Thus we poor Cocks

Category

Library Item

Item no

13487

Title

Thus we poor Cocks, exert our skill and brav'ry, for idle Gulls, and Kites, that trade in Knav'ry (cock-fighting match between the counties of Lanark and Haddington)

Description

An audience of men all wearing hats watch as two men encourage cocks trapped in a ring to fight.

Artist / maker

Kay, John

Date

1785

Size

12.9 x 15 cm

Type

Etching

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The accompanying text in the volume begins as follows:
"This affair was decided in the unfinished kitchen of the Assembly Rooms, in 1785; on which occassion the gentleman cock-fighters of the county of East Lothian were the victors. Among the audience will be recognised likenesses of the principal individuals of this fancy at the time. Kay, in his MS. notes, particularly points out those of Sir James Baird of Newbyth, William Hamilton Esq. of Wishaw (afterwards Lord Belhaven), _____ MacLeod, Esq. of Drimnin, Lord North the caddy, the noted Deacon Brodie, and several other eminent cockers. The two figures in the pit represent the persons employed by the different parties; the one was an Edinburgh butcher, the other an Englishman.
In allusion to this contest Kay observes, 'It cannot but appear surprising that noblemen and gentlemen, who upon any other occasion will hardly show the smallest degree of condescension to their inferiors, will, in the prosecution of this barbarous amusement, demean themselves so far as to associate with the very lowest characters in society.'"

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Related subjects

Places > Edinburgh areas > New Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Sport and leisure > Activities > Cockfighting

Sport and leisure > Culture > Assembly rooms

(55°57′11″N, 3°11′55″W)

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