KJf

?%.S:i

The Bedale Hounds.
1832-1908.

By

FRANK H. REYNARD.

Life is chiefly froth and bubble ;
Two things stand Hke stone :
Kindness in another's trouble,
Courage in your own."

Lindsay Gordon,

PUBLISHED BY

W. DRESSER & SONS, DARLINGTON.

1908.

Preface.

In presenting the following pages to the reader, my chief
desire has been to preserve the hunting records of a
sporting country and Hunt ; which, although itself of no
great antiquity, claims parentage from that famous Hunt,
" The Raby." I have been admonished that there is little
anecdote to be found in the book. There is not much.
There are always lots of anecdotes afloat in any hunting
field (and I have plenty of them). But it takes two people
to make the anecdote, the one who scores, and the one
scored off. Lest by any chance I should hurt the feelings
of any connected with the latter section, I have decided to
steer clear of the thorny path of "Anecdote," and have,
with very few exceptions, entirely devoted myself to matters
which solely appertain to hunting. As I have worked along
from 1832 to the present date (only 75 years) it is sad to
realize how quickly the hunting lore of a country dies out.
Few who hunt regularly, keep diaries ; and farmers and
others who remember details soon drop away, making it
most difficult to obtain authentic information. I desire to
offer my most sincere thanks to all who have assisted me
in my venture ; by the loan of hunting diaries, accounts of
runs, photographs, and various miscellaneous information.

One word to my hunting friends. Should the sale of
the book more than cover the actual cost of production,
I propose to hand all further proceeds to the Hunt
Servants Benefit Society ; for the early Pension Fund —
in my opinion a most needed and worthy object.

F. H. R.
Camp Hill, Bedale,
igo8.

Contents.

CHAPTER I. PAGE

The Lords Darlington and the " Raby

Hounds " . - _ 3

CHAPTER II.
Mr. Mark Milbank, 1832—1856 - - . 23

CHAPTER III.

The Hon. Ernest Duncombe (Lord Feversham)

1856—1867 - - - 62

CHAPTER IV.
Mr. John J. Booth, 1867—1878 - - - 67

CHAPTER V.
Major Henry F. Dent, 1878—1884 - - - 95

CHAPTER VI.
Mr. George Elliot, M.P., 1884—1888 - - 117

CHAPTER VII.
Captain W. P. Wilson-Todd, 1888—1896 - 123

CHAPTER VIII.
Major Henry F. Dent, 1896—1898 - - 146

CHAPTER IX.

George Godolphin, 10th Duke of Leeds,

1898—1904 - - - 154

CHAPTER X.
Mr. John J. Moubray, 1904 - - - - 171

APPENDIX A.
List of Masters and Hunt Servants - - 199

APPENDIX B.

Short Account of the Hounds from 1867 to

1908 - - - - 201

List of Illustrations.

Portrait of Mr. Mark Milbank - - to face page 23
Map, showing Hunt boundaries, 1842 „ 44

Portrait of Lord Feversham

Map, showing extended northern boundary,
1861—1867 - - - -

Portrait of Mr. John B. Booth -

Portrait of Mr. George Elliot, M.P. -

Portrait of Captain W. P. Wilson-Todd

Portrait of Major H. F. Dent

Portrait of The Duke of Leeds -

Map, showing new southern boundary, 1904

Portrait of Mr. John J. Moubray

62

64
67
117
123
146
154
169
171

THE BEDALE HOUNDS, 1832-1908.

CHAPTER I.

Errata. ™^^,

e of

e 30. line 24— After " Ainderby - delete the comma. and

35. line 30-For "Galphray." read Galphay. of a

36. line 19— For " Willo-bed." read Willowbed. >rest.
36. 2nd line. 2nd verse— For "weather," read weathers. \ thC
44. last line— For "Martin." read Marton. nrinS
46. line 10-After "Scruton," add inverted commas P^ -,
70. line 3-For " portsing and well-behaved." read sporting i

and well-beloved. ^ ^ ^CCKS

85. line 19— For "Walke." read Walker. ^Car,

110. line 24-For " Sedbergh." read Sedbury y.

suc-
ceeded his father as third Earl of DarHngton,
and shortly after 1794, he ceased to go to
the Badsworth, devoting himself entirely
to hunting in North Yorkshire and Durham ;
from the river Wear on the north, nearly
down to the river Nidd on the south. In
the season of 1810-11, we find him drawing
Aldwark Woods, Brafferton Spring, Golds-
boro* Woods, Laylands, Allerton Park, and
Sessay Wood, all of which now belong to
the York and Ainsty. The country within
the above mentioned northern and southern

CHAPTER I.

LORDS DARLINGTON, AND DUKE OF CLEVELAND

Although the doings of the Raby Hounds
do not intimately concern a narrative of
the ''Bedale/' yet some few incidents and
occurrences, prior to the formation of a
Bedale Country proper, may be of interest.

From about the year 1787 until 1832 the
country of which the Bedale now forms
a part, was hunted by the second and third
Lords Darlington ; they also for six weeks
in the autumn and spring of each year,
hunted the present Badsworth Country.

In September 1792, WilHam Harry suc-
ceeded his father as third Earl of DarHngton,
and shortly after 1794, he ceased to go to
the Badsworth, devoting himself entirely
to hunting in North Yorkshire and Durham ;
from the river Wear on the north, nearly
down to the river Nidd on the south. In
the season of 1810-11, we find him drawing
Aldwark Woods, Brafferton Spring, Golds-
boro' Woods, Laylands, Allerton Park, and
Sessay Wood, all of which now belong to
the York and Ainsty. The country within
the above mentioned northern and southern

4 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

boundaries would, I imagine, have been
known as the Raby.

When hunting the southern portion of
this large tract of country, he resided at his
hunting box, Newton House, near Leeming ;
where there was ample stable and kennel
accommodation for his establishment. One
portion of his kennel arrangements, com-
mented upon in those days as a novelty,
was a passage leading from the feeding to
the lodging room of hounds. This was made
about six inches deep, capable of holding
liquid ; and on hunting days was filled with
broth from the copper. On their way back
from the feeding to the lodging room, hounds
were made to pass through this ' ' river of
broth.*' In consequence they licked their
feet dry, and, as the healing property of a
dog's tongue for any sore place is proverbial,
the result was most satisfactory.

The Kennels were only about two hundred
yards away from the house (where the
present kitchen garden now is), and once
when asked whether the smell from the
boiling house was not sometimes rather
strong and unpleasant, he repUed, ' ' It may
be, but we are all too well bred for fox-hunting
to mind that ; and a concord of sweet sounds
from the Kennel compensates for any un-
savoury smells."

This third Earl of Darlington must have
been a great character in many ways : but
hunting the fox appears to have been his
passion.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

It is recorded that he was all for riding ;
and ' ' four couples of hounds in front, and
the rest coming on how they could,'' was
the general order of things. The following
verse taken from a poem written by Mr. M.
Hawke, to commemorate a famous run with
the Badsworth, from Howell Wood : perhaps
happily describes him : —

" Then first in the burst, see dashing away,
Taking all in his stride, on Ralpho the gray.
With persuaders in flank, comes Darlington's Peer
With his chin sticking out, and his cap on his ear."*

In addition to his fondness for fox hunting,
Lord Darlington was a firm supporter of
the Turf; and the two Chifneys — Sam and
Will — were closely connected with his racing
stable. He gave very long prices for some
of his horses, but few turned out really worth
much. He won the Ascot Cup in 1827, with
Memmon ; the St. Leger in 1831, with
Chorister ; and ran second for the Derby
of 1818, with a grey colt called Raby, being
beaten three parts of a length by Sam.

He kept a large pack of hounds — about
seventy couples — sometimes hunting with
all young ones, when ' * the fun must have
been fast and furious.*' But the usual
number was twenty to twenty-five couples
of mixed hounds.

His hunting diaries are a model of exacti-
tude in necessary information. Brief, but

* Nimrod, in his " Hunting Tours and Letters on Riding to
Hounds," states that in the year 1826, Lord Darlington
wore a hat and a leather girdle across his shoulder. His
two whippers-in were also in hats.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

every word to the point.

He notes the place and time of meeting,
the coverts drawn, the day's sport, scent,
weather, the vagaries of his ' ' field, ' ' and
the complaints of covert holders ; of which
I give a specimen,

'' 1825-26. In consequence of the innu-
merable foxes which Lord T. reported to
me were about K . . . . and attacking his
hares (in the middle of the day one of his
Lordship's keepers saw three foxes worrying
a hare), I selected sixteen couples of my
best and steadiest hounds to go to K . . . .
at 11 o'clock, and obey his Lordship's
behests. They tried every myrtle, rush,
whinbush, hazel-tree, brick-kiln remains,
thorn hedge, pleasure ground, and pheasant
preserve appurtenances, without ever finding
a fox, for nearly three hours ; except one
unfortunate dog fox, which was instantly
killed — labouring under a poisonous disorder
called the scab." [Surely this must have
been the mange ? Ed. ]

Also a tabulated statement of every covert
drawn. If foxes found or not, if any killed
therefrom, foxes marked to ground, and
the sex of each killed. So that at a glance
one can see how different localities did or did
not provide foxes, and from which most
were killed. As will be seen later, Mr. Mark
Milbank adopted the same system.

An extract from his diary of the season
1810-11, will give a fair idea of the sport
during the period he hunted the Raby

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

country. Hunting began September 12th,
and finished on the 3rd of April ; hounds
being out ninety-two days.

29J brace of foxes were killed, 20J were
marked to ground, and there was no blank
day.

At this date a Master of Hounds seems
to have been troubled with an eager field,
as the following extract records.

26th January, 1811.

"A very unfortunate vexatious day.

Mr. M. H. and several other equally
dashing sportsmen out, whose anxiety, with
some jealousy, though not blamable [can
we see here a sneaking fondness for his own
idea of ' four couples on, and the rest of
the pack anyhow? ' Ed.], tended to the des-
truction of sport. Besides, the hounds were
by no means true to the scent ; and incurred
my grave displeasure."

What a volume of what not to do, and
how it is so easily done, is summed up in
the above few words.

The destruction of sport in the first in-
stance, and then by being over-ridden
how his hounds became wild, and incurred
his grave displeasure. Those of us nearly
a hundred years younger, may well ponder
over these remarks and lay them well to
heart.

The question of costume in the hunting
field, has recently been the subject of some
discussion in the papers. The following from
'' Nimrod's Hunting Tour '' when hunting

8 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

with the * Bedale/ reads rather to the
point, in favour of a correct form of dress.

'' Mr. F. had a heavy fall, but is none
the worse. I attribute the disaster to this
cause. The Goddess of Hunting is easily
affronted, and when she knits her brows is
of vindictive temper, sometimes requiring
even human sacrifice. Mr. F's costume was
ill-suited to her court : he was attired in
white Russian - duck trousers and Wel-
lington boots, looking very unlike a fox-
hunter in the end of November. As his cloth
was hlack, he ought to have remembered
the words of the text, ' How camest thou in
hither, not having a wedding garment ? ' ' '

Although I have had a good many falls,
I have at least the satisfaction of knowing
that they all happened when I had on my
' ' wedding garments, ' ' top-boots, leathers
and scarlet.

A run which took place on the 5th March,
1811, is well worthy of record, and I give
it in Lord D.'s own words.

'' Threw off at Hollin Head Wood. Did
not find till we got to the Whin covert,
north of Winksley, where we did handsomely.

Ran west towards Pateley Bridge, then
turned past Ensley, and Grantley Gates,
down Spa Gyll out towards Sawley; into
Fountains Vale, through Studley Gardens,
down the Park, back through the Gardens,
past Fountains Abbey to Spa Gyll ; from
thence took straight over the country, by
Aldfield, in a direct line as straight as a

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

crow can fly for seven miles to Hackfall.
Ran through here out at the north end, crossed
the river Yore, down Maudlin Banks to Tan-
field Hall, to the west of Heslett's Wood
nearly up to the village of Binsoe. Here
the fox was headed, and turned short back
by Aldburgh Hall across to Upbank Wood,
where hounds ran very hard (and I viewed
h;m). He broke away two fields towards
Gibdykes, but hounds running from scent
to view killed him in a ploughed field after
one of the most brilliant runs that I have
witnessed for some years in any country ;
and hounds behaved to admiration. Sir
Bellingham Graham and Mr. Morley rode
very conspicuously and well for two hours
and forty minutes, but we continued to run
brilliantly for another fifty-five minutes after-
wards, making in the whole a chase of three
hours and thirty-five minutes, at the end
of which my good friend Godfrey Wentworth
was present, and equally rejoiced as myself.'*

During the period that he hunted the
Badsworth Country, Lord DarHngton estab-
Hshed a ' ' Hunt Club ' ' at Ferrybridge near
Pontefract, which was close to the residence
he rented, Belham House. The reason he
did so being : ' ' That he was of opinion it
was desirable that sportsmen should meet
together pretty often to discuss their sport,
the preservation of foxes, the making of new
coverts, and anything likely to improve the
country from a fox hunting point of view."

In the year 1808, he established another

10 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Hunt Club, in the southern portion of the
Raby Country, at Boroughbridge, and it was
directed that the members of the club should
wear the uniform of the Hunt.

In the same year a club was formed at
Beverley by the followers of Sir Mark Sykes's
and Mr. Watt's hounds (then Masters of the
Holderness).

These Hunt Clubs seem to have been
popular institutions, for in 1816, hunting
people in the Bedale neighbourhood formed
one, and the following is a list of the
original members, with some quaint resolu-
tions which are instructive, as concerns
poultry damage, and the making of new
coverts.

THE

RABY HUNT

BEDALE CLUB;

COMMENCING

31st. OCTOBER 1816.

At a Meeting of the RABY HUJSTT,

Held this 31»/. Day of OCTOBER 1816,

at the Black Swan Inn,

BEDALE.

The following JSToblemen and Gentlemen of the said Hunt,
agree to form a CL UB, ( viz. )

The Duke of Leeds.
The Earl of Darlington.
J. W . Clough, Esq.
M. Wyville, Esq.
S. Scroope, Esq.
H. Witham, Esq.

S. Cradock, Esq.
John'* Allan, Esq.
Gerard B. Wharton, Esq.
Richard Peirse, Esq.
Thomas Davison, Esq.
George Healey, Esq.

Members Elected^

Mark Milbank, Esq.

Francis Ingram, Esq.

Hon. Col. Dix.

Rev. John T. Monson.

George Hartley, Esq.

Sir John P. Beresford, Bart.

Rev. Edward Wyvill.

G. Adam Askew, Esq.

Thomas Lawson, Esq.

Hon. Captain Dundass.

Thomas Dandass, Esq.

Christopher Wyville, Esq.

Jacob Maude, Esq.

James H. D'Aroy Hutton Esq.

Captain O'Callaghan.

Rev. George Ford Clarke.

By the year i82g the following Gentlemen had been added .

Rodrick J. Murchinson.
William Armytage, Esq.
Simon Scroope, Esq.
Henry Tower, Esq.
I'ldmund Turton, Esq.
John Wormald, Esq.
William Russell, Esq.
Edward Copley, Esq.
Major St. Paul.
Col. Mayriok.
George Wilkinson, Esq.
Col. Elsley.
John Hutton, Esq.
Henry Wormald, Esq.
John Clough, Esq,

The Honble. Col. Arden.
W. G. Harland, Esq.
Thomas Maude, Esq.
Sir Bellingham Graham, Bart.
T. K. Staveley, Esq.

Henry Glaridge, Esq.
John Hodgson, Esq.
Gapt. Edward Watts, R.N.
Rev. Ewart.
George Wombwell, Esq.

Resolved,

THAT the Annual Subscription of each Member shall be Fire Gaineas, to
commenoe this Day, and to be paid to the Inn-keeper of the Blaok Swan, in the
course of the First Meeting of each Season, and in failure thereof, the Name of
such defaulter shall be put up in the Club Room on the first Day of the ensuing
Meeting, unless the Subscription is Paid, and if not paid before the First Day of
November next, the Name of such Defaulter to be erased from the Club.

THAT the Subscriptions be applied in defraying the Expences of the Break-
fasts and Dinners only, and that each Stranger pay Half a Guinea for his Dinner

BED ALE, 19, Novmber, 1818.
Resolved,

THAT the Dinner Bill shall be brought to the President Two Hours and a
Half after the Cloth is drawn by the Master of the House, under a forfeit of One
Guinea to the Club, each time he fails to do so.

Resolved,

THAT the President shall leave the Chair after the Bottle of Wine is
finished, which is in circulation at the time the Bill is delivered to him, or in
Failure of his doing so, the President shall forfeit Three Guineas to the Club.

Resolved,

THAT Tea and Coffee shall be ready in another Boom at the time the Bill
is delivered.

Resolved,

THAT an allowance of Thirty Shillings shall be made to the Innkeeper each
week during the continuance of the Hunt, in the event of no Club Dinners being
served in that week for more than 6 members.

BED ALE, 4, Novmber, 1819.
Resolved,

THAT the above Rule declaring the Wines to be drank at the Ezpence of
the Club should be Port and Sherry only, shall be so far extended as to allow
Claret to be drank, but that no more Claret than one Bottle per head for each
Person present shall be drank, unless called for by any Member under the sanction
of the President, within the prescribed Club Hours, and for which extra Wine,
Twelve Shillings per Bottle must be paid by the Member who calls for it.

THAT the Meetings shall commenoe on the First Day that Lord Darlington's
Fox Hounds shall Hunt from Newton House, and continue till the Last Day of
Hunting from thence.

THAT the Dinner be furnished at Five Shillings per Head, including Malt
Liquor and Desert.

THAT any Gentleman wishing to become a Candidate for the Club, shall be
proposed and seconded by two Members thereof, to be inserted in a Book kept for
that purpose by the Innkeeper, Five days previous to his being Balloted for ; Five
Members to constitute a Ballot, and one Black Ball to exclude.

THAT the above Resolutions be printed, and a Copy transmitted to each
Member Annually, during the First Week in October.

BEDALE, 30, Match, 1821,

Resolved,

THAT Sixpence per head be allowed to the Waiter in the Daily Bill, for each
Person who Dines at the Clnb, and to be charged in the Bill.

BED ALE, 8, November, 1821.

IT is rcBolred that the Rules which relate to the Bestriction as to the
Qaalities of the Wine to be drank by the Clnb shall be Rescinded.

ALSO that any Member who shall call for Wine after the Bill is delivered at
the Regnlated Hoar shall forfeit to the Glab the same Fine of Three Guineas, as
the President is already subject to.

BED ALB, 25, November, 1821.

Resolved,

THAT a goed Cook be engaged at the expence of the Club, to dress the
Dinner eyery Thursday, during the Meetings of the Club each Season.

ALSO that Two Dozen of Silver Forks be immediately ordered at the
expence of the Club to be their Property, bearing the same impression as the
Button of the Raby Uniform ; and the Earl of Darlington and Mark Milbank be
requested to make the necessary arrangements for carrying the above Resolution
into effect.

BED ALE, 22, November, 1821,
Resolved,

THAT the following Gentlemen, or any three of them, form a Committee to
adjust and settle all Claims made by Persons for Losses sustained by the
Destruction of Poultry by Foxes, and that the amount of the sum so settled and
adjusted by suck Committee, shall be paid out of the Funds of the Club.

Darlington,
Mark Milbank,
George Ford Clarke,
John Monson,
Sheldon Cradoek,
Gerard B. Wharton,
George Healey,
Edward Wyvill,
Henry Tower.

BED ALE, 9, January, 1823.
Resolved,

THAT a Whin Cover shall be made at the expence of the Club, consisting
of not less than 12 acres nor more than 16 acres, the Rent of which as well as
every other attendant expence, are to be defrayed by the Club in future.

Resolved,

THAT Colonel Cradoek be requested to engage and to select the most
desirable situation for the above named Cover, and that Colonel Cradoek and
Lord Darlington shall give the necessary Orders for carrying the same into effect.

Darlington.
Mark Milbank,
John J. T. Monson,
Henry Tower,
George Ford Clarke.

BBDALE, 3U March, 1825.
Resolved,

THAT no Dinner or Wine, if served before Six o'clock, shall be paid for out
of the Fands of the Glnb.

Mark Milbank.
Cleveland.
C. Wyvill.
Henry Tower.
J. Clough.
W. S. Mayrick.

BED ALE, 19, November, 1829.
Resolved,

THAT in consequence of the increase of the fucds of the Club, the Annual
Subscription shall only be Three Pounds instead of Five Guineas, commencing
from the beginning of the present season. Resolved that Mr. Bedford shall
address each Member by letter to request the Amount of arrears to be imme-
diately remitted ; at the same time stating that the Annual Subscription was
reduced to Three Pounds, from the beginning of the present season. That all
replies Mr. B. receives shall be laid before the Giub.

Todd and Sons, Printers, Bedale.

EDITORS' NOTE.— I find that the weekly day of the Club dinner was on a Thursday,
when Lord Darlington was most particular in being present. A Chairman or
President was selected for each Club dinner. The Club had their own cellar of
wine, aod in 1822 had a fund of about £450.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 15

The 6th Duke of Leeds kept a pack of
fox-hounds at Hornby Castle, with Kit Scaife
as huntsman and Will Danby as whipper-in,
hunting the country west of the Castle,
beyond Askrigg and Hawes. The "Druid"
in Silk and Scarlet thus describes it. ' ' A
singularly wild and beautiful one, all dells
and ling. Hounds constantly ran into West-
moreland, and they used to return by ones
and twos to kennels, at all hours of the night.
Once — no one being with them, they ran
a fox to ground in Masham Moor Heads,
thirty miles from kennels.'**

In 1816, owing to some disagreement
with Lord Darlington, the Duke decided to
give up his hounds, and they were sold.

A few couples were bought by Mr. Tom
Hodgson, then Master oi the Badsworth ;
and eighteen couples by the Committee of
the York and Ainsty — a body which had
just been constituted to manage the affairs
of this pack of hounds.

On the break up of the Duke's hunting
establishment, Skaife became head of his
racing one, having as his head lad, John
Osborne (father of Mr. John Osborne, of
Brecongill), and Sim Templeman as the
stable jockey.

Will Danby deserves more than a cursory
remark, as he was a Bedale bred man —

The Duke must have kept a fairly large number of hounds, as
in the year 1809, I find that the Duke of Rutland bought
15^ couples from him. At this particular date they did not
breed the number of hounds at Belvoir that they did a few
years later, and of course do now.

16 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

a typical Yorkshireman — and a rare hunts-
man.

He was the son of a tenant farmer, on the
Hornby Castle estate, and was being brought
up to the pursuit of agriculture. When four-
teen years of age (1809), some buildings on
his father's farm were taken and converted
into kennels for the Duke's hounds. From
that moment his heart went out to hounds
and remained there till his death.

He was deputed to take — by road — the
eighteen couples of hounds mentioned, to
the York and Ainsty Kennel at Knavesmire,
and remain there as a whipper-in.

The kennel buildings had only just been
completed, and the benches were of such a
flimsy nature, that as soon as the eighteen
couples rushed on to them, they collapsed.
Mr. Clough, who was the working member of
the York and Ainsty Committee, and who
was present to see the draft come in, used such
violent language, when the above catastrophe
took place, that Will decided it was no place
for him, and he went off ; taking service with
Mr. Tom Hodgson, who was then Master of
the Badsworth. From here he was for a
short time with the 6th Lord Scarborough,
when he had the Grove, and then went to a
pack of harriers near Halifax.

When Mr. Tom Hodgson took the Hol-
derness in 1824, Will decided to try and get
back to his old Master, who was then Hving
at Snydale, near Normanton ; to which
place Will walked from Halifax in his top-

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 17

boots, a distance of twenty-two miles in six
hours. Mr. Hodgson was so delighted with
the man's energy and keenness that he engaged
him on the spot, at a guinea a week, as First
Whipper-in and Kennel Huntsman. On
expressing surprise that Will proposed to
return on foot, he was met with the reply,
''The distance mattered nowt.'' Forty-
four miles in top-boots ! ! !

The sport shown by Mr. Hodgson and Will
Danby in Holderness needs no comment
here — it is too well known. It only remains
to say that Will had not seen the last of the
York and Ainsty in 1817, as he thought ; for
in 1837 he returned to that pack as hunts-
man to Mr. George Lloyd, and remained there
until 1853, when Sir Charles Slingsby took the
country, and decided to hunt hounds him-
self. He was presented with a handsome
testimonial on his retirement, and there is
now a capital oil painting of him — with
some hounds — in the Yorkshire Club at
York.*

He did not stand down for very long, as
1855 saw him huntsman to the Hur worth
hounds.

The following is a quaint account by Lord
Darlington, of a run from Newton House,
on November 17th, 1821 :—
'' Met at 11 a.m.

Found in Gatenby Whin, broke away to the
south past AUerthorpe nearly up to Pickhill

* The painting is by I. W. Snow, and is dated 1845.

18 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

village, turned to the right and crossed the
Leeming Lane half a mile north of Butcher
Bar, from thence by Kirklington, Sutton
Howgrave and Middleton Quernhow, to the
Bottoms near to Wath village, where he
turned to the left, and went straight behind
York Gate to the Leeming Lane, which he
crossed near to the corner of Hutton Moor,
from there down towards the Baldersby
Lane, when being headed, he turned back,
and hounds killed him — an old dog fox.

A most gallant run, and chiefly very quick
for one hour and thirty-five minutes. Had
eight and a half couples of young, and thir-
teen of old hounds out

Mr. Ward's 'Boniface' kept the head of the
pack in a most astonishing and superior
manner, without deigning to go through a
hedge or a gate, all of which he flew. I was
riding 'Wizard,' who carried me with his
accustomed ease, elegance and superiority,
and for the last few miles of the run, which
may be computed at sixteen, he went with
his head up and proud of his place, like a
monarch clothed in coronation robes."

The following letter describes a fierce
encounter between a labourer and a ' ' poultry
stealing ' ' fox.

To The Most Honourable,

The Marquess of Cleveland,

Newton House.
My Lord Marquess,

I have taken the liberty of sending to your

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 19

Lordship a fox, which was taken by a poor
man (who Hves in a cottage near me) this
morning in the following singular way. He
was awoke very early by a fox taking away
one of his geese. Without any clothes on,
or even a stick in his hand he followed, shout-
ing, trying to recover his goose. The man
came up to the fox (I think) in the middle of
the second field, and after fighting some time
(the man having received several very severe
bites in his hands) at last got hold of him
with his teeth, and secured him. I could not
persuade the man to let him off again, so
thought it best to send to your Lordship,
as for fear he might be destroyed.
I have the honour to remain,

My Lord Marquess,
Your Lordship's most obedient servant,

5^. John Hutton.
Sowber Hill,

23rd December, 1831.

In 1832, Lord Darlington gave up hunting
the southern part of the Raby country, which
brings us to the formation of the ' ' Bedale
Hunt," to be described in the next chapter.
Before, however, leaving Lord Darhngton
and his country, the comments of ' * Nimrod ' '
on it in particular, and Yorkshire in general,
about the year 1826, may be of interest. He
writes: *' It (Yorkshire) is too close to enjoy
hounds in, and subject to everlasting inter-
ruption from coverts, rivers, canals and rail-
roads. The ploughed land in some parts may

20 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

be described as rotten, rather than deep : but
in the Bedale country the grass land is par-
ticularly sound and dry. The fences, with
the exception of the ' stells ' or brooks,
are such as do not so much put to the test
the spring and power of a hunter, as his
temper and the ready use of his legs.

It is a country in which men who ride
quickly over it must get falls.

For scent, I should say, Yorkshire is upon
the whole favourable, and Holderness good
to the proverb : ' In a wet season, any fool
could kill a fox with a Utter of pigs,' but
notwithstanding this I have reason to think
straightforward runs are scarce articles in
this land of sporting. It must, however, be
recollected that the majority of the coverts
are whins, and ringing runs generally prevail
where they abound, which accounts for the
ease with which gentlemen now jump upon
their second horses in Leicestershire. A fox
breaking from a wood has usually time to
look about him, steal quietly away, and
make his point ; but from a gorse covert he
is almost always viewed away, is alarmed,
gets blown, and turns short.''

[With the greatest deference to ' ' Nimrod,"
I fail, writing eighty years later, to agree
with him. Not only in Yorkshire but in
other counties I have seen the best of points,
gallops, and hunts from whin or gorse coverts.
They are a necessity after the end of Dec-
ember, when most woodlands lose their
undergrowth, the wind sweeps through them

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 21

and foxes seldom lie in them. From a wood-
land, hounds do not very often get a good
start with a fox ; and the making of most
good runs, whether from a huntsman's point
of view (i.e., Blood) or the '* hard rider's " ;
is to get away on the back of a fox. This
generally comes off from a whin covert, if
the ' ' field ' ' is kept in its proper place, and
*' in order." Ed.]

He appears to have been attracted by the
manly and independent bearing of the York-
shireman generally, together with his quaint
humour and somewhat laconic expression.
An instance of which, having reference to
Lord Darlington, he thus relates : —

'' Lord Darhngton was posting somewhere,
and changing horses at an inn where he was
well-known, expressed a wish that no time
should be lost on the way, as he was in a
hurry. ' Drive my Lord WELL, lads,'
to the postillions, said the Landlord. ' But '
— in an undertone — ' Mind me, don't over-
egg' t'pudden.' i.e., Don't overdrive and
kill the horses."

^

•«->

c

o .

(D •

O 00

«5

Q 00
. 00

«o

fe-^

— . o

5^

^z

o"^

^ t-

-s

•1-

1^

s

^

^^ o 5
o 1 o

2 1-1 CO

v-l S c

5 ^ W tiC

" oT ^ -^

d ^ <^ a „^ to
o

gs to

*3 P 2 «
e8 ® <U »

>> W o

•rsco
a) O

-"o o

W£

'^ HP? a

.2 «^='

•S ill

I 5 .&

<« -^ a Q,

M OO 4) Sjj c«

« <»^£ «

* C <N .p„ a;

CHAPTER II.

1832—1856.
Mark Milbank.

'*If ever you keep hounds, always give orders,
and never ask opinions." — Surtees.

In 1832, William Henry, Lord Darlington,
who had been created First Marquess of
Cleveland in 1827, and elevated to the Duke-
dom thereof in 1833, ceased on account of
ill health to hunt the southern portion of his
huge ' ' Ksby ' ' country. On return from
hunting he always personally saw his hounds
fed, and there can be little doubt that super-
intending this most important operation,
very often in his wet clothes, brought on
rheumatism and other ailments.

The future state of the ' ' Raby ' ' country
is best explained in the form of a * ' pedigree.' '

From this it will be seen that Lord Dar-
lington's son-in-law, Mr. Mark Milbank,
of Thorp Perrow, near Bedale, undertook
the first Mastership of what was constituted
the Bedale Hunt. Although from an oral
account given by an old resident in Snape,
called Tom Exelby (aged 87 in 1902), his

24 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

grandfather, who was '' a miraculous youth,"
had hunted with a pack of hounds called the
''Bedale/' They were trencher fed and
kept in the neighbourhood of Well. This
' ' miraculous youth ' ' must have been
whipper-in or something of the kind, as on
hunting days he collected hounds by puUing
the ears of the few which he kept. This made
them howl, and so attracted the others,
which were kept in neighbouring farms and
houses, to the place of meeting.

Mr. Milbank had in his younger days kept
a pack of harriers, to which probably the
following poem refers : —

BEDALE, 20th DECEMBER, 1809.

'Twas at nine in the morn, and the weather was fair
When we set out from Bedale, in search of a hare.
There was Charley the Huntsman, and young Mr.

Mark,*
Dick Peirse and John Monson, not forgetting George

Clark ;
A large field of farmers all eager to ride,
Each swearing to each as they rode side by side.
How the other would dash over mountains and dales
Leaving numbers behind them * ' hung ' * f at hedges

and rails.
That the thing of all others they most wished to see
Jump up 'mid the hounds an old Reynard would be.
That hunting the hare was but moderate fun.
And they very much wished for a capital run.
Their wish was soon granted, for 'ere it was late,
The hounds went away at a terrible rate.

* Who took the Bedale in 1832. At this date, 14 years old.
t What we now call " hung up " i.e. " pounded."

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 25

Such a time they kept at it, and such was the speed
They quickly discovered a fox, t'was indeed :
Who gallantly leaving the woods of Thorp Perrow, |
To Watlass he sped, with the speed of an arrow.
So close were the hounds that he could not delay,
But over Snape Park he directed his way.
Where finding the pack still hard at his brush
He lept the park wall with a terrible " rush."
And crossing the road towards Masham proceeded;
But disliking the country, or perhaps he was headed.
Turning short to the left came to Aldburgh Hall,
Thence through Binsoe and Peter Wood arrived at

Hackfall.
Where either disdaining the earths that were open,
Or feehng his strength unimpared and unbroken,
He still rattled on, 'til to Tanfield he came,
Tho' dirty and draggled, yet his pace was the same
iti * * *

Here after a chase of two hours and more
The hounds they were stopped — what a terrible bore.
From a M.S. H. de la Poer Beresford,

1838.

and no doubt influenced by Lord Darlington,
he kindly stepped into his father-in-law's
** southern hunting shoes.''*

The country provided some subscription
towards the expenses, but what sum I am
unable to ascertain.

