■ ■■II I'f^ IT If R li II II II II 1 ^'i~4i / A /-' « memi)er$ or m Beaufort l>unt Past ana Present 1III! II! I!!!!': I 1 l! 1 1 1 . 1 UliillUMUIUUlJllBilini i t. ' \4 1 ■ mmnmii 1 pin ^^^^■Bi: MEMBERS OF THE BEAUFORT HUNT PAST "3? PRESENT CIRENCESTKH STANDARD PRINTING WORKS 1914 FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Since one fox on foot more diversion will bring Than twice twenty thousand cock pheasants on wing, The man we all honour, whate'er be his rank, Whose heart heaves a sigh when iiis gorse is drawn blank, Qu.'i situm ! Qu.i'situm ! fill up to the brim, We'll drink, if we die for't, a bumper to him. Egerton Warburton. Preface. It often occurred to me during the many years I acted as Honorary Secretary to the Beaufort Hunt that there ia no record of any sort of the past or present members of the Hunt. I am fully aware that the list that follows is by no means complete ; still, I have done the best I could with the materials I had to work from. They consisted of two or three account books that had been kept by the late Colonel C. W. Miles from 1861 to 1888, and since then from books that I have kept myself. I have added a few items culled from my scrap book and other sources which I hope may prove of interest to my hunting friends. In the compilation of the list of names I have to thank Her Grace the Duchess of Beaufort for her help and for the great interest she has taken in it. For carefully arranging and making copies of extracts, etc., my thanks are due to Mr. E. P. Harmer. Frank Henry. Elmestree, Tetbury, May, 1911. flDembers of the Beaufort 1!3unt Ipast anb present His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales (H.M. King Edward VH.) 1867 His Grace The 7th Duke of Beaufort, K.G. His Grace The 8th Duke of Beaufort, K.G. Her Grace The 8th Duchess of Beaufort 1845 His Grace The 9th Duke of Beaufort, A.D.C. Her Grace The 9th Duchess of Beaufort 1885 The Lady Geraldine Somerset 1854 The Lady Edith Somerset (Countess of Londesborough) 1854 The Lady Blanche Somerset 1903 The Lady Diana Somerset 1904 The Marquis of Worcester 1906 The Marquis of Waterford The Marchioness of Waterford The Lord Henry Somerset The Lord Arthur Somerset The Lord Edward Somerset The Lady Edward Somerset The Lord Fitzroy Somerset Colonel Henry Somerset Colonel Poulett Somerset 1855 Poulett Somerset, Mrs. 1858 Granville Somerset, Q.C. Granville Somerset, Mrs. H. Somers Somerset Reigate Priory The Lady Katherine Somerset Reigate Priory 6 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. Adam, Major and Mrs. Coates 1902 Adams, F. Bristol 1867 Addington, the Right Hon. Henry Unwin Estcourt 1836 Adey, Captain William Wotton-under-Edge 1861 Allfrey, Captain Moubray Greenways 1898 Allfrey, The Hon. Mrs. Greenways 1898 Allfrey, Arthur Greenways 1905 Ancaster, The Countess of Drummond Castle, Crieff 1903 Angel, J. B. 1865 Annaly, The Lord Holdenby House Asquith, Mrs. Easton Grey 1880 Atherley, Major Evelyn late Royal Horse Guards 1884 Atherley, Mrs. Evelyn Norton Grange 1888 Awdry, E. M. Chippenham 1897 Awdry, P. Delme Chippenham 1897 Awdry, R. W. Lavington 1908 BE AV FORT HUNT : Bailey, F. H. and Mrs. Bailey, Captain F. and the Hon. Mi Baillie, Lieut.-Colonel Hugh Baillie, J. B. Baker, T. B. Lloyd Baker, Granville E. Lloyd Baker, H. 0. Lloyd Baker, Michael Lloyd Baker, F. D. Baker, W. Proctor and Mrs. Baker, Hugh Baker, R. L. Baker, Miss Baldwin, John Baring, Captain Henry Barker, Percy Raymond Barker, Reginald Raymond Barker, Hugh Raymond and Mrs. Barnett, Philip Barrington, The Lord Bateson, Sir Thomas, M.P. Bathurst, The Right Hon. the 5th Earl Bathurst, The Right Hon. the 6th Earl PAST AND PRESENT. 7 Chippenham 1912 •s. Sheldon Manor, Chippenham 1913 Royal Horse Guards 1861 Chippenham 1870 Hardwicke Court (or before) 1861 Hardwicke 1862 Hardwicke Court 1862 Hardwicke 1913 1865 Brislington 1880 Chedglow 1903 Chedglow 1912 Chedglow 1913 Arthur's Club (or before) 1861 late 17th Lancers 1863 Fairford Park 1866 Tetbury 1893 Foxley 1911 Cirencester 1901 Shrivenham 1867 Devizes 1863 1 Cirencester House (or before) 1846 1 Cirencester House 1861 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. Bathurst, The Right Hon. the 7th Earl Bathurst, The Countess Bathurst, Colonel the Hon. Ben., M.P. Bathurst, The Lady Meriel Bayly, John Bayly, Robert Beach, W. W. B. Beauclerk, Captain F. Bengough, J. C. Benson, R. L. Bentinck, Major The Lord and Lady Charles Beresford, General D. W. Beresford, Admiral Lord Charles, G.C.B., etc., etc. Bernard, Charles Bernard, Charles, jun. Berners, J. A. Biddulph, The Hon. Claud Bill, Captain C. H. Bishop, Major and Mrs. C. W. Blagrave, J. Gratwicke Blathwayt, Colonel Blathwayt, Captain G. W. Blathwayt, W. T. Cirencester House 1882 Cirencester House 1893 Cirencester 1897 Cirencester House 1913 (or before) 1846 Bathwick (or before) 1861 Oakley Hall 1861 Hilmarton 1880 The Ridge 1873 9th Lancers 1910 Lyegrove 1901 Cheltenham 1867 Badminton 1867 Broad Hinton (or before) 1861 Broad Hinton 1872 Kingscote 1896 Rodmarton 1897 The Priory, Tetbury 1864 Barton Abbotts 1898 Calcot, Reading 1885 Dyrham Park 1845 Dyrham Park 1845 Dyrham Park 1845 BEAUFORT HUNT: Blathwayt, R. V. Blathwayt, C. P. Blathwayt, Robert Wynter Block, James, and Miss Borrer, Hamlyn Bourke, Colonel the Hon. J. J. Bouverie, Seymour Pleydell Bouverie, Mrs. Seymour Bouverie, Walter Boycott, Digby Brand, Andrew Bridges, Captain G. H. Bridges, Captain Strachan Brienen, Baron and Baroness de Bright, Lieut.-Colonel Robert Brinton, Major J. C. Brown, Kenworthy Browne, Colonel W. L. Bruges, R. Ludlow Bulkeley, Sir Richard Williams Burdon, W. B. C. Burges, Miss 0. Burn, Major-General J. M. Bush, G. de Lisle PAST AND PRESENT. 9 Dyrham Park 1845 Dyrham Park 1845 Dyrham Park 1875 Charlton Cottage 1861 Dursley 1880 CUfton 1872 Crudwell 1889 Crudwell 1891 Lavington 1881 (or before) 1846 Easton Grey 1867 Clifton 1878 late R.H.A. 1878 The Priory, Tetbury 1880 Leigh Court 1865 late 2nd Life Guards 1912 Bath Stouts Hill 1861 Seend 1866 Baron Hill, Beaumaris 1861 Chedglow 1907 The Ridge 1913 Alderley 1890 Eastington Park 1880 10 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT, Butler, Lieut.