_{Image above, Carlos Trower Performs on Rudyard Lake, image courtesy of the artist, Trevor Haddrell}

Introduction text by Dr Paul Green

Carlos fled institutional slavery and civil war in America to begin his solo career in England, where he overcame many dangerous obstacles while challenging the prejudices held by Victorian audiences. Carlos’s spectacular stunts included crossing the high-rope shackled in chains and carrying a stove on his back to cook a steak.

His performances raised money for many charitable causes including famine relief, hospitals, and supporting widows and orphans. When the rope broke beneath him 50 feet above the Beverley Cattle Market, news of his accident travelled around the world. Carlos survived his injuries and returned to performing months after the accident.

Following on from the successful Circus 250, Local Learning have been working with partners on a series of projects exploring the life of Carlos Trower who for a time lived on Christmas Steps in the centre of Bristol and performed at Colston Hall now Bristol Beacon.

To read about his life and our projects click the images on the menu below.