Dog and Duck, St George's Fields

Dog and Duck, St George's Fields

The Dog and Duck Tavern

The Dog and Duck was a notable tavern located in St George's Fields, an area in Southwark, London. It gained prominence in the 18th century as a popular venue for entertainment and leisure, particularly known for its association with the sport of duck-baiting.

History

The Dog and Duck tavern was established in the early 18th century, during a time when St George's Fields was a rural area on the outskirts of London. The tavern quickly became a popular destination for Londoners seeking entertainment and respite from the bustling city.

The Dog and Duck in 1772

The tavern's name is derived from the practice of duck-baiting, a blood sport where ducks were released into a pond and dogs were set upon them. This cruel sport was a common form of entertainment at the time, and the Dog and Duck tavern capitalized on its popularity.

Location and Features

The Dog and Duck was strategically located in St George's Fields, an area that was easily accessible from central London yet offered a more rural setting. The tavern itself was a large establishment, featuring extensive gardens and a pond used for duck-baiting.

The Dog and Duck marked on Rocque's Map of London, 1741-5

The tavern was marked on John Rocque's Map of London, indicating its significance as a landmark in the area. The map, created between 1741 and 1745, shows the tavern's location and its proximity to other notable sites in St George's Fields.

Entertainment and Social Life

In addition to duck-baiting, the Dog and Duck offered a variety of entertainments typical of the period. These included musical performances, dancing, and other social gatherings. The tavern was a hub of social activity, attracting a diverse clientele from different walks of life.

Duck-baiting, a popular sport at the Dog and Duck

The tavern's gardens were a particular draw, providing a pleasant setting for patrons to enjoy their leisure time. The combination of natural beauty and lively entertainment made the Dog and Duck a favored destination for those seeking amusement outside the city.

Decline and Legacy

The popularity of the Dog and Duck began to wane in the late 18th century as public attitudes towards blood sports like duck-baiting began to change. Additionally, the urban expansion of London gradually encroached upon St George's Fields, transforming the area from a rural retreat into part of the city's urban landscape.

Interior of the Dog and Duck

By the early 19th century, the tavern had closed, and the site was eventually redeveloped. Despite its decline, the Dog and Duck remains a part of London's cultural history, remembered for its role in the social life of 18th-century Londoners.

Related Pages

• St George's Fields
• Duck-baiting
• John Rocque
• Southwark