-Colonel F. J. P. and the Hon. Mrs. Wick House 1901 Buxton, Gerard and Mrs. Tockenham 1907 Byng, Colonel the Hon. Charles late 1st Life Guards 1867 Byng, The Hon. Alfred late 7th Hussars 1878 Byng, Major the Hon. Lionel Avening House 1900 Byng, The Lady Eleanor Avening House 1906 Caldwell, Captain Ralph W. Callander, Miss Muriel (Mrs. W. Baird) Calley, Colonel and Mrs. T. P. Calthorpe, The Hon. F. Campbell, The Hon. A. F. Campbell, The Hon. Mrs. A. F. Cambridge, H.R.H. The Duke of Candy, Captain Henry Cantelupe, The Viscount Cardwell, T. H. Cardwell, Miss (Mrs. Wormald) Lackham 1862 Deanscroft, Oakham 1880 Burderop 1878 Grosvenor Square 1861 Lasborough 1884 Lasborough 1884 (or before) 1846 late 9th Lancers 1867 (or before) 1846 Newnton House 1877 Newnton House 1895 BE AV FORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 11 Cardwell, Miss Mary (Mrs. Cooke) Newnton House 1897 Carrington, The Lord (Marquess of Lincolnshire), K.G. Cave, Sir Charles D., Bart. Cave, Miss Cave, Charles H. Chaloner, Colonel R. Chaplin, Eustache Chaplin, Captain Percy and Mrs. Chaplin, Drummond Chaplin, Miss (Mrs. F. Godman) Chaplin, The Right Hon. Henry late Royal Horse Guards 1867 Clifton 1864 Stainbridge 1875 Rodway Hill House 1881 Gisboro 1878 Lasborough 1870 Chavenage 1870 Chavenage 1885 Chavenage 1888 6, Charles Street, Berkeley Square 1895 Upton House 1905 Bristol 1861 Elberton 1865 Ingelburne Manor 1892 Eastcourt 1894 Rowde Ford 1906 Chaplin, Miss Sibell Charlton, Colonel Charleton, George B. Charrington, C. E. N. and Mrs. Charteris, R. B. and Mrs. Charteris, Mrs. R. (Miss Tryon) Chesterfield, The Earl of Chester-Master, Colonel T. W. Chester-Master, Andrew and Mrs. Lea, Malmesbury Cholmondeley, The Marquess of Cholmondeley Cholmondeley, The Lord George Cholmondeley, The Lady Susan Clifford, Henry J. Knole Park Cholmondeley Cholmondeley Frampton (or before) 1846 1861 1903 1875 1908 1876 1866 12 BEAUFORT HUNT Clitherow, Colonel Stracey Close, Admiral Clutterbuck, Edmund Clutterbuck, Hugh Clutterbuck, Edmund H. Clutterbuck, Hugh F. Clutterbuck, Captain E. R. Middlewick Codrington, Sir William, Bart. Dodington Codrington, The Lady Georgina Dodington Codrington, Sir Gerald, Bart. Dodington Codrington, Miss (Lady Vavasour) Dodington Codrington, Miss Florance Dodington Codrington, Miss Evelyn Dodington Codrington, George T. G. C. Sands Court Codrington, Lieut.-General Sir Alfred, K.C.V.O., C.B. PAST AND PRESENT. Highgrove (or before) 1861 Fishponds 1879 Hardenhuish (or before) 1861 Monks, Corsham 1861 Hardenhuish 1870 Dicketts, Corsham 1882 Coleman, Walter Coleman, Major W. T. Coles, Henry Stratton Collins, Major W. CoUyer-Bristowe, A. Colston, Edward Colston, Colonel C. E. Colston, Captain E. M., M.V.O. Cookson, J. Blencowe and Mrs. 1904 (or before) 1846 (or before) 1846 1862 1865 1869 1874 1874 1881 1861 1880 Kington Langley Langley Fitzurse Corsham late Scots Greys 1902 Draycot 1875 Roundway Park (or before) 1861 Roundway 1869 Grenadier Guards 1898 Meldon Park, Northumberland 1869 BE AV FORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 13 Cooper, W. Coote, Captain Richard Cotes, Charles Cotes, Major Arthur Coventry, Captain Henry Cowley, The 2nd Earl and Countess Draycot Cowley, The 3rd Ear! Cowley, Countess (Lady Violet Neville) Draycot Cox, E. Richardson Crawley-Boevey, Sir M. Cresswell, C. R. E. Cripps, Frederick Croome, W. Fielder Cross, F. Richardson Cuadra, Mr. and Mrs. de Currie, The Lord Curzon, The Viscount Curzon, The Hon. H. Cust, The Hon. Miss Cobham (or before) 1861 Malmesbury 1867 Stanton Rectory 1864 Rowden Hill 1870 Charlton Park 1881 Draycot 1866 Draycot 1874 Draycot 1893 South Wraxall Manor 1902 Flaxley Abbey 1861 Pinkney Park 1870 Cirencester 1867 Cirencester (or before) 1861 Clifton 1891 Malmesbury 1894 Estcourt 1875 (or before) 1846 Gopsall (or before) 1861 Bath 1894 14 BEAUFORT HUNT : Dalgety, A. G. Dancer, Sir Thomas, Bart. Dancer, Miss G. Daniel, Thos. Dansey, Colonel E. M. Darell, Sir Lionel Edward, Bart. Darell, Edward Darling, Sir Charles Denison, Lady Irene Des Voeux, Henry Dew§, W. De Winton, Walter De Winton, Captain W. Donovan, Captain Thompson Dorington, Sir John, Bart. Dungarvan. The Viscount Duntze, Sir John, Bart. Dupplin, The Viscount Dutton, The Hon. James PAST AND PRESENT. The Priory, Tetbury 1901 Yate 1870 Yate 1911 Huckridge (or before) 1861 late 1st Life Guards 1869 Fretherne 1865 Fretherne 1870 Pew Hill 1889 Blankney 1905 Chippenham 1863 Coates 1861 MaesUwch Castle 1855 late 1st Life Guards 1889 Malmesbury 1863 Lypiatt Park 1861 Turf Club 1892 The Priory, Burton Hill (or before) 1861 Dupplin Castle 1861 Bibury (or before) 1861 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 15 Elwes, J. Henry Colesborne 1861 Emmott, W. Rhodes Horton 1888 Essex, The Earl of Cassiobury Park 1895 Estcourt, T. G. Bucknall, M.P. Estcourt 1830 Estcourt, General James Bucknall Estcourt 1850 Estcourt, The Right Hon. Sotheron T. H. Estcourt 1850 Estcourt, Edward Dugdale Bucknall Estcourt 1850 Estcourt, The Lord Estcourt 1860 Estcourt, The Lady Estcourt 1870 Estcourt, Captain T. E. Scots Greys 1905 Esterhazy, Count A. (or before) 1846 Eustace, Major-General Sir Francis, K.C.B. 1 Barton End 1909 Eustace, F. R. Barton End 1909 Evans, Rev. A. Little Somerford 1867 Evans, Charles Corsham 1893 Ewart, Colonel W. Salisbury and Mrs. Petty France 1873 16 BE AVI OUT HVIST : Fane, The Lady Enid Farquhar, W. Fenwick, Captain C. H. Fernie, C. W. B. Firth, C. H. Bramley Fitzclarence, The Lord Adolphus Fitzhardinge, The 2nd Lord Fitzhardinge, The 3rd Lord Fitzmaurice, The Lord and Lady Charles Folkestone, The Viscount (5th Earl PAST AND PRESENT. Spye Park 1912 Badminton 1865 Norton Manor 1896 Keythorpe 1876 Ashwiek 1901 (or before) 1846 Berkeley Castle 1861 Berkeley Castle 1898 Bowood 1895 of Radnor) Longford Castle 1867 Forestier-Walker, D. P. and Mrs. Hillesley 1905 Forestier-Walker, Major Roland and Mrs. Newnton House 1908 Forrest, T. Forsyth Cirencester 1888 Forster, R. Carnaby Vasterne Manor 1906 Fowler, Sir R. N., Bart., M.P. Gastards 1863 Fowler, Sir Thomas, Bart - Gastards 1888 Fox, R. A. Yate 1887 Francis, C. K. 7, Granville Place, W. 1886 Francis, Mrs. C. K. (Miss Lovell) 7, Granville Place, W. 1872 Fry, Frank R. Clifton 1878 Fry, A. M. Clifton 1913 Fuller, John B. Neston 1855 Fuller, George P. Neston 1861 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 17 Fuller, Sir John Neston 1874 Fuller, Lady Neston 1898 Fuller, W. F. Cricklade 1875 Fuller, H. F. Grovefield, Bucks 1889 Fuller, E. F. Neston 1901 Fuller, R. F. Melksham 1901 Fuller, Mrs. R. F. Neston 1912 Furmidge, J. H. Lucknam 1907 Gardiner, Charles Lympstone 1869 Garrett, Mrs. E. (Miss Walmsley) Lucknam 1898 George, W. Cherington 1861 George, Miss Cherington 1898 George, Miss C. Cherington 1898 Gibbs, Lieut.