Vulcana Archives - www.oldtimestrongman.com

Vulcana ~ Kate Roberts

Posted on Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 by John Wood

Another look at the lovely Vulcana, also known as Kate Roberts. She was sometimes called “The Female Sandow.” Once, when a pickpocket made the unfortunate decision to attempt to make away with her purse, the strongwoman grabbed the lout by the arm with a grip of iron and knocked him cold with one blow of her mighty right fist. Learn more about Vulcana here and here.

Vulcana

Posted on Monday, February 15th, 2016 by John Wood

Kate “Vulcana” Williams, was a Welsh Strongwoman who toured music halls in Britain, Europe and Australia in the early 1900’s. Among her many other feats were a bent press of 125 pounds and an overhead lift (i.e. press) with a 56 pound weight in each hand. She was quite popular in France where Professor Desbonnet verified her feats and was very impressed with her level of strength. As you can see, she sported a pretty impressive set of arms.

Atlas and Vulcana

Posted on Thursday, April 30th, 2015 by John Wood

William Hedley Roberts, “Atlas” and Miriam Kate Williams “Vulcana” traveled the musical halls of Britain, Europe and Australia performing amazing feats of strength. Atlas weighed only 124 pounds and claimed to have beaten one of Louis Cyr’s Records although the veracity of this claim is doubtful. Vulcana was the more impressive of the two, legitimately and officially performing a bent-press of 124½ pounds and an overhead lift with a 56 pound blockweight in each hand in front of Professor Desbonnet. The Professor was so impressed that he gave Vulcana a medal for her efforts. The Vulcana Women’s Circus, still active today in Australia, is named in her honor.