He commenced the formation of his pack
of hounds by purchasing about twenty
couples from Scotland, was given some of
the ' ' Raby ' ' hounds, getting in addition
other drafts. There were some kennels at

X Hounds changed from a hare to a fox, somewhere between
Firby and Thorp Perrow, No one knew exactly where.

* Mr. Milbank married in 1817, Lady Augusta, second daughter
of William Henry, 1st Duke of Cleveland.

26 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Thorp Perrow, and there his pack was housed.

Mr. Milbank kept a most accurate and
interesting hunting diary, from which,
thanks to the courtesy of his grandson. Sir
Powlett Milbank, Bart., I am able most
fully to quote. In addition to the diary,
he kept a yearly record of every covert drawn
and whether a fox was found there or not,
also a list of the coverts from which foxes
were killed, a method which he no doubt
copied from Lord Darlington, who had done
the same. At this date there were many more
excellent whin coverts in the country than
there are at the present time ; in all of which
a fox was almost invariably to be found at
all periods of the year.

Mr. Milbank hunted hounds himself, and
had George Barwick as his kennel huntsman
and first whipper-in, and Joe Mason as his
second. The former had been with Mr.
Hanbury until he gave up keeping hounds,
and the latter had been Mr. Milbank' s second
horseman before he took the hounds.

Neither the Master or his servants had more
than one horse out (with very rare exceptions),
although a great deal of country used to be
covered in a day : but one notices on reading
through the record of twenty-four seasons,
that if there was a very high wind, if it
was very stormy or squally, or there ap-
peared to be no scent, hounds were taken
home.

I have not been able to trace^'any Hound
lists, but judging from the number taken

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 27

out, during cub-hunting, I should say the
pack consisted of about fifty couples.

During the first ten years of his Master-
ship, Mr. Milbank generally hunted four
days a week after the end of November ;
and usually killed a May fox. In the months
of April and May, he chiefly worked the
west and south-west portions of the country.

During his twenty-four years he averaged
seventy-six days' hunting, and killed twenty-
one and a half brace of foxes a season. The
best being that of 1834-5 — one hundred
days* hunting, thirty-six and a half brace
of foxes ; the last the worst — fifty-six days'
hunting, eight and a half brace.

In order to record the sport shown by the
Bedale Hounds during the first half of last
century, I propose to set down the accounts
of one or two good runs in each season.
The selection has been difficult, there are
many I should like to include, but space
forbids.

The first advertised meet of the ' ' Bedale
Foxhounds ' ' was held at Hackforth, on
the 22nd October, 1832, and Colonel Van
Straubenzee in his book, *' Recollections
of Sportsmen and Sport in days of yore,"
thus describes the day's proceedings: —

' ' The Hornby Castle coverts were drawn
and plenty of foxes were found. So numerous
were they that the sport was not great, but
if Hornby had been drawn once a week for
the season, I feel sure it would not have
been blank. Indeed so anxious is the noble
owner to have foxes, and see the hounds at

28 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Hornby, that he does not much like having
them killed. ''

1832—33. 14th November. Met at Hutton
Bonville, found in Colonel Arden's Planta-
tions near Entercommon, and broke away
to the north for a few fields, then turned very
short back to the left and ran direct to Streat-
1am Whin, leaving the covert on the east to
Langton Plantations, round Thrintoft Whin
and back to Mr. Masterman's earths ; turning
from here right handed nearly to Yafforth,
crossed the Wiske, and leaving Castle Hills
on the right ran up to the Northallerton and
Darlington road, over this, and ran into the
fox close to Brompton. A magnificent run
of one hour and three-quarters. The first
hour, up wind, at a most severe pace.

Seventeen couples of old, three couples of
young hounds.

25th February. Met at Wood End. Found
in Mr. Crompton^s Brick Kiln Plantation,
away at once, and ran direct by Busby
Stoop to Carlton Rush, then on towards
Topcliffe Parks, bore left-handed towards
Sowerby, then right-handed to Sir Thomas
Frankland's (Thirkleby Park) Lodge gates,
and due south nearly to Raskelf, turned
short back from here, and ran into the fox
about twenty yards on the south side
of Sessay Wood. A most beautiful run of
two hours ten minutes. Fully eleven miles
from point to point. Seventeen couples of
old hounds.

4th May. Met at Garriston. Found in
Lloyd's Whin (a covert somewhere due west

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 29

of Throstle Gill), and after a very quick forty
minutes, killed in Throstle Gill. Fifteen
couples of old hounds, six couples of young
ones. Mr. Milbank notes that this was the
hottest and yet best scenting day he had
ever been hunting on.

1833—4. On the 9th November, Mr.
Milbank notes : '' I divided the pack, having
out this day a bitch pack of sixteen couples
of old and three couples of young hounds,
which pleased me very much, there was
some capital hunting, and they overcame
great difficulties.''

11th November. Met at Catterick Lime
Kilns. Having run one fox to ground from
Gravel Pit Whin, at Hornby — went back there
and found again a brace of foxes. Away
with one of them towards Tunstall Whin,
and on to Scotton Whin, leaving this on the
north, direct to Newfound— England, where
being headed the fox came back to Scotton
Whin ; then straight to Patrick Brompton,
through the gardens of the Hall, towards
Crakehall, crossed the Beck by Crakehall
Mill and leaving Burrill on the right ran to
Watlass Whin. From here across to War-
rener's Bottom, when a fresh fox jumping
up within view of hounds, they were stopped.
Two hours and ten minutes of a most excellent
hunt.

Fifteen couples of old and four couples of
young dog hounds.

3rd February. Met at the Salutation
Inn. Found in Langthorne Plantation, and

30 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

ran past Hornby Castle, to the Kennel Whin,
from there direct to Hipswell Woods, where
hounds divided ; but the main body keeping
on to the run fox went through Iron Banks,
across the Richmond Road to Hudswell Scar,
turning back from here down the valley,
hounds ran into him at Richmond Bridge.

One hour and twenty minutes. Nineteen
couples of hounds.

On the 10th March, a rather curious fox
was found in Holme Whin and killed at
Baldersby village. Both hind legs were
white from the pad to the hock.

Mr. Lane-Fox of Bramham Park was
hunting with the Bedale that day, and the
two pads were given to him — to have set
up as handles for whips.

A May fox was killed — from Downholme
Parks.

1834—35. 14th November. Met at Pepper
Hall. Found the second fox at Streatlam
Whin, and ran to Little Danby, turning
right-handed from here, he ran past Thrin-
toft Whin and village nearly up to Ainderby,
Steeple ; turned to the right, crossing the
river Swale on the north side of Morton Bridge,
up to Scruton ; through Aiskew Moor Whin,
over the road near Leeming Mill and running
up the banks of the Beck, was killed in the
water near Bedale Mill.

One hour and twenty minutes. Eighteen
couples of dog hounds.

The fox was retrieved from the water by
a man wading into the Beck.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 31

11th February. Met at Scorton. After
finding a fox at Moulton Whin, which ran
by Scorton, and was marked to ground at
Atlay Hill, a second fox was found at Uckerby
Whin, which ran past the village of Moulton
up to the North Road, being headed here
he turned down towards Scorton for about
two miles, but making his point, turned to
the right and re-crossing the North Road
headed straight past Skeeby to Easby, crossed
the Swale here into Colburn Banks, turned
down the river again to Brompton, where
the river was again crossed ; over the North
Road to Moulton Whin, and marked him
into a hollow tree, close to Uckerby Whin.
Axes were procured, the tree was split open,
and the fox jumped from a height of about
twenty feet into the middle of the hounds.

Mr. Milbank remarks * ' a most splendid
run, many horses quite beat. From Uckerby
to Easby one hour without a check ; from
Colburn Banks to the hollow tree, fifty-three
minutes of beautiful hunting.''

It is recorded that twice before a fox had
been unaccountably lost near here, without
the hiding place being discovered. On the
9th November, 1906, a somewhat similar
incident took place, although hounds did
not run their fox as far. Found at Uckerby
Whin, ran sharp down to Uckerby village,
then up to Gatherley Castle, but could not
get forward over the North Road. On casting
back, his line was hit towards Scorton, and
he was marked into a hollow tree close

32 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

to Hunger Riggs Farm. The first whipper-
in (P. Farrelly) was sent up to reconnoitre,
and when asked by the huntsman at the
foot of the tree whether he could see anything,
was nearly knocked off his perch by the fox
— a bob-tailed one — jumping out of the tree
in his face. This fox, also, was killed.

Foxes are often lost in a way which it
seems impossible to explain. But the fol-
lowing may provide an answer to the question
in some cases.

A fox found at Camp Hill had been hunted
round Horse Close Wood by Low Park
Wood and Well, towards Nosterfield ; when
hounds suddenly threw up their heads and
nothing more could be done. Some men
with greyhounds had been coursing, and their
dogs had killed the fox, which they hid.
Some schoolboys who had seen the kill came
and told. The fox was given up — and hounds
had their blood.

23rd March. Met at Camp Hill.

Found in Norton Conyers Whin, crossed
the river Yore ; ran by Sleningford, up to
Mr. Staveley's Whin, on to Kirkby Malzeard,
and then direct over the moors nearly to
Pateley Bridge, turning right handed from
here this stout fox came northwards into
Druids' Wood ; took another turn on to
the Moor, then through Hutt Gill into Hack-
fall, where hounds were stopped. Three
hours and ten minutes. It is not surprising
to hear that many horses were left out all
night, and that one or two ' ' are said to be

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 33

dead." Mr. Milbank and his servants rode
one horse each, and he remarks that his
horse * ' FusiHer ' ' carried him well, right up
to the end.

3rd April. Met at Sawley Hall. Found
in Calf Hall Wood, ran past the Hall in the
direction of Spa Gill, but being headed near
Sawley village turned south nearly to Brim-
ham Rocks, then bore left-handed by Burnt
Yates village straight to Ripley Park ; crossed
the Park and ran down to the River
Nidd, turned westward from this point and
went nearly three miles parallel to the river,
bearing up to Burnt Yates village ; being
headed here he turned down the river again,
and after going about four miles further west
hounds ran into this gallant fox at the south
end of Braisty Wood.* Hunted for two
hours and fifty minutes, and covered about
twenty-three miles.

4th May. Killed a fox from Hudswell.

1835—36. On the 30th October, the 2nd
whipper-in (Joe Mason) was sent on a quaint
errand.

On the way home from hunting, the Union
Coach was standing on the Leeming Lane,
near Leeming Bridge, and the passengers
were crying out ''Stop thief.'' Joe was
sent to inquire what the disturbance was,
and give assistance if necessary.

It was found that a prisoner, who had been
taken up for robbing Colonel Coore's pigeon-

* Braisty Wood is on the north side of Summer Bridge.

34 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

cote had escaped from the roof of the coach.
Joe set off in pursuit, and after going some-
what over a mile overtook and collared the
man, who turned on him with the words
'*Dam thy red coat/'

On the 5th December, when drawing
Nomans Moor, the hounds were joined by a
pack of harriers, concerning which incident
Mr. Milbank writes : —

' ' Was much annoyed by a pack of harriers
joining us while running in covert, this was
the more vexatious as Mr. Chaytor the owner
of the harriers must, or ought to have known,
that we were to be on Nomans Moor.*'

On the 16th December, we met at Haux-
well Hall. Found in the Park at Burton
Constable, away past the Hall to Beggarmire
Wood, turned short back from here outside
the Park, across to Forty Acres ; through
the Wood and northwards, leaving Barden
village on the right to the Halfpenny House
and Tunstall road ; turned eastwards and
keeping parallel to the road ran direct to
Thornhills Whin. Through this without a
check down to Gravel Pit Whin, by Hornby
Castle, across the Park to Goskins, over
the Leeming Lane down to Killerby; being
headed here, he turned up the Swale banks
past Oran, and was killed at the Castle Hills,
after a magnificent run of two hours and
twenty minutes.

4th March. Met at Catterick Bridge.
Found in Tunstall Whin, ran down to Scotton
village, past Scotton Whin, then turned

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 35

right-handed into the West Wood, at Hips-
well, ran up Throstle Gill into the east end
of Hudswell Banks ; crossed the river Swale
under the Priory garden, up the hill above
Richmond, past the east end of the racecourse,
down the hill towards Aske, and hounds ran
into their fox one hundred yards before he
reached the Aske Plantations, after a briUiant
run of one hour seven minutes.

1836—37. 13th December. Met at Scor-
ton. After some hunting about Pepper Arden
and kilHng a fox at Streatlam Whin, went
away at once with a second from the Whin
direct to Masterman's Plantations, down to
Yafforth village, on towards Warlaby, crossed
the Wiske at Warlaby Bridge, then towards
Northallerton, through Mr. Dent's Planta-
tions, into CotcHffe Woods in the Hurworth
country ; where luckily, hounds were stopped.

A splendid run of one hour and twenty
minutes, being twelve miles from Streatlam
to Cotcliffe as the crow flies.

Mr. Milbank and his servants only had
one horse each for this hard day.

14th April. Met at Grewelthorpe.

Found in Spring Wood (near Sleningford),
ran down to North Stainley, then turning
to the right came across into Hollin Head
Wood, through it past Toad's Hole, towards
Galphray ; turned short to the left over the
head of Laver Banks, down to the west side
of Studley Park wall, ran down the wall side
to Fountains Abbey, crossed the Pleasure
grounds, over How Hill direct to Studley

36 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Hall ; ran through the gardens there, then
turned to the right into Spa Gill where the
fox got to ground after a magnificent hunt
of two hours and ten minutes ; the last hour
of which the pace was very severe.

2nd May. Killed a fox from Halfpenny
House.

1837 — 38. To commence an account of
this season, I cannot, I think, do better than
give the poem written by the Reverend John
Monson, who was Rector of Bedale from
1797 to 1843. He was an excellent sports-
man and very hard rider, and Lord Dar-
lington in one of his hunting diaries writes :
* ' I cannot omit to mention that the Reverend
John Monson shone as conspicuously this
day on his grey mare as in the pulpit, and
was alone with hounds over Ainderby Mires,
when they killed at Thornhills Willo-bed.'*

The poem mentions most of those who at
the time were regular followers with the
Bedale Hounds.

Here's to the oid ones of fox-hunting fame —
Cleveland, Ralph Lambton, and Harewood.

Here's to the young ones that after them came
Who will not say that they are good.

Here's to the Master^ well skilled in the art

To kill an old fox in all weather.
Here's to the riders all ready to start,

Brilliant in boots and in leathers.

Here's to the hounds all vigour and bone,
In condition excelling all others.

1 Mr. Mark Milbank.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 37

Here/s to old Barwick^ who stands quite alone
In cheering them on through the coverts.

Here's to the sportsmen, I give you each name.
Their facts and their fortunes in detail ;

North Riding heroes all eager for fame
To be reaped in the country of Bedale.

On Borderer^ mounted see Milbank ride,
Three hundred won't buy such a horse, sir ;

Limbs with no check to their freedom of stride ;
Wind, without whistle or cough, sir.

Tally-ho ! ' Toot-a-Toot^ ' he is gone said the squire,
Let any one catch them who can, sir ;

Who rides with my hounds a good horse will require,
And himself, he must be a good man, sir.

Here's to the Duke^ if he leads not, still Leeds
(To borrow a joke from his Grace, sir) ;

A nobleman true, both in words and in deeds,
And the firmest support of the chase, sir.

Here's to the Graham,^ who does not disdain
In a north country province to ride, sir ;

Forgetting that once through the Leicestershire plain
Scarce a rival could live by his side, sir.

Here's to the Colonel,'^ if warm be his name
Both that and his heart go together ;

In pleasant discourse while we ride down the lane.
Let us be in no hurry to sever.

2 George Barwick, First Whipper-in and Kennel Huntsman.

3 Mr. Milbank first rode this horse in 1835.

4 Mr. Milbank used a very sharp note on his horn for " gone

away."

5 The 6th Duke of Leeds was not a very hard rider.

6 Sir Bellingham Graham, Bart., Master of the Pytchley 1820-

21. of the Quorn 1821-23.

7 Colonel Pepper Arden, of Pepper Hall.

38 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Here's to friend George,^ the beau of Camp Hill,
A good one if fast be the chase, sir |

To pass him I tell you requires as much skill
As Fieschi,^ when he won the race, sir.

Here's to the Baron of Sawley,^^ so sly,
Here's to the horse that is black, sir —

Forgetting that always a crow cannot fly,
He fell o'er a fence on his back, sir.

Here's to Straubenzee^^ the dashing and bold,
Taking all in his stroke like a man, sir ;

And the pith of the story remains to be told.
You can't shake him off from the "Van," sir.

Here's to the Major,^^ the gallant and true.
In riding, to no one he'll yield, sir ;

See, he brings by his side a young damseP^ in view
To beat half the men in the field, sir.

Here's to the Dundas's^^ both Thomas and John,
They come but to make us remember

How short is their stay, for to London they're gone
'Ere the end of the month of November.

Here's to the young ones, whose race scarce begun,
Young Mark, and the ensign, ^^ his brother ;

They show of a stock, most goodly they come
As they tread in the steps of their father.

8 Mr George Sergeantson, who was not very particular as to
his " turn out."

9 A horse belonging to Mr. Wormald, of Sawley Hall.
10 Mr. Wormald, and a horse he rode called " The Crow."

12 Mr. Van H. Straubenzee, of Spennithorne.

13 Major Healey lived at Middleton-Tyas.

14 Miss Milbank.

15 Sons of the 1st Lord Zetland, Members of Parliament for
Richmond and York.

16 Mr. Mark Milbank (Scots Greys), Mr. Frederick Milbank
(79th Highlanders, afterwards Sir F. Milbank, Bart.), sons
of the Master.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 39

The gallant, the ardent, of promise so fair,
The Beresford^^ Brothers they bring;

A word from my pen must give them their share
Of the honours and glories I sing.

Many good ones remain, Hodgson,^^ Crompton and
Tower,

Fox,'' Ward, and the young one from Norton ;
But to mention them all, it is not in my power.

So surely it cannot be thought on.

Here's a bumper to Milbank, the source of our sport,
A bumper to him and his hounds, sir ;

Brimful it shall be of the finest old port,

Where health and good humour abound, sir.

The following verse was added by another pen, to per-
petuate the memory of one of Mr. Mtlbank s keen
supporters.

*' And here's to the squire of Thirsk, Jack Bell,
Who supports both the chase and the turf, sir ;
He will not unless he likes it, go well, ^ ^

Tho' the hounds may run ever so fast, sir.

The following story about Mr. Bell pro-
bably provided the reason for the last two
lines of this verse. One day he was riding a
horse that rather rushed at its fences, and
coming to a brook, he dismounted. When
asked why he had done so, he replied ''Thank
God in this land of liberty,^ I need not ride
over a brook unless I like it.' '

17 Sir John Beresford, Bart., and his son The Rev. John
George, Rector of Bedale, 1861-99.

18 Tohn Hodgson of Breckamore, Joshua S Crompton of
Azerley Chase, Colonel Tower lived at Hutton Bonville.
Master of the South Durham Hounds. 1844-52.

19 Sackville Lane-Fox. third son of James Lane-Fox, of Bram-
ham, married a daughter of the 6th Duke of Leeds.

40 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

1837 — 38. This was not a very good
season, and there is no run of any special
merit to mention. Hounds were stopped by
frost for nine successive weeks, from 5th
January to the first week in March. A
May fox was killed on the 7th of the month,
from S win ton.

1838—39. 21st November. Met at Blows
Hall. Found in the new Whin at Norton
Conyers, ran a ring by the old Whin back to
the new Whin, then crossed the river Yore
opposite to Plaister Pits covert, direct to
Breckamore, then bore right-handed through
Spring Wood and Thieves Gill to Azerley ;
bore left-handed from here into Laver banks,
up them into Winksley banks, passed Galphay
village, and turning right-handed ran the
fox to ground in Hackfall after a beautiful
hunt of two hours.

10th December. Met at Kiplin. Found
in Streatlam Whin, and ran south by Danby
Hill to Masterman's Plantations, across the
Wiske, direct to Northallerton without a
check. Here the fox was a good deal headed,
and turning north, hounds hunted up to
Deighton, and into Deighton Plantations.
He had probably waited here, as from this
point the pace increased and they ran very
fast up to Hornby Grange ; from here to the
east end of Beverley Wood, and on to Girsby
Wood, where hounds pulled their fox down
after a brilliant run of two hours. The dis-
tance being five miles from Streatlam to
Northallerton, twelve from Northallerton to
Girsby.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 41

1839—40. 15th January. Met at York
Gate. After a nice gallop in the morning
from Baldersby Whin, by Ainderby Quernhow
and Pickhill, ran to ground in the Swale
banks by Maunby ferry. Found a fox in
the Lad^^'s Gorse at Norton Conyers which
ran down the river, then turned across the
Park by the Wath Lodge direct to Hutton
Moor Whin at a great pace, through the Whin
across the Leeming Lane, down to Rainton
and on to Azenby, crossed the river Swale
just below Topcliite, and after making a ring
round that village, went over Carlton Moor,
skirting the whin covert, through Carlton
Rush, leaving Busby Stoop on the left, direct
to Breckenborough ; where hounds ran gal-
lantly into him, in the middle of the Park,
after a fine run of two and a quarter hours.

1st April. Met at Bellerby.

Found at Newfound-England, and ran
west over Barden and Hauxwell Moors, to
the Gill due north of Thornhill's Whin ; turned
at the Scotton Road to the south, and went
nearly down to Hunton Mill, headed short
back to the left from here, and leaving Aller-
thorp (Arrathorne ?) and Sandholes Whin on
the right, went due north over Tunstall Moor
to Colburn village, down to, and across the
Swale ; and running from scent to view
killed the fox on the north-west side of Bromp-
ton-on-Swale, after a magnificent run of one
and three-quarter hours. Mr. Milbank was
not out hunting this day. He remarks
'* My loss was therefore very great.*'

Although the following rules were not

42 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

written by Mr. Milbank, for the edification
of his field, they are so well worth repro-
ducing that, as chronologically they fit in at
this period, I include them.

A copy of them was found by me in
the Orderly Room of the 2nd West York
Yeomanry Cavalry, when I was Adjutant of
that Regiment.

They were in the midst of a lot of Horse
Guards and War Office letters and regulations,
and I am bound to confess that the rules for
the ' ' chase ' ' interested me more than those
for '* war.''

They were, it is believed, circulated
amongst the field of the ''Four Burrow"
country by Mr. W. Daubuz, who was Master
of these hounds between 1840 and 1854.

From the number of seventeen I extract
a few, which may well be borne in mind by
all who hunt. Although some years old, I
think the rules retain their more than pris-
tine virtue.

SOME RULES OF ADVICE, AS
CONCERNS HUNTING.

To all Western sporters, greeting :

For this Cornwall is a ticklish hunting ground.

3. To all who ride to meet with the hounds. Take
especial care not to ride over them : take care of
their precious feet. Do not talk to the Huntsman
or Whipper.

6. Lords, Gentlemen, and Yeomen. — When the
hounds are drawing a covert keep together in
one place : do not talk, do not laugh, above all
things, Aristocrats, Democrats, Whigs, Radicals,

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 43

Tories, for heaven's sake do not whistle; that

whistling creates bitter confusion

When you hear a hound challenge, do not sing
out " huic huic," which is your custom. If you
think the Huntsman does not hear the challenge,
go quietly and quickly to him, and tell him, then
allow him to cheer the challenger, do not add
your voices

7. The fox has broken covert, you see him. Gentle-
men, Gentlemen, do not roar out ''tally-ho,"
do not screech horribly. If you do he will turn
back, even under your horses' feet in spite of the
sad and disappointed look on your handsome or
ugly faces. Do not crack your infernal whips.
Be silent.

9. If the chase runs the road — Gentlemen, allow the
Huntsman to take the lead. You must be par-
ticularly careful in the roads and lanes ; they
are the devil, and spoil many a good chase.

11. Gentlemen, when the Huntsman is making a
cast, sit quietly and sedately on your horses, do
not ride after him

12. Hounds have mended the fault, they are going
again, but the scent is not so good. Gentlemen,
give them room.

The scent mends, dead beat the fox gains a small
covert. Now, Gentlemen, be not rash, do not
holloa — do not meet him in ride or path. I once
unwittingly saved the life of a fox when Mr.
Bulteel's hounds were in the very act of catching
him.

He ran under my horse, in another moment
hounds would have had him. I roared most
lustily. The hounds stopped one moment, to
ask me what the devil I made such a noise about,
that half minute's check saved the fox's life.
(Author's note. If in any doubt whatever,
** Never holloa.")

13. Who-whoop. 'Triumph' has him. Tear him and
eat him, my beauties. Yet even in this last act, so

44 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

very delightful after a good run to bloodthirsty
hounds, and screaming men ; take care — keep
your panting steeds away from the ** melee,"
or they will cripple their fellow steeds (let alone
the brush and pad seizers), and kick the hounds,
and may-be occasion more deaths than one.
17. Go out in the morning with a sunny countenance.
Whilst out, keep your temper — rather a difficult
matter sometimes. Never quit until the hounds
do. Go home ; dine, enjoy your life : do not get
drunk, then you will be as fresh as roses next
morning, and not as seedy as old cucumbers.

1840 — 41. During this and the three follow-
ing seasons, Mr. Milbank hunted a portion of
the Raby Country north of the Swale, and
he records in his diary drawing the following
coverts.

Allan's Whin, Gilling Woods, Halnaby
Woods, Hartforth Woods, Middleton Lodge
coverts, Middleton-Tyas coverts, Stapleton
Whin and Sedbury Woods. It was at the end
of the season 1839—40, that the 1st Duke
of Cleveland gave up, and sold his hounds,
and it is probable that Henry, the 2nd
Duke, had not got his hunting arrangements
into full working order before the beginning
of the season 1844 — 5.

17th February. Met at York Gate. Found
at Baldersby Whin, and ran at a great pace
to Norton Conyers, where there was a serious
check, as the hounds were unable to get over
the Park wall ; however, the line was hit off
on the west side of the Park, and they ran
round Hutton Conyers to Sharow, past Copt
Hewick to Martin-le-Moor ; from there past

w-

greai Smeaton.

•fiorthaUizrCon .

Thirsh.

I PaCe/et/
Bridge

1342..

'X' Thz Kevnzli.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 45

the Harrier Kennels, nearly to Boroughbridge,
and following the banks of the Yore for about
a mile, killed their fox in the river. He un-
fortunately sank, and hounds lost their well-
earned reward. One and three quarter hours.
The points being three and a half miles from
Baldersby to Norton Conyers, eight miles
from there to Boroughbridge.

2nd April. Met at Thornborough Bar.
Found in Horse Close Wood, and ran over
Thornbrough Moor direct to Norton Conyers ;
through the old Whin, across the Park up
to Hutton Conyers, turned northwards from
here by Melmerby Wood, across the Leeming
Lane nearly to Rainton ; bore right-handed
from here to near Dishforth, then again
to the left ; and owing to some very dry
fallows, hounds were run out of scent close
to Leckby Carr. Two and a half hours.

1841—42. 14th April. Met at Hartforth.
Found in the Wood, and after running over
Aske Moor to Whitley Scar, up to Apple-
garth, to Clinty Scar, by Helwith pointing
for Marrick, turned over the Moor to the
Obelisk in Marske Park. From here hounds
crossed the river Swale, into Downholme
Scar, but Mr. Milbank stopped them, as they
had been hunting for three hours and he
was short of a good many hounds, which,
however, he got together before his return
to kennel.

1842—43. 24th October. On this date
hounds killed two and a half brace of foxes.
One brace from Solberg, after short scurries ;

46 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

one brace from Scruton, and the fifth from
near Kirkby Fleetham, the latter being
pulled down near Morton Bridge, having
crossed the Swale, and gone up to Thrintoft
village.

Mr. Milbank remarks ' ' I never in my
experience ever remember killing five foxes
in one day before ; which would certainly
be too many in most parts of the country, but
we left plenty, both at Solberg and Scruton.

11th November. Met at Middleton-Tyas.
Found in the Plantations there, and running
by the Quarry ''earths,'' went direct to
Uckerby Whin, where hounds killed their fox.
Before they had time to break it up, away
with another on the north east side, by North
Cowton village, over the railway to the end
of Beverley Wood ; took a big turn up the
river Tees towards Neasham, turned back
and killed the fox near Entercommon, after
a splendid run of one and a half hours.

14th December. Met at Butcher Bar.
Found in Chaplin's Whin, across to Low Park
Wood, and leaving it on the left turned up
to Holly Hill, and ran up Snape Park
wall (The Belts) to Binsoe Lane. Then past
Binsoe village down to Aldburgh ; crossed
the river Yore, and ran straight on to the
north end of Nutwith Common, bore back
towards Hackfall, then again on to Nutwith
Common, into Hutt's Gill, across it on to
the moors again, and turning northwards,
hounds had to be stopped as it was nearly
dark. A very fast run, and a ten mile point.

The Bedale Hounds. 1832-1908 47

On the 17th December at the Annual Hunt
Dinner, held at the Black Swan, Bedale,
at which forty members were present, an
oil painting of the ' ' Bedale Hunt ' ' was
presented to Mr. Milbank, subscribed for by
members of the Hunt and other gentlemen.
The presentation being made by the Duke
of Leeds.

The picture includes about one hundred
portraits, and is now in the possession of
his grandson, Sir P. Milbank, Bart., at
Norton Manor, Radnorshire. The painting
of the same came about in rather an odd way,
and is worth mention.

Mr. Orde, of Nunnykirk, near Morpeth,
who was owner of the celebrated race-horse
' Beeswing,' wished to have a picture
painted of the mare* ; and sent an artist
called Anson A. Martin up to Middleham
(where the mare was in training), to execute
the work. A member of the Hunt, hearing
how well he had succeeded, commissioned
him to paint a picture of himself, with a
favourite pony and two setters.

While sitting for this, conversation turned
upon Sir Francis Grant's painting of the
'*Meet at Melton," and Mr. Martin ex-
pressed his great wish to paint one of the
same description. A price was agreed upon,
and it was decided to see whether the object
could be carried out.

So ready was Mr. Milbank' s ''field" to

* Beeswing, by Dr. Syntax, foaled 1833. Finished her racing
career by winning the Doncaster Cup, 1842.

48 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

mark their high appreciation of the sport he
had shewn, and how great was his popularity,
that within ten days the necessary sum of
money was easily collected, and the order
for the picture was given.

Quaintly enough, as one brother set his
hand to perpetuate the present and recall
the past — in oils ; another of the family,
Jonathan — who must have been somewhat
crazy — set his, by fire, to do the reverse.
He was much annoyed with the organ in
York Minster, as he fancied it '* buzzed *' at
him. So, on February 2nd, 1827, he secreted
himself in the Minster, and making three
piles of books, one in the Throne, one in the
Organ loft, and one in the Pulpit, set fire to
them and escaped through the window of
the North Transept. The damage was con-
siderable, the Organ stalls and the roof of
the Choir being destroyed. Towards the cost
of restoration, which was completed in 1832,
;;f65,000 was raised by subscription, and
£5,000 worth of Teak wood was granted
from the Royal Dockyards.

All those who figure in the picture have
now joined the '* great majority,'* and I
believe the last survivors were Sir Frederick
Milbank, of Thorp Perrow, who died in 1898,
and the Rev. John Beresford, Rector of
Bedale, who died in 1899. Mr. Milbank is
riding a horse called '* Bribery,'' which he
bought from Mr. Morley, of Dishforth, He
rode it for many seasons without it giving
him a single fall. The hounds immediately

The Bedale Hounds, 1832>1908 49

around him are * Boaster/ ' Brasher,'
' Carohne,' ' Margery,' ' Restless,' and
' Sailor.'

1843—44. On the 2nd December, Mr.
Milbank writes in his diary, ' ' On this day my
poor huntsman, George Barwick, destroyed
himself by drowning in the Fish Pond at
Thorp Perrow. He had been remarked by
his family to be in low spirits for some time,
and strange to say, laboured under the
delusion that all the bitches in the Kennel
were in whelp. This with other strange
fancies so preyed upon his mind, that in a
temporary fit of insanity he drowned him-
self. The shock to myself was very great,
as it was my unfortunate lot to find the poor
fellow in the pond. By this sad act I have
lost an honest, upright and truly praiseworthy
servant, and the gentlemen of the country
an able and intelligent huntsman."

