Denbigh, Old Cockpit, Hawk And Buckle Inn c.1955
Photo ref: D22120
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Photo ref: D22120
Photo of Denbigh, Old Cockpit, Hawk And Buckle Inn c.1955

More about this scene

Cockfighting was a very popular pastime in rural Wales until its prohibition in 1849. Cocks would be pitched against each other and fought to the death, accompanied by much raucous gambling. This old cockpit, built in the 17th century, survives in the Museum of Welsh Life at St Fagan's near Cardiff - the cockpit was moved there and re-constructed in 1970. Derelict by 1965, it was latterly used as a slaughterhouse and a garage.

Memories of Denbigh, Old Cockpit, Hawk and Buckle Inn c1955

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. These memories are of Denbigh, Old Cockpit, Hawk And Buckle Inn c.1955

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I was born in Denbigh Infirmary in January 1944. My father, Emlyn, was in the army at the time, he was the son of Abel Jackson, a local decorator. My mother came from Huddersfield. They married Boxing Day 1942. My GGF was Daniel who came from Glasgow. He worked at Coppy Farm, Henllan Road. Daniel married twice, his second wife was the cook at the Hawk & Buckle and he helped serve beer to those who bet on the cock fights. The cock pit is now at the Folk Museum in Cardiff.