'Entrance to Astley's Theatre in 1820', (c1878). Philip Astley, the 'father of modern circus', opened his Amphitheatre at Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, south London, in 1777. The amphitheatre mixed circus with theatre, having a circus ring attached to a stage and featuring daredevil horseback riding. From Old and New London: A Narrative of Its History, Its People, And Its Places. The Southern Suburbs, Volume VI, by Edward Walford. [Cassell, Petter, Galpin & Co., London, Paris & New York, c1878]