-Colonel George A., M.P. Tyntesfield 1906 Gibson-Watt, Captain and Mrs. Doldowlod, Radnor 1908 Gist, Major Frank Kingscote Cottage 1875 Gist, Mrs. Frank Kingscote Cottage 1876 Gist, Frank Charlton, Tetbury 1896 18 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT, Gladstone, J. E. Goddard, F. Pleydell Goddard, Mrs. Goldney, Sir Gabriel, Bart., M.P. Goldney, Sir G. Prior, Bart., C.V.O., C.B. Goldney, F. H. Goldney, The Hon. Sir John, Kt Golightly, Miss A. (Mrs. C. Gippi Golightly, Colonel R. E., D.S.O. Goodrich, James Gore, F. W. G. Goidon, Captain W. A., C.M.G. Gorst, Miss Eva Gosling, Edward Lambert Gouldsmith, John D. Graham, Sir Reginald H., Bart. Granville, The Earl Greatorex, Thomas Price Grey, The Earl Griffiths, Edward Grove, Sir Thomas Fraser, Bart. Guilford, The 7th Earl of Gwatkin, Miss (Mrs. Copeland Griffiths) Gwatkin, R. G. Bowden Park 1877 Swindon 1895 Swindon 1887 Chippenham 1865 Derriads 1865 Corsham 1865 Monks Park 1865 Shipton Moyne 1877 Ashcroft 1883 Norton Court 1861 Tetbury 1882 Southend House, Wickwar 1914 Castle Combe 1910 Winslow 1902 Ashton Keynes 1893 Norton Conyers 1863 • 1867 1863 Westonbirt 1895 1867 Feme 1861 Waldershare Park 1880 Potterne 1910 Potterne 1885 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 19 Hale, Colonel John Blagden Hale, Robert Blagden, M.P. Hale, Colonel Mathew HoUord Hale, Major-General Robert Hale, General Edward Blagden Haigh, G. H. Hall, Colonel Spencer Hamilton, Captain and Mrs. E. C. Hamilton, Miss H. Hanbury-Tracey, The Hon. Mrs. (Miss Palmer) Hankey, B. H. A. Hankey, W. H. A. Hankey, Captain C. Harding, Charles Harding, C. H. Hardwicke, The Earl of Harford, W. A. Alderley 1840 Alderley 1840 Alderley 1855 late 7th Hussars 1855 Alderley (or before) 1861 Bath 1885 Malmesbury 1881 Great Somerford 1900 Great Somerford I9ii Lackham 1902 Stanton Manor 1904 Notton 1909 Notton 1910 Upton Grove 1873 Upton Grove 1892 Draycot 1867 Petty France 1872 20 BE AV FORT HVI^T : PAST AND PRESENT. Harford, Mrs. W A. Harford, Francis Harford, H. W. L. Harford, Mrs. H. W. L. Harford, J. C. Harford, Miss C. L. Harford, Miss Jessie Harford, Miss Betty Hargreaves, John Harris, Herbert J. and Mrs. Harris, Leslie H. Harris, Miss Petty France Oldown Horton Horton Lampeter Blaise Castle Petty France Petty France Leckhampton Court Bowden Hill Bowden Hill Bowden Hill Sutton Benger Harrison, Cuthbert Harrison, Miss (Mrs. J. Ballantyne) Sutton Benger Harrison, Henry B. Sutton Benger Hartley, W. H. Lye Grove Hatzfeldt, T.S.H. Prince and Princess Draycot Haydon, Colonel W.'H. Maidford Helme, Colonel Sir George, K.C.B., G.M.G. Chippenham Heneage, Michael Compton Bassett Heneage, Major Walker, V.C. Compton Bassett Heneage, Major G. C. Walker, M.V.O. late Grenadier Guards Henry, Lieut.-Colonel Frank Elmestree Henry, Mrs. Frank Elmestree Henry, Captain G. F. Doughton House 1904 1877 1885 1904 1890 1898 1912 1913 1878 1886 1912 1913 1897 1899 1912 (or before) 1861 1896 1894 1886 1861 1864 1888 1867 1870 1883 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 21 Henry, Mrs. G. F. Doughton House 1895 Henry, Edward Charlton Court 1888 Henry, Mrs. Edward Charlton Court, 1895 Henry, Lieut.-Colonel Vivian Elmestree 1890 Henry, Miss Maud (Mrs. Morrison- Bell) Elmestree 1892 Heywood, H. D. Beresford Wrentnall, Shropshire 1891 Hicks-Beach, Sir Michael (Viscounl St. Aldwyn) Williamstrip 1862 Hill, Thomas D. Malmesbury (or before) 1861 Hill, C. Gathorne and Mrs. Yate 1887 Hill, Major and Mrs. E. T. Winterbourne 1900 Hill, Maurice Yate 1913 Hilton-Green, F. Alderley 1907 Hoare, Charles Cirencester 1875 Hoare, Arthur Trull 1895 Hoare, Mrs. Arthur Trull 1878 Hoare, Colonel Reginald 4th Hussars 1912 Hobson, Edward Stoke Park (or before) 1846 Holden, Henry Cirencester 1880 Holford, R. S. Westonbirt (or before) 1846 Holford, J. Gwynne Buckland 1867 Holford, Sir George L., K.C.V.O., CLE. Westonbirt ' 1880 Holroyd, T. (or before) 1846 Hoole, Colonel Chavenage 1892 Hopkinson, C. C. Avening Court 1874 22 BE AV FORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. Hornsby-Drake, Lieut.-Colonel and Mrs. Howard, The Hon. Henry, M.P. Howard, Colonel Henry Howard, The Hon. Cecil Howard, The Hon. J. K. Howard, Algar Howard, The Lady Katherine Howth, The Earl of Humphries, Sidney Hunt, Captain G. Warwick Hurle, J. A. Cooke Compton Bassett 1913 (or before) 1846 (or before) 1846 Charlton Park 1867 Charlton Cottage 1905 Thornbury 1912 Charlton Cottage 1910 Howth Castle 1865 Westbury-on-Trym 1909 Late 4th Hussars 1869 Brislington 1902 Ireland, J. Clayfield Brislington 1861 Islington, The Lord Hartham Park 1880 Islington, The Lady Hartham Park 1897 BEAVFOBT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 23 Jacoby, C. and Mrs. Lye Grove 1888 Jardine, Mrs. David 1880 Jarrett, Captain C. 6. and Mrs. Charlton, Tetbury 1873 Jenkinson, Sir George, Bart. Eastwood 1872 Jenkinson, Captain J. Banks Rifle Brigade 1911 Jenner, Captain L. C. D. late 60th Rifles 1911 Jersey, The Earl of (or before) 1846 Joicey, James Poulton Priory 1898 Joicey, John G. Poulton Priory 1898 Jones, Colonel Inigo Kelston 1857 Jones, Major-General Inigo, C.V.O., C.B. Kelston 1868 Jones, Major F. T. Chippenham 1873 Jones, Miss A. Inigo Kelston 1912 Jones, Miss M. Inigo Kelston 1912 Jones, H. R. Inigo Scots Guards 1913 24 BE AV FORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. Kearsley, Major R. W. late 5th Dragoon Guards 1879 Kerry, Major the Earl of, D.S.O. King, Mervyn and Mrs. King, T. P. and Miss King, Percy Kingscote, Colonel Thomas Kingscote, Colonel Sir Nigel, K.C.B. Kingscote, Colonel H. B. Kingscote, The Lady Emily Kingscote, Nigel R. F. Kingscote, Miss (Mrs. A. Maitland Wilson) Kingscote, Miss Winifred (The Countess of Cholmondeley) Kingscote Park 1875 Kingscote, Thomas A. F., M.V.O. Watermoor House 1867 Kingscote, The Hon. Mrs. Watermoor House 1882 Kington, Captain William M. W. late 5th Dragoon Guards 1863 Kinsky, Count (or before) 1846 Kirkland, Sir J. 1864 Bowood 1896 Clifton 1874 Newark 1879 Clifton 1882 Kingscote Park 1821 Kingscote Park 1856 8, Eaton Terrace, S.W. 1862 Kingscote Park 1863 Kingscote Park 1874 Kingscote Park 1875 BE AV FORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 25 LangtoD, W. F. Gore Padbury 1860 Lansdowne, The Marquis of, K.G. Bowood 1867 Law, G. 0. Christian Malford 1861 Law, Colonel Edwin Dauntsey 1895 Lee, Colonel A. H. Vaughan, M.V.O. late Royal Horse Guards 1893 Lindsay, David B. Willesley 1886 Lindsay, Walter Westonbirt 1899 Lister, Henry 1861 Lister, the Hon. T. 10th Hussars 1898 Little, General Sir Archibald, G.C.B. Upton House 1855 Little, Captain Lockhart 1855 Little, James Upton House 1874 Little, Major Cosmo Upton House 1874 Little, The Lady Guendolen Upton House 1903 Little, Miss (Mrs. A. Brocklehurst) Upton House 1874 Little, Colonel Malcolm, C.B • late 9th Lancers 1878 Little, Miss Agnes Upton House 1886 Little, Miss Violet Upton House 1887 Little, Archibald Upton House 1888 Little, Miss Charlotte (Mrs. St, , Clair) Upton House 1908 Lockwood, Robert Cottles, Melksham 