At the beginning of the nineteenth century when the Old Prize Ring was patronized by royalty and nobility and was at the height of its fame, Bristol produced more celebrated pugilists and champions than any other town in the kingdom. They were known as the Bristol School, and the most celebrated of all that school was one Jem Belcher, who was champion of England when seventeen and held the title from 1798 to 1809. He was the first of the scientific fighters, and because of some facial likeness, was nicknamed 'Napoleon.'