An old engraving of bear-baiting with dogs in medieval times. Bear-baiting is a blood sport involving the worrying or tormenting (baiting) of bears with dogs. Arenas for this activity were called bear-gardens, consisting of a circular high fenced area (the 'pit') and seating for spectators. A post would be set in the ground and the bear chained to it, either by the leg or neck. A number of trained fighting or baiting dogs, usually Old English Bulldogs, would then be set on it. Sometimes (as in this engraving) the bear was let loose, allowing it to chase after animals or people.
An old engraving of bear-baiting with dogs in medieval times. Bear-baiting is a blood sport involving the worrying or tormenting (baiting) of bears with dogs. It may also involve pitting a bear against another animal. Bear-baiting was popular from the 12th until the 19th century. Arenas for this activity were called bear-gardens, consisting of a circular high fenced area (the 'pit') and seating for spectators. A post would be set in the ground and the bear chained to it, either by the leg or neck. A number of trained fighting or baiting dogs, usually Old English Bulldogs, would then be set on it. Sometimes (as in this engraving) the bear was let loose, allowing it to chase after animals or people. For a long time, the main bear-garden in London was the Paris Garden, that section of the Bankside, Southwark.
Size: 3071px × 2408px
Location: UK
Photo credit: © M&N / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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