1901 Lockwood, Miss (Mrs. W. Lysley) Wotton 1899 Lockwood, Miss Rachel Cottles, Melksham 1902 Lockwood, Miss C. (Mrs. C. de Paravicini) Cottles, Melksham 1903 26 BEAUFORT HVNT : PAST AND PRESENT. Londesborough,The Earl and Countess (Lady Edith Somerset) Londesborough, The Earl of Londesborough, The Countess of (Lady Grace Fane) Londesborough Lodge Blankney Blankney Londonderry, The Marquis of, K.G. Badminton 1867 1880 1876 1875 Long, Walter Long, The Right Hon. Walter H., M.P. Rood Ashton (or before) 1846 Rood Ashton Rowden Hill Rowden Hill Long, Robert C. C. Long, Mrs. Robert Long, Miss Margaret (Mrs. Giffard) Rowden Hill Long, Captain W. H. B. Rood Ashton Long, Captain Walter, D.S.O., Scots Greys Long, Eric Rood Ashton Lonsdale, The Earl and Countess of Lowther Castle Lopes, George Lord, Herbert Owen Lovell, John Lovell, Francis Lovell, P. Audley Lovell, Captain P. Audley D. Lowsley-Williams, George Lowsley-Williams, Mrs. Lowndes, E. C. Ludlow, The Lord Sandridge Park Lilly Brook Cole Park 1870 1882 1912 1910 1883 1884 1900 1878 1880 1899 (or before) 1846 late 1st Life Guards 1840 Cole Park (or before) 1846 late Coldstream Guards 1880 Chavenage 1891 Chavenage 1898 Castle Combe 1870 Heywood, Wilts 1888 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 27 Luttrell, C. M. F. Bath 1900 Lyon, Captain Wittit late 2nd Life Guards 1861 Lyon, Captain Frederick Royal Artillery 1861 Lysley, Captain G. L. Pewsham 1897 Lysley, Miss (Mrs. Heigham) Pewsham 1897 Lysley, W. Notton 1897 Mackay, G. E. and Mrs. Mackeson, Colonel W. Mackirdy, Elliot and Mrs. Manners, The Hon. Fitzallan Marjoribanks, George J. Markham, Wilfred Martin, J. E. H. and Mrs. Master, T. W. C. Mathews, T. G. Maudslay, Henry Menzies, Keith Menzies, Stewart Kington Langley 1900 late 5th Dragoon Guards 1875 Abbey House, Malmesbury 1910 Langley 1898 Lees, Berwickshire 1887 Badminton 1912 Oaksey 1900 The Abbey, Cirencester 1836 Newport Towers, Berkeley 1893 Upton Grove 1875 Westonbirt 1912 Westonbirt 1912 28 BE AVI OUT HVA'T Meredith-Brown, M. Merewether, H. A. PAST AND PRESENT. Hullavington 1865 Bowden Hill (or before) 1861 Merewether, Captain H. Bowden Hill 1865 Metcalfe, W. Mangotsfield 1861 Metcalfe, Dawson Mangotsfield 1861 Methuen, Field-Marshal Lord, G.C.B., etc., etc. Corsham Court 1863 Methuen, The Hon. C. Corsham Court 1913 Methuen, The Hon. Paul Corsham Court 1911 Methuen, The Hon. Miss K. Corsham Court 1913 Meux, Sir Henry, Bart. Dauntsey 1880 Mildmay, G. L. and Mrs. Dockem House, Coates 1907 Miles, Colonel Sir William, Bart. Leigh Court 1820 Miles, P. W. S. Kingsweston 1836 Miles, J. W. Kingsweston 1840 Miles, Colonel C. W. Burton Hill 1842 Miles, Sir Philip J., Bart. Leigh Court 1844 Miles, Edward P. W. Dauntsey House 1850 Miles, W. H. Leigh Court 1852 Miles, H. Cruger W. Kingsweston 1855 Miles, Colonel C. Napier, C.B., M.V.O . Ingelburne Manor 1861 Miles, Sir H. WilUam, Bart. Leigh Court (or before) 1861 Miles, Audley C. Burton Hill 1862 Miles, Vyvyan Burton Hill 1864 Miles, Captain Tremayne late 18th Hussars 1872 Miles, Major A. E. Seagry 1873 BEAUFORT HUNT: F AST AND PRESENT. 29 Miles, Mrs. A. E. Seagry 1912 Miles, Miss Clarissa Ingelburne Manor 1882 Miles, Miss 0. Tremayne Didmarton 1905 Miles, Captain W. 1st Royal Dragoons 1914 Miller, Audley M. Badminton 1902 Miller, T. Butt Cricklade 1888 Miller, Mrs. Butt Cricklade 1898 Mirehouse, G. T. Cirencester 1890 Mitchell, A. C. Highgrove 1881 Mitchell, Mrs. A. C. Highgrove 1896 Mitchell, Miss Highgrove 1903 Mitchell, J. Henry Highgrove 1910 Mitchell, Frank Highgrove 1910 Mitchell, David Highgrove 1910 Montgeon, Miss de Malmesbury 1894 Morgan, The Hon. Godfrey (The Lord Tredegar) Tredegar Castle 1861 Morgan, The Hon. Frederick Ruperra Castle 1870 Morley, The 3rd Earl of Saltram 1885 Morley, The Countess of Saltram 1885 Mornington, The Earl of Draycot (or before) 1 1861 Morrice, Major L. E. The Priory, Malmesbury 1907 Morrison-Bell, Captain E. F., M.P. Pitt House, Devon 1907 Morritt, Robert Charlton 1861 Mostyn Pritchard, Mrs. (Miss M. Mathews) North Nibley 1898 30 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. Myddelton, R. and Mrs. (Biddulph) Chirk Castle Mynors, The Rev, A. Baskerville Ashley Rectory 1865 1883 Neeld, Sir John, Bart., M.P. Grittleton 1834 Neeld, Sir Algernon, Bart. Grittleton 1858 Neeld, Miss (Lady Willis) Grittleton 1871 Neeld, Miss Evelyn (Mrs. P. Wroughton) Grittleton 1874 Neeld, Lieut.-Colonel Sir Audley, Bart., C.B., M.V.O. late 2nd Life Guards 1859 Neeld, Rear-Admiral R. R. Twatley 1860 Neeld, Lieut.-Colonel M. G. late 17th Lancers 1861 Neeld, Elliot Grittleton 1862 Nell, H. and Mrs. Chipping Sodbury 1907 Nelson, Rev. Clack 1867 BEAUFORT HUNT : Ogilby, R. J. Oliphant, Philip Blair Orde, Charles Ormathwaite, The Lord Orred, John Osborne, Jere Otway, Major Owen, Hugh Owen, Captain Roderick PAST AND PRESENT. 31 Dauntsey House 1914 Datchet 1863 Newcastle (or before) 1861 late 1st Life Guards 1861 Ashwick 1861 Bristol 1875 Cheltenham 1875 Cheltenham 1875 Cheltenham 1892 Paget, The Lord Alfred (or before) 1846 Paget, Gerald 1900 Palairet, Captain Charles H. late 9th Lancers 1880 Palk, The Hon. L. H. (Lord Haldon) 1870 Palk, Colonel the Hon. E. A. Twatley 1884 Palmer, Lieut.-Colonel G. Llewellyn Lackham 1880 Palmer, Captain W. L. 10th Hussars 1899 Palmer, Michael Lackham 1908 Palmer, Captain Allen late 14th Hussars 1899 32 BEAUFORT HUNT : Palmer, Major A. J. Pattenson, W. B. Tyllden Paul, W. J. Paul, W. M. Peel, Captain Edmund Phelps, W. J. Pierepoint, Henry Pitman, Ernest and Mrs. Playne, Arthur T. Playne, Lieut.-Colonel Playne, Mrs. W. H. Plunkett, The Hon. R. E. S., M.P. Pole, H. Van Notten Pole, Sir Pery Van Notten, Bart. Pollen, Sir R. Hungerford, Bart. Pollen, C. Hungerford Pollen, R. Hungerford Pollen, Miss Hungerford Pollock, Mrs. Erskine Pollock, Captain F. R. Pope, Captain M. E. W. Porteous, D. S. Porteous, Mrs. D. S^ Powell, Walter, M.P. Powell, Miss (Mrs. Lawrence) PAST AND PRESENT. Fairford Park 1910 Christian Malford 1893 Highgrove (or before) 1846 Teignmouth (or before) 1861 Boxwell 1874 Chavenage (or before) 1 846 Seagry House (or before) 1861 Bath 1905 Longfords 1864 Avening 1886 Avening 1898 Woodway 1867 Watermoor House 1861 Todenham 1896 Rodbourne 1860 Rodbourne 1877 Rodbourne 1888 Rodbourne 1906 Avening Court 1882 Avening Court 1905 Ashwick 1908 Upton Grove 1880 Upton Grove 1880 Dauntsey House 1866 Manor House, Coates 1866 BEAUFORT HUNT : PAST AND PRESENT. 