Circus: The first modern circus was created by English cavalry officer Philip Astley in London on April 4, 1768. Astley realized that galloping in a tight 42-foot circle allowed him to perform trick horseback riding using centrifugal force. He soon added acrobats, jugglers, and clowns to fill the pauses between acts, establishing the classic circus format we know today.
Astley's show was originally based at Ha'penny Hatch in Lambeth, just across the river from Westminster. He later built the permanent Astley's Amphitheatre in 1770, which included roofed seating and combined trick-riding with various theatrical acts.
