life changed dramatically, drawing intense media scrutiny.
In 2010, the couple announced their engagement; a year later, they got married at Westminster Abbey in London, a spectacular event that drew millions upon millions of television viewers. Once she married Prince William, Middleton received the title of “Duchess of Cambridge”.
As a member of the British Royal Family, Middleton has carried out multiple endeavors, including launching charitable initiatives promoting early childhood development and awareness regarding mental health. She’s also a doting mother to her three children with Prince William: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, Middleton became the “Princess of Wales” – the former title of her late mother-in-law. And like Diana, she has become a beloved figure in her own right.
