Bull running was a custom practised in England until the 19th century.[a] It involved chasing a bull through the streets of a town until it was weakened, then slaughtering the animal and butchering it for its meat.[2] Bull running became illegal in 1835, and the last bull run took place in Stamford, Lincolnshire, in 1839.[3][4] The practice was not confined to any particular region, with bull runs also documented at Axbridge in the south west, Canterbury and Wokingham in the south east, Tutbury in the midlands, and Wisbech in the east.[5][6]
The origins of the custom are uncertain, and the date of observance varied across the country. In Stamford, the bull run took place on St Brice's Day (13 November); in Tutbury, it was held on the Feast of the Assumption (15 August); and in Axbridge on Guy Fawkes Day (5 November).[2][7][b] Participants may be referred to as bullards, as in the Bullards' Song associated with the Stamford bull run.
- ^ Griffin-Kremer 2003, pp. 107–8.
- ^ a b Peacock 1904, p. 199.
- ^ Malcolmson 1973, p. 133.
- ^ "Stamford Bull Running". The Times. London. 17 November 1838. p. 5.
- ^ Bushaway 1993, p. 76.
- ^ "Country News". The Times. London. 18 August 1788. p. 4.
- ^ Bushaway 1993, pp. 77, 79.
- ^ Peacock 1904, pp. 200–201.
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