For the remainder of this season Mr. Mil-
bank hunted hounds himself.

On the 1st January there was rather an
exciting and amusing finish to a hunt from
Sir E. Dodsworth's New Whin at Watlass.
Having run by Watlass Church, Clifton
Castle, and back to Burrill ; the fox went
into the pleasure grounds at Thorp Perrow,
and got onto a wall close to the dairy ; the
roof of which he crossed, went over the office,
and on to the top of the kitchen, and jumped
from here, a distance of nearly sixty feet, to
the ground. Hounds were quickly taken
round, and the fox was killed in the stable
yard.

50 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Another rather curious incident happened
on the 31st January. A fox, found in a
willow-bed opposite Maunby, jumped into
the river Swale, with two hounds, 'Thunderer'
and 'Beauty,' close at him. They fought to
the middle of the stream, when the fox was
killed, and ' Beauty ' swam with him in her
mouth to the opposite side, and pulled him
up on the bank.

13th March. Met at Busby Stoop. Found
in Morley's Whin, ran across nearly to Leckby
Carr, past Cundall and Humburton, down
to Myton pastures, and nearly up to Borough-
bridge, where he crossed the river, and
hounds went over before they could be
stopped. The servants were sent on to get
to them, and caught them close to Copgrove.
Hounds did not reach kennel till 9 p.m.

1844—45.* 4th December. Met at Wat-
lass. Found near Sir E. Dodsworth's Whin
and ran straight to Marriforth Wood, crossed
the river at Kilgram Bridge, and direct to
High Ellington ; after a slight check here,
on to Fearby, then westwards to GoUinglith
Foot, and turning south ran over Sourmire,
by Pott Hall, into Nidderdale ; marking the
fox to ground at Sype-Land Crags (which is
above Lofthouses) after a splendid run of
seventeen miles, and quite ten miles from
point to point.

1845—46. 9th January. Met at Pepper
Hall. After killing a fox from here, and

* This se£ison, George Cross took Barwick's place as First
Whipper-in and Kennel Huntsman.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 51

losing another, found at Hut ton Bonville, near
Kiplin ; hounds went back to Hutton Bon-
ville. Found again at once, and went
a great pace past Deighton Whin, near
Hornby Grange, to Smeaton Bridge ; turned
from here direct by Birkby towards Pepper
Hall, leaving the house to the left over the
Bottoms, between North and East Cowton,
due north. The fox was headed by the work-
people on the new Richmond and Dar-
lington Railway, and had to bend off east-
ward, but making his point he headed for
Dalton Wood, and hounds ran into him one
hundred yards from Rocliffe Scar, at the end
of Dalton Wood.

A magnificent run of one hour and fifty
minutes, nine miles from point to point, and
seventeen as hounds ran. Most of the horses
were much beaten.

1847. On the 19th January this year,
the Master of the York and Ainsty Hounds
(Mr. Sam Bateman — the most genial gentle-
man and an ardent lover of fox-hunting)
organized a large dinner, which was held at
the De Grey Rooms, York, in honour of
Sir Tatton Sykes, Bart., who was then for
the second time Master of what are now
Lord Middleton's Hounds (his kennels being
at Eddlethorpe).

The members of the York and Ainsty
were the hosts, and representatives from
most of the other Yorkshire packs of hounds
were the guests ; among whose names will
be found many who belonged to, or were

52 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

hunting in the Bedale country at this date.

Mr. R. Gilbert occupied the chair, Mr.

S. Bateman and Mr. Billy Read were in the

vice-chairs, and the following were present.

♦Sir Tatton Sykes *Sir Charles
Baron Osten Slingsby

The Honble. Mr. Atkinson

B. R. Lawley Mr. Briggs

Mr. Anne Mr. Charlton

The Reverend Mr. W. Currer

John Bower Mr. T. Dent

*Mr. R. Creyke Mr. Goad

(Rawcliffe) Mr. Hutton

Mr. Digby Cayley Mr. Harrison

Mr. C. Darley Mr. Lee

Lieut. Fort Mr. MiUs

Mr. Horsfall *Mr. Edward

*Mr. Hill Reynard

(Thornton) Lieut. Read

Mr. C. Johnstone Mr. Scrope
Mr. Edward Lloyd Mr. Strickland

Mr. Prescott -- - -
Mr. Roper
Mr. G. Swann
Mr. E. Smith

Mr. Bower

(Welham)
Mr. T. Brown
Mr. Claridge
Mr. Darley

(Aldby)
Mr. Foulis

(Heslerton Hall)
Mr. Garforth
Captain Healey
Dr. Hopper
Mr. George Lloyd,
jun.
Mr. T. Norcliffe
(Langton)
Mr. Charles

Reynard
Mr. J. Swann
(Hutton HaU)

Mr. Telford
*Lord Hawke
Hon. A. BosviUe
Col. Thompson
Mr. Williamson
Captain Yorke

Mr. E. Clough-

Taylor
Lord W. Thynne Mr. T. Scrope
The Hon. Capt. Mr. Toulston

Duncombe Mr. L. Thompson
Sir George Strick- (Sheriff Hutton)

land
Mr. H. S. Mr. Thomas

Thompson Mr. York
Mr. H.Willoughby (Wighill)

(8th Lord Middleton)

The names of those marked with an asterisk
were, had been, or were destined to be
Masters of Hounds. After the health of the
Queen and the Royal Family had been drunk,
the Chairman gave that of the guest of the

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 53

evening, and in doing so said ' * he would in
no wise connect him with hounds or horses,
or any other thing. He would give the
toast as that of Sir Tatton alone, whose
character stood so high as an Englishman,
and who ever evinced a high chivalrous
sense of honour from which no temptation,
however powerful, could induce him to
swerve." Sir Tatton thanked his hosts
and fellow guests in a short speech for the
kind way in which his health had been
drunk ; concluding his remarks by saying he
hoped they all might have as many good
days' hunting as he had had, and proposed
the health of his hosts, the members of the
York and Ainsty Hunt.

Mr. Bateman replied to this, and proposed
the health of Lord Harewood and the Hare-
wood Hunt (which at this date represented
the Bramham Moor) . Lord William Thynne,
in the absence of Lord Harewood, replied
to this, and proposed the health of Lord
Hawke and the Badsworth.

Lord Hawke, in response, said he was
delighted to see such a goodly array of jolly
sportsmen as were gathered together on this
occasion — their presence was an assurance
to him that fox-hunting must prosper in
Yorkshire.

He proposed the health of the Holderness,
coupled with the name of Mr. Edward
Reynard (a joint Master). Mr. Reynard, in
responding to the toast, said the ' ' Hawk ' '
had roused the * ' Fox ' * in his lair, and their

54 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

hearty cheers had put him well on his legs.
He thanked them for their kind allusion
to the Holderness, and spoke at some length
on the many advantages which are derived
from fox-hunting.

Colonel Thompson proposed the health
of Mr. Mark Milbank and the Bedale, to
which Mr. Digby Cayley replied.

Mr. York, of Wighill Park, proposed
success to the Eddlethorpe Hounds, to which
Sir Tatton Sykes briefly responded.

Many other toasts were given, and the
account states that the conviviality of the
part}^ was kept up to a late hour.

I was lucky enough to pick up in York an
account of this dinner, which appeared in
the Yorkshire Gazette of Saturday, the 23rd
January, 1847. It is most elaborately printed
on white satin, and was so specially executed
for a Miss Wilson.

1846 — 47. There is no run of any extra-
ordinary merit to chronicle during this
season, but the following account of a hunt
at the end of April is typical of very many
which Mr. Milbank had in the west and
north-west portions of the country every
year.

29th April. Met at Hipswell Lodge.
Found in Iron Banks, ran through the Hips-
well Woods to Throstle Gill ; across to Huds-
well Banks, through them without a pause,
to Thorpe Understone. From here the fox
dropped down to and crossed the Swale into
Whitley Scar ; and after running to the west

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 55

end of it turned over the hill to Aske Moor ;
bearing to the left, he took a ring round
Applegarth, and returning to the Swale banks,
ran up them nearly to Marske. From here
he turned back, went through x\pplegarth,
and hounds marked him to ground in Whitley
Scar, after a very beautiful hunt of two and
a half hours. At times the running was very
severe.

1847 — 48. Mr. Milbank was unlucky
enough to break his left arm when hunting
on the 10th November, and did not get out
again until the 17th January.

Jealous riding even in these days appears
to have been not an unknown factor in the
spoihng of sport, as the following note in his
diary affirms.

' ' Lost the fox, as the hounds were most
shamefully over-ridden by EVERY gentle-
man out, my own sons as bad as the rest.*'

On the 11th February, hounds had a very
hard day all round Hutton Bonville, Danby
Wiske, Streatlam and Langton. The hunts-
man's horse was so done, he had to be taken
to Sir Maxwell Wallace's house at Ainderby
Steeple, and he dropped dead as soon as he
got there. Mr. Frederick Milbank 's horse,
which he was riding for the first time, fell
down dead in the first mile.

1st May. Met at Wensley, and killed a
fox from Preston Scar.

1848—49. On the 28th October, a fox
from the Crow Pasture Plantation at Thorp
Perrow, went through the dining room win-

56 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

dow there into a back yard, and again sought
refuge in the dairy, where Lady Augusta
Milbank was looking at the produce of the
cows. Being hustled out of this he went
into an outbuilding, to which hounds
were brought round and killed him. The
hounds (and there were thirty couples out
this day) nearly got into the dining room, as
they were only a short distance behind their
fox at the house.

30th March. Met at East Cowton. Found
at Pepper Hall, and leaving Atlay Hill Farm
on the right ran down to the Forest Farm,
turned from here by Crossbills, to the east
end of Uckerby Whin, across to the Moulton
and Cowton lane, where was the first check
(thirty-one minutes). Hounds hit off the
line very soon, and passing by Kirkbank
and Middleton-Tyas Church, ran through the
plantations at Middleton Lodge on to Barton.
Here the footpeople had been running after
the fox, which caused a serious and fatal
check. Hit the line off at last, and hunted
him as far as the top of Hang Bank, where
we. had to give it up. A fine run of about
eleven miles ; time, one hour fifteen minutes.

2nd May. Met at Leyburn, and killed a
fox from Grey Greet.

1849—50. On the 9th October, by per-
mission of the Duke of Cleveland, Mr. Mil-
bank met at Barningham and had a day's
hunting round that place. He ran one fox
for three hours, marking it to ground, and
ran a nine mile point with another, in an
hour and seven minutes.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 57

23rd February. Met at Birkby Bridge.
Found at Hutton Bonville Whin, and
went past Lovesome Hill due east, turned
right-handed and crossing the high road
pointed direct to Yafforth village ; leaving
this on the right, over the Northallerton
and Bedale railway past Ainderby Steeple,
under Warlaby to the Low Plantations
at Sowber Hill. From here the fox bore
left-handed through Mr. Rutson's plantations,
into the kitchen garden at Newby Wiske,
where I made sure we had him ; but he
climbed up a fruit tree, and got over the
garden wall, ran on into a small plantation,
where hounds changed onto a fresh fox, and
they were stopped at Sion Hill. This was
a most splendid run of one hour and a quarter.
The hounds were never once cast, and the
distance from point to point is upwards of
ten miles.

Mr. Milbank did no hunting in May this
season, as his first whipper-in (Cross) was
leaving him, and he also notes that foxes
were rather scarce on the hills.

1850 — 51. Joe Mason, who had been
second whipper-in for eighteen seasons, was
put on as first and Kennel Huntsman.

During this season two hounds fell into
a cleft of rock near Hudswell, and were
without food or water for eighty hours, but
were perfectly well again in a day or two.

1851 — 52. There is nothing of interest
to record for this season.

1852—53. 2nd February. Met at Bedale.

58 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Found in Sir C. Dodsworth's Old Whin
and passing by Newton-le-Willows, over
Noman's Moor, ran to Sandy Hill Plantation
(Marrif orth) . From here the fox dropped
the hill under Thornton Steward, crossed the
river Yore, just below Jervaulx Abbey, and
went direct to Ellingstring Plantation, turning
right-handed from this point he ran on the
edge of the Moor straight through Witton
Fell, down to the river Cover, came away
from the river on to the Moor again, and
hounds marked him to ground after an ex-
cellent run of one hour and a quarter.

1853—54. 21st November. Met at Tun-
stall. Found in the Whin, and got away on
top of a fox which ran to Brough, on to Col-
burn village, then left-handed back to the
village of Scotton ; past the left of Scotton
Whin, by Fir Tree Plantation to Hauxwell
Hall, through the Woods there, by Barden
Gill to Halfpenny House ; crossed the Ley-
burn road, and leaving Grey Greet on the
south ran over the moors direct to Ellerton
Scar (on the south side of the Swale opposite
Marrick), where hounds were found laid at
the '' earth.'' A most truly fine run of two
hours seventeen minutes ; for the last half-
hour the hounds ran away from the whole
field of horses, and were more than a mile
ahead when they marked the fox to ground.

30th January. Met at Busby Stoop.
Found in Catton Moor Whin, and ran at a great
pace to Dalton village, where the fox getting
among the cottage gardens, caused some

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 59

delay ; hitting him off on the south side of
the village, they hunted on well to Pill Moor,
over the Moor to Raskelf Common, where
we were beat — the railroads bothering us
considerably. A good run of nearly nine
miles from point to point.

On the 22nd February, Mr. Milbank men-
tions having found a mangy fox in Hollin
Head Wood, near Breckamore.

1854—55. 20th November. Met at Bedale.

Although a large circle, the following was
over a nice country, and must have been a
good hunt under some difficulties.

Found in Hornby Park Whin, and ran
straight to Catterick Lime Kilns, then turning
west ran past Tunstall and Scotton whins
to Newfound-England. Here a large flock
of moor sheep, smelling horribly of grease
and tar, caused a somewhat lengthy check.
Hitting the line again, hounds ran across
the gill — towards Hipswell — and leaving the
Woods on the left, turned back to the Brough
coverts, and on to Lime Kilns ; where the
fox being headed in every direction, he was
lost. A good hunting run of two and a
quarter hours.

On the 15th December, Mr. Milbank had
a hound killed on the railway at Hutton
Bonville cutting ; at which place it is
marvellous that more hounds are not lost,
especially at the present day, when trains run
more frequently and there are so many
expresses, which at this point are running at
a high rate of speed.

60 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Mr. Milbank remarks : ' ' Well it was no
worse, as the train ran through the whole
pack, when running across the line/'

There was a long frost this season, and
hounds did not hunt from the 17th January
until the 2nd March.

1855—56. 9th January. Met at Bedale.

Found in the Garden Whin at Thorp Perrow,
away through the Banks to Watlass Moor,
and on by the north of Clifton Castle, down
to the river Yore. Crossed the river, straight
to Ellington Firth, where a slight check
occurred, then pointing north-west ran nearly
up to Witton Fell, from which the fox turned
back left-handed across the moor, and on
account of the deep snow hounds had to be
stopped, heading for Agra Plantation.

25th February. Met at Hutton Bonville.
Found in the Whin, ran across to the Deighton
coverts, then turned north by Appleton Wiske,
right-handed to Rounton ; from this place the
fox headed straight for the hills, and
hounds ran into him at Scarth Nick Farm,
about three-quarters of a mile from the north
end of Arncliffe Wood. One hour and a
half from Deighton, a most beautiful run.

At the end of this season, to the great regret
of the whole country, Mr. Milbank gave up
the hounds, having been Master for twenty-
four years, during which he had formed as
a separate ' ' Hunt ' ' the present Bedale
country ; had got plenty of good whin coverts
made, which were all well stocked with foxes,
and as the foregoing accounts of runs indicate.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 61

had shown some capital sport, and killed an
average number of foxes.

Mr. Milbank had only four Hunt servants
during his Mastership : Barwick, Cross,
Joe Mason, and a second whipper-in — Tom.
Somewhat of a change from the present day,
when a hunt servant is ' ' Here to-day and
gone to-morrow.'' A smattering of edu-
cation and railways have played the deuce
even in this line of Hfe. He sold thirty
couples of his older hounds to Lord Stamford,
then Master of the Quorn, for £600.

It was said that Mr. Milbank never gave
his successor the option of purchasing his
hounds ; but, as his third son, Henry John,
had married Lady Margaret Grey, Lord
Stamford's sister; I think probably, as the
hounds were well bred and of a rare working
sort. Lord Stamford had taken an early
opportunity of getting the ' * refusal ' ' of
them.

CHAPTER III.

1856-1867
The Honourable W. Ernest Duncombe.

" Railways and fox-hunting, make most people
punctual. ' ' — Surtees.

A successor to Mr. Milbank was found in
Mr. Duncombe, who took up his residence
at The Leases.

He started the formation of a new pack
by buying the Forfarshire Hounds from Lord
Dalhousie, a few from Mr. Milbank, and also
got a good draft when Captain Percy Williams
sold his Rufford Hounds. As there were no
kennels belonging to the Hunt, Mr. Milbank
lent him those at Thorp Perrow for two
seasons. In 1858 the building of kennels
was commenced, the site chosen being on
the east side of the Low Street near the field
road, which now leads into Scruton village.
It was found that the subsoil was unsuitable
so the idea was abandoned ; and a lease was
taken of Aiskew Grange Farm, which stands
due west of The Leases. Some of the build-
ings being converted into kennels.

Mr. Duncombe retained Joe Mason as
his Huntsman until the end of the season

j#.^''"'>^,

^

^f- ^^ ]^

vs»^- m

wt ' \^^^

mm: ' 1

^3^

i

■^

w 4Hlii^H^^H

[

lJ

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 63

'60— '61, when a man from Mr. John HilFs
kennels took his place. He only remained
one season ; and three others, Harrison, G.
Beers and Christian, each carried the horn
for a like period. In 1865 Stephen Shepherd,
who had been whipper-in for many years,
was put on and remained until Mr. Buncombe
gave up the hounds in 1867, in which year
he succeeded to the Barony of Feversham,
being created an Earl the following year.

I have only been able to obtain scant in-
formation about the sport during Mr. Dun-
combe's Mastership. Lord Feversham has
no hunting diaries to help one, and there are
none now living who remember hunting when
he was Master. During the last six years of
his time, i.e., from 1861 — 67, he hunted the
Yorkshire side of the Raby country ; that is
as far north as the river Tees. This was the
period when the Raby country was lent to
the Masters of the Durham and Hurworth
(see pedigree).

After the death of the 2nd Duke of
Cleveland in 1864, the subscription which
he had given to the Masters of the Durham
and Hurworth Hounds of £500 each, was
discontinued. Under these circumstances
they probably confined themselves solely to
hunting the Durham and Hurworth sides of
the old Raby country ; and the late Mr.
Christopher Cradock, and Mr. George Gilpin-
Brown, gave Mr. Duncombe £500 each per
annum, to hunt the above mentioned York-
shire side, one day a week.

64 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

The points of two or three good runs are
here given, but I am unable to furnish much
detail.

Found in a plantation near Winston
Bridge, and running by Barningham, killed
on Hallgate Moor.

Found near Middleham, and ran to Rich-
mond. Found at Spennithorn Whin, and
killed at Easby.

On the 25th January there was a very
quick gallop into the Hurworth country.

Met at Skipton Bridge, but nothing was
done until Mr. BelFs Whin, near Thirsk rail-
way station, was reached. From here a fox
broke away at once on the west side, and ran
by Abel Grange, skirting the Wood End
coverts, across the Park there, over the
Thirsk and Northallerton Road to Purgatory
Whin. Hounds pushed him on from here
with no sign of a check ; over the Cod Beck
Ings, straight to Cotcliffe Wood ; leaving
the village of Borrowby on the right. He
tried to reach the open country on the top of
the hill above the wood, but the pace had
been too severe, and his strength failing him,
turned down the hill again and made for the
''main earths,'' but two hundred yards before
he could reach them, hounds ran into him.

This is a good six mile point, and the time
recorded for the distance run is thirty minutes.
Hounds must have raced !

Mr. Buncombe must, at this time, have
thought of giving up the hounds, as the
account from which the above is an extract.

Cotheriton

1861-67

inrinsCon.

^"^-. CLiffe

i^^CCeasdy

N

W-

• Pal ton ^

/uncCion

3m€QCon.

ortholUtCon.

3edali

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 65

concludes by saying : ''I trust that our
excellent Master will receive such encour-
agement as will cause him to reconsider his
determination of giving up the hounds."

On the 11th Februar>% 1863, hounds took
a fox into the Bilsdale country.

Met at York Gate, but did not find a fox
between Baldersby and the Thirsk coverts.

At last one was found in a small spinney
near Lord Cathcart's tile yards at Wood
End, on the west of the railway Hne. He
crossed the railway, passed the Lodge gates,
up the avenue to Wood End and pointed for
Thirsk, but turning northwards went by
Thornton-le-Street village, as if Cotcliffe
Wood was his destination. Being headed
near Knayton, he turned back from there
over the Upsall pastures, through Upsall
gorse, then turned up the hill to Woolmoor
Common, from here through Mr. Elsey's
Plantations, and finally got to ground in
Shotwood Bank, after a very severe hunt of
fifty-five minutes. The writer of this account
says ' * On rising the hill from Upsall, the
' field ' was much in difficulty. Horses
pumped, riders off, girths slacked, heads to
the wind.''

On the 5th December, 1866, there was a
very fast forty-five minutes from Uckerby
WHiin. Ran first across to Halnaby, then
bore right-handed past Clervaux Castle,
straight to Croft, where hounds ran into their
fox in front of the Archdeacon's house.

A correspondent of *' Bell's Life" re-

66 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

cording that Mr. Wilson, of Cliffe Hall, Mr.
Masterman, Major Scrope, and the Master,
had the best of the run.

It is to be feared that towards the end of
Mr. Duncombe's mastership, hunting matters
had got rather slack. The breech loading
gun had recently been introduced, and,
whether this induced a larger head of game
to be reared and maintained, making the
shooting thereof a more important business
than it had been previously ; there is no
doubt that the supply of foxes sadly dimin-
ished, and keenness for ' ' hunting with the
running hounds ' ' was deplorably on the
wane.

Mr. John Booth is reported to have said
that during his first season, ' ' he rode five
hundred miles over the Bedale country
without touching the line of a fox.''

Let us hope that such a fearful stigma
will never again attach itself to the * ' Bedale ' '
so long as a pack of foxhounds exists therein.

I 'lull « mmm>

CHAPTER IV.

1867—1878.
John B. Booth.

" Tell me a man is a Fox hunter, and I loves him
at once." — Surtees.

When Lord Feversham gave up the hounds
at the end of the season 1866 — 7, great
difficulty was experienced in finding a new
Master. Three meetings were held at Bedale
to discuss the question, but no one came
forward to take the country.

On the 14th April, Lord Feversham' s
hounds were put up for auction by Messrs.
Tattersall, at The Leases' Kennels, and
what then occurred is best told in Mr. Booth's
own words.

*' We were at the sale of the hounds, no
one had come forward to hunt the country,
and there was every prospect of the Bedale
Hunt and Hounds ceasing to exist. I was
more than sad, and said to my dear friend,
Mr. H. Clare Vyner, that in a moment there
would be no ' Bedale.' His reply was * Go
on Booth — buy — we'll back you.' I did go
on, and bought the hounds, thirty-three

68 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

couples, for £430." His co-guarantors were
Mr. Clare Vyner, Mr. J. Hutton, Colonel
Straubenzee, and Mr. Bruere. A circular
letter was at once sent to those who had
been in the habit of hunting, asking for sup-
port to carry on the Hunt. £510 was very
soon raised, and the balance was spent in
purchasing some draft hounds, and im-
proving existing fox-coverts. In this manner
was laid the foundation of the present Bedale
Hounds, which from this date became the
property of the country. The first entry
of any Bedale hounds in the Foxhound
Kennel Stud Book is for the year 1862, a nine
season dog, probably one of those bought at
Lord Feversham's sale.

For many years the Bedale seem to have
depended on draft hounds, few being home
bred, and hardly any home stallion hounds
used. In Appendix B will be found an
account of the various Kennels from which
hounds have come, and stalHon hounds have
been used.

On the 9th October, a general meeting
of all interested in hunting was held, and it
was arranged that Mr. Booth should hunt
the country five days a fortnight, with a
guaranteed subscription of £1000 a year.
Having regard to the last paragraph of the
previous chapter, Mr. Booth remarks ' ' It
was an uphill game at first, but all came
right in the end."

Mr. Booth was an excellent judge of a
horse, and won many Hunter prizes with

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 69

Jeweller, Beechwood, Ballet Girl, Brigadier,
Brian Borue, Bird of Passage, British Queen
and others. One horse he had while Master,
a grey, called Beacon, carried him for ten
seasons, with only one fall. Another good
one he owned called Jack o' Lantern, was
bought in an odd way. He went to see him
late one evening in Fencote village, his owner
not content with showing him the horse added
' * You hang about a bit, nubbut you let my
old woman and her clatter get to bed, and
I'll let you see him loup.'' When the old
woman and clatter had gone to bed, the man
tied a couple of lanterns to the posts of a
gate, and put the horse over it two or three
times. Mr. Booth was so delighted with
the performance, he bought him there and
then, and called him Jack o' Lantern.

While relating stories which do not strictly
appertain to hunting the fox, one referring
to Mr. Booth's father and the late Sir Tatton
Sykes, seems worthy of mention. On one
occasion Sir Tatton had come over to ride
a horse of Mr. Booth's called Joker, at
Northallerton Races. After winning the
race as he thought, and having pulled up,
he discovered that he had to go round the
course again to complete the distance. It
was the year of Sir Tatton' s marriage (1822),
and Lady Sykes was in the Stand as a bride.
W^hen apologising to Mr. Booth for his
mistake, he said * ' I am very sorry. Sir, but
you must blame Lady Sykes, not me, for the
mistake ; I was thinking more of her than

70 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

my work." This seems to me to be a most
typical anecdote about this straightforward,
portsing, and well-behaved Yorkshire gentle-
man.

Mr. Booth engaged as his huntsman, Tom
Carr (who came from the Herefordshire) and
Charles Orvis, as whipper-in.

During his Mastership he had some ex-
cellent gallops, and some wonderfully good
fox-hunts. He had to contend with a badly
stopped country and a scarcity of foxes at
some periods ; so, had some very long draws
and some very disappointing days ; but,
generally speaking, his time in command
was a sporting and successful one. Mr.
George B. Peirson, of Baldersby, a very old
friend of his, thus writes of him.

' ' As a horseman, Mr. Booth, when his
weight is considered, was a wonderful man
to hounds. Anything he rode soon became
a clever hunter, and it was a very formidable
place that would stop him when hounds
really ran.

A thorough sportsman, a genial host, and
a deeply regretted, and to this day much
missed friend, are my memories of John
Booth.''

He kept a most accurate and interesting
hunting diary, and from it one finds that he
hunted the south-east and south-west portions
of the country very frequently. Newby Hall,
Bamlett's Whin, Carlton Rush, Baldersby,
Leckby, Milby Whins, the Thirsk Hall coverts
and those of Thornton-le-Street, never failed
to provide a good stout fox.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 71

On the north-west, he was also pretty sure
of sport. Thornhills and Tunstall Whins,
Hipswell, Hudswell, Brough and Scotton
generally furnishing the *' needful/'

A curious fact has struck me on carefully
reading Mr. Booth's diaries, how very often
hounds went back to a covert they had
found in earlier in the day, and invariably
were able to find another fox. We can
seldom do this now-a-days. Is it that the
coverts were thicker and more holding, or
that the foxes were less wild ? I fear the
answer must be in favour of the coverts.

That there is a very strong hereditary
instinct among foxes is amply proved by the
run of them, for more than seventy years
from such places as Hutton Bonville, Uckerby,
Thrintoft, Cowton and Langton. If I des-
cribe a hunt from any of these places at this
date, it is '* a thousand to one ' ' that it would
correspond point for point with one which
took place fifty, even seventy years ago.

Let me now get Mr. Booth to work, and
record a few of his best runs, and other inci-
dents during his Mastership.

1867 — 68. He never commenced cub-
hunting before the third week in September.

Presumably to inaugurate Mr. Booth's
accession as Master, a Hunt Club dinner was
held at the Black Swan, Bedale. Mr. Mark
Milbank being in the chair and twenty-one
members present.

On the 6th November there was a capital
hunt from Thornhills Whin. Hounds met

72 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

at Brough, but doing nothing there, drew
Thornhills, from which place a fox first of
all ran a ring out by Hauxwell, then back to the
Whin, away from here by the edge of Scotton
Moor to Newfound-England, turned from
here through Hauxwell and Garriston to
Constable Burton ; but the west seemed to
be his point, so he turned again, past Bellerby
to Leyburn Shawl. He ran the length of
this covert, down the hill nearly to Bolton
Hall, then retracing his steps went through
the west end of the Shawl to Preston Gill,
dropped the hill again through Preston village,
through the Shawl again, and hounds pulled
him down just outside Leyburn, after a good
hunt of two hours and thirty-five minutes.

In November this year, hounds ran a fox
to ground in a drain at the back of Grewel-
thorpe village. When the terrier was put
in, no less than four foxes bolted.

In February, 1868, Lord Hare wood gave
the Hunt a field at Thrintoft, to be sown as
a Whin Covert. Rental one shilling a year.

This season ended on the 18th April, there
having been eight blank days, and hounds
having killed eleven brace of foxes.

1868—69. On the 17th December, there
was a capital point and gallop of 55 minutes.
The ground rode very heavy, and most
horses were dead beat.

Found at Cowton Whin, away at once
past the old Church, across the Bottoms to
East Cowton village ; left Cowton station
on the right, up to High Magdalen Farm,

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 73

heading as if for Entercommon ; but bearing
to the left, the fox went through Forty Acres
Wood, across into Beverley Wood, and running
the whole length of this covert, got to ground
in Sockburn Scar, just in front of hounds.

There is no doubt that at this time there
was a great scarcity of foxes all over the
country, as on the 28th December, when
hounds met at Leeming station, eighteen
coverts were drawn without the line of a fox
being touched.

On the 22nd December, a large meeting
of the members of the Hunt, and others
interested, was held in Bedale (Mr. Mark
Milbank, presiding) ; when all the large
land owners pledged themselves to do every-
thing in their power to ensure the better
preservation of foxes. This promise was
kept, and for a time a marked improvement
was visible in the supply.

As the Bedale hounds occasionally cross
the river Yore into the York and Ainsty
country from Newby Hall, it may be well
to mention briefly the terrible accident which
happened with the York and Ainsty at the
ferry there on February 4th, 1869, whereby
Sir Charles Slingsby (the Master) Mr. Edward
Lloyd, Mr. James Robinson, William Orvis
(kennel huntsman), Christopher and James
Warriner (the ferrymen), were drowned.

Thirteen men and eleven horses were on
the ferry boat, six men and nine horses were
drowned. The survivors among the men
being Sir George Wombwell, Bart., Captain

74 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Molyneux, R.N., Captain W. H. Key, of
Fulford Hall, Major Mussenden, 8th Hussars,
Mr. Richard Thompson (of Kirby), Mr. Clare
Vyner, and Mr. White, 15th Hussars.

Two horses only reached the bank. Sir
Charles's favourite '' Saltfish,'' and Mr.
Thompson ' s '' Woodpigeon . * *

Hounds had brought their fox from Green-
wood's Whin, near Bishop Monkton with a
rare scent, and he had crossed the river into
the Bedale country, close to the ferry at
Newby. Through the eagerness of everyone
to get forward, the boat was undoubtedly
overloaded, three or four horses being its
outside capacity, and almost as soon as she
was under weigh, she capsized.

A gloom was cast over the hunting world
— not of Yorkshire only — but in all parts.

The York and Ainsty did not hunt again
that season, and neighbouring packs of hounds
went and had a day each, by invitation.

Hunting ceased on 3rd April. There having
been seven blank days, and hounds having
killed nine brace of foxes.

1869 — 70. November 18th provided a good
day's sport. Meeting at Scorton, hounds
went first to Uckerby WTiin. Found here at
once, and ran straight to Moulton village,
being headed here, he ran direct to Halnaby,
and hounds rolled him over close in front
of the dining-room windows at that place,
after a very quick thirty-seven minutes.

A better hunt was, however, to come.