33 Powell, Godfrey Dauntsey House 1880 Poynder, W. H. Pew Hill 1861 Foynter, Major A. V. Didmarton 1912 Preston, Walter R. Seend Park 1914 Prodgers, Herbert Kington St. Michael 1863 Prodgers, Cecil Herbert Kington St. Michael 1870 Prodgers, G. J. Kington St. Michael 1908 Purnell, P. Bransby Stancombe 1861 Puxley, Mrs. (Miss Wroughton) Westonbirt Rectory 1901 Raglan, The Lord Randolph, Beverley Ribblesdale, The Lord Ricardo, Henry Ricardo, Major H. G. Ricardo, Miss (Mrs. Gibson Watt) Ridley, The Viscount Ritchie, Captain B. Cefn Tilla Court, Mon. (or before) 1861 Yate (or before) 1861 Gisburne, Yorks 1888 Gatcombe (or before) 1861 Gatcombe 1881 Gatcombe 1908 Blagdon 1910 15th Hussars 1909 34 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. Robinson, Captain John Dyrham (or before) 1861 Robinson, Sir William Fleming, Bart. Hillesley 1862 Rolt, John Ozleworth 1861 Rolt, J. W. Ozleworth 1880 Rolt, Mrs. J. W. Ozleworth 1886 Rooke, A. B. Chippenham 1850 Rooke, Ernest W. Bath 1884 Rooke, Mortimer Chippenham 1884 Rossmore, The Lord late 1st Life Guards 1867 Savernake, The Lord Christian Malford 1886 Savile, A. B. Clifton 1861 Schomberg, E. C. Seend 1833 Scobell, Henry Chippenham 1861 Scobell, General Sir Henry, K.C.B. late Scots Greys 1893 Scott, Major and Mrs. R. A. Lasborough 1902 Searancke, F. J. The Ranges, Dursley 1865 Shannon, The 6th Earl of Cirencester 1880 Shelburne, The Earl of Bowood (or before) 1846 BE AV FORT HUNT Shelley, John PAST AND PRESENT. 35 (or before) 1846 Smith, T. Graham Easton Grey 1861 Smith, T. Graham Easton Grey 1876 Smith, Mrs. T. Graham Easton Grey 1880 Smith, Rev. Oswald Crudwell 1880 Smith, H. Herbert Buckhill 1881 Smith, C. Herbert Buckhill 1896 Smith, Mrs. Marriott Buckhill 1902 Smith, Miss V. (Mrs. Ronald Carrington) Buckhill 1902 Speke, William Jordans, Somerset 1861 Speke, Charles Wormwood 1899 Speke, Herbert Wormwood 1899 Spencer, Edwards Cherington Park 1906 Spencer, Herbert Langley 1899 Spicer, Major John W. G. Spye Park 1863 Spicer, Miss Louisa Spye Park 1880 Spicer, Captain Julian late Royal Horse Guards 1869 Spicer, Captain John late 1st Life Guards 1865 Spicer, The Lady Margaret Spye Park 1888 Spicer, John F. F. Spye Park 1890 Spicer, Anthony N. F. Spye Park 1912 Spicer, Frank F. F. Spye Park 1912 Spicer, Simon Ralph F. Spye Park 1912 Spicer, Miss Joan F. Spye Park 1912 36 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. Stancombe, J. F. Shaw Hill 1880 Stancombe, W., jun. Potterne 1880 Stanley, John (or before) 1846 Starkey, J. Baytun Spye Park (or before) 1861 Stephens, the Rev. Townsend (or before) 1846 Stewart Richardson, Captain R. M. 11th Hussars 1911 Stirling, Major Gilbert late Royal Horse Guards 1866 Stopford, Major-General the Hon. Sir F. W., K.C.M.G., C.B. The Limes, Tetbury 1909 Stoughton, T. A. Owlpen 1861 Sturt, H. Gerard (Lord Alington) Crichel 1861 Suffolk and Berkshire, The 17th Earl of Charlton Park (or before) 1846 Suffolk and Berkshire, Earl of The 18th Charlton Park 1861 Suffolk and Berkshire, Earl of The 19th Charlton Park 1884 Suffolk and Berkshire, The Countess of Charlton Park 1904 Sumner, Arthur Holme Guildford 1862 Sutton, H. G. Compton Bassett 1861 Sutton, A. G. Christian Malford 1888 Sutton, H. C. Blunsdon 1890 Sutton, F. R. Blunsdon Sutton, Captain Frank Andover Symonds, Dr. F. Oxford 1867 BE AV FORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT, 37 Taylor, John The Rocks 1876 Taylor, Darcy E. The Rocks 1881 Taylor, G. Watson Erlestoke 1885 Taylor, Colonel Pierce Newnton Priory 1895 Taylor, L. H. and Mrs. Great House, Chipping Sodbury 1896 Taylor, J. E. Biddeston 1898 Taylor, W. F. Kingscote 1893 Thompson, Captain and Mrs. G. F. Christian Malford 1911 Throckmorton, Sir William, : Bart. Buckland 1873 Thynne, The Lord Henry Maiden Bradley 1861 Thynne, The Lord Alexander, , M.P. 15, Manchester Square, W. 1905 Tidswell, R. I. Haresfield Court 1894 Tilney, Captain H. J. late Hth Hussars 1905 Townshend, Stephen H. Thornbury 1861 Trafalgar, The Viscount The Priory, Tetbury 1884 Trafalgar, The Viscountess the Priory, Tetbury 1884 Turner, C. E. Oldown, Tockington 1912 38 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. Turner, Colonel W. Wyatt Pinkney Park 1886 Turner, Mrs. Wyatt Pinkney Park 1886 Turner, Algernon Royal Horse Guards 1906 Tuyll, Baron Carlo de Herton 1882 Tuyll, Baron Max de Horton 1883 Tuyll, Baroness de (9th Duchess of Beaufort) Horton 1885 Tuyll, Baroness Nora de (Countess LUtzow) The Priory, Tetbury 1886 Tuyll, Baron F. de Badminton 1895 Tuyll, Captain Maurice de 10th Hussars 1895 Tyler, Roper K. Barton House, Tetbury 1886 Vachell, L. W. T. Bath 1895 Valletort, The Viscountess Edith VilUers) (Lady Badminton 1905 Vassall, R. Frenchay 1883 Vivian, The 2nd Lord Upton House 1863 Vivian, The Lady Upton House 1866 Vivian, The Hon. Crespigny (3rd Lord Vivian) Upton House 1865 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 39 Wait, W. K. Wait, H. W. K. Wallington, Edward Wallington, John Wallington, Colonel Sir J., K.G.B. Wallington, J. A. B. Wallington, Colonel Charles Wallington, Miss G. Wallington, Miss Wallington, Miss Alice Wallington, Edward William, C.V.O., C.M.G. Walmsley, J. Walmsley, J. Ward, Major M. S. Ward, The Hon. and Mrs. Cyril Ward Soames, E. and Mrs. Wasborough, C. W. Wasborough, Miss Clifton 1878 Brimpsfield 1889 Dursley 1800 Dursley 1825 Keevil Manor 1844 Keevil Manor 1873 The Priory, Chippenham 1883 Hilperton 1886 Hilperton 1886 Hilperton 1886 Hilperton 1904 Lucknam 1876 Lucknam 1886 Calne 1863 Sopworth 1906 Rood Ashton 1904 Bristol 1895 Bristol 1905 40 BE AV FORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. Wellesley, Captain Henry (3rd Duke of Wellington) Draycot 1867 Wellesley, Lord and Lady Richard Lye Grove 1912 Wemyss, Randolph Wemyss Castle 1896 Wemyss, Lady Eva (Wellesley) Draycot 1880 Westmorland, The Earl of Apethorpe 1861 Westmorland, The Countess of Apethorpe 1864 Westmorland, The Earl of, A.D.C. Apethorpe 1880 Whyte-Melville, G. J. Tetbury 1870 Wightwick, Henry Calne 1888 Williamson, Captain C. H. Box 1890 Williamson, H. N. H. Royal Roise Artillery 1910 Wilson, Sir M. Wharton, Bart. Cirencester 1865 Wilson, Arthur Maitland Didmarton 1880 Wilson, Captain H. M. Rifle Brigade 1906 Wilson, Nigel M. Didmarton Wilson, Reginald M. Didmarton Wilson, Miss Norton 1913 Wilson, Noel Norton 1913 Wingfield, Digby late Royal Horse Guards 1867 Winthrop, Captain Ben late 15th Hussars 1863 Wrangham, W. T. The Rocks 1862 Wroughton, Philip, M.P. Woolley Park 1888 Wyndham-Quin, Colonel and Lady Eva Lasborough 1898 Wyndham, Charles Wans 1861 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 41 Yarde-BuUer, Colonel John Chavenage (or before) 1861 Yarde-BuUer, John (Lord Churston) Chavenage 1864 Yatman, W. Hamilton Highgrove 1865 Yatman, Captain F. H. Highgrove 1870 Yockney, A. Pockeridge 1884 BE AV FORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 43 