32 



Coventry writes, dating his letter 9 p.m., to 

 Mr. Secretary Williamson : " We have been 

 almost all day, morning and afternoon, in the 

 field, and his Majesty is at this time at the 

 cock-pit by candle-light " 



The cockings at Newmarket were often 

 advertised in the London Gazette. The follow- 

 ing appeared in that journal of February 2Sth/ 

 March ^th, 1678 : 



4 ' These are to give notice that there will 

 be two great Matches of Cocking fought in 

 His Majesty's Cock-pit at Newmarket, the 

 one in Easter week next and the other in the 

 week following ; and all gentlemen concerned 

 therein are desired to send their cocks 

 accordingly. The Grand Match will be in 

 the week after Easter " 



Another announcement in the London Gazette 

 of February 5th/Qth, 1679. throw r s light on the 

 progress of the sport : 



"The Masters of His Majesty's Cock-pit 

 do desire all gentlemen that love the game 

 to send in their cocks to the pit at New- 

 market in such seasonable time as they may 

 be fit to fight, they intending to begin the 

 said Cock match on the i5th day of March : 

 and there shall be feeders ready to take 

 care of their cocks " 