Cowton Whin was drawn blank, but a fox

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 75

was found in a small covert on Atlay Hill,
which ran to the Tile Sheds Plantation at
Streatlam, where a brace more were afoot.
After hunting the leash in covert for some
time, all three broke away about fifty yards
behind one another, and took the same line
to Hodber Hill Plantation at Kiplin. Hounds
pushed one away from here over the Forest
Farm, then bearing east, nearly up to Streat-
lam village ; taking a turn to the north from
here, hounds ran past the Tile Shed Plantation
straight up to Pepper Arden, over the Park
there, into the Bottoms on the north side.
Being headed near the Church, he turned back
through the Park, to East Cowton village,
and on to Cowton station. Here again,
being headed by people working on the rail-
way, he turned towards Birkby , and ran parallel
with the Wiske up to Hutton Bonville, bore
right-handed from here nearly up to Streatlam
Whin, headed again here, he turned back
through Danby Wiske village and on into
the Hutton Bonville coverts ; leaving them
he ran towards Birkby again, but hounds had
to be stopped, as it was pitch dark, having
run for two hours and thirty-six minutes. A
twisting sort of a hunt, but the fox seems to
have been headed in all directions.

On January 8th, found in Spennithorne
Whin, and ran to within two fields of Marri-
forth coverts, turning here the fox ran down
Ruswick Gill, on the south side of Fingall
village to Croft Wood, crossed the railway, and
on by Constable Burton Hall to Forty Acres

76 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Wood, away to the west end of this, pointing
for Leyburn ; being headed near Harmby
village, he turned left-handed by Spenni-
thorne, through the Whin where he was found,
and forward to Hutton Hang ; then made a
turn westward to Danby-on-Yore, bore
towards Thornton Steward, over the hill
here as if Finghall was his point, but his bolt
was nearly shot, and after going a short
distance towards Hutton Hang hounds killed
him. A very fast gallop of one hour and
twenty-five minutes.

The field got very much scattered, the
following being the only people present when
the fox was killed. Mr. Booth, Mr. Gerald
Wilson, Mr. John Osborne, Hudson (the
jockey), and the two Hunt servants.

As few of the " field ' ' had seen anything of
this run, Mr. Booth was prevailed upon to
draw again — although the servants' horses
were dead beat. A fox was found in Marri-
forth, and after a ringing hunt back to the
Whin, a beaten fox had to be left, as the
servants could not get on. Mr. Booth re-
marks * ' a silly thing to do, and I shall never
be induced again to draw for a fresh fox
under similar circumstances.''

On the 19th January, there was a good
point and gallop of one hour and eighteen
minutes.

Found a brace in Bamlett's Whin. Hounds
divided, but the body took one fox on to
Catton village (where he recrossed the Swale)
through the Old Whin at Baldersby, past York

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 77

Gate, straight to Withernwick coverts leaving
Melmerby village to the right. From With-
ernwick, across to the Willow garth below
Nunwick, through it past Hutton Conyers,
and over the hill as if for Sharow ; but
turning right-handed from here, hounds ran
into their fox on the banks of the Yore, close
to Ripon station railway bridge.

Hunting ceased on the 25th April. There
was no blank day, and fifteen brace of
foxes were killed.

1870 — 71. Among the entry of this year,
was an extraordinary speedy and bold dog
called 'Singer' (by 'The Bramham Stormer'
out of 'Charity').

One day when drawing Hutton Moor gorse
covert, a fox jumped up in view of the pack.
' Singer ' at once shot out from the rest and
killed him. A second fox was almost im-
mediately found in the same gorse, and again
' Singer ' forged to the front, but as the fox
soon after being put up, slipped through a stiff
bottomed fence, he was a little more handi-
capped in his ** course." He was, however,
quite equal to the occasion, and raced this
fox down and killed him.

A third fox was found ; and after about an
hour's hunt, hounds ran from scent to view
(at Norton Conyers), and 'Singer' again
distinguished himself. Leaving the rest of
the pack, he coursed and killed this third fox,
in the sunk fence just below the Fish Pond.
On account of his excessive speed he was
included in the draft, but for some reason

78 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

the order was cancelled, and he continued
to work for several seasons.

About this time a strange sight was one
day witnessed, when hounds met at Newby
Hall.

As soon as they had found a fox at the
Duck Pond covert in the Park, and were just
settUng down nicely to the Hne, Mr. Booth,
Mr. Clare Vyner, Mr. Peter Wilkinson, and
Captain R. Meysey-Thompson were seen to
gallop madly on top of hounds, despite the
huntsman's remonstrances to 'hold hard.'
After they had got about a quarter of a mile
ahead of fox and hounds, this apparently
mad quartette pulled up ; when the aston-
ished ''field' ' was told that what had occurred
was to decide whether hounds or well-bred
horses were the faster for a few furlongs.

Mr. Booth and Vyner backing the hounds,
Mr. Wilkinson and Captain Meysey-Thompson
the horses.

On the 16th January there was a good run.

Found in a small covert close to Thornton
Watlass, ran past the Hall, towards the Old
Whin as if for Marriforth ; turning short of
this, the fox went over Nomans Moor, through
Cocked Hat Wood, and out towards Ruswick
Gill, but bore right-handed from this to
Newton-le- Willows ; crossed the Beck, past
Grazing Nook Farm, and over the hill by
Hunton, as if Thornhills Whin was his point ;
being headed short of this covert, he kept on
northwards, and leaving Scotton Hall on the
right was killed about three-quarters of a mile

The Bed ale Hounds, 1832-1908 79

from that place, after a capital gallop of two
hours ; the distance being about sixteen
miles as hounds ran. The ground was very
heavy and only a few saw the finish ; among
thern^ being Sir John Lawson, Mr. Coore, Mr.
Benyon, Mr. W. C. Booth, Mr. Ernest Powlett
and Mr. Tate ; Miss Stainton and Miss Dalton
both going very well through the run.

21st February. Found two brace of foxes
in Thornhills Whin. After a large ring with
one of them, which was lost near Hunton ; the
Whin was drawn a second time, and responded
to the call. This fox ran down to Hauxwell,
leaving the Hall on the right, went past
Barden village, through the north-west end
of Forty Acres Wood to Straubenzee*s Whin,
made a left-handed turn towards Harmby,
then back through Forty Acres up to Constable
Burton ; across by Garriston village, over
Barden Beck, to ground at Barden Farm.
One hour and a half. Although a circular
hunt, it must have been a good run over a
fine piece of country. For the last two
miles, the fox was viewed several times
only a field ahead of hounds, so it was
hard luck their not getting blood. Hounds
hunted this season up to the 13th April, and
there was only one blank day.

Mr. Booth hunted the Leckby, Cundall,
Newby Hall and present Wednesday country
a good deal this year ; as also the north-west
side, round Scotton, Hauxwell, Hipswell,
and Brough, finding plenty of foxes and
having some good sport.

80 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

1871—72. This season Mr. Booth hunted
the hounds himself, having as his first whipper-
in and kennel huntsman, Alfred Thatcher
(the father of Arthur Thatcher, who for many
seasons showed such good sport with the
Cottesmore, and is now with Mr. Fernie's
hounds), and H. Harrison as second whipper-
in.

One who knew him well, thus writes of Mr.
Booth as a huntsman.

" He was wonderfully in sympathy with his
hounds, and by this, got them to persevere
most patiently on a cold scent.

He used to go away very quick from covert ;
no waiting for laggards, believing that the
first ten minutes' real burst kills your fox ;
and that from four to six couples of hounds
was enough for this."*

He believed in the first principles of fox-
hunting ; that hounds, horses, servants, &c.,
are kept to kill the fox, so he never gave
them more chances than he could help,
knowing perfectly well that a fox has scores
of dodges by which he can escape, of which
most huntsmen know little.

On going to draw Thornhills Whin for the
first time this season, Mr. Booth was horrified
to find that two rides had been cut in it —
one from east to west, one from north to

* Opinions differ. Some say that a keen hound will seldom be left
twice, if given a fair chance of getting away with the body.
Others say, that being left, makes dog hounds especially,
jealous, and causes them to run cunning. I should draft those
which are often left. (Editor).

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 81

south. He was naturally very much annoyed,
as nothing disturbs a Whin covert more than
this. It seems to make the foxes suspicious,
the wind is let into their previously snug
quarters ; also perhaps, as the rides would
facilitate shooting, the man with a gun is more
often in the covert.

One day in October, Mr. Booth very
materially assisted his hounds.

They were at the New Whin, Baldersby,
which was very thick, and although there
were two or three foxes in it, neither
they or the hounds could make much head-
way, so thick was the undergrowth. After
about an hour and a half's work, he saw a
cub which looked as if it had had about
enough, so he got off his horse and caught
it ; holloaed his hounds to him, and killed it.

He had prickly recollections of this day
the following season, when he happened to be
wearing the same pair of Bedford cord
breeches again.

While trudging about the covert on foot
they had got well studded with soft gorse
pricks. These, although not felt at the time,
had, with a summer's rest, dried and hard-
ened, and in this the following year, it was
like sitting on the ' ' business end of many
tin tacks.''

Wire is supposed to be a somewhat modem
curse, but in November of this year, Mr.
Booth notes that Mr. S. Powell got a bad
fall over some, near Reedholmes covert.

December the 18th seems to have been

82 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

a very hard day, although no great actual
point was made.

Met at Killerby. Found at Oran, and ran
up the Swale side to Catterick Bridge, being
headed here he turned back over the race-
course up to Catterick village, crossed the
Swale (which was in flood) to Scorton village,
past the north end of this, and then straight
for Uckerby Whin, within a few fields of which
hounds were run out of scent. Time fifty-
seven minutes.

Hounds went back to Hornby Castle.
Found in Kennel Whin, and ran across to
Sandholes Whin, then up to Tunstall Whin,
through this on to Scotton village, then
bearing left-handed, by Cragg Lane End and
Sandholes to the Decoy at Hornby; from
there into Langthorne W^ood, and on into
Goskins ; being headed here he turned back
to Holtby Grange, and was lost in some
buildings there, after one hour and twenty
minutes hunting.

Found again at Kirkby Fleetham Whin, and
ran by the Mill to Jackal Wood, on through
Goskins, across Ainderby Myers, heading
for Langthorne Wood ; but hounds had to
be stopped, after hunting one hour and fifteen
minutes, as it was quite dark.

The actual ''points'* of this day's work
are as follows.

Oran to Uckerby - - 4| miles

Kennel Whin to Scotton village - 1| miles
Scotton village to Langthorne - 5 miles
Langthorne to Goskins - - 1 J miles

The Bed ale Hounds, 1832-1908 83

Goskins to Holtby - - 1^ miles

Kirkby Fleetham Mill to Lang-

thorne - - - 2| miles

Oran Whin provided another good fox on
the 12th February.

Found at once and went across the Leeming
Lane to Goskins Wood, turned left-handed
from here and ran to Kirkby Fleetham Whin ;
past this, on through the Scruton coverts,
and crossed the river Swale at the south-east
end of them ; straight up to Thrintoft Whin,
leaving it on the, right by Masterman's
and Custs' Plantations to Streatlam Whin;
through the village, on to the Tile Shed
Plantation, direct up to the lodge gates
at Pepper Arden; from here he turned
left-handed and ran towards Whitwell
Grange, but not having the strength to reach
the Kiplin Woods, retraced his steps towards
Pepper Arden, and hounds ran into him in
the open, after two hours and ten minutes.

The first hour up to Thrintoft, and the
last twenty minutes of the run were very
fast.

The season closed on the 6th April, there
having been only one blank day, and
twenty-one brace of foxes were killed.

1872 — 73. During this season no run of
any extraordinary merit took place ; although
there were some long and persevering hunting
ones.

Mr. Booth describes in his diary, March
12th of 1873, as the hardest day's work he
ever had.

84 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Hounds met at Thirsk Station. Found a
fox in Carlton Rush, ran through Bamlett's
Whin towards Topcliffe, and lost. Went
back, and found in Bamlett's Whin, but could
make nothing of this fox. Crossed the river
Swale and tried the Baldersby Coverts, with-
out finding. Went on to the Hutton Moor
coverts ; found in the High Covert, and
crossing the Leeming Lane ran by Windsor
Castle Inn towards Cundall, then making a
right-handed turn passed Kirby Windmill
and ran out of scent, heading towards the
Newby Hall coverts.

Hutton Moor coverts were again drawn,
and furnished a fox, which ran a ring out
towards Blows Hall and back to the Moor,
but was pushed from there and ran past Dish-
forth to the Black Wood at Baldersby ; then
on to, but did not enter, Leckby Carr ; past
Cundall, and turned right-handed for Norton-
le-Clay pointing for Kirby Hill ; again he
changed his mind and returned on the north
side of Milby Whin, past Humburton, and
forward to Brafferton, where he got to ground
near the North Eastern Railway Bridge,
after a run of two hours and ten minutes.

Mr. Booth, Mr. Clare Vyner, Mr. George
Peirson, Mr. Peter Stevenson, and one or two
more, were the only ones to see the end of
this very hard day.

As it was then 7 p.m., Mr. Booth took the
hounds on to Newby Hall, where his first
whipper-in had already gone; gave horses
and hounds some gruel, and sent them off, a

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 85

twenty mile ride to the kennels, where they
arrived about midnight, One of the Hunt
horses had to be left at Cundall, and died
there; Mr. George Peirson never rode his
again. Mr. Booth stayed the night at Newby,
and the following morning as he did not appear
about nine o'clock to breakfast, Mr. Vyner
told his butler to let Mr. Booth know that
it was ready. The reply was ** I think, sir,
Mr. Booth will be nearly at Killerby by now,
as he left here at half-past six.''

At the conclusion of this season, to the
regret of all, Mr. Booth decided to give up
hunting the hounds himself. Always a heavy
man, he had increased in weight, and found
it difficult to mount himself — as he would
have liked, and deemed desirable.

His kennel huntsman, Alfred Thatcher,
was put on as huntsman, and Robert Walke
took his place as first whipper-in.

The season closed on the 19th April. There
was only one blank day, and ten brace of foxes
were killed.

1873 — 74. This was the best cub-hunting
season Mr. Booth had, there being a capital
show of foxes in all parts. Hounds were
out twenty-one days, killing ten and a half
brace, and marking three brace to ground.

During November, the new Whin coverts
at Brough Hall and Solberg were drawn for
the first time, and each provided a fox.
Happy omen ! ! It is sometimes difficult
to know how to disturb a fox out of a culvert
or short drain, when there is no terrier on

86 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

the spot. I have seen many ways tried,
more often unsuccessful than the reverse.
Mr. Booth mentions one which he used with
advantage — and which to me is novel : that
is, to fire three or four cartridges, with powder
only, down the culvert or drain. A gun and
cartridges are generally pretty handy.

On the 19th November, there was a good
and hard day. After a two hours hunt from
Bamlett's Whin, killing their fox near the
house at Baldersby Park, hounds found in
Busby Stoop Brickyard Plantation, and
running by Sand Hutton village, to the south
of Carlton village, through Carlton Rush,
reached Topcliffe station. Here the fox was
probably headed, as he returned on the west
of the Topcliffe and Busby Stoop road to the
covert where found ; then up the Swale banks
to what is now Sand Hutton Whin, back from
this point to the New Whin at Baldersby,
through Ainderby Quernhow to the Holme
coverts and on to Pickhill village. Turning
from here, he crossed the Teeming Tane,
straight to Carthorpe ; through Camp Hill and
Kirklington Woods to Kirklington village,
where he got into some farm buildings, and
as it was by now quite dark, Mr. Booth had
most reluctantly to leave him.
' On the 14th January, Mr. Booth describes
the following as the straightest and quickest
* ' forty minutes ' ' he ever saw. Found in
the New Whin at Baldersby, ran past Howe,
the Holme coverts, Pickhill Wood, Smear-
holmes and Gatenby Woods, to Newton

The Bed ale Hounds, 1832-1908 87

House ; a six mile point. Hounds unfortun-
ately got on to the line of a fresh fox at
Newton House, and were stopped.

The last meet of this season was held at
Catterick, on the 11th April, when Sir John
Lawson, of Brough, on behalf of the members
of the Hunt and other friends, presented to
Mr. Booth a silver hunting horn, and to Miss
M. A. Gardom, his future wife, a handsome
bracelet, as a token of their goodwill and
esteem for him, on his approaching marriage.*

There were four blank days this season,
and twenty and a half brace of foxes were
killed.

1874—75. On the 12th November, a
' ' Bedale Hunt ' ' dinner was held at the
Black Swan Hotel, Bedale, at which eighty
members were present. Lord Feversham in
the chair : and Mr. Booth was presented with
a silver dessert service, a wedding present
from the '' Hunt.''

On the 29th March, two cubs were killed by
hounds. An early date to be above ground :
or perhaps they were ** stub-bred.''

It is said that * ' everything comes to him
who waits." Sir John Lawson and Mr.
Booth had a ' ' long wait " for a fox on the
10th April, when hounds met at Kilgram
Bridge.

They drew Eelmire Wood, Ellington Firth,
Ellingstring Plantation, Witton Fell, Clifton
Castle, Thorp Perrow, Kirklington and Camp
Hill Woods, and Gatenby Wood blank; just

* Mr. Booth was married on the 28th April, 1874.

88 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

saving the day by finding a fox at the
Old Whin, Newton House. The two above
mentioned were the only ones who stayed
on till the end of the day. The last day's
hunting was on the 21st April. There was
only one blank day, and twelve and a half
brace of foxes were killed.

1875—76. 12th October. Found a fox
for the first time in Lord Downe's new whin
covert, at Ripon Parks.

On the 24th November, there was a
good day's sport. After finding a brace
of foxes in the Black Wood, at Baldersby,
which were so persistently headed by the
footpeople that nothing could be done
with them ; hounds hit off the line of
a fox in the Park, which ran by Azenby
and Dishforth, through the north end of
Leckby Carr down to the Swale ; turning
from the river, he bore right-handed by
Cundall village, over Cundall Bottoms, leav-
ing Milby Whin on the left, past Kirby Hill
Church to Boroughbridge. Being headed
here, he doubled back past the railway station,
and ran down the river side as far as Elling-
thorpe, where he crossed. In order to get
over the river the ''field" had to go back to
Boroughbridge, and did not see the hounds
again until they were close to Grafton Whin
in the York and Ainsty country. From this
covert the fox turned away, and ran parallel
to the river back to Boroughbridge. Close
to the bridge here, a fresh fox jumped up
in view of hounds, and they ran back with

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 89

him nearly to Grafton and round again to
Ellingthorpe, when he crossed the river
almost at the same place as the original fox
from Baldersby.

Hounds were stopped and taken back to
the run fox, which had been seen dead beat in
the Park at Boroughbridge Hall. They hit
off his line, and after running a short distance
down the river bank rolled him over, fox
and hounds all tumbling into the river. The
fox floated a short distance but eventually
sank, so hounds were unfortunately deprived
of their well-earned blood. An onlooker swam
into the river to try and recover the fox, but
the water was so cold he had to give up the
attempt.

On 24th January, there was a capital
gallop from Wild Wood.

The fox went away on the south side up to
Finghall, then past the station there, through
the bottom of Ruswick Gill over Newton-le-
Willows Bottoms, past Grazing Nook Farm
due north, by Hesselton and Cote House to
the east end of Thornhill's Whin ; from here
he bore rather westward, leaving Scotton
whin on the right, over Newfound-England
Gill, on to Hauxwell Moor. His strength
was now faihng, and he doubled back over
Laver Gill, up Newfound-England Gill on to
the Richmond Road, where hounds ran into
him a short distance from the four cross-
roads, close to Barden village ; after a bril-
liant gallop of sixty-two minutes. There
was no check, hounds having the best of it
the whole way.

90 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

29th March. A curious accident occurred
to a hound this day.

A fox was found in Vicars Moor, and after
running for some time on the east of the
Swale, crossed the river close to Maunby
Ferry and got to ground in Smearholmes,
just in front of the hounds.

The leading one, ' Rambler,' having got
partially into the ''earth,'' was, in the excite-
ment, worried by the rest of the pack, before
the first horseman (John Thomas Robinson,
of Leckby) could stop them. He, seeing
hounds worrying something, and not know-
ing of the '' earth," thought they had killed,
and cheered them on in the breaking up of
their fox.

It is almost needless to add that
' Rambler ' was an excellent hound.

On the 4th April, there was a very hard
day on the Moor edge ; around Swinton, Ilton,
EUingstring, Agra, Jervaulx and Witton Fell.
A leash of foxes was killed, Thatcher got
through three horses, finished the day on
foot, and Mr. Booth had to leave both his
out for the night, with Mr. Fitz Ray, at
Finghall.

Hunting ended on the 22nd April, it having
been the best season for many years. Hounds
were out eighty-eight days and killed twenty-
two brace of foxes. No blank days.

1876 — 77. On January 1st there was
a capital gallop, although unluckily, hounds
did not get blood. Found in Dalton's Whin
(near Heslett's Wood), ran across the railway.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 91

through Peter Wood direct down to Noster-
field, where being headed the fox indined
towards Norton Conyers ; but soon making
good his point, went past the west end of
Thornborough village through Kirklington
and Camp Hill Woods ; past Carthorpe village
to Hopetown Nurseries, over the Leeming
Lane to Smearholmes covert, where he
tried the ''earths/' but finding them closed
turned through Gatenby Whin and Wood to
the shrubberies at Newton House. Here,
unfortunately, the * ' changeling ' ' was at
home, and this good fox lived to fight another
day. Time one hour, with no check to
speak of and a seven mile point. Those
who really saw the gallop were all happy !

January 15th again provided a brisk day's
sport. Found in Gatenby Whin, and ran
towards the river Swale, then back through
Smearholmes, across the Leeming Lane, by
Hopetown Nurseries to Kirklington village,
direct to Wath ; leaving Middleton Quernhow
on the left. From here it looked as if Hutton
Moor must be the point, but making a left-
handed turn he headed towards Baldersby,
but unable to reach these coverts was pulled
down in the open, after a first rate hour and
twenty minutes. A second fox was found
in Pickhill Wood, which ran across to Theak-
ston Grange, but being there headed, turned
back through Gatenby Wood to the shrub-
beries at Newton house. No ' ' changeling ' '
being present on this occasion, he had to
move on, and reached Leeming village, from

92 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

which he turned left-handed to Exelby, went
over the Beck towards Firby Hall, again bore
left-handed for the Low Coverts at Thorp
Perrow ; before he could reach which, hounds
ran into him in the Park. Forty- two minutes,
very fast. The season finished on the 9th
April. There were five blank days, and
eighteen and a half brace of foxes were
killed.

1877 — 78. Although this was a good
season's sport, twenty-eight and a half brace
of foxes being killed, and there being no
blank day ; I find only one run, which I
think is worth recording. Found at Uckerby
Whin, ran across to Halnaby and from there
to Clervaux Castle ; then on through Allan's
Whin pointing for (Jukle ? ?), being headed
at this point, the fox turned back through
the gardens at Halnaby and ran almost the
identical line back to Uckerby Whin. There
was no pause here, and hounds pushed on
with their fox up to Scorton station, through
Crossbills covert, over the Atlay Hill and
Scorton road, past the Forest Farm, and just
short of Whitwell, ran into him after a
capital hunt of one hour and fifty minutes.
At the beginning of this season Alfred
Thatcher returned to the Brocklesby, suc-
ceeding Nimrod Long as huntsman to this
pack of Hounds ; and Mr. Booth engaged T.
Perry from the Vale of White Horse in his
place. He began Hfe in Lord Poltimore's
service, and was for four seasons a whipper-
in to Lord Shannon.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 93

Barney Spence, a great character, and still
alive, was promoted from second to first
whipper-in.

In the early part of Mr. Booth's Master-
ship, when foxes were rather scarce, a bob-
tailed one, from the Scotton neighbourhood,
saved him seven blank days. He always
went the same line, and got to ground in
about fifteen minutes ; but Mr. Booth would
not allow his sanctuary to be stopped, as
under the existing circumstances he thought
the reverse of the proverb '' A bird in the
hand is worth two in the bush,'' was best ;
and that one fox in front of hounds was
worth two in their mouths. Matters however
mended considerably, and as has been written
he was able to kill twenty-eight and a half
brace during his last season, and was instru-
mental in getting many new whin coverts laid
down during the eleven years he was Master
of the Hounds.

He often makes a note in his hunting diary
that after a run fox had been chased, or even
turned by a cur dog, hounds could hardly ever
carry any head. This is a well-known fact to all
huntsmen, but I fancy the reason is a ' ' sealed
book ' ' to them and many others. Can it
be a change of scent ? Or is it that the
huntsman sees or hears that his fox has been
so treated, lifts his hounds and thus upsets
them ?

At the end of this season Mr. Booth an-
nounced his intention of giving up the
hounds, and very much regret was felt at

94 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

his decision. During the eleven seasons he
had been Master, he had worked hard to
further the interests of fox-hunting, and had
got together a very workmanlike pack of
hounds.

CHAPTER V.

1878—84.
Major Henry F. Dent.

" Some people call a man a Master of 'ounds what
sticks an 'orn in his saddle and blows when he likes,
but leaves everything else to the 'untsman. That's
not the sort of Master of 'ounds I mean to be." —

Surtees.

On the resignation of Mr. Booth, several
gentlemen were mentioned as likely to take
his place, among them being Lord Castle-
reagh. The Honourable George Lascelles,
Mr. R. Bell, and Mr. George ElHot; but a
successor was finally found in Major H. F.
Dent, who had recently retired from the
7th Dragoon Guards. He took up his resi-
dence at Bedale Grange.

It is sometimes instructive to see our-
selves as others see us, and the following
description tells how the special corres-
pondent of the * * Field ' ' in the summer
of 1878, viewed us.

' ' The Bedale country is one of the best
adapted for Fox-hunting in the North of
England, a few more good coverts, a few
more good foxes, with the right sort to pre-

96 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

serve them, being the only desideratum to
render it first-rate among the * provincials.'
The interests of pheasants appear to be
paramount, and the preservation of foxes
a secondary consideration; so that Mr.
Velveteen is rather too much in evidence,
and the following lines unfortunately have
sometimes proved too true.

" His oath that in one covert
He a brace of foxes saw,
Is the never failing prelude
That betokens a blank draw."

The hounds are a very useful wear and tear
sort, lighter in bone and less even in height
than some packs, but for all that an im-
proving lot.

A wonderful hound is ' Andover ' entering
on his ninth season, as fresh as ever on his legs,
and not even a toe down. Another curiosity
is ' Birthday' . She began her career with the
York and Ainsty. One day the horse ridden
by a member of the Bedale Hunt, while
hunting with the York and Ainsty, lashed
out and smashed her leg into splinters.
Convinced that the bitch would be of no
further use. Colonel Fairfax (the Master of
the York and Ainsty) sent word to Mr.
Booth, that as one of his ' field ' had maimed
a hound he had better send for it. Mr.
Booth, nothing loth, promptly did so ; and
'Birthday' was removed to the Bedale
Kennels, where the splintered limb was so
skilfully set up by Thatcher (Mr. Booth's
huntsman), that she became as sound as a

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 97

bell of brass — and is still running at the head
of the pack/'

Major Dent retained Mr. Booth's hunts-
man and first whipper-in, T. Perry and B.
Spence, putting on only a new second
whipper-in, G. Burrill.

A * ' Bedale ' ' bard had not been inspired
for many years to write about those who
hunted, but in 1878, the spirit came upon
Sir Charles Dodsworth, and he published
the following poem; which describes very
accurately the * ' field ' ' of this date.

* * Hurrah for the Bedale ! a health to the name
Which shall lead them with honour and cherish their

fame,
And long may our 'Field' see bold Dent with the horn
Which Milbank and Booth have so gallantly borne.

From the moors to the Wiske, from the Yore to the

Swale,
On the broad plain of Mowbray, in green Wensleydale,
From marshes of Cowton, to craggs of Hackfall,
The hearts of all hearers should leap at the call.

Our Master, you'll take it for granted that he
Is all that a Master of foxhounds should be.
And Perry has shewn himself active and smart
Since the flesh-pots of Brocklesby stole Thatcher's
heart.

Comes Scrope^ from grey halls on the bright slopes

of Yore
On a line of his own, ever seen to the fore )
That heir of high honours need never aspire
To improve on his title of Simon the Squire.

1 Mr. Simon T. Scrope. Died 1896.

98 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

From Brough, Sir John Lawson won't fail to attend
And whatever the distance, he'll stay to the end.
Should he meet with misfortunes he recks not of that,
He has faith in the strength of his broad bottomed
hat.

And there's our late Master,^ who cut us adrift —
Sixteen stone in the saddle, takes something to lift ;
But his horses will follow like dogs at his call,
Give him time — at the finish, he'll make you look
small.

His brother,^ the sailor, so cheery of heart

In the mirth of our meetings, takes prominent part ;

If you want a warm welcome, why, go to Oran,

If you want a kind friend, why, your host is the man.

And there are the Dawnays,* that neat little group
Of good-looking brothers, a hard riding troop ;
Their fair Lady-mother^ we gratefully thank
That the Baldersby coverts are never drawn blank.

Conversing with Peirson,^ alongside rides Lane,
Whose woods are sly Reynard's peculiar domain ;
And Dal ton' uncertain, who whether he'll ride
With the Bedale or Bramham, can never decide.

And Elliot^ on whom the Conservative whip

Will rely if his party seem likely to trip.

Though he'll find the stout Member a rum'un to

bring
To the post, if we've plenty of foxes next Spring.

2 Mr. John B. Booth, of Killerby.

3 Mr. William Booth, of Oran, who often acted as deputy
Master.

4 The Honbles. Guy, Eustace, Geoffrey, and Francis.

5 Widow of William Henry, 7th Viscount Downe.

6 Mr George Peirson, of Baldersby, Mr. Sydney L. Lane, who
married the widow of the 7th Viscount Downe.

7 Mr. John Dalton, of Sleningford Park.

8 Mr. George Elliot, M.P. M.F.H., 1884.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 99

There is one we shall often recall to the mind
Stricken down for a season by fortune unkind,
Which has snatched from the sport which he ever

held dear
A youth,^ who for humour, had never his peer.

And here should his Reverence of Finghall relate
How he used to be known as a dapper light weight j
Or you, stately Rector of Scruton discourse —
For you can, if you will — on the points of a horse.

But see there's Major Bell,^'' of Northumbrian fame,
So youthful a man, for his age, you can't name ;
Then Garrett, ^^ from Crakehall, and with him on

leave.
His Lancer or Linesman, we love to receive.

In a phaeton and pair, by her cheery-faced spouse.
Spick and span, at the covert side, sits Mrs. Rouse }
At Firby she rules merry mistress, and he
A disciple of Nimrod, as firm as need be.

Mrs. Radcliffe behold, all alert for a start.
No weather or distance can daunt her brave heart ;
With her husband as eager for sport as his wife,
Beside them. Miss Staveley^^ prepared for the strife.

And see Mrs. St. Paul,^^ with her brother as squire.
No horseman to beat her you'll find in the Shire j
When the meet is near Swinton, its Lady^"* is there —
But Oh shame ! Mrs. Robson,^^ to sell your good mare.

9 Mr Fitz Ray, of Finghall.

10 Major Bell, of Aiskew.

11 Major Garrett. 16th Lancers, of Crakehall.

12 Miss Staveley, of Old Slenmgford Hall.

13 Sister of Mr. John Dalton, of Sleningford Park.

14 Lady Lavinia Bertie, who married Mr. R. Bickersteth,
son of the late Bishop of Ripon.

15 Mrs. Robson, of Crakehall.

100 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

^*Then Sir Charles, the eccentric, with chatterbox Fred,
And Matthew, Oxonian, just out of bed ;
From rook-cradled Thornton, their sister^' would

speed,
But it's seldom the brothers will lend her a steed.

And there is the Colonel,^^ mistake him who can.
That ever vivacious and popular man ;
The Russians did well, when they spared him to grace
Our ballrooms and meets, with his debonnaire face.

There is Hutton,^^ once Westminster's youngest M.P.,
Whom Father some day of the House we may see.
With his brother, and Carter^° who fought in the van.
When troubles were thickest in far Hindustan.

Fair Kiplin and Carpenter met but to part,
And for Vyner,^^ the Turf has first claim on his heart j
But fox-beloved Bonvilles' plantations of larch
Send the Chairman,^ quintessence of new pink and

starch.
There's Robinson^^ dead on short cuts, and young

Marr
From Thirsk, who escaped without even a scar,
After nearly an hour, every moment of which
He seemed destined to drown in that bottomless

ditch.

And that sprucest of bankers^^ — the sightmakes one

yearn
To have shares in what must be a pa5dng concern ;

16 The brothers Dodsworth of Thornton- Watlass.

17 Lady Beresford-Peirse.

18 Colonel The Hon. A. Cathcart, late Grenadier Guards.

19 Mr. John Hutton of Solberg.

20 Captain Charles Carter (late 58th Bengal Native Infantry).

21 Mr. R. C.Vyner, of Newby Hall. •

22 Mr. J. R. Hildyard, Chairman of Quarter Sessions.

23 Mr. J. T. Robinson, a farmer from Leckby, with ex-
cellent hands, and a capital man to hounds.

24 Mr. Gerald Duncombe. Son of the late Dean of York.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 101

I should think that no trouble could ever displace
The smile of content on his prosperous face.

