The Royal Pastime of Cock-fighting

A surprisingly earnest guide from the early eighteenth century, this work treats cock‑fighting as more than mere sport, positioning it as a venerable tradition linked to military discipline and aristocratic life. The author opens with a flattering dedication to a noble patron, weaving together personal anecdotes of battlefield valor and the genteel pleasures of country living, all to argue that the pastime is both ancient and honorable.

The treatise then shifts to practical matters, offering detailed instructions on breeding, feeding, and caring for fighting cocks, as well as advice on preparing them for the arena. It blends technical guidance with moral justification, suggesting that the sport cultivates courage, camaraderie, and even financial benefit for its enthusiasts. Readers will find a window into the social world of the time, where the clatter of the cockpit echoed the rhythm of courtly and military life alike.

For anyone curious about historical leisure activities or the cultural mindset that once elevated such contests to “royal” status, the book provides a vivid snapshot of an era where feathered combat was taken very seriously.