Bear-baiting and Bull-baiting: These brutal "sports" were incredibly popular in Tudor and Stuart England. Animals were chained and tormented by dogs, often to the point of death, while crowds cheered and gambled. Bear-baiting pits and bull-baiting rings dotted the Bankside, offering a spectacle of violence and excitement.
Cockfighting: This bloodsport involved pitting roosters against each other, with the surviving bird declared the winner. Cockfighting was a popular pastime among all classes and was often held in taverns and other public places.
Galleries and Amusements: The Bankside was home to several galleries, offering a variety of entertainment. These included:
* The Globe Theatre: While not technically a gallery, the Globe, built in 1599, quickly became the most famous theatre in London, attracting large crowds for its plays and performances.
* The Hope Theatre: Another popular theatre, the Hope primarily hosted plays but also hosted other forms of entertainment like bear-baiting.
* The Swan Theatre: A rival to the Globe, the Swan offered a different artistic experience and attracted a different clientele.
* The Paris Garden: This area hosted bear-baiting, bull-baiting, and other forms of entertainment.
Games and Activities: Various other activities entertained the locals on the Bankside, such as:
* Bowling Alleys: These were common in the area and offered a fun way to spend time with friends.
* Dice Games: Gambling was a popular pastime on the Bankside, with dice games being particularly common.
* Shooting Galleries: Archery was a popular sport, and shooting galleries offered a place to practice and compete.
* The Bankside Fair: A yearly event, the Bankside Fair offered a wide variety of entertainment, including food, drinks, games, and shows.
Taverns and Pubs: The Bankside boasted numerous taverns and pubs, where locals and visitors could socialize, drink, and enjoy music and entertainment.
The Bankside, therefore, offered a diverse and vibrant mix of entertainment before theatres became the dominant force. From bloody animal sports to lively taverns and galleries, the area provided a variety of options for people of all classes to enjoy. This rich tapestry of entertainment paved the way for the theatrical boom that would later define the Bankside and its place in history.