Cockpit Steps was named after connection to the former pastime of cockfighting.
The steps are the single remaining vestige of the Royal Cockpit – an 18th century venue in an inn where cock fights took place. The Royal Cockpit was aimed more towards the upper classes as it had a 5 shilling admission charge. Most towns in those days had at least one cockpit. Incidentally, the word ’cockpit’ as used in boats and planes had no reference to cockfighting, instead originally referring to an area in the rear of a ship where the cockswain’s station was located.
For some, cockfighting was an easy way to make money due to the heavy betting that inevitably went with any combat sport.
The rules were complex – books were written about the correct etiquette around the fights. This rule-based system was important for the later application to football, rugby and cricket. The large sums of money being wagered meant that cockfighting and subsequently other sports had the have rules which were fair and balanced.
Although the Royal Cockpit was more select, cockpits were generally dirty and rowdy but places where the social classes mixed. The Royal Cockpit was demolished in 1810 – even so the stairs remained.
Cockfighting itself was made illegal in 1833.
