Wonderland boxing arena
Wonderland was the first prominent East End hall of the post bare-knuckle era. Opened for boxing in the late 1890s, it stood at 100 Whitechapel Road and staged top-class shows at popular prices until August 1911 when it mysteriously burnt down.
Star turns at Wonderland included Johnny Summers, Young Joseph, Charlie Knock, Curly Watson and Ernie Veitch. World champions Kid McCoy, the Dixie Kid and Tommy Burns all boxed there - Burns defending his world heavyweight crown at Wonderland in 1908.
Wonderland adjoined a pub and a Jewish theatre and had a tiny 12-foot ring; this left no room for back-pedalling and ensured fans saw a come-forward fight. It was crowded practically every Saturday night, to the extent where ringsiders often complained of spectators standing between them and the ring. Jellied eels could be bought from a man with a tray; the referee watched fights from a platform outside the ring and, although betting was strictly prohibited, bookmakers flagrantly flouted the rules.
It was 'rough-and-ready' stuff but East Enders loved the venue, and its sudden demise left fight-fans distraught.