Keyword: Bear Baiting

Bear Baiting

Bear baiting was the sport of setting dogs to attack a chained bear. This cruel form of entertainment was popular from the 12th to the 19th century. It took place in arenas called bear-gardens. The bear-gardens had a circular pit surrounded by high fencing and seating for spectators.

A post would be placed towards the edge of the pit, and the bear would be chained to that post. Dogs would released to kill the bear. As the dogs became tired, injured, or were killed they would be replaced by other dogs.

During the 16th century bears were kept especially for bear baiting. King Henry VIII paid for a bear-garden to be constructed at Whitehall. Queen Elizabeth I was also a fan of the blood-sport. The main bear-garden was the Paris Garden in Southwark.

In 1835, it was outlawed by Parliament because it was inhumane.

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