Next Lawson,^^ who fearing a mistress might vex
His bachelor household, fights shy of the sex ;
With Wilmot,^ the quiet and skilful, whose horse
Knows his rider means work, when a fox quits the
gorse.

And our Argus-eyed Chief of Police,'" who you'll find

With Allan and Cecil lags never behind ;

Or the Master-^ of Larpool who reared in his pride,

A palace, the glory of Hambledon-side.

From his bride and new home comes young Bell,^*

of the Hall,
Near Miss Hodgson,=^° whose grey will not give her

a fall ;
Then Jester's bold owner, '^ and some who were rough
On the neighbours with whom they claim kinship at

Brough.

And Stobart^^ has passed through the park gates at

Wath,
Where Sir Bellingham's manor lies hid from the path,
That home whence old Norton who dared to defy
The might of the Tudors, departed to die.

25 Mr. Andrew Lawson, of Aldborough Manor.

26 Mr. Wilmot-Smith, brother-in law of above.

27 Captain Hill (late Chief Constable of the North Riding),
and his two sons.

28 Captain E. Turton, late 3rd Dragoon Guards, of Upsall
Castle

29 Mr. Reginald Bell, The Hall, Thirsk.

30 A very fine rider, sister of Mr. Lumley Hodgson, of Sand
Hutton.

31 Mr. Teasdale Hutchinson, of Catterick. 'His horse ' Jester*
took many prizes in the show ring, and was also a very
fine hunter over a country.

32 The late Mr. William Stobart, then tenant of Norton
Conyers.

102 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Where legend has graven a mark of the flight
Of CavaHer Graham from Long-Marston fight ;
Such memories flit through my brain as I ride,
On the white shingle-beach of that flat waterside.

Then Turf-loving Middleham equips one or two
Of the world renowned trainers, and lads not a few.
Though Providence sometimes to sinners permits
Acquaintance unsought with the heels of their 'tits'.

Mr. Powell,^^ from Sharow, will not be the last
Nor the Captain, excitable, hurrying fast ;
While the children of Sion-'^ are safe for a place.
The daughters and sons of a fox-hunting race.

Then there's long headed Lascelles,"^ not often

thrown out,
In business or sport he knows what he's about.
And his tact and suave manner have kept us afloat
When the Hunt didn't sail in a very safe boat.

See RusselP^ the restless, the moody, the gay,
The thoughtless or thoughtful, I doubt which to say.
Musician and sportsman, he rides in the van
And the charm of his smile, resist it who can ?

Next humorous Crompton,^ so fond of a swim.
On a brute which would tire any other but him.
His eye has a twinkle — I think if he chose
He could kick up a shine with the secrets he knows.

33 The Rev. S. H. Powell and his son. Captain Sam
Powell.

34 The children of the Hon. George Lascelles, of Sion Hall.

35 The Hon. George Lascelles. Brother of the 4th Earl of
Harewood, The 2nd Earl having been Master of the
present " Bramham Moor Hounds."

36 Mr. W. D. Russell, of Newton House.

37 Mr. R. Crompton, of Azerley Chace.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 103

You're sure to see Kirby,^ a veteran and one,
Whose good will to the Chase is second to none,
And when he and we shall be laid on the shelf
The Whin which he planted, will speak for itself.

Mr. White^'^ at a distance is easy to tell.
With a trifle less pace, he might get on as well ;
While dark-bearded Smith will be sailing away
With Peacock, who skilfully steers his bold gray.

But forgive me brave yeomen whose names I don't

know,
On crocks good or bad you are good'uns to go,
And the smallest farm lad, on his pony grass-fed.
Is keen as the man on his sleek thorough-bred.

A cheer for the strangers, who sometimes will share
Our sport, from the Zetland, the York or elsewhere.
May we find a good fox every time they appear.

There was Wynyard's young master,^" who flashed on

the scene
For a season well horsed, ne'er a sportsman more

keen.
And as Chesterfield gained the applause of our sires.
So his air was the theme of our Richmondshire

Squires.

Then the Bridegroom^^ and Member of North Riding

choice
With the charm of the Grahams in feature and voice;
And Crossley,"*"^ good natured, whose wife in a car
Scandinavian, would drive in the wake of our war.

38 A sporting grocer of Bedale, and real good friend to fox-
hunting.

39 A hard riding farmer from Burrill.

40 The present Lord Londonderry, who rented Kirkby
Fleetham Hall, for one or two seasons, when Lord Castle-
reagh.

41 The late Lord Helmsley, who rented Ainderby Hall for a
season. M.P. for the North Riding.

42 The tenant of Aldburgh Hall, Masham.

104 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

1878 — 79. This season was very broken,
frost causing the loss of many days hunting.
In December '78 and January '79, hounds
were only able to hunt five days, and the
total of hunting days was therefore only
sixty-seven. Seventeen and a half brace of
foxes being killed.

Three days' sport during the season seem
worthy of record.

On October 11th, found in Low Park
Wood, very quick away through Low Park
Whin, through Horse Close Wood, Camp Hill
and Kirklington Woods, towards Kirklington
village ; bore then right-handed by Thorn-
borough to Nosterfield, up the hill to Peter
Wood, through this, over the railway into
Heslett's Wood, on into Tanfield Banks, and
there killed after one hour and five minutes
without a check.

Although the following appears to have
been somewhat an unorthodox sort of hunt, it
must have been rather a good one ; and
the account, given in the words of one who
took the chief part in it, is quaint. It has
been sent to me by an old resident in East
Witton who ' ' bagged ' ' the brush. ' ' I
right to give yon a count of the gallus day
with the Bedale hounds on record, in 1879.
February the 19th. The meet was at Haux-
well Hall, Colonel Wades' place, and a
gallant company of both Lades and Gentle-
men including two of Miss Elliotts and
about seventy horsemen. After trying tow
or three smole plantations, we got on to the

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 105

open on Barden Moore. After we got well
over, tow of the right sort got up, and
hounds got divided, and my lot we had
eight hounds and as grand a Fox as ever
started a Chase, and we had nither huntsman,
nor wip, nor Marster. Reney took straight
for Newfound England, and then he turned
right hand pas Drugen 111 (Druggon Hill)
farm, and past pleasant dole (Pleasant Dale)
and right Down for Coubern (Colburn) Big
Wood, but he found no rest theer, oblige tow
change is quarters, he then took another
rout, he tooke right past Mr. J ages (Mr.
Jacques's), Easby Hall and over the railway
and over Swale, and just on thee rasecorse
(at Richmond). Nowing that he had got
in tow Lord Zetland's hunt, he thowght he
would be giving him a round, so he turn
back an left Richmon on thee Left, then
came pas Holey Hill (Holy Hill) and down to
Coubern agane, thee pase was then getting
wery weak, as both Horses and Hound and
I think thee fox had had quite plenty off,
as there was only five Horse men Left, but
thee Hounds had strength to force him
out once more, then right over front of
Holey Hill intow a Smail Plantation and
Finished as galen a Fox as ever gave a noble
chase. Only tow up at the kill, myself and
my cind (kind) Frend, F. Bates of Tupgill,
wer both up together, and no horse could
fice thee fence in where he lay ded But I
rode close hup tow thee fence and threw
myself head firs throug thee fence and picke

106 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Reney up, and defeating my cind friend of
thee brush wich I still have in my room,
stuff. But we did not fall out 'bout thee
brush, for we were very cind friends till God
coled him home/'

On the 22nd March ('79). Met at Solberg.
Found at once in the New Whin covert
and ran across to the Bank at Newby-Wiske.
Being headed here, the fox turned back
right-handed to Maunby village, and crossing
the Swale pointed for Gatenby village, but
not liking the west side of the river, re-crossed
at ''Bottle neck," and ran over the big
pastures parallel to the river, up to Morton
Bridge. He must have had a dash of otter
blood somehow, as again he crossed the Swale,
where the Bedale Beck joins the river; and
skirting Grimescar Mill, went through Aiskew
Moor Whin, past the ''Leases,'' leaving the
Kennels (then just below the Leases) on the
right, over the Scurff Beck, and hounds ran
into this good fox in the open, close to Kirk
Bridge ; after a capital gallop of one hour and
twenty minutes..

12th April. Although the fox hunter's
delight was not accomplished on this date ;
that is, the fair and square death of a fox
after a good hunt — yet the gallop is worth
mention.

Hounds met at Kiplin ; and after some work
about there, and Pepper Arden, in the earlier
part of the day; found in the Brick Yard
Plantation near Streatlam. They ran sharp
by Langton nearly up to Thrintoft village,

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 107

turned left-handed by Yafforth Grange,
skirting Thrintoft Whin, to Danby Wiske
village. From here the fox hung to the
river Wiske, and passing by Reedholme
covert, went on to Pepper Arden, from
which he turned back, and was lost near
the Brick Yard Plantation, after a very good
run of an hour and a half.

1879 — 80. This season Major Dent hunted
hounds himself. T. Perry remaining on as
his Kennel Huntsman.

It was a fairly good year. Hounds being
out seventy-six days and killing twenty-
four brace of foxes.

Two runs are worth recording.

18th December. Met at Danby-on-Yore.

Found in Forty Acres and ran across to
Newfound-England, turned from there back
by Hauxwell, to Forty Acres ; up to this
point hounds had run very fast. From
here there was a very pretty hunt round by
Bellerby nearly up to Leyburn Shawl, then
turning back, hounds ran into their fox at
the back of Mr. Riddell's house at Leyburn.
Two hours.

12th January. Although somewhat cir-
cular, this was a good day.

Met at Sleningford Park. Found in the
New Whin covert at Ripon Parks, and ran
very sharp west, to Azerley Whin, being
headed here the fox turned back, and leaving
the house at Sleningford on his right went
down to the banks of the river Yore near
Sleningford Grange. He turned from here

108 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

and ran on to Mickley, forward into Hackfall,
through this, out towards Swinton, and back
into Hackfall ; from there to Azerley Whin,
and into the fox covert at Sleningford.
Passing through this he headed for his
starting place, but turning left-handed under
Sleningford Grange, was pulled down in the
Park after a capital good hunt of two hours
and twenty minutes. During this season three
separate foxes were found — laid up in trees.

1880 — 81. Major Dent again this year
carried the horn, and although greatly-
interfered with by frost (being stopped nine
weeks), put in a goodly number of days
hunting, and sport; and brought twenty-
six brace of foxes to hand.

The best point, and ending to a hunt, for
this season seems to be the following.

13th December. Found in Watlass Whin,
ran by Thornton Watlass church, to Thorp
Perrow; across the Park, over the Snape
Mires, up to Exelby ; then on to Burneston,
and Oak Tree Farm. Crossing the Leeming
Lane here, hounds went very quick to Pickhill
Wood, and ran into their fox near Pickhill
village. One hour and twenty minutes.

This was a first-rate west to east eight
mile point; and probably about thirteen to
fourteen miles as hounds ran.

The river Swale was somewhat unruly
this year (1881), and no doubt caused much
anxiety and annoyance to riparian residents
and owners.

The Master's stables at Scruton Hall, on

The Bedale Hounds. 1832-1908 109

the 9th March became flooded, and during
the evening he had to get all his horses
removed, and quarter them out in adjacent
farms until the flood subsided.

1881—82. On account of Major Dent not
being in very robust health, his kennel hunts-
man, T. Perry, hunted hounds from Sep-
tember until the end of October, when the
Master was again able to resume his duties.
Early in February he had the misfortune to
strain the muscles of his thigh very badly,
so decided that another season he would
employ a professional huntsman ; and engaged
Fred Holland, who was at this time first
whipper-in to Lord Middleton's hounds.

This was a fairly good season, but there is
nothing very remarkable in the way of points
or length of runs to record.

Hounds hunted seventy-eight days, and
killed twenty-three and a half brace of foxes.

On the 21st October, a staunch friend to
fox-hunting passed away in the person of
Mr. Mark Milbank of Thorp Perrow ; who
was the first Master of the ''Bedale.''

One reads marvellous newspaper accounts
of runs nowadays, but twenty-five years ago
the reporter's pen seems to have been just
as nimble in its fancy.

The following is a newspaper report of a
run from Uckerby, on the 2nd December.

* ' Drew famed Uckerby Whin which ap-
pears now to be a misnomer, as the covert
consists of osiers, hazel and birch twigs, and an

110 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

undergrowth of sedgy grass/' Many lines
are devoted to telling how the fox was found,
and how he got as far as Lingy Moor (three
fields away). Many more, to get on to
Middleton-Tyas Quarry, but at last he gets
his fox into the Sedbergh coverts "where
hounds threaded their way among young
larch, following well every twist and turn
of their hunted one, and making merry music
the while/'

" At Under Knee ton, hounds seemed utterly
at fault, but by another cunning cast Major
Dent got them on the line again, and they
ran hard up to Melsonby village. Another
check, another cast, and then they settled
down to work in right good earnest/ ' Many
paragraphs are devoted to getting on to
Langdale Wood, and the like to Aldborough,
where the scent failed.

The Master's account of this hunt reads
as under.

* ' Found Uckerby Whin, hunted slowly
up to Middleton-Tyas Quarry, and on into
Sedbergh, where we changed. Ran slowly
with a wretched scent past Melsonby through
Langdale Wood, and lost near Aldbrough.
Hunting three hours."

On the 18th November, the west country
foxes provided two good gallops, though in
each case they saved their brushes by getting
to ground.

Found in Scotton Whin, up to Gandale
Wood, then dropped the hill through the
Park at Hauxwell, nearly to Forty Acres

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 111

Wood ; turned right-handed from here by
Barden, over Barden Moor to ground in
the Quarry there. A very fast thirty-five
minutes.

Found in Wenlock Wood, again across to
Gandale Wood, but from here turned over
the allotments by Newfound-England and
Waithwith; across Badger Gill, to ground
in Hudswell Scar, after a good fifty minutes.

1882 — 83. Hounds were out seventy- two
days and killed fourteen and a half brace
of foxes. There were some useful hunts this
season, but nothing very much out of the
ordinary.

1883—84. November 9th. Found in
Streatlam Whin and ran towards Hutton
Bonville, but turning from there went past
Danby Wiske village up to Masterman's
Plantations; dropped the hill, and crossing
the Wiske tried Annesley's earths (in the
Hurworth country), these being stopped,
the fox re-crossed the river and got to ground
between Yafforth and Ainderby, but he was
bolted and killed.

On the 23rd February there was a fine run,
the latter part of it over the moor.

Found in Spennithorne Wood, and ran
out towards Marriforth, then dropped the
hill under Thornton Steward, towards Danby,
and crossed the river Yore opposite Jervaulx
Abbey; on through Ellingstring Plantation,
over Agra Moor, past Agra Wood, on to
Leighton ; and hounds were run out of scent
near Clint Rocks, after a good hour and
twenty-five minutes.

112 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Hounds hunted seventy-nine days and
killed twenty-one brace of foxes.

Early in the year 1884, the scarcity of
foxes in parts of the country was com-
mented upon in a letter to the ' ' Yorkshire
Post;'' and a somewhat heated correspon-
dence took place. A paragraph from one of
the letters seems worth preserving.

*' My idea is that owners of estates who
let their property are morally responsible
for the tenants; and in a good hunting
country like the ' Bedale,' ought as soon
to think of letting an estate to people who
they thought would cut down the coverts,
or pull down the house, as to a man who
would exterminate foxes, or try to stop
hunting."

Major Dent having notified his intention
to resign the Mastership of the hounds at
the end of the season, a General Meeting of
the Hunt was held on the 14th January,
when an offer was made by Captain Garrett,
16th Lancers (of Crakehall), to hunt the
country with a subscription of £1,600, and
that a brother officer of his (Captain Wild)
should be his huntsman. The name of Mr.
W. D. Russell, of Newton House, was also
mentioned as a successor to Major Dent.
The country did not favour the idea of an
amateur huntsman, and Mr. Russell did
not come forward to take the hounds; so
the appointment of a new Master remained
in abeyance.

By February, matters had arranged

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 113

themselves, and Mr. George W. Elliot, whose
name had been mentioned when Major
Dent was elected Master, agreed to hunt the
country. At a meeting of the Hunt, on the
29th April, which was presided over by the
Marquess of Carmarthen, Major Dent was
presented by Admiral the Honble. W. C.
Carpenter with a silver tea tray and bowl,
the former of which bore the following
inscription.

' ' Presented by the Members of the Bedale
Hunt to Major H. F. Dent, on his resignation
of the Mastership, in acknowledgement of
his able and successful management during
six seasons.''

It was at this meeting decided to acquire
new^ Kennels. Those below the "Leases," where
hounds had been kennelled since 1859, had for
some time been found small and inconvenient.

A lease was taken of the Low Street Stud
Farm, together with the field called Crowdy
Hill, from Mr. William Osborne, brother
to that fine sportsman and Yorkshireman,
Mr. John Osborne.

A word or two about this Stud Farm may
be of interest, as it was the home of many
famous race horses. The Stud Farm was
built about 1857, by the late Mr. John Howe
Osborne of Ashgill, being used as such up
to the year 1878; and the following well-
known horses were bred, and stood there.

Miss Agnes, g. grand-dam of Ormonde.

Agnes (by Clarion). Founder of the

' ' Agnes ' ' family.

114 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Lady Alice (1855) grand-dam of St. Gatien.

Romping Girl. Ran dead heat with
Achievement for second place in
the Oaks, 1867.

Red Eagle. Winner of the Cambridgeshire.

Controversy. Winner of the Lincoln

Handicap.

Gaily. Winner of the Lincoln Handicap.

The Cure, Colsterdale, and the Miner — one
of the few horses that ever beat Blair Athol
— were among the stallions that stood at the
Farm.

Early in March, 1881, a discussion arose
as to the correct boundary of the Bedale
and Hurworth countries, in the very north
east corner of the Hunt.

The Hurworth claimed as their south
and western boundaries in this locality the
river Wiske, from Smeaton Bridge up to
what is now Frigerdale Wood on the south ;
from there up Stone Riggs lane to the
branch road leading to Dalton-on-Tees, on
the west. The Bedale maintained that the
boundary was the main road from North-
allerton to Darlington, over Smeaton Bridge,
past Smeaton village, by High and Low
Entercommon, to the branch road above
mentioned, leading to Dalton-on-Tees. The
matter was referred to two arbitrators and
an umpire.

Colonel George J. Scurfield was named
for the Hurworth, Mr. John B. Booth for
the Bedale.

Mr. John L. Wharton, of Bramham, near

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 115

Tadcaster, was mutually agreed upon as
umpire — his decision to be final.

The question appears to have excited a
good deal of attention, for various reasons,
and the feelings of both Hunts ran high
about the matter. Much evidence was pro-
duced on both sides, and on October 3rd,
1881, Mr. J. L. Wharton gave his award in
the following terms.

* ' Bramham, Tadcaster,

3rd October, 1881.
Having examined the various maps, evi-
dence, and letters submitted to me ; I am
of opinion that the boundary line of the two
Hunts lies on the road leading from North-
allerton to Darlington, between Smeaton
Bridge and Entercommon. It is obvious
that the boundary of the two Hunts must
have been well ascertained long prior to
the existence of the Railway.*

Before I close this chapter, I must relate
three stories concerning Major Dent, which
are exactly typical of him.

During the first season he had the hounds,
they ran across Sleningford Park, down
towards Tanfield Bridge : the Park at this
corner being bounded by stone walls, high,
strong, and very securely coped, with a good
big drop on the landing side. Major Dent

* This remark is made as the Hunvorth rather suggested the
N.E.R. as the original Western boundary.

116 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

was cantering down to this corner, when
two or three people called to him and told
him that he could not get out that way.
With a look that said '^Thanks, I'll ask
for your advice when I want it,'' he never
hesitated a moment, took hold of his horse
(John Peel), and jumped the wall neatly
and cleanly. Colonel, the Honble. A. Cath-
cart, who generally has a happy remark
handy, rode up to him and said ' ' Why,
Dent, you remind me of what the French
General said to Lord Cardigan, after the
famous cavalry charge of Balaclava: ' C'est
magnifique, mais ce n'est pas la guerre ! ' "

One day his name happened to be men-
tioned when in conversation with a farmer,
who said, ''Well, he's a straight man is't
Major, if iver he has o'wt to say to ye, he
niver gangs round it mitch."

A rather half-hearted fox preserver wrote
and told him that he had a litter of cubs in
some covert on his property, and what was
he to do to ensure their safety and well being.
The reply was laconic — three words, but
with a volume of meaning, * ' Leave them
alone."

CHAPTER VI.

1884—1888.

George W. Elliot, M.P.

" Where there's ceremony, there's no friendship."

It has been already mentioned that a site
for the new Kennels had been decided upon.
A committee was formed to carry out all
the building arrangements, consisting of
Mr. George Elliot, Mr. John Booth, and
Mr. George B. Peirson, which soon got to
work. The kennels of various other packs
of hounds were inspected, plans were drawn
out, and building operations quickly com-
menced.

The whole of the work was carried out
locally, and the leading of materials required
was done free by farmers in the neigh-
bourhood ; some, who through living at a
distance, had not been asked to assist, felt
much aggrieved that they had not had a
finger in the ' ' brick and mortar * ' pie.

Mr. John Booth constituted himself Clerk
of the Works, and used to spend hours daily
watching every detail. He would often
look in on his way home from hunting, per-
haps wet through ; and it is to be feared

118 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

that his death was caused by a chill caught
when thus employed, on '' a labour of love.*'

1884—85. Mr. EUiot retained Fred Hol-
land as his huntsman, but engaged two new
whippers-in, C. Beames and W. Ihffe.

Hounds hunted eighty-six days, and killed
twenty-six brace of foxes.

Two runs during this season are worth
mention.

26th December. Found at|Hutton Bon-
ville, and ran due east to Deighton ; turning
from here, the fox came back to Hutton
Bonville, ran down to Danby Wiske village,
then skirting the Wiske, on to Reedholmes
covert (where three foxes were in front of
hounds), up to Cowton station, then bore
towards Pepper Arden, and heading north
came back through Frigerdale Wood, past
Smeaton Grange, and was entering Forty
Acres Wood (in the Hurworth country)
when hounds were stopped, after a very
good hunting run of three hours.

On February 16th hounds got away on
the back of a fox from Kirklington Wood
(a difficult thing to manage from this big
woodland) ; ran sharp across to Horse Close
Wood, over Well Mires, crossed the Bedale
and Tanfield road into Peter Wood ; through
Hesletts, along Tanfield Banks, crossed the
river Yore near Mickley, then on by Slening-
ford to North Stainley village ; and turning
back from this point, hounds ran into their
fox in Sleningford Park, after a capital
gallop of one hour and twenty minutes.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 119

From Kirklington Wood to Mickley is a
five mile point, from there to North Stainley
two and a half miles.

1885 — 86. Mr. Elliot put in a good many
days this season, hounds being out ninety-
five times, killing twenty-eight and a half
brace of foxes. They hunted up to the 7th
May, meeting on that date at Azerley, and
in the previous week at Leyburn.

On October 30th there was a capital
hunt. Found in Ripon Parks. Ran due
south to the Palace, near Ripon, turning
back from here hounds went by North
Stainley and Sleningford to the river Yore,
which was crossed near Mickley ; then
leaving the villages of Taniield, Nosterfield,
and Well, to the west, this good fox made
straight for Low Park Wood, and ran on
up to Thornton Watlass, where hounds were
run out of scent.

November 13th provided a good gallop.

Found in Bolton Whin, ran east to Kiplin
Big Wood on to Streatlam Plantation and
Whin ; forward to the Crow Wood at Hutton
Bonville, from which the fox turned left-
handed up the Wiske side to Reedholmes
covert ; then took a left-handed turn to
the Tile Shed Plantation, and was killed in
the open, close to Greenberry Farm, after a
capital hunt of one hour and thirty-five
minutes.

On the 23rd February, 1885, the meeting
place of hounds was at the '* New Kennels."

1886—87. During this season Mr. EUiot

120 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

again hunted the country uncommonly well,
continuing operations up to the 25th April.
Hounds were out eighty-five days and killed
thirty brace of foxes.

One run alone calls for mention, which
I give in the words of Mr. George Peirson,
who was a participator in what he terms the
first 'Map.*'

February 19th. Hounds met at Busby
Stoop. '' It was a fine, bright morning and
there was a biggish field out. Hounds got
a good start from Bamlett's Whin, crossing
the Thirsk and Topcliffe Road, then up the
Cod Beck side to Dalton Whin. No time
was lost there, as the fox had skirted the
north end and gone straight on, and through
the Thirkleby Coverts, pointing for Upsall.
Hounds had not run hard till past Thirkleby,
but there the pace mended, as they were
evidently running up to their fox, and for
ten minutes or a quarter of an hour at the
foot of the hill, it looked as if they would run
into him at any minute. The fox had been
skirting the hill for a couple of miles as I
suppose he was too blown to face it. How-
ever at last he took a left-hand turn straight
up the wood, and there was nothing for it
but leading blown horses up a steep bridle
track. When three parts up, we could not
hear a sound, and on getting out into the
open at the top and looking down, we could
see those who had been left at the foot of
the hill, well on their way back to Thirkleby,
and going like old boots. Of course it was

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 121

utterly hopeless attempting to catch them
up, and a goodly number never saw a hound
again that day. What had happened was
— the fox had turned when' half way up the
hill and then made a bee line back to the
breeding ''earths'' three or four fields west
of Dalton Whin. As these are in the York
country they could not dig.

I had to catch a train at Thirsk in the
afternoon, where I fell in with Elliot and
party ; all in high feather and, of course, full
of chaff. They told me the fox only escaped
by the skin of his teeth, going to ground in
view. Two hours and five minutes.''

1887—88. Again, Mr. ElUot'did not mean
the grass to grow under his feet, or his
hounds to be wanting in occupation, as he
managed to put in ninety-eight days hunting,
closing his season earlier than in the previous
lyears, on the 18th April, and killing twenty-
'two and a half brace of foxes.

At the end of this season, owing to in-
creasing pressure of his Parliamentary duties,
Mr. Elliot gave up the hounds. His four
seasons at the head of affairs had been very
successful ones, and he had kept the ' * tam-
bourine a-roUing ' ' not only .as regards sport,
but festivities and fun generally.

In February, 1888, a question arose
with the Hurworth (through the lifting of a
litter of cubs) as to the correct Hunt boun-
dary between Northallerton,' and South
Otterington.

The Bedale claimed as their eastern boun-

122 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

dary, the main road from Northallerton to
Thirsk, via Brawith Hall and Thornton-le-
Street. The Hurworth maintained that the
eastern boundary of the Bedale was the
river Wiske, from Ainderby Steeple bridge
to South Otterington.

The matter was eventually referred to the
Master of Foxhounds' Association, and their
award was as follows.

** M. F. H. Association,
Tattersalls,

London, S.W.
May 18th, 1889.

The Committee, having carefully consi-
dered the case submitted by the Hurworth
and Bedale Hunts, are unanimously of
opinion that the river Wiske, and not the
High Road, is the boundary between the
two Hunts from Northallerton to South
Otterington.

Signed. Leconiield.

Beaufort.
Tredegar.
Ralph Nevill.
E. Park Yates.

CHAPTER VII.

1888—96.
Captain William P. Wilson-Todd.

" Are there no p'ints on which grey experience can
show the beacon lights to 'ot youth and indescretion ?
Assuredly there are ! " — Suriees.

In October, 1888, a most staunch friend
to, and preserver of, foxes joined the
''great majority *' — Mr. J. R. Hildyard,
of Hut ton Bonville. As will be reahsed by
those who have read the previous pages,
his coverts at Hutton Bonville and Streatlam
always held a fox of the right sort : and
sure sign of a good friend to the species,
foxes from all sides were constantly running
through, or past both places. His mantle
has descended on to most worthy shoulders,
and his son, Mr. John A. Hildyard (the best
of sportsmen), most loyally upholds his
father's traditions.

1888—89. Captain Wilson-Todd retained
the services of Fred Holland as his hunts-
man, and had some very good sport during
the time he was Master ; more especially in
the Friday country, where there used con-
stantly to be some very quick half-hours

124 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

and forty minutes. He was also lucky in
having a capital stock of foxes at Wenlock
Wood and Whin, as also at Thornhills' Whin ;
from all of which places he had many good
gallops. I much regret to say that this is no
longer the case as regards Wenlock Wood,
and I think I have only seen about three
foxes found there in twelve years.

On the 14th November, meeting at Sion
Hill, there was a good hunt from Solberg in
the afternoon. Found at once and ran
down to the Swale, but the fox turned
away from the river, and bore right-handed
nearly up to Ainderby Steeple ; leaving
this village on the right, he went on up to
Morton Bridge, crossed the Bedale and
Northallerton road, up to Thrintoft village,
from there on to Langton Hall, opposite
which he went over the river; and bearing
first of all towards Kirkby Fleetham, finally
swung round into Scruton Big Wood, where
hounds killed him, after one hour and
thirty minutes.

On the 15th March, having done nothing
much about Kiplin, Cowton, and Uckerby ;
a good fox was found in Thrintoft Whin,
which ran down to Yafforth, then left-
handed over Danby Hill to Streatlam, from
here across to Danby Wiske village, over
the Wiske, up to and through the Hutton
Bonville coverts, and from there to the
Smeaton coverts ; where hounds were run
out of scent, after a good hunt of an hour
and forty minutes.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 125

1889—90. The following, on October 14th,
must have been a fine gallop, but only a few
were lucky enough to see it : Captain David
Lascelles, Mr. Edward Lascelles, Mr. Bairstow,
and Holland. The Master was unfortunately
on foot in the covert when hounds went
away, and could not get to them. Found
in the covert by Exelby Brickyards and ran
across by the Reeds Plantation, over Snape
Mires towards Horse Close Wood ; passed
between that and the Low Wood at Camp
Hill, past Chaplin's Whin, and leaving Thorn-
borough just on the east, ran by Rushwood
into the Norton Conyers coverts ; through
them down to the river Yore, which the fox
crossed, and on towards Ripon Parks Whin,
short of which hounds were stopped, as there
was a litter of cubs there, which it was not
desirable to disturb this day.

This was a ten mile point, and hounds
were running one hour and a quarter.

Mr. Edward Lascelles, who had been resident
in Queensland for a long time, was heard to
remark during this gallop, ' ' By God, this is
better than kangaroo hunting.''

On the 6th December there was a very
good gallop, but an unsatisfactory ending, as
hounds had to be stopped on account of
darkness.

Met at Kiplin. Found the second fox in
Crossbills Plantation, and ran very quickly
across to Cowton Whin, through this, over
Atlay Hill to Pepper Arden Hall ; from
here the fox turned south to Streatlam

126 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Plantation, through this and then direct to
Thrintoft Whin ; after a turn in the covert,
he went away about half a mile towards the
village of Thrintoft, then turned back, past
the Whin covert, and on towards Masterman's
Plantation, where hounds had to be stopped.

The last week in January, and the month
of February, is the time when foxes make
real good points ; and there was one this
season which will long be remembered.

On February the 10th, hounds met at
Thorp Perrow. Found at once in the Banks
and ran by Warreners Bottom, and the top
of the Belts towards Aldburgh ; the fox
turned left-handed from here, and passing
on the east side of Nosterfield village, ran
across by Chaplin's Whin and Horse Close
Wood into Low Park Wood — time up to this
point thirty-five minutes. Here hounds
changed on to another fox, although there
was no actual pause in the run, and they
went over Watlass Moor, straight to the river
Yore at Clifton Castle ; a little below which,
the fox crossed and went on past High
Mains, on the north side of Low Ellington,
past the south side of Eelmire Wood, through
the top end of Ellington Firth, and then
rose the hill by the Swiss Cottage, near Grey
Yard Plantation ; across to, and on the low
side of, Witton Fell nearly up to Braithwaite
Hall. From here he turned rather left-
handed towards the old coalpits on, ^Braith-
waite Moor, over this (the first moorland
touched) and part of Caldbergh Moor to

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 127

East Scrafton Moor ; where this fine gallop
came to an end. Hounds and horses were
all beat, and the huntsman had not been
able to get as far as this. Eleven people
and nine couples of hounds got to this point,
which is thirteen miles absolutely due west
from Horse Close Wood, this being the most
easterly place touched in the run. After
leaving Low Park Wood, hounds ran at a
tremendous pace as far as Witton Fell, after
which it somewhat slackened. Hounds were
taken to Leyburn, and returned to kennel
by train from there.

This good fox had not got into very
hospitable quarters, as it was reported that,
the same afternoon, ' ' One fatal shot pro-
claimed that he was not.'' How sad an
end! !