Appendix. Compiler's Notes. My first season with the Duke of Beaufort's Hounds was 1866 — 67, when Tom Clark was huntsman, Jack West first whip, and Heber Long second whip. I had two seasons with Tom Clark, and in March, 1868, the Marquis of Worcester, the present Duke of Beaufort, commenced his long career as huntsman. Colonel Peter Miles was Honorary Secretary of the Hunt previous to my taking over the duties in 1888, and he had held the office for many years. In those days, the subscription was £5 to the "' Poultry Fund," and this only from members of the Hunt, i.e., those to whom the Duke of Beaufort had given " the Button," always a purely personal matter, as it is now, between His Grace and the recipient. In 1888 a subscription, was started, and increased from time to time until the arrangement now existing came into force. Two seasons ago, i.e., 1911, the system of " capping " was adopted, and Mr. Audley Miller, who was subsequently appointed Secretary upon my retire- ment, undertook to act as collector. The Hunt Committee regretted the necessity of having to " cap," but they came to the conclusion that it was unavoidable. In my early days, the country hunted from Badminton included what is now known as the Avon Vale Hunt, which owes its origin to the 8th Duke of Beaufort lending the south-eastern portion of his country to Captain Spicer, who hunted it at his own expense until 1895, in which year Colonel G. L. Palmer succeeded Captain Spicer, and hunted the country with his own pack as the Avon Vale. In 1899 the Marquis of Worcester, who became sole master in 1894, again took over the whole country, and hunted four days a week himself, and Will Dale (who came into the country in 1896, when for one season Mr. Randolph Wemyss assisted the Marquis as joint master) two days a week. In 1912, the Avon Vale Hunt was again resuscitated, Mr. John Fullerton, late of the York and Ainsty, was appointed Master, hunting the country two days a week with his own hounds. In the previous year George Walters, who came from the Tynedale, was appointed huntsman to the Beaufort Hunt, and the country is now hunted as before, six days a week. If I was asked to say off hand what were the two best runs I took part in during the 47 seasons I have hunted with the Duke of Beaufort's Hounds, I sliould say, in my early days the run on the 44 BE AV FORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 26tli December, 1871, and, in my later days the one on January 8tli, 1903. I remember them both very well. On the former day we found our first fox, an outlier, near Great Wood, had a quick gallop with him, and he was eventually lost near Dauntsey. Found our second fox in Great Wood at two o'clock, and ran hard in cover for 30 minutes. I was lucky enough to get a start, along with Captain Ben Wlnthrop, for I have a vivid recollection that as we were going best pace towards Miles' Gorse, over the grass and nice jumpable fences, his shouting to me " By G , Sir, this is worth a guinea a minute! " and so it was. We passed the Gorse, crossing the brook over the hunting bridge, thence to Brinkworth, by Moodie's Gorse, Woodbridge Coppice, Eastcourt, Crudwell, Culkerdown, and whipped off as it was getting dark at Haresdown Barn, very near Eodmarton. I remember finding my chestnut mare, Cinderella (she won the Beaufort Hunt Cup a few months later, ridden by Sir Thomas Dancer), just about done, so I had to put in at Trull, where the late WilUam Kilminster soon refreshed me and her, and she trotted home with me and was none the worse. Eleven mile point ; time, over two hours. Then on January 8th, 1903, we found in a clump in Badminton Park, and came out near Worcester Lodge. Hounds ran from there to ground in Avening Wood without any perceptible check, in 55 minutes ; nine mile points. I remember that run well, and a very fine run it was, the fox making his point without entering a single covert ; passing Park Wood, Bowldown, Beverston Brake, etc., as if they did not exist. I was not quite quick enough at starting, but I could see the leaders going, and had all I could do to keep them in sight. They were Mr. and Mrs. Bill Harford, Hugh Barker, Will Dale, and my son Edward on a one-eyed horse. Luckily for him the remaining eye was a good one. There have been, of course, scores of good runs during my time, and good hunts, too, some on the days I have been out, and many more, especially in the Wiltshire side of the country, when I have not been out. Mr. Herbert Nell's help in hunting the country from 1905 to March 5th, 1910, must not be forgotten, for no one worked harder, I might say as hard as he did, to show sport. He tells me that when hunting the Avon Vale country from near Chipping Sodbury he had to leave home very early, and was frequently not back till ten or twelve at night, and once not till two o'clock on a Sunday morning. His best season was 1908-9. He had 27| couple of hounds, started hunting on August 27th, and finished on the 1st of May, killed 26| brace, and ran 10 brace to ground. He says : "I finished the day I hurt my eye, viz., March 5th, 1910, which was a capital day (except the eye part of it). We had killed a fox in the big woods at Rood Ashton, and then went away with another, and ran him for two hours five minutes, and killed him." He adds : " It is wonderful BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 45 what pain one can go through when hounds are really running hard for their fox. Anything is worth a good hunt, I think ? '' In February, 1911, Mr. Nell was presented witli a silver model of his favourite hound, " Treasure." Mr. T. P. King made the presentation. A very fine silver cup had previously been presented to Mr. Nell by 45 of the farmers in the Avon Vale. P.S. — In January, 1914, Mr. Fullerton, sent in his resignation, and Mr. W. R. Preston, of Seend Park, became Master of the Avon Vale. Frank Henry. Farmers and Foxhunting. Dear Frank Henry, My recollections, all pleasant, of Wiltshire and Gloucestershire farmers go back now for a good many years ; I think to the Season of 1879. I have always considered that the farmers of a country are half the country. I do not mean in the accepted and trite sense that hunting could not go on at all, much less flourish, without the support of the farming owners and occupiers of land ; but I mean that it makes the whole difference to be out with a pack and in a country where the farmers hunt themselves. In this respect — and I am speaking from some experience — yours are second to none. What is more, they set the tune, as it were, for a large zone of country. Somehow or other, whether it be due to the soil, or to the