The Cockpit Tavern is built on the site of Shakespeare’s house. As the name suggests, it was an arena for cockfighting and the gallery for spectators is still in place. Cock fighting was banned in 1849 and the pub has made a less bloodthirsty trade since by selling ales and such.
Old and new have been mixed here by more enlightened planners. They have built the surrounding office block in sympathy with the pub and make a rather elegant sweep down St Andrew’s Hill which I was keen to capture in my drawing.
There is an Painting Blog on this drawing.
