Life of the Locals

‘People in rural places like Braithwaite were forced by circumstances to create their own amusements. After 1830 cockfighting faded away under official banning and disapproval so the cockpit which was near The Island fell into disuse and was largely used for a wood store.

Hound trailing and fox hunting became popular pastimes. Sports meetings with wrestling and running were popular and

boxing matches were often associated with the Inns. There were also many ‘merry meets’ in the year, and also summer barn dances, particularly at sheep shearing and harvest..."