Cockpit About 8 Metres North Of The Arundell Arms

The Cockpit, located about 8 meters north of the Arundell Arms, is a building likely dating from the 18th century, with some alterations made in the late 20th century. It is constructed of stone rubble and features a steeply-pitched pyramidal wooden shingle roof, which was formerly thatched. The octagonal structure has a gabled entrance with a 20th-century door beneath a chamfered 1-light segmental pointed window. A second entrance, which occupies most of one side, has been converted into a 2-light fixed window above a plank panel. At the apex of the roof, there is a weathervane.

Inside, there is a raised earth octagonal platform in the center, believed to be the original fighting pit. The roof timbers and thatch were replaced around the 1970s. An undated photograph from the time when the building was thatched shows double timber doors that have since been replaced by the current window. Cock-fighting was a popular activity into the 19th century, and although legislation to abolish animal-baiting was passed in 1835, there are records of illegal baits occurring in the 1850s.