Page 28 • The HERALD • 17th July 2025 v BRINGING THE GOOD NEWS TO YOU SINCE 1994 v Next Level Scaffolding Ash 07702 082961 Next Level Scaffolding Josh 07896 883508 ashcarroll@nextlevel-ltd.co.uk Professional installers of Fascias, Guttering, Cladding, PVCu Windows & Doors Composite Doors • 10 year labour and product guarantees Repairs, cleaning and advice also available Tel: 023 8086 9715 or 07888 705455 enquiries@aztecfascias.com • Airport & Seaport Specialists • Highly Competitive Fares • Friendly, Reliable Service • Comfortable 6 Seater MPVs • Any Distance - Minimum Fare £10 Before booking your journey please call us for a free quotation 07770 967198 or 023 8194 8754 www.kazcarz.co.uk DECORATING Interior and Exterior Established 1985 07867 528307 mark.blake.decorating@gmail.com The New Forest’s Forgotten Cockfighting Ring by Marc Heighway Marc hosts monthly local history talks, visit: nfhwa.org/events In the early 1800s, cock ghting was one of the nation’s most brutal pastimes. However, the 1835 Cruelty to Animals Act outlawed various forms of animal ghting, including dog ghting, badger baiting, and the creation of pits speci cally for bloodsports. As I am sure you will be aware, this doesn’t mean the activity was completely eradicated - recent police investigations and arrests demonstrate that cock ghting persists, despite the ban. For centuries, mainly men gathered in inns, taverns, and purpose-built cockpits to watch roosters ght to the death. e natural aggression of these birds was exploited for blood-soaked entertainment and the placing of bets. Today, it is rightly condemned as barbaric yet echoes of this grim past still linger in unexpected corners of the English landscape, including a small patch of grass in the New Forest… and if you read to the end of the article, I will tell you where you can nd this evidence. Cock ghting is believed to have been introduced to Britain during Roman times. e sport’s popularity surged under the Tudors and Stuarts, becoming rmly entrenched in social life. Special cockpits were created, some being just a simple ring of turf, others being placed in grander indoor settings. At the centre of the bloodsport were gamecocks bred for aggression and tted with sharpened steel spurs or ga s. Once released into the ring, the birds fought until one died or was so badly injured it could no longer stand. Spectators were able to bet on the winners. Despite objections voiced as early as the 18th century, cock ghting remained widespread well into the 19th century. Change came gradually, driven by shi ing public attitudes and the rise of organised movements against cruelty to animals. In 1835, Parliament passed the Cruelty to Animals Act, making it illegal to keep places for animal ghting, including cockpits. Yet the law proved only partially e ective; underground ghts persisted, hidden from the law. e 1911 Protection of Animals Act strengthened the legal framework, sealing the fate of illegal cock ghting across the country. From then on, the bloodsport faded into history, its practice largely eradicated. Today, the notion of gathering to watch animals ght and kill each other is unthinkable to most. Yet Where crowds once stood to watch this blood-soaked spectacle, you can stand today, albeit with a very di erent view. e faded circle in the grass at Godshill is a reminder of how society and attitudes have changed. reminders of this grim entertainment survive in the local landscape. One such trace exists in the north of the New Forest at Godshill near Fordingbridge. On the lawn over the road from the Fighting Cocks pub, you will nd a subtle circular ring in the grass - a faint outline of the old cockfighting pit where birds were once set against each other in violent combat. My son stood in the cockfighting ring in December 2024 Annual Club Assembly Hythe & Waterside Rotary (H&W) were delighted to be joined by District Governor, Debbie Dunford at their Club Assembly this year. Outgoing President, Terri Whitehouse gave a brief outline of the year’s achievements and thanked those who had supported her during her Presidency. Incoming President, Ian Wheeler, gave a powerpoint presentation of his plans for the forthcoming Rotary year and everyone wished him every success with his leadership. Debbie gave an update on the work of other clubs in the District and congratulated H&W Rotary for the amazing amount of work they do, wishing them well with all future endeavours. DO YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Visit: www. hwrotary.org. uk to nd out how you might be able to support the great work of Rotary. Left to right: Ian Wheeler, Terri Whitehouse and Debbie Dunford
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