The following verses appeared in Baily's
Magazine, in a poem called '' A Hill Fox,''
by Mr. W. H. Olgivie, and with the Editor's
kind permission, I include a few of them ; so
very descriptive of this stout fox, and of the
gallop.

* * What had brought him so far

From the ghdder and scar
And the moss where the rivulets croon ?

Did he cross on a raid ?

Or, Uke man to a maid
For a vixen that cried to the moon ?

There are foxes that swing

With the wind on its wing,
There are foxes in circles that tread ;

But he chose his bold line

Where the hill-tops ashine
Touched the shadows in which he was bred !

128 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

'Tis a short enough start.

But a hill-fox's heart
Never quails when the peaks are in view ;

Down the valley he dips,

Through the grey river slips.
With his mask to the Moors so blue !

There's the crash of a rail

As the crowd leaves the vale
And sweeps out on the heath of the hill.

And it's slow they must creep

Up the edge of the steep ;
But the bitches are galloping still I

Over hill top and slope

Still we stumble and grope
Through the tussocks where sheep drains are
Wind ;

And the men that have led

Are gone further ahead,
And the slow ones drop further behind.

And the little hill-fox

Threads his way through the rocks
Where the burn makes a lather of foam ;

Does he laugh at us now

As he climbs the last brow
That leads straight to the haven of home ?

1890 — 91. On the 5th December there was
a good point and gallop. Found in Streatlam
Whin ; ran very fast up to Langton village,
crossed the river Swale, passed Kirkby
Fleetham, and leaving Fencote on the left,
went over the North Road to ground in
Goskin' s Wood. One hour and fifteen minutes.

On the 18th February, after^^killing a fox
from Devonshire Wood, at Sharow, hounds
hit the line of another near Hutton Conyers,

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 129

and worked up to him in the Withernwick
coverts. From here they ran very quickly
to Norton Conyers, crossed the river Yore,
on to Ripon Parks, through this covert across
by Spring Wood to Azerley ; from which
point he turned left-handed, and was marked
to ground close to Studley Royal, after a quick
hour and five minutes.

1891—92. On the 9th November there
was a specially quick gallop, with a satis-
factory ending. Found in Kirklington Wood,
broke away on the north side towards Car-
thorpe, then at a great pace across by Bur-
neston, over the Leeming Lane, direct to
Gatenby Wood ; through that, and killed in
the open, close to Mr. Gothorpe's house at
Gatenby, a point of four miles in thirty-five
minutes. This particular piece of the country
afforded some good sport at this time, as on
the 14th December there was another fast
gallop, with blood.

Found in Low Park Whin, and ran over
Well Bottoms towards Nosterfield, the fox
turned from here, by Langwith, into Kirk-
lington Wood ; from there across the Leeming
Lane direct to Pickhill village, from which
he turned right-handed, ran along the Swale
pastures under Holme Whin, up to Colonel
I 'Anson's house at Howe; in the garden
of which hounds ran into him, after a capital
gallop of one hour and fifteen minutes.

On the 10th February there was a fine
hunt from Swinton, over a sporting country.

Found in Lord Masham's Whin, and ran

130 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

through ElUngton Firth to Witton Fell;
turned back from here, and ran on the edge
of the Moor past the west side of ElUng-
string Plantation, by High Healey Cote, past
Fearby Low Moor, on the west side of Swinton
Park, over Nutwith Common into Hackfall,
where the fox was viewed by Captain Wilson-
Todd, dead beat. Unfortunately he man-
aged to get to ground in the rocks, after a
capital hour and a half. Hounds were then
obliged to go home, as the second horses did
not turn up, having probably been put out
by the sudden turn from Witton Fell.

The following is a pleasing record of foxes
found in one day, late on in the season (30th
March). A brace at Sion Hill, a leash at
Thirsk Carr, a brace in the Thirsk Hall coverts,
a brace at Thornton-le-Street, one fox in
Vicars Moor. Two foxes were killed, and
two were marked to ground.

It is not often when once a fox gets near
to Downholme Scar, that he has to pay the
penalty (as there are innumerable places in
the rocks which it is impossible to stop),
but on the 8th of April this took place.

Found in the Constable Burton coverts,
and after running in the woods for some time
broke out on the west side towards Bellerby,
on towards Half-penny House, then over the
moors in the direction of Stainton, by Down-
holme village for the Scar ; half a mile short
of which hounds ran into their fox. One
hour and forty minutes.

1892 — 93. After being stopped by frost

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 131

for four weeks, there were three successive
days of good sport.

On the 20th January met at Cowton
Station. Found in the New Whin at Hutton
Bonville, and ran by the Old Whin up to the
Fox Covert ; over the Northallerton and
Darlington road, by Lovesome Hill towards
Brompton. The fox turned north from near
here, and ran by Deighton to Appleton
Wiske, over the Wiske, through Hornby
Whin, out towards High Worsall; being
headed short of this place he turned back,
and was killed in the Whin after a very good
gallop of an hour.

On the 21st January hounds met at
Constable Burton. They found at once,
and ran very fast to within one field of
Spennithorne Wood, turned left-handed from
here between Croft Wood and Finghall, as
if for Wild Wood. Near Finghall village
the fox bore right-handed towards Marri-
forth, and leaving this covert on the left,
went on to Danby-on-Yore, and eventually
making his first point good, got to ground
in Spennithorne Wood, after a quick gallop
of one hour.

On the 23rd January hounds met at Kirk-
lington village. A fox found in KirkHngton
Wood was killed almost at once. A second
was found in Horse Close Wood, and ran
across to Norton Conyers, where he got to
ground — twenty-five minutes.

Hounds then went to Newton House, where
a leash of foxes were on foot in Gatenby

132 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Wood. Ten couples of hounds got away with
one, and racing down the Swale Pastures
accounted for theirs, on the banks of the
river. The remainder of the pack went away
with another fox to the west. Over the
Leeming Lane, up to Burneston ; from here,
leaving Carthorpe on the right to Kirklington,
then on by Howgrave and Thornborough
nearly up to the village of Nosterfield ; from
which he turned right-handed over Well
Bottoms, under Warreners Wood, and was
lost in the Banks at Thorp Perrow after a
very quick run of one hour and ten minutes.

1893 — 94. There was a good day's sport
in the West country on November the 13th.

Found in Thornhills Whin. Ran up to
Scotton, then with a right-handed turn past
the west side of Tunstall Whin, to Hauxwell
village. Being headed here, the fox turned
east again, and passing by Beggarmire Wood
went into Wild Wood; through this, past
Diamond Hill to the Hornby Castle coverts.
As they were to be shot next day, hounds
were stopped. A second fox was found
in the Whinney Gill south of Scotton Hall,
which ran due north into the coverts at
Hipswell, then turned west, up Badger Gill,
and passing over Waithwith Common reached
Wenlock Wood. He did not dwell here, but
went straight across to Thornhills Whin, made
a loop back from there up to Scotton, and
then set his head straight for what must
have been his original destination, Haux-
well ; where, owing to darkness, hounds

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 133

had to be stopped. This was a good hunt
of an hour and fifteen minutes.

On the 6th December hounds met at
Studley Royal. Found a fox at once, ran
across to Azerley in twenty minutes, and
killed.

Found in the Old Whin at Ripon Parks,
and ran hard by North Stainley, Sleningford
Park and Mickley, into Hackfall. The fox
ran nearly the length of this large covert,
then crossed the river Yore, leaving Aldburgh
Hall on the left, into Heslett Wood; through
this to Tanfield village, over the river again,
across Sleningford Park, and owing to dark-
ness hounds were stopped near Potgate,
after a real sporting hunt of an hour and
forty minutes.

1894 — 95. There is no run of any special
merit to record for this season.

1895—96. On the 18th December, 1895,
there was a fine gallop from Thornton-le-
Street.

Found in the Big Wood there ; ran across
the Park, over the Thirsk and Northallerton
road, past Brawith Hall, which was left on
the east, up to Crosby Grange. From here
hounds ran parallel to, on the west side of
the Cod Beck, pointing for Cotcliffe Bank.
Short of this the fox turned back, and ran
to the north of Kepwick Lime Kilns, crossed
the tramway line at Mill Hill, and bearing
left-handed, was marked to ground in
Kepwick Quarry, after a very quick hour
and thirty-five minutes.

134 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

At the end of this season, Captain Wilson-
Todd gave up the hounds, having shown
some excellent sport for eight years. Toward
the latter end of his Mastership, the supply
of foxes had got below the average, and
he consequently had a good many very
disappointing days.

He took great interest in the breeding of
hounds ; and as will be seen in Appendix B,
it was during the second year of his Master-
ship that the Bedale bitches commenced —
in some earnest — their maternal duties.

In the spring of 1895, he bought the whole
of the Brocklesby dog whelps ; about thirty
couples being delivered at the Bedale Kennels
and sent to '' Quarters.'' It was a sporting
purchase, but the result was poor; as they
did not turn out very well, and only five
and a half couples were included in the
entry for 1896.

Two good looking dogs, ' Hengist ' and
'Hotspur ' were used, but their progeny did
not stay very long in the kennel.

As Captain Wilson-Todd gave up the
Hounds in the spring of 1896, the follow-
ing gentlemen purchased these Brocklesby
hounds from him, and presented them to
the country.

Admiral The Honble. W. C. Carpenter,
The Honble. S. C. Lister, Sir George Elliot,
Bart, and Major W. H. Fife.

The hard winter of 1894 — 95 will long be
remembered by all ; but by none more keenly
than by those who hunt the fox, as for about

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 135

ten weeks they found * ' their occupation
gone/' Since the muscles of the body
could not be exercised on a horse, some wag
of wit exercised his brains with the pen;
and the following amusing brochure on the
sad want of employment for those accus-
tomed to hunt with the Bedale, was anony-
mously produced in the country.

Without Prejudice.

THE VERY SELECT COMMITTEE
ON LABOUR.

THE COMMISSIONERS appointed to enquire
into the distress, sat under the presidency of
Sir John Lawson, Bart., at the Black Swan
Hotel, Bedale, on Tuesday, 26th February,
1895. Being Market day the proceedings
excited the liveliest interest. A melancholy
gaiety was given to the scene by the number
of red coats worn, but this feeling wore off
as the wan and dejected appearance of these
gallant sportsmen met our eye, they had
evidently suffered severely and felt their posi-
tion keenly ; the sit of their costumes hardly
gave evidence of the best sartorial efforts of
their respective snips.

On the appearance of the Chairman, who by
the way is, we hear, no relation to Sir Wilfred
Lawson, an attempt at a cheer was made,
which was courteously and feelingly acknow-
ledged. Sir John is, we may add, president
of " The Anti-Humbug Society."
Captain Wilson-Todd said he was Master of the
Bedale Hounds, and in consequence kept a large stud
of horses, innumerable dogs, and a great many servants,
the whole of which, including himself, were now thrown

136 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

out of work and in a very distressful condition. How
they could exist much longer without relief he was
unable to say.

On being asked what steps he had taken to secure
employment, said he had been to Newmarket in hopes
of gaining admittance into the stables, and finding the
winner of the Grand National. On another occasion
he had attended a pigeon shoot, with the object of
picking up a little money, but was not successful owing
to an outsider winning, against whom he had fielded
heavily. Did not think much of pigeon shoots as a
sport or means of livelihood, all he got out of it was a
few frozen pigeons.

Witness then began to use abusive language against
the weather, and was ordered to withdraw.

Captain David A. G. Lascelles said he acted as
Secretary to the Bedale Hunt, and had been out of
employment for nine weeks, during which time he had
been much annoyed by many poultry claims which he
was quite unable to pay. He owned a considerable
number of horses, and he regularly attended every
meet of the Bedale Hounds, and always stayed out till
the hounds went home, and was therefore in regular
employment until frozen out.

On being asked what steps he had taken to obtain
work, said he had spent most of his time in Bedale
Market Place, discussing the situation with his fellow
workmen and watching the weathercock. He had made
two excursions into the West-country on hearing that
work was to be obtained, in which he was to a certain
extent successful, getting two engagements to play
hockey.

Fred Holland said he acted in the capacity of
Huntsman, and corrobated the evidence of The Master.
Said his duties as huntsman principally were to say
— " Yoi Yover " and " Pull up," to keep his hounds
as far away as possible from the members of the Hunt,
and to please everybody. On being asked what steps
he intended taking to sustain himself and his large
family, remarked, " By Gow, I don't know. I never
seed nothing like this afore. ' '

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 137

Edward Parker, who appeared wearing a broad
smile, said he was First Whip. His duties were to
ride anything, through anything or over anything, and
liked it. Could do with more work, his duties being
very light.

E. H. Courage. This applicant appeared in fairly
good condition, said he had heard of the great distress,
but owing to partial employment he had not suffered
so severely as the rest. His employment consisted
in stopping up his earths, the foxes having all taken to
living in his Sunday Trees. He had also been busy
running after his young stock to keep them warm, and
had spent much time trying to avoid his stuffed birds,
one of which especially caused him great pain and
annoyance, and he still bore the marks of the animal's
attack.

Sir George Elliot, Bart., M.P., said he repre-
sented the heavy weights, was also a member of
Parliament, could not exactly define the limits of his
constituency, but the Bedale, Zetland, and Hurworth
Hounds hunted the district. Knew that when the
House was sitting the candle was lit in the Victoria
Tower. Had a large stud of horses but could not feed
them much longer ; owing to his weight had to give
large prices for them. Had made every endeavour
to find employment without success.

George B. Peirson. The appearance of this ap-
plicant caused considerable amusement as he certainly
seemed in good condition. He retired amidst loud
laughter, followed by several members on the chance
of getting a drink, or selling a horse. Mr. Peirson is a
Land Agent.

Hugh Maughan , who really appeared in a very
enfeebled condition, said he had three horses which he
was quite unable to sustain in proper condition. Did
very well when he had his father's corn bin handy, but
had now been obliged to remove them all to Bedale.

On being asked what remedies he had taken, said he
had attended every ball in the neighbourhood on the
chance of there being a supper. This seemed satis-
factory to the Chairman, who promised to consider his

138 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

case favourabty, as he had done the same in his younger
days.

Witness said he had brought his fiddle with him but
had been stopped by the police. Sir John suggested
that as he had also brought his 'cello they should play
a duet, which was agreed to.

It transpired that this applicant was also a Solicitor.

Simon Conyers Scrope said he was in the habit of
hunting whenever he had an opportunity. Only
possessed one horse, which was well known in the West
country for his personal appearance and the size of his
feet, but both horse and owner had a great objection
to the big stells in the Friday country. Often obliged
to ride very long distances to the meet. Had for several
years occupied a farm, under his father, but the prin-
cipal produce being weeds he was seldom able to pay
any rent.

He had tried hockey as a means of livelihood, and
had on one occasion nearly missed a valuable engage-
ment owing to the sudden change of the locality. Con-
sidered himself a good ' ' back," being able to withstand
the most severe shocks without inconvenience.

On being further examined, the applicant entered
into a violent tirade against the Master and manage-
ment of the Hunt, especially of the way in which the
West-country was hunted, but the Chairman finding
that this was a purely personal question promptly
ordered his removal.

Harry Rouse said he was a member of the Bedale
Hunt. Had been employed regularly for many years,
but for the last nine weeks had been entirely out of
work, and had suffered severely in consequence. Had
lately been taking great interest in the arrangements
of the workhouse, and had tried to induce the Guardians
to allow the inmates fish and game every day when in
season. On being further interrogated he said he had
done this in case he had to remove there if this distress
continued. On being asked what he had done to obtain
employment, he said he had most days walked into
Bedale from Firby, and frequented the Market Place.
He had noticed many members of the Hunt wandering

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 139

about in the town and along the roads, Had often
met the Secretary, who had asked him regularly —
*' What are we to do now P " Had replied — " What
are we to do now ? What can we do, we have done
everything," but no result of importance had occurred.
Had been up to London to see if anything could be
done there, but owing to the number of people in the
same straits as himself had not been able to pick up
anything very good. Hoped to soon be in a position
to resume work now the Spring was coming on, and he
could make a day out.

W. L. Christie (** Christie, Bedale ") said he was
a member of the Bedale Hunt, and had been thrown out
of work for nine weeks. Was unable to say how many
horses he had, but would gladly have sent some to the
kennels, but was afraid they would disagree with the
hounds. Had on occasions frequented Bedale Market
Place and seen much distress. Was very badly off
himself, and wished to reduce his establishment, but
was obliged to keep his servants on as he couldn't pay
them off. Asked what means he had taken to obtain
work, said he had lived on his relations and friends as
much as possible. Had on two occasions attended
pigeon shoots, where he had done fairly well, so thought
he would get up one himself and make a bit more.
However, the other shooters said it was a plant, so
kicked over the table and refused to pay, and drank
all the whisky. Questioned further, said he thought
pigeon shooting might be made to pay under favourable
circumstances, but preferred laying one of his own
horses as a surer means of making a bit.

Teasdale Hutchinson said he was a very hard
rider ; always rode the best horses ; had a mare * * the
best in England," which was the very thing for the
Chairman. Had not crabbed her, and said she had a
spavin when he bought her. Never rode too near
hounds, and had never heard any complaints about
his riding, fact was that he was so far in front that he
could not hear what Holland said. Preferred Point
to Point races to hunting. Thought barbed wire
would do a lot of harm.

140 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Said he kept his horses on wheat and barley straw.
Agricultural depression was what he was most inter-
ested in. Rents must be reduced. Was ordered to
withdraw.

Other appUcants were R. O. Harrild, W. Harrild,
W. P. Gill, T. G. Walker, and T. Riley, who all
looked in a woe-begone condition. They said they had
on one occasion heard of something to do at York, but
it did not turn out successful. They had been up and
down the country looking for employment but found
it harder to get every day. While the Chairman's
attention was momentarily engaged, one of them
produced a pack of cards and began deahng out a Poker
hand all round, but they were promptly removed from
court in an excited condition. R. O. Harrild seemed
particularly annoyed, and it turned out afterwards
that he had four aces.

The members then dispersed, and returned to their
homes to dig sticks into the ground and see what the
glass was doing.

The affairs of the old ' ' Raby Hunt
Bedale Club/' established in 1816, seem
rather to have languished ; and during Cap-
tain Wilson-Todd's Mastership, a revision
of the rules, bringing matters more up to
date, took place. The following, being those
passed at a meeting of the members of the
Hunt.

Rules of the ''Bedale Hunt Club."

1. The Club to be called the Bedale Hunt
Club.

2. The affairs of the Club to be managed by
a Committee, elected at the Annual
General Meeting of the Hunt. The

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 141

Master, and Honorary Secretary to be
ex-officio members of this Committee ;
with six other members of the Hunt,
one of whom should retire annually.
The following to form the first Com-
mittee.

Captain W. P. Wilson-Todd, M.F.H.,

President.

Admiral The Honble. W. C. Carpenter.

Sir Henry Beresford-Peirse, Bart.

W. D. Russell, Esq.

John A. Hildyard, Esq.

Sir Frederick Milbank, Bart.

The Marquess of Carmarthen.

Captain D. A. Lascelles,

Hon. Secretary.

3. The Club to consist of Life and Visitor
members.

Life members — to be eligible, shall
be landowners and their sons, also
gentlemen renting estates or houses for
a period of not less than five years, in the
district hunted by the Bedale hounds;
the membership of the latter to terminate
on their leaving the Bedale country,
unless specially allowed to continue
their membership by a resolution of the
Club Committee.

Visitor members are eligible, provided
they have been residents in the country
for not less than three consecutive
seasons, and have subscribed not less
than £15 per annum to the benefit of

142 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

the Hunt. Their membership to cease
on leaving the Bedale country, unless
specially allowed to continue their mem-
bership by resolution of the Club Com-
mittee.

4. All members to be elected by a majority
of the Club Committee.

5. Only members of the Club allowed to
wear the Bedale Hunt coat and button.

6. There is to be at least one General
Meeting of members of the Club, between
November 1st and Catterick Races
every year.

There was some discussion as to what the
colour of the collar and facings of the
evening coat should be.

The matter was put to the vote, and the
following verses were written by a poetically
inclined member, in answer to a circular
letter on the subject.

" Dear David, your circular asks me to vote
On a question of vital importance : — the coat
Which our members shall wear when the ' ' Bedale * *

they follow
And yearn for a hark of your musical holloa.

For the coat in itself — no more on that head,
As a fox-hunter's colour will always be red.
But the point in dispute seems the colour of collar
We shall wear of a night, when our dinners we
swallow.

A motion is made that we shall go back
To the old * ' Raby ' ' days i and the collar be black.
An amendment is moved, by whom 'tis not said,
That the coat and the collar alike, shall be red.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 143

The motion is put, so, I'll as you advise

Join the party which votes with the '* Raby *'

black * * ayes ' '
For the rest of the Hunt ; I can scarcely suppose
That many will go with the common red " noes."

It is believed that these rules are still in
force, as there is no record of their having
been cancelled or amended at any General
Meeting of the Hunt ; which would appear
to be necessary, as they were originally
passed at such a Meeting.

It is somewhat difficult now-a-days to
get people together, but I think it would be
a capital thing if the Hunt Club was not
merely one in name and uniform, but one
in deed ; and that once a year at least, a
dinner should be held in conformity with the
principle laid down by Lord Darlington,
when he established his Hunt Club in the
Badsworth country, at Ferrybridge. ' ' That
sportsmen should meet together pretty often
to discuss their sport, the preservation of
foxes, the making of coverts, and anything
likely to improve the country from a fox-
hunting point of view.'*

Man is venal, but it is wonderful what
a cheery dinner, good company, and a glass
or two of the Foxhunter's beverage will do
in the way of smoothing difficulties, enlisting
sympathy, recruiting keenness, and sustaining
flagging ardour.

Writing of Hunt Clubs, reminds me of one
that has, I daresay, been almost forgotten;
but which in its day was a most prosperous

144 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

and go-ahead community. It was called
the ' * York Union Hunt Club/ ' and consisted
of members from all the Hunts in Yorkshire.*
These were about three hundred, and
the subscription was three guineas a
year. It was started in 1835, and pros-
pered well till about 1856, when the annual
Race Meeting connected with it dropped
out ; and as a Club, after this date, it rather
languished. It held each year in York, a
week of more or less general festivities.
There were two days racing, a Hunt ball, and
one, if not two other dances.

The following are the names of the prin-
cipal races which were run each year.

''The Club Gold Cup.*' ''The Union
Club Stakes.'' "The Ladies Plate'' (a
handicap, to which was generally added a
silver tea service, subscribed for by the
Ladies connected with the Club). "The
Farmer's and Tradesman's Stakes." ' ' The
Champagne Stakes," and the "York
October Race Club Stakes."

My father and my uncles regularly ran
horses at this Meeting, and the former was
fairly lucky in his attempts ; as he ran
second for the Gold Cup in 1835, with a mare
called Jewess, won a travelling clock and
stand (race not mentioned), in 1839, with a
horse called Slyfellow. Won the Gold Cup
in 1843, with a horse called Linger opper.

* Vyner in his ' Notitia Venatica,' states the number was
thirteen.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 145

ridden by Captain Oliver ; and in 1844, his
Ranger was beaten half a length for the Gold
Cup by Mr. B. B. Thompson's The Hawk.
Mr. Henry S. Thompson, the father of Mr.
George S. Thompson (of Moorlands, and
latterly of Newbuilding, Thirsk), was the
prime mover in all the affairs of the Club,
sporting and festive, and the Thompson
family generally carried off a good many of the
racing trophies. When the Club race meeting
was abandoned in 1856, it gave £100 to be
run for at the York Spring Meeting, for
hunters ; and Mr. George S. Thompson
rode the winner of the last race held under
these conditions. So it seems quite appro-
priate that a Thompson should figure strong,
at the start and finish of this Club's racing
affairs.

The Club had a button with a very pretty
cypher monogram of Y.U.H.C. upon it.

CHAPTER VII.

1896—1898.

Major Henry F. Dent
(second mastership).

Once again the country had to look
outside its own border for a Master to succeed
Captain Wilson-Todd, and was lucky enough
to secure the services of Major Dent, who
was then resident at his own place, Mene-
thorpe, near Malton.

Major Dent had always a great fondness
for the Bedale country, and it was, I think,
with much pleasure that he came once more
to preside over our sporting destinies. He
was undoubtedly a first-rate person for
the position, as he knew all about the business
of an M.F.H., was thoroughly conversant
with the country, the covert, and land owners,
as also the farmers ; was a fine horseman,
and devoted to fox-hunting. During the two
seasons he kept the hounds, the sport was
generally good, and there were some first-
rate gallops, of which a few instances will
be given.

1896 — 97. Early in November of this

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 147

year, the whole fox-hunting world had to
deplore the loss of one of its most venerated
and honoured members, Mr. George Lane-
Fox, of Bramham ; who passed away in his
eighty-sixth year, having been Master of the
Bramham Moor Hounds for forty-eight years.
He was so well known to all, that little need
be said here concerning him, except to remark
that by his death we lost one of the old
school of Masters of Hounds ; and a fine
type of the English country gentleman.
To regulate the large and mixed ' * fields ' '
which from the West Riding towns used to
swell the meets of the Bramham, was no
easy task ; but his caustic satire, not un-
mixed with a good deal of humour, was quite
equal to the occasion. He may have been
severe at times, but whatever he said was
in the interest of sport — for the greater
number.

Major Dent retained his old servant,
Fred Holland, as his huntsman, and E.
Parker as first whipper-in.

15th January. Although there was no
great point, and the fox turned a bit, yet
the following was a good hunt ; and was,
I recollect, very hard on horses, as the
strong land rode very heavy. Found in
Reedholmes end of Pepper Arden Bottoms,
away at once due north, over Cockleberry
Farm to Dalton Whin (in Lord Zetland's
country), which was left on the east, then
bore left-handed through the Halnaby coverts,
past the Hall, and still left-handed ran

148 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

through Church Whin, past the Quarry at
Middleton-Tyas, over the Leeming Lane up
to Scotch Corner, into the Sedbury coverts ;
out on the west side, then still bearing left-
handed, ran parallel to GilHng Beck nearly
up to Skeeby village ; turning from which
place the fox bore north again, and finally
got to ground in an old stone quarry, near
Morris Grange. One hour and a half.

19th February. Hounds met at Langton
Hall, and there was a very large '' field " :
Lord Zetland's, Lord Middleton's, The York
and Ainsty, the Bramham and the Hurworth
Hunts all being represented ; needless to
say all were on the ride, and as Pepper
Arden Stell twice came in the way, there
were some wet jackets.

Found in Wallace's Plantation, ran sharp
down to Danby Wiske village, crossed the
Wiske, up to Hutton Bonville Hall ; past
that, pointing for Birkby ; but after running
a short distance in that direction, re-crossed
the Wiske and went to Reedholmes covert;
ran straight through this and parallel to the
Wiske, past Pepper Arden Bottoms, across
the east end of the Park, and headed as if for
North Cowton village ; before reaching here
the fox made a turn to the right, crossed
the Hunt boundary road, and the Richmond
and Darlington railway line to Dalton
Junction. Leaving this on the right, he bore
on northwards up to the Eryholme and
Dalton cross roads. Here there was a slight
check, but almost before hounds could be

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 149

cast, there was a holloa near Dalton Banks,
and hounds quickly picking up the line
marked their fox to ground in the main
*' earth " there. One hour and twenty
minutes up to the check, and about ten
minutes more to ground. This was a seven
and a half mile point, and a capital gallop.

24th February provided a most excellent
hunt over a fine line of country, chiefly in
the Hurworth, but finishing in the Bilsdale.

An outlying fox was found on the east
side of the coverts at Wood End, which ran
direct to Thornton-le-Moor, past the east
end of the village, due north to Thornton-
le-Beans, and on to Crosby Cote ; passing
through a small covert here, he turned
eastward and faced the hill, through the
south end of Sigston Wood ; then bore off
to the right, and passing under Over Silton,
turned southwards again ; and leaving the
monument to Mr. Warner, near Kepwick, on
the left, turned to the village of Cowesby,
where he was lost. I have not, unfortunately,
recorded the time of this gallop. As hounds
ran, it would be twelve to thirteen miles,
and they carried a fine head almost the whole
of the run.

It is possible that we changed foxes in
Sigston Wood, as after that point, the scent
was not quite so good as it had been.

On the 12th March, there was a good day's
sport in the north-west country.

After a good hunt in the morning of an
hour and a quarter, from Brough (the fox

150 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

eventually being drowned in the Swale near
Catterick Bridge, when trying to cross the
river which was in heavy flood), hounds
found in Thornhills Whin, and ran quickly
across to Kennel Whin. From here he turned
back through Sandholes Whin, past Arra-
thorne, and skirting Thornhills Whin went
by the end of Black Rigg on to Wenlock
Wood ; through this by Newfound-England
to Laver Gill Quarry. On Barden Moor
there was a slight check, but hounds were
soon going again, and crossing the Half-
penny House road, sank the hill, leaving
Barden village to the left, through the west
end of Forty Acres Wood, across into Given-
dale Wood. Here he doubled short back and
passing by the end of Wham Wood, headed
back for the place where he was found.
Near Garriston village, a very heavy storm
of sleet came on, and hounds could make no
more of him. This was an excellent hunt
of two and a half hours, over a fine wild piece
of country.

1897—98. On the 3rd December there
was, late in the afternoon, a very quick forty-
five minutes from Tunstall Whin, of which
B. Champion (then Lord Zetland's hunts-
man) saw quite the best.

Found at once, broke away on the east
side towards the village of Tunstall, then
bore left-handed nearly up to Brough Hall,
from there left-handed by Scotton village,
past the Old Whin at Scotton, to the west of
Thornhills Whin, down towards Hunton, as

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 151

if Wild Wood was his point ; being headed
on the Hauxwell and Hunton road, he turned
past Arrathorne, into Claypits covert at
Hornby ; and as the coverts there were to be
shot next day, hounds were stopped. Up to
the check, hounds never dwelt a moment, and
one had to gallop hard the whole time.

10th January. Met at Leyburn.

Found a leash of foxes in Mr. C. Scrope's
Whin at Danby-on-Yore. A brace were
promptly headed, but at last a bold one
forced his way past *' the man on the hill,''
and ran due north over the railway by
Scrogg's Whin, direct to Wham Wood at Con-
stable Burton. Through this without a
pause, past the east end of Forty Acres
Wood, leaving Barden village to the right, to
the cross roads by Rabbit Wood. Time to
here : forty minutes of the best. After a
slight check, hounds hunted merrily on
over Barden Moor down to Laver Gill Quarry,
from here he took a turn westward and ran
towards Downholme village, but as there
was a very strong west wind blowing he sank
it, and going over Waithwith Common turned
into Badger Gill, where the best of the gallop
finished. Hounds took a line out towards
Hudswell Banks, where he had probably got
to ground.

This was an eight mile point, about
thirteen as hounds ran, and the time was
one and three-quarter hours.

28th January was a very hard day, and
although foxes rather ran in circles, it was a
good day's sport.

152 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Found in the Big Wood at Kiplin, and ran
sharp across by Forest Farm under Atlay
Hill, nearly to Pepper Arden ; turned left-
handed past Cowton Whin to North Cowton
village, then southwards through Crosshills
Plantation, across to Uckerby Whin, and
back from there to Cowton Whin, where
hounds ran into their fox. Another went
away from here at once, and ran back by
Crosshills and Uckerby Whin, over Lingy
Moor to Moulton Whin ; turned back from
here through Uckerby, past Cowton Whin,
and on over the Park at Pepper Arden to the
Bottoms. Running parallel to the Stell for
some time, he turned away from Reedholmes
and headed over the hill for Felgill Moor,
short of which covert, hounds were run out
of scent.

On the 4th March, Mr. Scrope's Whin at
Danby provided a good stout fox for the
fourth time this season (Mr. Scrope says it
was always the same fox, and he named
him '* White Tag''). He ran nearly the
same line as has been described on the 10th
January, except that on this date he made
first of all direct for Hudswell Banks, then
turning westward he got to ground in Down-
holme Scar, after a capital run of one hour
and twenty minutes. It is sad to relate that
this gallant fox was found dead in Croft
Wood some time afterwards, hounds taking
no part in his obsequies.

At the end of this season Major Dent
announced his intention of giving up the

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 153

hounds, to the regret of all. His friends,
old and new, were more than sorry to part
with one who had hunted the country so
fairly and well, who had shown such good
sport, and who was such an excellent Master,
not only in the field, but the kennel.

CHAPTER IX.

1898—1904.

The Duke of Leeds.
(George Godolphin, 10th Duke).

" None but an 'untsman knows an 'untsman's cares.'*

— Surtees.

