Many parishes had a tradition of holding wakes, the Oakengates Wake was held in early October. This coincided with the return of women who had been working in the market gardens around London. The wakes were popular occasions amongst the working classes but there was growing concern amongst the churches and magistrates that they encouraged rowdy and drunken behaviour.
The Salopian Harmonist (665/3/57)
This selection of songs was published c1820; it includes the verse which Rebecca teaches her audience.
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They were also occasions for sports such as cockfighting and bull-baiting, and betting on the outcomes of matches. There was growing criticism of these cruel sports and an active campaign to get them banned. Bull baiting last took place at the Oakengates Wake in 1833, the year in which our play was set, and the practice was made illegal in 1835.
Description of the Oaken-Gates Wake in Watton's Cuttings Vol 1 p360, 1833.
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