climate, or the forces of example, the Great Western Railway, say from Slough to the Severn, serves a great extent of territory hunted, I grant by different packs, but where the pleasure of sharing your fun with those Mho get their living by the land is truly to be enjoyed. Take Berkshire for instance. Mr. Garth's country and its farmers were exposed to, and apparently welcomed, the operations of several packs of hounds. It may be too much to say — though I am not so sure that it is — that Badminton is the centre from which these more extended influences have radiated ; but it is certainly not too much to assign to the great hunting family of the Somersets and to their long tradition and association with the land, those happy conditions which attend upon and foster foxhunting in your parts. Bad times had depressed and impoverished all who got their living by the land — owners and occupiers alike — when fiist I made acquaintance with the Duke's country. All over England forced sales of stock, arrears of rent, bankruptcies and compositions, farms given up, bad to let again and ill to follow when let, bore testimony to agricultural depression. But in Wiltsliiie and Gloucestershire the country gentlemen stood by their tenants, and the tenant farmers by their labourers, with the result that taking it all over I sliould 46 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. say that the Duke's country is better farmed now than it was say from 1880 to 1890. Perhaps less labour is employed, but the tillage lauds look to me cleaner, and a good deal has been laid down to pasture with excellent effect ; witness the fine grass fields about Easton Grey laid down by Graham-Smith with courage and foresight in the height of the depression. In these hard days many neigh- bourly things were done. I recollect hearing at the time of a young farmer telling the present Duke out cub hunting that it was his last day and that he was bound to sell a good young horse by " Birdhill " to make up the rent. Lord Worcester asked him the price, bought the horse, and begged him to ride it as his own for the rest of the season. I believe the conversation and the arrangement took place in Surrendel Wood. When I come to the farmers themselves, all kinds of recollections of fun we have had together flood in upon me, things going well, hounds favouring you at every turn, falls, being left behind, being pounded, or letting your horse go, all the ups and downs in short which make fox hunting what it means to us in England. What good talks, too, I have had with your folk riding on to cover in the days when we all had to ride, and riding home, perhaps on lame or stone cold horses. There was nothing like a Kich, a Kil minster, a Garlick, or a Teagle (to mention only a few of the ancient farming families) to get you over the long miles. Nor can I ever forget the ready and unfailing kindnesses my children have received from the farmers. Thanks to them the Duke of Beaufort's country is surely a paradise for boys home for the holidays, or little schoolroom girla on shifty ponies. I feel certain that my grateful experiences in this respect are common to every parent and guardian from Wootton Bassett to Bath, from Kingscote to the Plough Downs. Then outside the actual agriculturists, my memory travels back- wards to men like Frank Hiscock and Fred Godwin of Sodbury, and Charlie Rich, who let out and dealt in hunters, or any sort of horse, as well as farmed. There was a great deal to be learnt from these men in many kinds of ways, and if now and again you bought j^our experience, you bought it much cheaper and in a more amusing way than you get it at a fashionable dealer's at Cheltenham or Market Harborougli. One of the best horses I owned or rode I bought of C. Rich on a very fine Sunday afternoon early in February. The day was mild as milk, and Charlie's mood after a Sunday dinner in gentle harmony with all around. After much conversation, and after his son and heir, the Bill Rich of to-day, had been made to jump the animal in and out of a narrow strip of orchard seriously encum- bered by veteran apple trees, we dealt at £27. I rode Happy Jack for vears, and he was much admired in the Royal Procession at Ascot, or anvhow the Second Whip who rode him said so. Then there was Mr. Henry Jones of the " King's Arm:^," and Mr. Joe Moore, still at " The Bell," at Malmesbury, both prosperous in other lines of business. BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 47 but both farmers and versed in farming. Mr. Jones was ver}- fond of a talk about anything, and at one time was eloquent about and almost obsessed by the charm of Small Holdings. He was piicked with the idea that the most was not being got out of the soil under the existing conditions of our system of land tenure. Mr. Jones could express himself remarkably well, but I imagine the views he so ably advocated were largely conversational. Certainly no man would have been more upset by any changes which would have interfered with the proprietors of Estcourt or Charlton or Badminton. Two or three of the hunting tenant farmers were businesslike and racy speakers, and I remember especially a Fat Stock Show dinner at the " King's Arms," when the speaking was quite capital. Whilst I was Master of the Buckhounds several of my farmer friends from your part of the world came out with me on two occasions. Who runs may read. Cold print records their stirring exploits, especially Jim Rich's, in " The Queen's Hounds." Their presence gave me the greatest pleasure, and I often regret now the long railway miles which intervene between your cheerful and serene hunting grounds and my own in Craven. Distance alone has imposed a separation upon many long standing and amusing friendships with the farmers of the Duke of Beaufort's Hunt. Believe me, Yours sincerely, RiBBLESDALE. Gisburne, Yorkshire, 28th April, 1914. By an Old Blue Coat. Nothing could be more to my mind than to be asked to write a very short appreciation of the 8tli Duke of Beaufort. It could be done far better by another, but I have so grateful a recollection of the man that I gladly offer such as I can. In the various duties which fell to him to perform he was, in my view, a Duke of Dukes, a Country Squire of Country Squires, a Neighbour of Neighbours, a Friend of Friends, and moreover the grandest of sportsmen. He had the great gift of a delightful personality, which was never away from him, in business — political or other — or sport, and both the older and the younger generations, to the latter of which I belonged, when I had the good fortune first to go to live in his country, had reason to revere him and consult him in everything, and never in vain. As for his Duchess, need one say more than that she was a high minded, charming lady. Everyone looked up to her, and with reason. He reigned over our country for many a year, and we all look back to him with gratitude. 