A Watford magician has been inducted into an exclusive magical organisation founded in 1905.

Miles Eagling, also known as The Bowler Hatted Magician, is now an ‘Associate Member of the Inner Magic Circle’ after auditioning at The Magic Circle’s headquarters in London last October.

The 50-year-old conjurer was sworn to secrecy until he received the news in late March that he had received a ‘distinction’ mark and been immediately promoted to the group’s second tier of three.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: He was sworn to secrecy after his audition last October.He was sworn to secrecy after his audition last October. (Image: @dominikamiechowska_photography)Miles, who lives near Cassiobury Park, said the result was “really very pleasing” as joining the historic organisation is a “stamp of quality" for performers nationwide.

“My audiences have always loved my magic but I delayed applying to join The Magic Circle fearing that I was not good enough,” he said.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: Miles often performs at The Florist in Watford town centre.Miles often performs at The Florist in Watford town centre. (Image: The Bowler Hatted Magician)

"This honour and acceptance has come as a shock, and I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome I have received at The Magic Circle"

Describing his style as an “elegant, gentleman conjurer”, Miles can often be seen wowing customers at The Florist in the town centre and the Black Horse pub in Chorleywood on Sunday afternoons, as well as at private engagements across the county.

He has lived in the town for more than 20 years and assumed The Bowler Hatted Magician identity in June 2020, after working for local children's entertainer Mr Marvel for 10 years.