The above quotation was chosen for this
Master before I commenced to write an
account of his Mastership. Chance, good
luck, call it what you will, seems to have
been kind in my selection, as in the speech
the Duke made in acknowledging the gift
of a testimonial to him, he said :

* ' The position of a Master of Hounds is
not always a bed of roses. There are certain
small, disagreeable duties connected with
it. There are occasions when things go a
little wrong, and one feels responsible for
the apparent failures ; but an occasion like
the present wipes out the memory of such
shortcomings. I assure you that I shall
always remember the very happy time I
have had as a Master of Hounds, the excel-
lent people whom I have met, and the

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 155

extreme kindness which has been shown
to me on all hands/'

Although as mentioned at the end of the
last chapter, the country lost the services of
Major Dent, it had not to look very far for
a successor.

After a lapse of eighty years, a Duke of
Leeds was once more ready to keep hounds.
This time, not to hunt in the " far west' * and
run into Westmoreland, but to take com-
mand of the now well established *' Bedale.''

A more fitting person could not have been
found. As a large land and covert owner,
devoted to all field sports, and especially
fond of a quick gallop over a good country,
he was the very man for the position, and
he came into office with the goodwill and
the best wishes of all.

In addition to the regulation three days
a week, the Duke kept a sufficient number
of hounds to enable him to hunt a fourth ;
on which he hunted hounds himself, devoting
this day to the west, north-west, and south-
west sides of the country, where he had
some good sport.

Those who are fond of hounds, and take
an interest and pride in the pack they
regularly hunt with, owe a very great debt
of gratitude to the Duke. For some years,
puppies at ' * Quarters ' ' had gone wrong ;
many ills had affected those which * ' came
in," and there was rather a want of some
large quantity of fresh young blood in the
kennel. The Duke took the bull by the

156 The Bed ale Hounds, 1832-1908

horns, and purchased in the years 1902 and
1903 the unentered Belvoir draft. Twenty-
three couples in the first year, sixteen and
a half in the second.

With this most soUd foundation has been
bred the present pack of hounds. I think,
full of quality, even in colour, make and
shape ; full of drive, and especially the
bitches, with no want of tongue.

Out of the 1902 draft, eleven and a half
couples, and out of the 1903 draft, six
couples, were ''put on." A few notes
about the two drafts may be of interest to
those who are interested in the breeding of
hounds. Amongst the draft of 1902 were
the following bitches, which have all done
well in their work, and also as brood bitches.

' Rosey,' by ^Vagabond,' 1899, ^Rosa-
mond,' 1899 (own sister to 'Romulus' and
'Ranter,' both used at Belvoir).

'Various,' by 'Villager,' 1897, 'Handmaid,'
1899, (own sister to a useful dog, ' Vaulter').

' Bella ' and ' Balance,' by ' Villager,' 1897,
'Blissful,' 1897.

'Honesty,' by 'Dexter,' 1905, 'Hopeful,'
1894 (own sister to 'Belvoir Handel,' 1899).

'Record,' by 'Dasher,' 1900, 'Rapid,'
1898.

' Rakish,' by ' Stormer,' 1899, ' Ringdove,'
1895.

'Verdant,' by 'Dexter,' 1895, 'Verdant,'
1895.

'Saucy,' by 'Dexter,' 1895, 'Sentiment,'

1897.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 157

Two very useful dogs are also included :
' Velox/ own brother to 'Various/ and
'Valiant/ by 'Villager/ 1897, 'Dauntless/

1897.

' Velox ' was used in the kennel a great
deal, and has left some useful stock.

The draft of 1903 was smaller, and the
number "put on" therefore less.

Two first-rate bitches,however,are included,

'Delicate,' by 'Dexter,' 1895, 'Destiny'
1898.

'Safety,' by 'Dexter,' 1895, 'Sentiment/

1897.

' Delicate ' is own sister to ' Daystar,' and
she and * Safety ' are not only very good
to look at, but nailers in their work, and have
thrown some good whelps.

A dog, 'Warrener,' by * Dexter,' 1905,
' Whimsey,' 1900, is worth notice, as he was
used a good deal. His stock do not seem
to do very much until their second season.

In addition to the above most far-reaching
and long-sighted action, the Duke was
responsible for the building of another set
of kennels, which are called the ' * New
Kennels."

It was thought that the Old Kennels were
not very healthy, so he urged the Hunt
Committee to build some new ones, on
higher ground. Thanks to a most liberal
donation of ;£500 from the late Lord Masham,
a fund to defray the cost was started ; and
in 1902, some creosoted wood kennels of
excellent form, with a small cottage adjoining.

158 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

were erected at a cost of £1200, on the high
ground, south-west of the Old Kennels,
between the Leeming Lane and the Low
Street, which have proved of great use.
Although it was found, after a thorough
examination of the drainage system (which
was in a most deplorable condition), and a
slight alteration of the ventilation, that the
Old Kennels were all that could be desired
for any pack of hounds; now, when the
puppies come in from *' Quarters'* they
are sent at once to the New Kennels, away
from the working hounds and whelping
bitches. About the first week in May, the
old hounds are also moved up, thus giving
them the advantage of fresh ground and a
change of air, also enabling the Old Kennels
to be thoroughly disinfected, aired, and
painted. Two sets of kennels may seem
to be a very expensive way of housing a
pack of hounds, as there are dilapidations on
both sets of buildings ; at times there are two
sets of coppers going ; extra kennel-men
are required, and there is a good deal more
work in the kennel generally. In this case
as the buildings were there, and all the better
for use during some period of the year, the
system I have mentioned was started, and
it has been found that change of quarters
is most beneficial to the working hounds,
the entry, and whelps. All have done ex-
ceedingly well, so that the general benefit
seems to justify the extra cost.

The Duke retained the services of Fred

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 159

Holland as his huntsman, who thus saw his
fifth Master in office.

1898—99. On the 26th November, there
was a good and hard day's sport in the south-
west part of the country.

Found the first fox in Fearby Low Moor,
ran north into How Wood, turned from there
to the west, past Spring Wood, to the
south of Healey Cote ; on the south side of
Agra Plantation, into Birk Gill, towards the
top end of which hounds carried a line, but
with no very strong head, and as it was not
desirable to go on to the Moor, this fox was
not persevered with. A good hunting run
of one hour and tw^enty minutes over a fine
sporting piece of country. The second fox
was found in Lord Masham's Whin covert,
and went through the south end of ElHngton
Firth, on to Eelmire, through this, and down
to the banks of the Yore, opposite to the
Clifton Castle northern coverts, where he got
to ground. A quick half-hour. Found a
third fox in Ellington Firth, which hung to
the covert for some time, but at last- broke
away across into Eelmire, turned left-
handed from here to Kilgram Bridge, across
the Park at Jervaulx Abbey ; turned up
the hill towards EUingstring Plantation,
and bearing right-handed, skirted Ramshaw
Plantation into Witton Fell, where hounds
were run out of scent, after a good hunt of
forty minutes.

On the 12th December, I should think a
'' poultry ' ' stealer was killed.

160 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Found in Limekiln Wood. After a circular
hunt of about twenty-five minutes, the fox
took refuge on the roof of a cottage in Cat-
terick. Being dislodged from here, he bolted
through the open door of the first cottage
he came to, and the huntsman going in
with a couple or two of hounds, he met his
death on the floor of the " front parlour,"
much to the delight of the inhabitants of
Catterick.

On the 13th January, there was a capital
gallop from Langton Hall.

Found in the Temple Wood. Ran across to
Thrintoft Whin, bore left-handed over the
carriage drive at Langton, towards Langton
Church, crossed the Stell, and headed north
into Streatlam Plantation ; from here made
a left-handed turn, and ran bv the White
House and Greenberry Wood almost up to the
Forest Farm, at Kiplin ; turning away from
this, he ran under Atlay Hill nearly up to the
Lodge gates at Pepper Arden ; turned south
up to Streatlam village, then back on the
east side of Felgill Moor, down towards
Reedholmes, along the west side of Pepper
Stell into Pepper Arden Bottoms, and from
here he turned east over the Stell as if
Frigerdale Wood was his point ; but being
headed short of Cowton station, he turned
back into Reedholmes, where there was a
slight check. A welcome halloa forwards
put matters right ; and running by the bank
of the Wiske, past the Crow Wood at Hutton
Bonville and Danby Wiske village, hounds

The Bedale Hounds. 1832-1908 161

ran into their fox just before he got to Mr.
Gust's Plantations. A first-rate hour and
twenty minutes.

The Pepper Stell took toll of several this
day, and there were not only loose horses,
but some wet riders ; the former on the east
side of, and the latter in the middle of the
water.

On the 8th April, the day after Catterick
Races in this year, the Duke was able to give
a good day's sport to a very large '' field,"
representative of many Hunts.

Hounds found at once by the lake
at Brough, and ran very quickly past
Brough Whin to Scotton ; leaving the Hall
on the north they went direct to Thornhills
Whin, past this, over the Catterick and
Half-penny House road down to Hauxwell.
Here, after a very quick thirty-five minutes
there was a shght check ; but hounds hit
off the line in Obelisk Wood, ran past the
front of Hauxwell Hall, turned up towards
Hunton village, then bore right-handed into
Wild Wood. This good fox had gone right
through the wood, but being headed on the
east side, turned over the Burton Beck to
Croft Wood, ran straight through this, and
leaving Hutton Hang on the left, headed
direct for Mr. Conyers Scrope's Whin, at
Danby. As it was known there was a strong
litter of cubs in the Whin, hounds were
stopped a few fields from it.

1899—1900. On the 20th January, there
was a sporting but circular hunt. The
Duke, this day, hunting hounds.

162 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Met at Danby-on-Yore. Found imme-
diately in Mr. Scrope's Whin, and ran direct
to Constable Burton village, on towards
Hauxwell, leaving the Hall on the west, to
Newfound-England Quarry ; across Hipswell
Moor, from which point the fox bore left-
handed to Coldstorms ; across the Down-
holme and Walburn Hall road, past Stainton
village, across part of Walburn and Stainton
Moors to the Deerpark at Bellerby. Here,
after hounds had been running for one hour
and ten minutes, there was a slight check ;
but they were soon going again, and ran
behind the Manor House at Bellerby to
Harmby, leaving Leyburn a mile to the west,
then on into Spennithorne Wood, where
nothing more could be made of it. He
probably got to ground in this unstoppable
place. This was a fine gallop of sixteen
miles. Mr. Scrope ventured the modest
sum of one shilling that it was eighteen ; but
acknowledging his error as a ''judge of
distance,*' the same evening he forwarded
twelve postage stamps to his debtor at
Middleham, where no doubt under Mr. John
Osborne's tuition they learn to be good
judges, not only of ' ' pace,' ' but ' ' distance."

On the 24th January, there was a good
gallop, and a patient and persevering hunt,
ending in blood, from Norton Conyers.

Found at once in Guy's Whin. Ran past
Bog Wood down to the river Yore, away from
this right-handed, through the coverts at
Rushwood, towards Wath village ; turning

The Bhdale Hounds, 1832-1908 163

away from here, ran past Howgrave, by
Thornborough, past Langwith House,between
Horse Close Wood and Camp Hill Low Wood
to Allinson's Brick Yards — west of Carthorpe
village. Turned from here past the north
end of Carthorpe, up to Elam House on the
Leeming Lane ; running parallel to which
for some distance he then turned back
towards Norton Conyers, and leaving Kirk-
lington village and Bury Hills on the right,
touched Howgrave, and so back to Guy's
Whin, one hour and twenty-seven minutes,
without any check.

Hounds then hunted round and about
Norton Conyers for another two hours, and
eventually killed a fox on the east side of the
house, between the Park wall and the rail-
way ; after a total hunt of three hours and
thirty-five minutes. This was the first fox
which, when hunting the hounds himself,
the Duke had killed, and Sir Reginald
Graham had a stone put up to mark the
place where hounds had pulled him down.

A story concerning this stone, and the
second whipper-in, during the following
season, is to be found in Sir Reginald
Graham's ''Foxhunting Recollections.*'*

1900—01. On the 12th December there
was a good hunt, hounds meeting at Slen-
ingford Park.

Found in Ellerton Banks, and ran very
quickly across the Laver nearly up to

» Page 136.

164 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Winksley, but turned left-handed from here
to the Studley coverts ; then back through
Ellerton Banks, HolHn Head Wood, Thieves
Gill, Juniper and Brown's Wood down to the
river Yore, just north of Ripon Parks Whin.
The fox turned away from the river, came
back by North Stainley Hall, across Slening-
ford Park and out towards Mickley, as if
Hackfall was his point ; but turning right-
handed, ran parallel to the river up to Tan-
field Bridge, crossed the Tanfield and Ripon
road towards Tanfield Mill, close to which
hounds pulled him down, as he was trying
to cross the river.

Time, one hour and thirty-five minutes,
hounds worked admirably.

On the 9th March, the Duke gave Lord
Zetland's Hounds a day in the Bedale country,
and Constable Burton was fixed upon as the
place of meeting. There was a large ' ' field,"
representative of Lord Zetland's and the
Bedale, as well as a good many people from
various other packs.

A fox was found in Givendale Wood, which
went away at once to Spennithorne village ;
leaving this to the south, hounds ran very
quickly over the pastures below Harmby
village pointing for Leyburn ; but turning
away from here, he went down to and over
the river Yore (in crossing which several
people missed the ford, got into deep water,
and had to swim out), and made up on to
Middleham Moor, where he got to ground
after a pretty hunt of forty minutes. It

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 165

was only a small place, so he was bolted and
killed.

1901—02. It is not very often that two
packs of hounds actually meet when hunting
a fox, but I find in my hunting diary that
this happened on the 25th January, when
I was hunting with the York and Ainsty. i

The York had met at Dalton village, and
Lord Middleton's hounds at Gilling Castle.
During the afternoon the two packs met in
one of the Newburgh coverts. The York
had run well from Peep o' Day Whin, by
Oulston and Pond Head Wood to Yearsley,
and near this place Mr. Lycett Green came
across a whipper-in of Lord Middleton's.
Soon afterwards, several of Lord Middleton's
hounds joined in the cry of the York, and
although at first they seemed somewhat
surprised at their companions, they ran
merrily on till the York fox was eventually
marked to ground near Gilling Castle. The
field had also got somewhat mixed, some
of the York were with Lord Middleton's
hounds, some of Lord Middleton\s with
the York.

Seven and twenty years ago(October 1881),
I saw much the same thing happen with the
Holderness and Lord Middleton's. I was
hunting with the Holderness. We found at
North Dalton Whin, and ran across by
Haywold, Huggate and Paine Slack to
Fimber station ; and crossed the railway into
a big wood on the east side of it. Here
the Holderness first whipper-in met another

166 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

whipper-in, who on being asked whether he
had seen anything of a run fox, rephed * *0h
yes, he*s gone to the right, not three minutes
in front of you.'* Of course the fox had
gone in the opposite direction, and seeing he
was nearly beat, the whipper-in holloaed Lord
Middleton's hounds on to the Holderness
fox, and eventually the two packs of hounds
got joined together, and were hunting this
fox. He was killed, and I was told at the
time that a Holderness hound rolled him
over, which seems only fair. It was a pretty
sight, to see the two huntsmen, George Ash
and Wm. Burton, drawing their hounds after
the fox had been broken up.

At the end of this season, Fred Holland,
who had hunted the hounds for twenty
years, and served under five Masters,
ceased to carry the horn, and retired into
private life.

At a large Meeting of hunting people,
presided over by the Master, he was presented
by the Honble. George Lascelles with the
sum of ;f920, which had been subscribed
by members of the Hunt and others, as a
token of their appreciation of his services.

A few days later, he was presented with an
address and a purse of one hundred guineas,
by the farmers and other friends, who like-
wise testified their esteem for him.

The Duke engaged as his new huntsman,
Harry Chandler, who had been first whipper-
in with the York and Ainsty, and had hunted
the Morpeth Hounds.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 167

1902 — 03. Sport this year was only fair,
and there is no run of any special merit to
mention.

1903—04. On the 8th January there
was a good gallop from Cowton Whin.

Found there, and ran very quickly to
Crosshills Plantation, crossed the Scorton road
close to Mack's Nursery Garden, over Forest
Farm, rather as if Cowton Whin was the
point ; but the fox turned right-handed
under Atlay Hill, by Pepper Arden Hall, over
the Bottoms there as if for Reedholmes, then
past Cowton station, on to Dalton Whin (in
Lord Zetland's country) ; he did not enter
this covert, but bore left-handed, and hounds
were run out of scent (possibly he got to
ground) a mile north of North Cowton village,
after a good hunt of one hour and forty
minutes.

On the 1st February Mr. Scrope's Whin
again provided a good stout fox, which went
away at once into Spennithorne Banks, ran
the length of this covert and away north,
over the railway up to Givendale . Wood.
From here he turned left-handed and went
back as far as Leyburn station, still bearing
to the left ; under the village of Spennithorne,
over the Park at Danby, and crossed the
Yore, leaving East Witton on the immediate
right. From here he rose the hill, and ran
past Ramshaw Plantation, along the crest
of the hill as far as Ellingstring, then again
he sought the low ground and dropped down
into Ellington Firth, eventually running

168 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

hounds out of scent near High ElHngton,
after a good hunt of two and three-quarter
hours.

On the 8th February, hounds killed a
badger in Horse Close Wood.

At the end of this season, to the regret of
all, the Duke of Leeds gave up the hounds.
He had been unlucky in some ways during
his Mastership, as he had two or three bad
falls, which kept him out of the saddle for
a long period on each occasion, and his last
season he was able to hunt very little, as he
was laid up for many weeks with an attack
of scarlet fever. In addition to his personal
misfortunes, the mange epidemic appeared
in rather a bad form ; so that foxes were in
some parts of the country difficult to find,
and there were some long and dragging days.

The members of the Hunt and other friends
presented to him a large silver model of a
fox, on an ebony stand, as a token of ' * their
esteem and regard, as an appreciation of his
unfailing courtesy, and in grateful recog-
nition of the immense services which he had
rendered to the Hunt.'*

The presentation was made at Bedale,
on the opening of the season 1904 — 05, by
Sir Reginald Graham, Bart. Captain David
Lascelles, who had been Honorary Secretary
of the Hunt for the long period of eighteen
years, also signified his wish to hand over
his duties to a younger man, and Mr. Richard
Booth, of Warlaby, was appointed in his
place. The post of Honorary Secretary is

N

W-

Wood.

Po&eCey

C5-^-^

3/0 cH Line . O/c/ Boanafaty.
Dotted Line . Nerr " Oct./^oj^.

15

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 169

by no means a sinecure ! In addition to
much correspondence on a multitude of
matters, the settlement of poultry claims
(that ever increasing hunting scourge)
demands a lot of time, many interviews, and
an infinity of tact and good humour ; besides
which, according to Mr. Jorrocks, *' In the
field, a good ' Sec* ought always to be ready
to leap first over any awkward place, or
catch the M.F.H's. 'oss, if he happens to
lead over/'

The thanks of the country for the work
he had done during so many years were
tendered to Captain Lascelles, accompanied
by the gift of a pair of silver ^ve branch
candelabra, and four single candlesticks to
match them.

Captain Lascelles* father (The Honble.
George Lascelles) was Honorary Secretary
from the year 1869 to 1886 ; so that father
and son have, between them, done much
sporting work for the country, during a period
of thirty-five years.

1904. In this year the southern boundary
of the Hunt, where it adjoins the York and
Ainsty country, between the river Yore and
Pateley Bridge, was adjusted by Sir Reginald
Graham, Bart, (then Chairman of the Hunt
Committee), in consultation with Mr. E.
Lycett Green, Master of the York and Ainsty
Hounds, and his Hunt Committee ; the
following line being agreed upon.

The main road from Pateley Bridge to
Ripon, up to the point where it divides to

170 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Grantley Hall and Sawley Hall ; following
the latter, leaving Sawley on the south,
Skell Bank Wood and Fountains Hall on
the north, by Markenfield Hall, up to HoUin
Hall, which is left on the south, across the
Ripon and Bishop Monkton road, due east,
up to the river Yore.

By this arrangement, the country round
Sawley and Ingerthorpe Halls was handed
over to the York and Ainsty (they had hunted
there on sufferance for some years), and the
Bedale acquired a small piece of country due
south of Ripon, bounded on the east by the
Yore, on the west by the Ripon and Harro-
gate road, and on the south by the above-
mentioned new southern boundary.

CHAPTER X,

1904—1908.
John J. Moubray.

*' Avoid chopping and changing, we know what we
have; but we don't know what we may get."

Surtees.

" Happy are they who go out to please themselves,
and not to astonish others." — Surtees.

1904 — 05. A successor to the Duke of
Leeds was not a very easy person to find ;
but eventually, Mr. J. J. Moubray, of Naemoor,
Perthshire, was induced to take his place.
Mr. Moubray, although chiefly resident in
Scotland, had hunted for many seasons with
the Bedale — in fact from the date of his
marriage (in 1893) to Miss Booth, daughter
of Mr. WilUam Booth, of Oran, and niece of
Mr. John Booth — so he was by no means a
stranger to the country, and it was a source
of much satisfaction to very many, that one
so closely allied to a most popular Master's
family should preside over the * * ups and
downs '* of the Hunt.

Mr. Moubray engaged as his huntsman
Frank Freeman, who had been first whipper-
in to the Cheshire, and had served his

172 The Bed ale Hounds, 1832-1908

apprenticeship to hounds under a first rate
tutor, Will Dale, with the Brocklesby.

His choice of a young man was fully
justified ; as after showing some very good
sport for two seasons, Freeman was induced
to desert the Bedale for the Pytchley country,
in which he has not only killed his foxes, but
has shown the large fields there some first-
rate gallops.

He had to commence his huntsman's
career under some slight disadvantages, as
the whole of the Kennel staff, inside and out,
were entirely a new lot. The kennels, the
hounds, and the country were unknown to
all, with the exception of a second horseman,
who had a knowledge of the roads (they only,
we will hope).

Having had a good deal to do with him,
I can say that there was no difficulty made
which was not at once met or over-ruled,
and from, the day he entered the kennels
to the day he left, no hitch of any sort
occurred.

His hounds were very soon devoted to
him, and when it came to hunting, he could
do anything with them. This, combined
with a fine eye for a country, an instinctive
knowledge of the run of a fox, a most reten-
tive landscape memory (he never forgot a
covert or a road he had once been into or on
to), together with being a very fine strong
and quiet horseman, soon made him at home
in the field, and all went as smoothly as pos-
sible. During this year there was, generally

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 173

speaking, good sport, and one or two excellent
gallops. The very good work done by the
bitches of the Belvoir drafts must have
been a source of great gratification to the
Duke of Leeds, proving how exceedingly
wise and beneficial to the pack had been his
purchase of them.

We all of us receive strange requests at
times, and the following is one which was
sent to Sir Henry Beresford-Pierse, when the
Duke of Leeds gave up the hounds. Whether
it was seriously meant, or only written in
chaff, is hard to say.

''H 1 n.

February 27th, 1904.
Sir. I beg to ask the favour of your influence
in order to get me the Mastership of the
Bedale Hounds, on the resignation of His
Grace The Duke of Leeds. Probably the
only kind of office I shall be able to get, as
I am too old for Parliament. I do not see
that it is requisite for a Master of Hounds
to have a large range of stabling, in order to
take in the horses of gentlemen desiring to
hunt.

Stabling can always be had in a place like
Bedale, for such purpose. I have a good
knowledge of the district, a great love for
horses, and at one time was a fair good rider.
The house occupied by the late Mr. A. at
P. B., would be quite large enough for me,
and you can appoint an elderly lady, if you
wish, to share with me the expenses of

174 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

housekeeping. An income of £700 a year,
exclusive of all Hunt expenses, would be
sufficient for me. Hoping to hear full par-
ticulars.

I am, dear Sir, yrs. truly,

H.' C. W.

How moderately easy would be the position
of a Master of Hounds, if we could engage
ourselves in that capacity, under the
above conditions ! ! The only proviso
being, that one should be a bachelor, and
the elderly housekeeper, perhaps a '* crab.*'
To turn from the comic to the sad ; in May
of this year, a very good friend to fox-hunting
passed away in the person of Admiral The
Honble. W. C. Carpenter, whose coverts at
Kiplin were always a sure find. Although
very short-sighted, he rode most gallantly,
up to the end of his life, on well-bred horses ;
and when hounds really ran, ' * The
Admiral ' ' was generally not very far from
their sterns.

1904—05. On the 8th October, a some-
what curious incident happened when hounds
met at Newton House. Much to my sur-
prise when I got there some minutes before
the time advertised for meeting, I heard
hounds running hard in Gatenby wood.
As I was, owing to the Master's absence, in
charge that day, I was much annoyed at
the huntsman having moved off before my
arrival. It turned out to have been unin-
tentional. As hounds were coming along

The Bed ale Hounds, 1832-1908 175

the Leeming Lane, not far from Clapham
Lodge, they winded a fox ; were on to the
line in a second, and whipper-in and horn
were useless. They crashed through the
grounds at Newton House, and so across to
the Wood, where I heard them.

Needless to say my vexation was tem-
porary, and my admiration for the nose and
dash of the hounds, who would not be
stopped, unbounded.

On the 2nd December there was a hard,
a long, and a good day's sport.

Hounds met at Kiplin. Found in the Big
Wood and ran nearly up to Forest Farm, then
turned right-handed over the low ground
under Atlay Hill, over the Northallerton
and Cowton road into Pepper Arden Park ;
after dodging round this for a short time
the fox sought refuge under the kitchen
garden wall, where hounds killed him, after
a very quick twenty-five minutes.

Mr. Stobart then suggested drawing the
rushy Bottoms on the north side of the Hall,
as a fox had often been seen there. ' ' The
oft' viewed ' ' was not in this case ' * absent,"
but was on his ** tuft," and went away at
once, straight to Cowton Whin ; past that,
and on to Crossbills Plantation, from which
place he doubled back again, passing Cowton
Whin, nearly up to East Cowton ; then over
Cockleberry Farm to Dalton Whin. There
was no pause here, and hounds ran straight
on to the Halnaby coverts, on the north
side of which, after some time hunting

176 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

him up and down a narrow strip of plan-
tation, hounds killed their fox, after a very
good hunt of one hour and thirty-five
minutes.

The third fox was found in Uckerby Whin,
late in the afternoon, and as the two previous
gallops had been enough for the larger
portion of the * ' field, ' ' there were not many
to see this gallop, which was quick, as long
as it lasted.

The fox broke away on the south side of
the Whin, over the rough fields down to
Uckerby village ; then turning right-handed
ran on to Kirk Bank ; from here, past the
Quarry at Middleton-Tyas (the earth in which
place, a kind friend hearing hounds running,
promptly went and blocked), up to the
Leeming Lane at Scotch Corner. The fox had
evidently gone on into the Sedbury coverts,
but as it was then nearly dark, hounds were
stopped. The Master and about three others
being the only ones left.

On the 20th February, hounds met at
Thorp Perrow, having a good and some-
what memorable day.

Found in Low Park Wood and ran up to
Well village, then turned by Holly Hill,
across to the Belts ; up this covert, across the
Well and Masham road to Round Hills
Plantation ; from here across to Upbank
Wood, through this, past the level railway
crossing on the Aldburgh carriage drive, into
Heslett's Wood and forward toTanfield Banks.
Here the fox made a left-handed turn and

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 177

ran nearly down to Tanfield village, then north
as if for Nosterfield, but bearing right-
handed again, passed Rushwood Hall,
through the end of Mr. Nussey's Whin
covert, over the Masham railway, to Norton
Conyers Park, just outside a narrow strip of
plantation; on the north side of which,
hounds ran into him, after a very good hunt
of one hour and forty minutes. Thirteen
miles as hounds ran.

Another fox went away from the
plantation while hounds were breaking
up this one, but nothing much could be
done with him. A third fox was found in
Coronation Whin, Thorp Perrow, which
ran very sharply south, along the top of
Gybdykes, through Low Burton W^ood,
crossed the Well and Masham road just
above Masham station, through Round
Hills, the east end of Upbank Wood, across
into Heslett's Wood. Here there was a
slight check, but hounds hit off the line on
the south side of the wood and ran on into
Tanfield Banks, where I think a change of
foxes took place. They crossed the river
Yore, which was in flood and too deep to
ford, into Hackfall ; and Freeman tried
to blow them back from this covert. There
must have been a rare good scent with this
fox, as he could not get any hounds back.

Tanfield and Masham bridges were the
only two ways of getting across the river,
so the first whipper-in was sent to
Tanfield, and Freeman went over Masham

178 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

bridge; hoping by this means to pick up
hounds at one end or the other of Hackfall.
By the time the}^ got round there was no
sign whatever of the hounds, and they were
reported to have been seen running hard
through Hutt Gill, pointing for Kirkby Mal-
zeard Moor. Although search was made
all over the Moor until late at night, nothing
could be heard of them, and much to his
sorrow and regret. Freeman reached Kennels
after midnight without his hounds.

The next morning, however, came the
welcome news that the greater portion of
the pack was at Ramsgill (in Nidderdale,
about four miles from Pateley Bridge), near
which place it is supposed they killed their
fox, as they were seen close behind him
at Carlsmoor. By the afternoon of the
22nd February, every hound had turned
up, and none were any worse for their
absence from Kennel.

On the 3rd March, meeting at Hutton
Bonville, there was a good day's sport.
Found a fox in the south end of the Whins
on High Magdalen Farm, which turned to-
wards the railway, and ran more or less
parallel to it up to Dalton Junction. Here,
hounds had a miraculous escape. An express
train came suddenly round a corner while
they were crossing the rails, and it looked
as if they must be cut to ribbons. I hap-
pened to be close to the railway fence when
the train appeared, and turned away my
head while it passed, expecting to see the

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 179

line strewn with corpses. When it had
gone by, one bitch, 'Warfare,' only was
injured, she having about six inches of her
stern cut off, but she was soon hunting
again. I am inchned to think that the great
current of air caused by the speed of the
train, swept or frightened away from the
metals both those hounds which were just
over or just about to cross the set of rails on
which the train was travelling, and if the
train had been slowing down, or going at
a much lower rate of speed, there would
have been more casualties. It was, however,
a most providential escape, but a sickening
sight to witness. After this unforeseen check,
hounds soon picked up the line, and ran very
quickly past Dalton village to the road under
the railway bridge at Croft, where the fox
was seen only about fifty yards in front of
them. From this point nothing more could
be made of it, the road soon got blocked up
with steaming horses, and a ''cast" was a
farce. This was a very quick gallop of
twenty minutes, and it was unlucky not
getting hold of our fox.

In the afternoon a fox was found in
Cowton Whin, which hounds hunted only
slowly, towards Uckerby, then right-handed
by Cramble Cross towards Dalton Whin ;
bearing right-handed he crossed the Hunt
boundary road, when we either changed
foxes, or scent improved in a most marvel-
lous fashion ; as from this point hounds ran
very fast along Pepper Arden Bottoms

180 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

leaving the Hall on the right, towards Reed-
holmes ; short of which he crossed the
Pepper Stell, as if Frigerdale Wood was his
point. Being headed on the hill between
East Cowton and Birkby, he turned back
through Reedholmes covert, and ran parallel
to the Wiske up to Hutton Bonville Hall,
opposite which he crossed the river, had a
look at the '' earth ' ' by the Church, went on
across the Park, and over the railway, as if for
the Old Whin ; but being headed short of this,
retraced his steps over the Park, and was killed
at the back of the stables at Hutton Bonville,
after an excellent hunt of one hour and ten
minutes, of which fifty minutes was fast.

1905—06. On the 8th November there
was a rare scent in the early part of the day,
as hounds were able to push a run fox through
Hackfall from South to North, bring him
half way back (by the Castle), and eventually
kill him not far from the Old Whin at Azerley,
after going round by Grewelthorpe, the
Barras Wood, Sleningford Park, Pond Wood,
and Thunder Wood. One hour and twenty
minutes.

The 8th December was a sporting day, and
there was a large field out, many people from
Lord Zetland's, the Hurworth, and other
packs of Hounds being present. Hounds
met at Kiplin, and found at once in the Big
Wood. After a short time in covert, the fox
went away towards Greenberry wood ; leaving
this on the left he went on up to Streatlam
village, past the Whin, towards Danby Wiske

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 181

village ; bearing right-handed from here,
he went down the banks of the Wiske, past
the east side of Danby Grange, and was
marked to ground there, after a very fast
twenty-five minutes. A four mile point.

