Cruel sports
One feature of Elizabethan society was the enjoyment of blood sports, or cruel sports. Of these the most popular were bull-baiting, cockfighting and bear-baiting. Purpose built buildings such as a 'cockpit' or 'Bear Garden' were built that could house hundreds or more of spectators at a time. Spectators would gamble on the outcome.
Bull and bear-baiting were similar. The animal would be chained to a post in the centre of the arena and dogs would be let loose on it. People would gamble on which dogs would survive the longest or whether the bull or bear would die. Cockfighting was when two cockerels were set upon each other. Once again, people would bet on the outcome.
These forms of popular entertainment were an everyday part of life in Elizabethan England and Wales, especially in the larger towns.
