Cockfighting was popular, and took place in inns like the Rose and Crown in Leeds in the 1800s until it was banned by Acts of Parliament between 1833 and 1845.
The poster (see below) advertising a series of cockfights at the Rose and Crown in Leeds demonstrates the popularity of this blood sport.
Hundreds of cocks were involved, and where weigh-ins took place, as do modern-day boxers, and fought according to weight.
Wagers and gambling took place with ‘good order’ maintained, and the cockfighting matches were arranged at Race Meetings as well as Public Houses, where there would be good crowds, and plentiful money to gamble.
Descriptions of cockfighting ring
Cockfighting has been illegal in this country for so long there is unlikely to be many first-hand descriptions available. This is an account of cockfighting from Frank Kidson’s book, published in 1891, and clearly the singing of a cock-fighting song played its part in the sporting ritual.
‘The song used to be sung by ardent cock fighters in and about Hunslet and Holbeck, two districts in Leeds.’
Kidson goes on to describe the scene of the cockfight, which seems to be as informal as an impromptu gathering of folk in a circle:
‘The patrons of the sport formed an extempore cock pit by forming a ring round the arena: the first row sitting, the next row kneeling, and the outer spectators standing. In this manner all were enabled to see the combat, and if any unlucky individual in the inner circle, in his eagerness to obtain a better view, stood up, whack! came a stick on his unlucky head from those whose view he had hindered.’
‘In explanation of the last two lines ... if one of the birds turned tail it was held as a sign of cowardice, and by the rules of cocking both birds were then taken up from the ground by those who fought them. The cock who turned tail was then put on the ground and if he atacked the other bird, situated as he was held above him in the man's arms, the fight was allowed to proceed; but if not, he was considered vanquished.’ Taken from ‘Traditional Tunes’ by Frank Kidson
Manchester Guardian Report
An entry in the Manchester Guardian (now The Guardian) and gives us another insight into the rules of combat, and it seems that the War of the Roses were being re-enacted with the cock birds at that time! with challenges being issued between folk from Lancashire and Yorkshire:
Entry in Manchester Guardian
Cockfighting in Lancashire ( transcription )
A correspondent of the Manchester Guardian writes: Yesterday (Tuesday) a cock-fight took place at Ashworth Moor, five miles from Bury and six from Rochdale, between three cocks from Oldham and three from West Houghton, for £5 each battle. The men concerned in the sport had kept it very quiet, and had blinded the police by going in different directions.
The West Houghton men with their birds took train to Bury, and from Bury to Summerseat, and walked through the country to the place selected for the battle. The news spread, and a large number of people soon assembled.
The men chose for a ring a sheep-pen, and, after tossing up for the ground, which was rather unlevel, they proceeded to put silver spurs on the cocks.In the first battle the Oldham bird soon dispatched its opponent. The second was a very severe and prolonged one, and after a hard struggle the West Houghton bird proved the victor.
The third battle was a severe one, both birds striking one another savagely. At length the Oldham bird mortally wounded the other, and the battle ended. The three battles lasted about an hour and a half. The police never appeared on the scene.
To be FOUGHT,
At Mr. John Taylor’s Pit, at the Rose and Crown in Leedes,
A MAIN OF COCKS, betwixt
William Sotheran and Hugh Bethall, Esqrs.
To shew sixty-one Cocks on each Side,
for Ten Guineas a Battle,
and One Hundred the Main, or odd Battle.
To weigh on Monday the 8th of March next
and fight the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th following.
Feeders:
- David Smith, for Mr. Sotheron.
- Richard Scott, for Mr. Bethell.
There will be good Ordinary at the above House during the Fighting.
* * Two other Mains will be fought betwixt the above Gentlemen, one at Leedes Races, and the other at Beverley Races.
The reason of the Time of Fighting being alter’d, is,
on account of Kipling-Coat Races, and the Fast Day.