Another fox was found in Felgill Moor, but
the covert was so thick, it was some time
before hounds could force him away. He
eventually broke towards Kiplin, and ran over
the Forest Farm ; taking a right-hand turn
from here he went up Atlay Hill, crossed the
road into the Park at Pepper Arden, on into
Pepper Bottoms and crossed Pepper Stell, as
if for East Cowton. He was headed short of
the village, and turned back towards Birkby,
then across into Reedholmes, where a fresh fox
was on foot. Hounds stuck to the hunted
one, and ran along the Wiske side up to the
Crow Wood at Hutton Bonville, where the fox
crossed the Wiske, ran past the Church, over
the railway, to the Old Whin. Time up to this
point, one and a half hours. Here, in this
"home for foxes,'* hounds unluckily got
on to a fresh one, and ran a sharp ring of half
an hour out towards Yafforth and back to
Danby Wiske village — to ground. As the
run fox had been seen * ' dead beat ' ' in the
Old Whin at Hutton Bonville, the Master took
hounds back there, on the chance of well-
earned blood. Soon the bitches "feather."
They speak, they are all together — all is well !

They hunt slowly but beautifully over some
strong cold plough land, up to, and through,
the Plantation bordering the Northallerton

182 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

and Smeaton road, and after dodging up one
hedgerow and down another for thirty-five
minutes, at last come up to their fox in some
disused farm buildings at Cock Howie. The
finish was not sudden, as although it was
certain that the fox was somewhere in the
buildings, he could not be located, and it
was through an old bitch, 'Adelaide,* who
would not leave a particular corner, that his
hiding place w^as discovered. The hunt after
this fox was two hours and three-quarters,
from the time hounds first spoke, in Felgill
Moor.

29th December. During Mr. Moubray's
Mastership, the hunt w^hich I am about to
describe is by general consent allowed to be
the best that has taken place, and in many
hunting diaries is, I hope, marked with a good
big red cross. Although one is always apt
to think one's own geese swans, there hap-
pened on this date to be a good many people
from other packs of hounds, hunting with
the Bedale ; and a large number of them
have personally described the run to me as ' * a
very fine hunt,'*— hounds and huntsman
both coming in for much praise. The start
of the day was not propitious, as Uckerby
and Bolton Whins failed to provide the need-
ful article. On the way to draw the Kiphn
coverts, hounds were run through Greenberry
Wood. They at once spoke to a line, but
only faintly (the fox evidently having gone
some time) , and hunted slowly up to a whinney
field, on the west side of the road, opposite

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 183

Felgill Moor. Here probably the fox had
waited, scent improved, they ran to within a
field of Felgill Moor, then turned due north
and passing under and over Atlay Hill, came
within three fields of Cowton Whin ; from
here, making a left-hand turn across the Forest
Farm, into Hobder Wood ; through this, past
the Saw Mill ; on the west side of which they
faltered a moment. Freeman was about to
cast his hounds, when he noticed an old
bitch "just feather " in the furrow of a cold
plough. He let them alone, and they were
soon going again over the grass, heading for
Ellerton village, leaving the Hall at Kiplin
on the left. The fox went down to the Swale,
but not liking the look of the river, turned
left-handed and ran the bank as far as Lang-
ton village, went round the Rectory there,
then down again to the Swale bank, and on
into the grounds of Langton Hall. Here
he was viewed (a well run fox) by Mr. R.
Booth. He knew his country, as now he
crossed the Swale and tried the ''earths '' at
the end of the Terrace, at Kirkby Fleetham ;
but finding them closed had to keep moving
on, and set his head for the Scruton coverts ;
passing the end of the Big Wood there, hounds
raced over the Swale pastures up to the
Bedale and Northallerton road, on the west
side of Morton Bridge. The fox crossed the
river again by the bridge, and headed as if for
Warlaby, but turning away from this place,
bore right-handed past Morton Grange and
Langlands over the Ainderby Stell; where

184 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

some of the " field * ' got over, some got in, and
a few who knew, crossed by the ford. He was
now sinking, and hounds were running keen
for blood. He reached the Low Plantation at
Solberg, from which a fresh fox went away;
but the bitches stuck to their hunted one, and
in a few fields more, ran into their fox after a
most brilliant gallop of two hours. The
point from north-west to south-east being nine
miles, and the distance as hounds ran, not far
short of twenty-two miles.

Sport just at this period was very good,
and a run which took place on the 8th
January (hounds meeting at Rudd Hall) is
worth recording. A brace of foxes were found
in Goskins, and hounds luckily got away
with the right one — a stout fellow. He ran
on the north side of Rudd Hall, and south
side of East Appleton to Tunstall village,
pointing for Brough, but turned westward
and went past Scotton village up to Thorn-
hills Whin ; through that, and Gandale
Wood; from which place he sank the hill,
leaving Hauxwell Hall on his left, across to
the coverts at Constable Burton. After going
through the Wham and Givendale Wood, he
bore westwards to the Harmby coverts, and
from them right-handed into Forty Acres, up
the hill past Barden village, over the Cat-
terick and Half-penny House road, on to Bar-
den Moor ; went over Laver Gill and down
the north side of this to the Richmond road,
through the West Wood at Hipswell, down to
the banks of the Swale ; where hounds ran

i

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 185

into him opposite to Easby Abbey, after a
fine sporting run of two hours and three-
quarters.

Measuring from point to point of this run,
the distance is seventeen and a half miles,
and probably as hounds ran, they would cover
well over twenty- three.

Goskins to Tunstall

Tunstall towards Brough

Brough to Scotton village

Scotton to Givendale Wood

Givendale to Harmby . . 1 ,,

Harmby to Laver Gill . . 3J ,,

Laver Gill to Easby . . 3J ,,

3 miles

13
^4

4i.

17i

The West Country foxes are reputed to
take some catching, but on the 5th March
the bitch pack was too quick for one of them,
from Witton Fell.

We found towards the easterly end of the
Fell, and ran across to Ramshaw Plantation,
where hounds got on excellent terms with
their fox. Passing through this, he took a
loop out on to the moor edge, then turned
left-handed through Ellingstring Plantation
towards High Healey Cote, then again left-
handed, went through Lord Masham*s Whin
covert, past High Ellington, on the east side
of EUington Firth, leaving Eelmire Wood just
on the right, past High Jervaulx ; then up
the hill into Grey Yard Plantation ; at which
point of the nm, a good many horses were

186 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

about beat, as hounds had run very fast
without the sHghtest check, over a somewhat
hilly piece of country. He went through the
Plantation, past the south side of Ramshaw
as if for Witton Fell, but he could not reach it,
and hounds pulled him down at the head of
Deep Gill, after an excellent run of fifty-seven
minutes. The head of this good fox now
adorns the billiard room wall of Mr. H.
Christie, at Jervaulx Abbey.

At the end of this season, Mr. Moubray
lost the services of his huntsman, Freeman,
who went to the Pytchley ; and he engaged as
his successor his brother-in-law, Sam Gillson,
who had been with the South and West Wilts
Hounds for eight seasons, the last six of which
as huntsman.

Peter Farrelly, first whipper-in with the
Quorn, came in a similar capacity, in place of
C. Pocketts.

In 1906, Mr. S. Conyers Scrope, of Danby-
on-Yore, who for many years had been most
anxious to hunt the Moorland side of the
country with a pack of his own, obtained his
wish ; and that portion of the Bedale country,
west of the following line, was lent to him.

From Hudswell village due south, to the
cross roads leading to Half-penny House and
Catterick ; from there, west, to Half-penny
House, along the Bellerby and Leyburn road,
to the railway station at the latter place ; then
the road to East Witton, under Spennithorne
and Middleham. From East Witton round
the west end of Witton Fell, across the Moor

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 187

in an easterly direction, by High Healey Cote,
to Healey village. From here, the road up to
Pott Hall, past the south side of Druid's Wood,
through Ilton, Grewelthorpe and Kirkby
Malzeard, to the west end of the Grantley
Hall Woods.

Mr. Scrope had many difficulties to contend
with, the chief being that his hounds took to
sheep worrying, and he was obliged at the
end of one season to abandon his project, to
the great regret of all.

1906—07. On the 9th November, a bob-
tailed fox from Uckerby Whin got to ground
in a hollow tree, an account of which has
alread}^ been noted in February, 1835, when a
like occurrence took place in the same locality.

The 3rd December was a hard day for
horses and hounds, and although they never
ran fast, it was a good day's sport.

Met at Newton House, and after running
round that place for nearly two hours, at last
a fox plucked up courage, and crossed the
Swale below Gatenby village. The river
was very big, and although Mr. Holliday,
who was hunting with the Bedale this year,
twice swam his horse over the river, he was
unable to effect a landing on the far side.
The fox after crossing the river luckily turned
up stream, so Morton Bridge was the nearest
way of getting to hounds, but it meant a long
way round. Fortunately hounds came to
a check by Morton Grange Farm, and we
were able to pick them up there. They soon
were going again, and ran by the south side

188 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

of Ainderby Steeple \dllage to Warlaby Willow
Garth, and on to near Northallerton Station.
From here the fox bore right-handed, crossed
the railway and went direct to Crosby Cote ;
on from there into Oliver's Whin and thence
to Stank Whin, where hounds were running
for some time ; eventually a fox broke away
on the north-east side, but after going a short
distance northwards, hounds had to be
stopped, as it was dark.

On the 7th January there was a fine gallop,
hounds just missing blood.

Met at Constable Burton. Hounds '' feath-
ered'' on a line the moment they were put
into Canaan Plantation, were quickly able to
speak to it, and soon were driving away.

The fox had crossed the Leyburn road and
ran over the railway, leaving Croft Wood on
the left, up to Hutton Hang ; from here by
Hull Plantation, down to within two fields of
Marriforth Whin, then across to Thornton
Steward, and leaving the village to the west,
crossed the Yore by Kilgram Bridge, nearly
up to Eelmire Wood. He then bore right-
handed to High Jervaulx, under Ellingstring
village, as though Ramshaw was his point ;
but turned away from this covert, and went
straight over the moor to Agra Plantation ;
at the top side of which, Gillson saw his fox,
dead beat, close to him. He was then unfor-
tunately down wind of his hounds, and
could not make them hear his horn. They
had got over the very high and strong wall
which bounds the covert, into the wood, on

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 189

the low side ; and had struck the line of a
fresh fox, which they ran out on the south
side, over the Healey and Colsterdale road, and
brought back into the wood. As the ''earths ' *
were open, the run fox had probably sneaked
to ground, as nothing more could be made of
him. The time up to Agra Plantation was an
hour and ten minutes, a six and a half mile
point — eleven miles as hounds ran — and collar
work the whole way from Kilgram Bridge.

On the 15th February and the 15th March,
from Uckerby Whin, hounds ran an almost
identical line. On the first date, the fox got
to ground only a hundred yards in front of
hounds on the banks of the Tees. On the
second date, I think he was left in Stapleton
Whin.

The main points of the two runs, which
were both fast, were as follows.

Uckerby to Cross Hills Plantation, back
from there, leaving Cowton Whin on the east,
by Moulton station to Halnaby; across to
Clervaux Castle, and in both instances by
Stapleton Whin, up to the banks of the Tees.

On the 18th March there was a good gallop
and hunt on the west side of the country.
Found in the Wham at Constable Burton,
and broke away towards Bellerby ; being
headed short of this place, the fox turned
back, past the kitchen garden at Constable
Burton Hall, by Garriston, nearly up to
Beggarmire Wood ; then with a left-hand
turn, leaving Hauxwell village on the west,
he breasted the hill, passed through the end

190 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

of Gandale Wood, over Black Rigg, and across
the moor to Laver Gill, pointing for Hudswell.
He now sank the wind, and dropped down
into Badger Gill, from there into the West
Wood, at Hipswell, turning back from which,
he came over the east end of Waithwith
Common, up to Wenlock Wood, through this,
over Scotton Hill to Thornhiirs Whin ; on the
north side of which, hounds marked him to
ground, after a good hunt of one hour and
fifty minutes. About eighteen miles, as
hounds ran.

At the end of this season, Mr. Cecil Lupton
took the place of Mr. R. Booth, as honorary
secretary to the Hunt ; the latter finding that
he could not well spare the necessary time to
carry on the work to his satisfaction.

The Master was again called upon to pro\'ide
a huntsman for one of the Midland packs of
Hounds, as S. Gillson went in that capacity
to the Cottesmore, under Lord Lonsdale, who
had just taken over the country.

Gillson 's father had been huntsman to
these hounds for many seasons, when Mr.
W. Baird was Master of them.

Mr. Moubray filled his place by 'putting on'
his first whipper-in, Peter Farrelly.

At the commencement of the season 1840
— 41, I inserted ''some rules as concerns
hunting.*' In January of this year (1907),
I came across the following, which are so
humorous, and yet convey such an infinity
of caution as to "what should not be done,"
that with my apologies to the Western
Morning News, I reprint them.

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 191

RULES FOR RIDERS TO HOUNDS.

A correspondent of evidently a humorous turn of
mind writes to the Western Morning News to say that
he has come across the following " Rudimentary
Rules ' ' for riders to hounds, and thought their perusal
might amuse, and possibly instruct, followers to
hounds, beginners and otherwise : —

Rudimentary Rules Religiously Respected
BY Riders, and Reasons Respecting Them.

1. — When riding on the road always press past the
second whipper-in and other hunt servants to the
tail of the huntsman's horse. It will drive the hounds
in front of the huntsman, and so enable him to see how
many have followed him from the Kennel ■ it will, too,
teach the hounds to follow the whipper-in, and not
the huntsman, and so prevent them bestowing any
undue preference on the latter.

2. — Should a hound linger behind for a minute, on
no account stop your horse, but ride at him and flick
him with your whip. It will teach him better manners
for the future.

3. When you have ascertained by enquiry, or your
own superior intelligence, which covert is to be drawn,
do not follow the hounds thereto if you think you
know a shorter way; go your own route, and post
yourself where you think they will eventually come.
You will thus show your knowledge of the country,
and be able to tell the huntsman if you have seen a fox
come out and return into the covert. If you take
seven friends with you your success will be all the
more certain.

4. — If you are constrained to stay with the rest of
the field when hounds are drawing, get up wind and
talk as loud as you can. It will prevent people who
come out to hunt listening to what is going on in covert,
and so, maybe, obtaining an unfair start.

5. — At all times, but particularly if hounds are
running, take care to let every gate slam behind you.

192 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

It will teach the next comer how to open gates, and
also to restrain himself from using bad language.

6. — If you see hounds are running towards a covert,
or going to draw one, and the first whipper-in rides on
to the far side, follow him with all speed, and induce
your friends to accompany you. The whipper-in will
be glad of your assistance and someone to talk to ; it
would be very dull for him all alone. Moreover, it
is obvious that a fox can see three or four people better
than one ; consequently, that number can see a fox
better than one alone could.

7. — If hounds check, and you happen to be near, ride
up among them without a moment's delay. Your
presence cannot fail to help and encourage them, par-
ticularly if your horse is steaming.

8. — When the huntsman makes his cast, be sure to
stick as close to him as possible. You will then be able
to ensure that he does the job properly.

9. — If you arrive at a check, and see other people
standing still and silent (which, however, is very seldom
the case), push past them, turn your horse in front of
them, whistle, and tell them in your loudest tones how
well your horse has jumped. It will be most inter-
esting to them ; moreover, you will teach them that
hunting is a democratic sport, that you have as much
right there as they have. But, above all, it will teach
hounds to perform their duties regardless of surround-
ing influences.

10. — If possible, now is the time to ride up to the
huntsman and tell him what extraordinary good sport
you have been having with the neighbouring pack.
You will thus prevent him over-straining his intellect
with the matter in hand.

11. — If hounds are running slowly in the open or up
a covert, get well in front of them and the huntsman,
and the more and louder you talk the better. You
will thus prevent the huntsman neglecting the beauties
of the surrounding scenery and thinking only of sport.

12. — Do not wait until the huntsman has finished
drawing a covert, but ride on before he has got the
hounds out to the next he is likely to draw. It will

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 193

give him an intimation of where you wish him to go,
and show him the way.

13. — When you have arrived at the covert you
intend him to draw, get up wind, talk, and crack your
whip, if able to do so. You will thus give the fox, if
there happens to be one in the covert, a good start,
which is everything in this life.

14. — If hounds come to a road when running, jump
into it as soon as you can, as near the middle of the pack
as may be. This will teach the hounds to get out of
the way of the horses.

15. — Whether hounds are running or not, jump un-
necessary fences, ride over wheat, seeds, and other
crops, but more particularly beans, on every possible
occasion.

16. — Encourage your horse to run into, tread on the
heels of and eat the tail of the horse in front of you. It
promotes circulation and good feeling ; it also teaches
the front horse to use his hocks.

17. — When you see the people waiting their turn at
a fence, come on at a canter and cut in, or else creep up
the side of the fence and turn your horse sharp over in
front of them. It shows them how to do the trick.

18. — If you see people want to have a run at a fence,
particularly in the case of a brook, if you do not intend
to jump it yourself, get between them and the obstacle,
broadside on if possible. (It is not a bad plan to ride
up and down the side of a brook at the only jumpable
places.) You will teach people how to jump at a walk,
or how to take a fall.

19. — If the Huntsman wishes to take his hounds
past the field in a road, do not go the same side as other
people, but put your horse with his head to the fence
on the opposite side. You will teach the Huntsman
the truth of the old Latin proverb, ' * In medio tutissi-
mus ibis ' ' — in the middle you are safest — to be kicked.

20. — When you have eaten your luncheon do not
adopt the objectionable practice of rolling up your
sandwich paper and throwing it in the nearest ditch.
Unfold it, and let it blow among the horses. The paper
littered about will give an air of festivity and tidiness.

194 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

conve5dng sweet reminiscences of a cockney tripper's
picnic. Moreover, with luck it may blow against a
horse's leg, and cause him to kick his neighbour —
always a source of merriment.

1907 — 08. This season began well, as
after a very useful time cub-hunting, the
first Friday in November (the 8th) provided
a capital day's sport.

The moment hounds were put into Lingy
Moor, a fox was holloaed away on the north
side, which ran across to Uckerby Whin, where
luckily no change was made ; but breaking
at once on the east side, he turned as if for the
village of Uckerby, but short of it, bore right
handed across to Church Whin, which he did
not enter but crossed the road to the Quarry
near Middleton-Tyas. Here again hounds
were lucky, as there is an ''earth*' there,
which was probably open ; but after a turn up
and down the plantation, the fox went away
towards the village of Middleton-Tyas, then
bearing to the left, passed Murky Hill and on
to the Halnaby coverts. In Birch Carr Wood
there was a very slight check, but hounds
were soon going again, and hunted prettily
up to Moulton Whin. The fox probably had
waited here, as from this point they ran
much faster ; crossed the Darlington and
Richmond railway a quarter of a mile south-
west of Moulton station, and it looked as if
Cowton Whin was his point. But disdaining
this shelter, he pushed on under Atlay Hill
Farm as if for Pepper Arden Hall, but turned
away from here and ran parallel to the North-

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 195

allerton road as far as Low Whinholme. Here,
it looked as though he wanted to be into F'el-
gill Moor, but he kept on towards Greenberry
Wood, then turned to the back of Streatlam
village, had one more look at Felgill, and
went into Streatlam Whin, where, after a few
turns up and down the covert, hounds pulled
him down; one bitch, ' Gamestress, ' tackled
him by herself, and though she did not hold
him, tore off half his brush. This was an
excellent gallop of two hours, and about
seventeen miles as hounds ran.

A second fox was found in Streatlam Plant-
ation, and hounds ran very fast by Danby
Hill to Thrintoft Whin, past Thrintoft village,
down to the Swale, which was crossed opposite
Scruton, into the Kirkby Fleetham coverts,
where they were run out of scent.

On the 29th January there was a good
day's sport. Found in Pickhill Whin and
ran very quickly, leaving Kirklington village
on the left into Camp Hill Woods. (In crossing
a small wooden bridge over Elam Beck, near
Sinderby station, owing to the roadway
collapsing, Mr. Bertie Lawson's horse got
so tightly w^edged between the bearers, that
it had to be sawn out). There was only a
moderate scent in covert, but pushing their
fox out on the south-west side, hounds ran
better again in the open, and went on the
west side of Howgrave, to Mr. Nussey's Whin
covert ; through this, over the railway to
Norton Conyers, and down to the river Yore.
Being headed here, he turned back, leaving

196 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Guy's Whin on the left and retraced his steps
to Camp Hill, where he was seen, hard run,
close to hounds. Unfortunately a fresh fox
got up in front of them, on to which they
changed, running on the west side of Car-
thorpe up to Theakston, where he was lost.

Hounds came back to Camp Hill to try
and pick up the beaten fox, but failed to
come across him.

On the 17th February, hounds ran at
a great pace from Bedale Railway Wood,
by Burrill, Cowling, and the Thornton Wat-
lass coverts, to Sandy Flats at Marriforth.
Although the huntsman and a few more got
fairly well away with hounds, they did not
see much of them until the Black Wood at
Thornton Watlass was reached.

A few days later, on the 21st February,
there was another very quick eighteen minutes
to ground. Found in the New Whin at
Hutton Bonville, and hounds ran as straight
as a die to the whinney fields on High Mag-
dalen Farm, near Smeaton. The huntsman,
although on by no means a slow horse, was
never able to get nearer than three fields to
his hounds.

Later on this day, and again on the 6th
March, hounds ran nearly the same line ; the
greater part of the hunt being in the Hurworth
country, both foxes being found at Hutton
Bonville. I will give a description of the run
on the 6th March, as on this date they ran a
little further, but both were first-rate gallops.
On the 21st February, the time up to Win ton

The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908 197

was two hours, on the 6th March one hour
and three-quarters ; the country this day
riding very deep, as there had been a heavy
fall of snow a day or two previous.

Found in the Old Whin, and ran very fast
to near Birkby Church, where there was a
slight check, but hounds hit off the line right-
handed, and ran well, across the Northallerton
and Darlington road, leaving Hornby Grange
on the left, to Appleton Wiske. From here
they ran very fast up wind by Welbury and
Brompton Whins, neither of which the fox
entered, nearly to Brompton village. He
then turned towards the hills, and crossing
the railway went on to Winton Whin, skirted
this and reached Foxton Wood. He evidently
was out of his own country, as he failed to try
the ''earths '* there, and went on to Sigston,
on the south-east of which hounds were run
out of scent.

For many years the river Wiske, with a
very soft bottom, has often been a terrible
nuisance (more especially to the huntsman)
when hounds run between Hutton Bonville,
Felgill, Pepper Arden, Reedholmes and
Smeaton. The only two fords, that on the
east side of Reedholmes, and that on the
south side of the Crow Wood at Hutton
Bonville, being a long way apart. There was,
therefore, much rejoicing towards the end of
this season, when a good substantial riding
bridge was put over the river ; about half
way between the two fords. All hoping in
the future to be so much nearer to hounds
when they cross this awkward obstacle.

198 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

Apropos of the ford at Crow Wood ; I
remember rather an amusing incident, indic-
ative of the proverb, *' Might is right."
Hounds ran very quickly from Pepper Arden
Bottoms, past Reedholmes, in the direction of
Hutton Bonville. One who knew ''the ropes,"
made a bee-line for this ford, and arrived
there amongst the first few. Instead of
thrusting his way over, ' ' he hesitated and
was lost.'' Others crowded up. *' Might
became right,*' and he was pushed back into
the ruck. The last I heard, being a plaintive
plea, ' ' Please let me through, I was the
first here."

As there was somewhat above an average
number of foxes in the country this year, Mr.
Moubray hunted four days a week, from
January until the end of the season.

This concludes the fourth year of Mr.
Moubray 's Mastership. There were many
more good days sport and quick gallops ;
but having already rather exceeded the limit
of recounting about three days of each
season, I must put my pen aside, with a hope
that any future scribe may have the same
difficulty as I have had, viz. : to select what
is best to record from among many good
things.

C/)

Q

&

O

w
►-^
<:

Q

w

w
w

H

Q

PL*

en

H
"A

t

W
H

K

Q
<!

CO

P^
W
H

o

H
c/)

a 9

i s

CO 0^5

I X

rt O

PQ-o

&§

O

<x>
O

T3

IH

O

in

C/5

000

(O "^ ■

I-l ti Cd • Ld

(y

c3 _

«n

ll

0

c

^

H

•— >

a>

<u

43
CO
C

Oc/)

2 w

Wi o ■•-'

o o

a

o
o

a o

43

• . • • PQ

0000

QQQQ S

O

o o

00 00

00

CD

1^00

0000

0 0

0 0

0000

5

0

0 0

00 00

CO ^

«2

CM W*U5

2222

2

i

22

^S'S

1

ss

^Q

p.

-2

C 0) (u

^'h

o

g6g=
•SB 2

= ■3 s

Q

3 O

PQO

J>»4J

0) CO OT

4

1- 05

f2K

c^

d 6

dfe*

-:,^<

fe^'

^a (2

: I :

•

;

; ;

• ; ;

ii :

•s

g

S

1

si -s

1

S

u

u u

0) (U,C

^H III
(v — — C

045 flH^iiW

o^S o

d

• • ;

•

•

•

•

(0 •

' *ffi *

^2S|

^

W

pR CO y Ph

<

.'^

73

-a

T)

en
H

1

'o

X

1
1

2^

2^ 5°

HH P^

fe

PC4

fe

P=« ffi^

: : :

•

•o

•

• *

■ • •

;

•s

;

,

H

.

P^

^

J

m

1

■4^

p

4->

1

1

<

U

fk

g

S

";& B

0)
W)

O

3

p

O

.S

Q

A

g^

0)

cd

Ui

c?

^

1^

'^

1^

CJ

1^

H

^

05(N rf

00

CD

00

(M '»*'

CO l> 00

r^ 00 CO

00

Oi

Oi

O O

o o o

GO 00 00

00

00

00

Oi Oi

oi a> 05

«>5

1— 1 1— « ^H

1— <

»-«

»-H »-<

f^ 1-^ 1—t

o o o

o

o

o

o o

o op

M

-»->•*-> 4J

-M

-*-»

4J -M

4J 4J •<-»

>^

00<J> c^

^

00

CO

00 <N

If CO t^

t>. t^ 00

00

00

a>

05 O

s s s

00 00 GO

CO

00

00

00 05

1

"

^ -

" "

APPENDIX B.

As Mr. Milbank and Mr. Duncombe both owned the
hounds with which they hunted the country (1832-
1867), and each disposed of them on ceasing to be
Master ; there is no record of any ' * Bedale ' ' hounds
until Mr. Booth took over the country. [Note. I have
not been able to obtain any private hound lists between

1832, 1867.] , ^ ,

The first entry of the '' Bedale " in the Foxhound
Kennel Stud Book, is for the year 1862. Two nine
season hunters, " Active," from the Duke of Rutland,
and " Lively " (Lifter, out of Lavender).

In the same book, the first record of any home-bred
hounds is for the year 1870, when a couple or two were
put on, their sires being from Mr. Cradock's and the
Hurworth Kennels. There is then a break until 1874,
when two couples by Remus (1872), Lord Yarborough's
Bachelor, out of Lord Middleton's Rita (1866) were
entered. He left three couples in the following year,
and one couple in 1878.

From this date until 1890, the pack seems to have
been entirely recruited by draft hounds, as on neither
the dam's nor the sire's side, is anything worthy of
mention to be found.

Since 1890, the Bedale bitches have done better,
and although the stallion hounds have not always
been provided in the Kennel ; it is more satisfactory
to see that in eighteen years, an average of eight
couples a year, home bred, have found their way into
the Hound List.

In considering the different Kennels from which this
outside blood has come, since the year 1870, they rank
in the following order.

First, The Belvoir ; second, The Brocklesby ; third,
The Bramham Moor ; fourth, The Holderness ; fifth,
all about even; Lord Middleton's, The Milton, The
Cleveland, The York and Ainsty and The Grove.

202 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

At the present date, mainly due to the purchase by
the Duke of Leeds of the Belvoir draft, for two suc-
cessive years — this pack stands pre-eminent, the
Kennel being full of their blood, viz : —
Dogs. — Dexter ('95), Villager ('97), Vagabond ('97),

Stormer ('99), and a draft dog, Velox ('02), a son of

Villager.
Bitches — Hopeful ('94), Verdant ('95). Sentiment
(*97), Testy ('98), Harebell ('99), Rosamond ('99),
To the above must be added some excellent working,
and good looking hounds ; tracing back to the Tyne-
dale, Alfred (1897), his son, Alderman (1900), Holderness,
Steadfast (1896), the South Durham, Streamer (1896),
and the Oakley, Decimal (1897). The pedigree of Tyne-
dale ** Alfred" and Oakley "Decimal," coincide in
rather a peculiar manner ; and as the stock comes right
in all ways, is worth mention.

Tynedale, "Alfred" was by Oakley, "Dancer" (1888)
on his sire's side ; by Belvoir, "Denmark" on his dam's.
Oakley, "Decimal" by Belvoir, "Gambler" (1884) on
the sire's side ; by Oakley, "Dancer" on the dam's.

After consultation with the Huntsman, I have
selected the two couples of dogs and bitches which are
considered to have been best in their work — all round —
at the close of the season 1907-08, and find they are
bred as follows,

DOGS.

Sinbad,
1904.

Hornet,
1904.

Selim 1900 Sonthdown, Trifle 1900

by by

Oakley, Sportsman 1891. Warwickshire, Talbot 1895

Runaway 1895. Southdown, Comet 1894,

Belvoir, Hymen 1902
by
Vagabond 1899.
Heartless 1899.

Bella 1902
by
Belvoir, Villager 1897.
Belvoir. Blissful 1897.

Handel,
1905.

Belvoir, Hymen 1902

Definite 1903
by
Lord Zetland's, Wellington 1899

Darling 1899
by Holderness, Steadfast 1896.
Oakley, Dewdrop 1891.

The Bed ale Hounds, 1832-1908 203

Villager,
1907.

Harebell,
1904.

Artful,
1906.

Velox 1902.
by
Belvoir, Villager 1897.
Belvoir, Handmaid 1899.

BITCHES.

Belvoir, Hymen 1902

Harebell 1904
by
Belvoir, Hymen 1902
Bella 1902.

Bella 1902
(see Dog pedigree).

Lord Middleton's, Dexter 1902 Anxious 1900
by by

Belvoir, Dexter 1895 Tynedale, Alfred 1897.

Lord M's, Woodbine 1899 Resolute 1897.

Cotswold, Graphic 1892.
Captain Johnstone's, Remnant 1894.

Clara,
1907.

Belvoir, Carnival 1902

by
Belvoir, Stormer 1897
Belvoir, Candour 1896.

Roguish 1903

by
Alderman 1900.
Restless 1897.
by Holderness, Gaffer 1889.
Ringlet 1891.

Sanguine, Marksman 1902 Saucy 1902

1907. by by

Bramham Moor, Marmion 1894 Belvoir, Dexter 1895

Scornful 1900 Sentiment 1897.

by South Durham, Streamer 1896.
Rosey 1896.

The breeding of hounds is like that of bloodstock,
somewhat of a lottery. Those that should turn out
all that is desired, do not ; and others you don't expect
very much from, astonish you.

Perfect feet, with a lot of bone below the knee,
carried right down into the foot is a sine-qna-non at the
present day; at any rate on the flags. Perhaps
for work, the foot can be too cat-like, and the
shortness below the knee, excessive. A little more
spread in the foot, and a trifle more length below the
knee, might afford more elasticity when galloping and
jumping.

Well sprung ribs, carried right back, are I think
most necessary for constitution, and standing hard
work. Then heads, necks, and shoulders.

I like a hound with a real typical fox-hound head,

204 The Bedale Hounds, 1832-1908

[e.g. The Belvoir, Ragman, '06, or Helper, *o3). They
are generally rare workers, whatever else their shape
may be. Necks and shoulders should be of the best ;
the neck not too lean. Like horses they get on in all
shapes, and it is difficult to judge hounds' shoulders,
until you have seen them gallop.

I (think the main points to strive for in breeding are
nose, drive, voice, and what is specially hereditary —
** perseverance."

Having bred your hounds as you want them, in the
above details, they are of no use for fox-catching
unless they are in the very best of condition. A
huntsman, a very old friend of mine, once said to me,
** There are more foxes killed in Kennel than you
have any idea of," As he was fond of accounting for
his foxes, and rumour said " they often came back to
kennel in a sack " ; I looked at him with a somewhat
puzzled expression, thinking he was giving himself
away. " Oh, no," he said ** It's not what you think,
I mean ' condition. ' ' '

This seems common sense. None of us if short of
condition, and fagged, can do our best at any game.
So with hounds ; unless they are thoroughly fit and
up to the mark in every way, we can hardly expect
them to persevere on a cold scent. Last, but by no
means least, comes the man who hunts the hounds.
A bad huntsman will spoil the best pack of working
hounds that ever was bred, in half a season. A good
man — one who understands dog nature, who has the
confidence of his hounds, does not flurry them at the
wrong moment, but helps them at the right — will
make a bad working pack into a good one, in a season.
I have seen this take place more than once, and feel
sure that the individuality of the huntsman has a lot
to do with the working of a pack of hounds, however
they may be bred.