Cock fighting

A cockfight is a blood sport between two roosters or cocks and held in a ring called a cockpit. The first documented use of the word gamecock, denoting use of the cock as to a “game”, a sport, pastime or entertainment, was recorded in 1646, after the term “cock of the game” used by George Wilson in the earliest known publications on the sport of cockfighting, The Commendation of Cocks and Cock Fighting (1607).

Cocks possess congenital aggression toward all males of the same species and were given the best of care until near the age of two years old. They were also conditioned, much like professional athletes prior to the event, and betting took place on the outcome of the match, so making them well attended and often attracting an unruly even criminal element in society. In Bourne, cock fights were held regularly during the 18th century, usually in the yards of public houses, notably the Bull Inn [now the Burghley Arms] in the market place.

Although cockfighting still takes place in some parts of the world, it is illegal in Britain although events are thought to take place in secret.

The staging of cock fights in Bourne was announced by public notice in the local newspapers and around the town, events that were usually held at local public houses. The birds that took part in these contests were highly prized and therefore often a target for opportunist thieves.

Here are some of the events held in Bourne during the 18th century.

¬ There will be fought for by cocks at Mr John Francyes at the Bull and Talbot [now the Burghley Arms] in Bourne, Lincolnshire, on Wednesday the 22nd of this instant May, a purse of 8 guineas; no cock that fights for the said guineas to exceed 4 pound weight, to fight by pairs, every person to feed their own cocks, and to fight according to articles. And on Thursday will be fought bye-battles for a guinea or more each battle, and but 16 cocks to fight for the said purse. - from the Stamford Mercury, Thursday 2nd May 1728.

¬ There is a main of cocks to be fought between the gentlemen of Bourne and Corby in the county of Lincoln, to show 30 cocks of a side, to fight for four guineas a battle and forty guineas the odd battle. The cocks to be weighed on Monday the first day of January next, and to fight the three following days, at the house of Robert Mackrell, being the sign of the Talbot in Bourne aforesaid. - from the Stamford Mercury, Thursday 28th December 1732.

¬ Stolen on Tuesday the 8th day of February instant, out of the yard of Robert Wrexham of Haconby, near Bourne, a red-dun cock, marked both eyes. Whoever will give information by whom the said cock was stolen, to Mr William Summer, Steward to his Grace the Duke of Ancaster, shall on conviction of the offender, receive five guineas; and if an accomplice, shall not only be entitled to the said reward but also be pardoned. And whereas some person or persons not concerned in stealing the said cock, may profitably give such information therein to the said Mr Sumner, as may tend to the discovery of the offender or offenders, such person or persons shall be well rewarded and their names kept secret. - notice from the Stamford Mercury, Thursday 24th February 1743.

NOTE: Top picture is an aquatint engraving of the Royal Cock Pit
by John Bluck (fl.1791-1819).