peak district local history, customs, wildlife, transport

Animals used to be involved in several popular but cruel sports. These ‘attractions’ commonly took place on market days and during the wakes, especially bull and bear baiting.

The main motive of the onlookers was gambling. Bets were especially high in cock fighting, which was popular with both rich and poor.

There was a firm belief that bull baiting produced tender meat. For this reason the bye-laws of some towns, including Chesterfield, instructed local butchers to bait bulls before they were slaughtered. Chained by the leg or neck, the animal was tormented by dogs specially trained to pin it down by the nose - the one area which really was tender.

Bull baiting was once considered suitable entertainment for a wedding. After the marriage of a Darley couple in 1798, nearly 400 guests enjoyed meat and drink ‘in great plenty’ with two bull baitings and a ball at night.

A few bull rings survive around the Peak. At Snitterton the ring is still in its original position, set into the ground on a bend in the road. Foolow bull ring is embedded in a boulder by the village cross and Eyam’s is displayed in The Square.

Bonsall bull ring is kept inside the parish church. It was apparently claimed by a kind-hearted vicar who in 1834 paid a guinea (£1.05) to purchase a bull from its tormenters during the wakes. Bull baiting was banned by parliament the following year.

Bear Baiting
One of two bull rings at Tideswell occasionally tethered a bear. The townsfolk may have thought themselves lucky; it was believed that a child could be cured of whooping cough if put on a bear’s back during a baiting.

Bear pits existed at Bagshaw near Chapel en le Frith, and at Bakewell, close to the former Bear Lane. At Ashover, a prime space was reserved for bear baiting outside the Black Swan. In 1810 one John Smith was gaoled for being 'a vagabond in charge of a bear’ at Ashover.

Travelling bearwards, or bear keepers, needed somewhere to stay overnight - usually a pub. At Matlock they took lodgings at the old Crown Hotel, where the cellars were used as bear pens.

Want to know more?
Skeletons of the Peak, Julie Bunting. Peak Advertiser 23 November 1987
Take a Look at Bullrings, Julie Bunting. Peak Advertiser 18 June 1990