This was an ancient sign in use since the fourteenth century. It was often an indication that in the past cock fighting took place in the yard. In the seventeenth century the sign may also have advertised the sale of cock ale, which was 'ale mixed with the jelly of minced meat of a boiled cock, besides other ingredients'.
Two soldiers were billeted here in 1756. In fact Alderman Hewitt recorded three 'Cocks' when listing the billeting of soldiers; the Jordan Well one, the Spon End one and one with no address. This 'Cock' last appears in 1790 on a Bishop Street List of Publicans and when advertised to let.
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