The origin of the North Country style of wrestling is a matter of debate, however most historians associate it with a long standing Celtic tradition, especially due to similarities with the Cornish and Gouren styles[1] [2] and the Fédération International des Luttes Celtique classes Cumberland wrestling as Celtic.

The wrestlers attempt to unbalance their opponent, or make them lose their hold, using methods such as lifting throws known as "hipes", twisting throws such as "buttocks" and trips like the inside click, cross click, back heel or outside stroke.

The traditional costume consists of long johns and an embroidered vest with a velvet centre piece over the top.

Competitions were traditionally held during New Years celebrations and on Midsummers day, with the chief bouts known as the Melmerby and Langwathby Rounds.

Famous wrestlers when the style became widely known, in the 18th century, included Adam Dodd of Langwathby Mill and Abraham Brown of Bampton school who was Britain's first middle-class wrestling hero.