The Scots Greys had marched away and in the Higher Barracks were the 4th Light Dragoons who, I think, were what was called a slang regiment, that is to say a rakish one. There was a law against badger baiting but clearly it was not being observed.
Badger baiting was a most cruel 'sport'. The Western Times thought so too, hence this excercise in heavy sarcasm (1st July, 1843).
"The badger baiting at the barracks is carried on with much spirit. The sport is excellent, and the elite of Westgate generally honour the officers with their attendance on these occasions.
"At a late exhibition Mr. Westlake's dog proved very game, and the respectable owner was offered four sovereigns for it by a gallant officer, who was so charmed with his pluck that he wished the animal might be left with the badger for an hour, to see which would be alive at the end, the dog or the badger.
"We notice these matters with great pleasure, because we think that sports which tend to advance the human character, and do so much honour to the game breeding of our Cathedral city, should be more generally cultivated.
"In ancient times monarchs used to attend bear baiting - our virgin Queen Elizabeth did so - we hope to see both Mayor and Mace going to this truly noble sport."
Mr. Westlake was a flour merchant from New Bridge Street, right in the middle of the Westgate district, the least fashionable corner of Victorian Exeter.
'Mayor and Mace' is a sweet phrase to mean the civil authority as a whole. I have not seen it before.
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