John Norden’s Map of London, 1593. Copy from Speculum Britainiae, 1653.
Where Did it Happen?
In the early modern period in England (c. AD 1500-1700), animal baiting rivalled the theatres in popularity. During these years, the “game” grew in commercial potential, generating an array of fixed arenas or playing places and an expansion in nationwide touring routes.
What Happened?
Contemporary sources suggest that several dogs were brought into a yard tied up, then a bull or bear brought in and tied to a stake. One by one, dogs would be set upon the bull or bear, aiming to catch them above the shoulders and ideally the nose. Many dogs were killed in the process. Meanwhile, spectators and dog owners were invested in various ways in the outcome of proceedings. Other variations on this practice also took place, and the sport was also occasionally associated with both human and animal performance.
When Did it Start?
Baiting itself was a long-established custom. A centuries-old law insisted that bulls were “baited” before any of their meat or hides could be sold. Accordingly, cities, towns, and villages with butchery trades almost all had locations for animal baiting. This practical necessity turned into a leisure custom, and both bulls and bears could be seen for sport at both specially-designed or ad hoc sites across England from as early as the twelfth century.
Who Was Involved?
In early modern England, the game was under the control of the Master of the Bulls, Bears, and Mastiff Dogs—a royally appointed post. This officer (or officers) had control over the monarch’s London-based menagerie and was responsible for entertainments at court. The Master (or Masters) also had the power to requisition bears, bulls, and dogs from any part of the country (often to the chagrin of local owners).
At the same time, there were many other “bearwards”—the term used to describe individuals who kept and travelled with bears. Some of these were under the responsibility of aristocratic patrons, while others were “unlicensed” or illegal—such as a travelling bearward of just 14 years old found wandering Cheshire in 1608.
The “game” of animal baiting was therefore a national phenomenon. Bears, like bulls, were found in all quarters of the country. One might stumble across the sport walking into a galleried arena on London’s Bankside, going for a drink in a tavern outside Chester, or playing cards in Elizabeth Cox’s alehouse in Wells. You might meet bears on their commute to and from “courses”—the term used to describe rounds of baiting—perhaps on the main highway, or perhaps taking a shortcut through your own front garden.
Where Next?
There has been only limited investigation into the ins and outs of animal baiting, but the “game” and its animals were one of the most significant social and cultural presences in early modern England. Find out more about our project and its aims.