Quelling the Smithfield Yahoos: Bullock-hunting on the Streets of London

Abstract

In December 1785 The London Chronicle carried the following report:

Complaint has been made to the Court of the Mayor and Aldermen of this city, that a set of idle and disorderly persons generally assemble in Smithfield-market, on Mondays and Fridays, the market days for the sale of cattle, and make a practice of following cattle; and after having separated one or more from the rest, wantonly hunt and worry them until they become wild and mischievous, whereby the lives of people are in danger²

I prefer the Lark’s note or the cry of a Cock,

To a croaking old Watchman, crying past four O Clock;

Or the musical Hounds in pursuit of a Fox,

To the Smithfield Yahoos hunting down a mad Ox.

-Country & Town, Sung by Mr. Dugnum.¹