(4,574) The Bull Ring.—The stone to which an iron ring was fastened may still be seen in the market place at Malton, Yorks. There is an average distance of 78ft. between the stone and the houses. It may be of interest to note the tethering place was only about 72ft. from the door of St. Michael’s Church.—A. E. O., Malton.
Your correspondent would be interested to see the Bull Ring at Brading, in the Isle of Wight. The ring is extremely strong and protrudes vertically from the ground to a height of about 9in. or 10in. The diameter of the ring is roughly 3in. inside measurement and 5in. outside. In this instance it is at the junction of four roads.—A. E. B., London, S.W.11.
The unhappy bull was fastened by a chain or rope, varying in length from 3yds. to 15yds., to a swivel ring on the top of a stake driven in flush with the ground. The Bull and Chain Tavern still, I believe, existing at Lincoln is a reminder of this ugly custom. See for information about bull-baiting George R. Jesse’s “Researches into the History of the British Dog” (1866), vol. 2, and Taplin’s “Sporting Dictionary,” 1803. As late as 1820 bull-baiting was still carried on in a few places.—Insigniaphil, Walthamstow.
Source info: First reply (122d) published 1 September 1923.