48 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. It will be understood that a Master of Foxhounds such as the 8th Duke of Beaufort would be quite sure several times during hia Mastership to be asked to accept from his friends some form of thanks to him for his sporting kindness. One such instance was in or about 1861, when a picture of the Duchess and himself, both mounted, the Duke on " Sportsman,"' along with two couple of hounds, was painted by Sir Francis Grant (President of the Royal Academy), and after being exhibited in Chippenham, Tetbury, and other towns, was presented to them, and is on the walls at Badminton now. Another instance, one moreover of great interest to the present writer, for to him was permitted the honourable duty of making the presentation, was in 1898. His Grace retired from the M.F.H-ship and from residence at Badminton. His numerous friends could not possibly be willing that he should leave them without some fresh record of their regard for him, and of their appreciation of all the sport he had shown them. A portrait of him was therefore painted by Mr. Ellis Roberts, for which his many friends were delighted to subscribe, and the presentation of this picture was made at a meet of the hounds at Badminton House on Saturday, March 5th, 1898, in the presence of an enormous and enthusiastic assembly of his friends and neighbours. No one was missing. All '" Beaufort- shire " was there. His Hunting Country is best described this way, for it lies in two different though adjacent counties, Gloucester and Wilts, each equally eager to make him and his hounds welcome. A capital day's sport, moreover, followed the ceremony, which will be long remembered. I will only add a word or two. I am old enough to remember the fact of the Duke being for a time his own huntsman. The post became rather suddenly vacant in 1855, and, promptly deciding to hunt hounds himself, set his tailors to immediate work to fit him out with green plush coats at one clear day's notice, that the advertised appointment for the next day but one should be duly kept. I was not present myself, for I was at the University, but I know from a near relation, himself a real sportsman, that His Grace was one of the cheeriest huntsmen he had known, and it was a treat to hear him when hounds were drawing a covert. He hunted hounds all the remainder of that season and all the following one, when he engaged Tom Clark, from the Old Berkshire. Clark remained ■with him for a long time and was succeeded in the post of huntsman by the present Duke. Well do I remember the day, March 4th, 1868, on which I saw young Lord Worcester in his first green plush coat and huntsman's cap, riding with his hounds down the hill from the Monument to Lower Woods, where he was to inaugurate his long and prosperous career as huntsman. We had a good day's sport, too, and everybody was pleased. He has indeed during all the years that have passed BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 49 since that day shown us capital sport, and wc earnestly hope he may live for many a year to direct our sport and to continue the happy hunting days which his beautiful pack of hounds is quite sure to provide for us. We thank him heartily, and gratefully acknowledge our good fortune in having had the 8th and 9th Dukes of Beaufort to preside over our country and for all their generosity in their manner of doing so. Contributed by Colonel Napier Miles, C.B. Dear Frank, You ask me to give you reminiscences of my father, the late Colonel Peter Miles. I must tell you he was always rather reticent about his* exploits in the hunting field, though he occasionally opened out with regard to his experiences during the seasons he hunted in Leicestershire, when Sir Richard Sutton was Master of the Quorn. He never quite liked the verses, flattering though they were, written by Davenport Bromley about him in the " Lays of the Belvoir Hunt," as he said they were not fair to Little Gilmour.* When in the 17th Lancers, and quartered in Dublin, during the forties, he used to buy all his horses from one Red Smith, who I take it was the Captain Steeds of that day, and who knew every horse hkely to make a hunter in the whole country round. Many a time he took my father to out of the way places where they sometimes would find a horse tied up in a sort of hovel surrounded by pigs ! Those were the days when every horse in Ireland had good blood in him, and such an animal as a '' Hackney " had never been heard of. In 1852 he had a black horse called the " Priest," a wonderful wall jumper. One day the late Duke of Beaufort saw him jump the wall at the bottom of Chavenage Park, which he thought was out of the way big for one who rode 17 stone, and had it measured ; it was found to be 5ft. 8in. This led to a bet being made with the late Mr. Robert Chapman that the horse would clear a 6ft. wall. The wall was built up for the purpose on the Westonbirt estate, just off Bowldown Wood on the Boxwell side, and can be seen now, it having always been kept up by the late Mr. Holford and his son after him. It was a capital place to choose, the turf being beautiful and springy, but unfortunately for my father he lost the bet as at each attempt the horse knocked a stone off with his hind toe. The horse was ridden by his second horseman, a light weight. He told me of a curious thing once happening to him which occurred not long after he had been in this country, when hunting with the V.W H, in the Cricklade district. Hounds were running * A copy of the verses referred to appeare at the end of the book 50 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. hard when he came to the Tadpole brook at an unjumpable phice. When in the air, thinking it was all U P, and that he was bound to go bang into the middle of it, he felt his horse give a sort of second spring as if he had doubled off an imaginary island, and was landed safe on the other side. I believe similar cases are not unknown. Later on in the sixties he had a very good grey horse, " Blue Pill," bought out of a drove of Irish horses that came over here. His portrait, with my father on him, is in Sir Reginald Graham's " Fox- hunting Recollections." One day when riding him my father got away with hounds from Great Wood a field in front of anyone else, ran over the Brink worth brook into the V.W.H. country, through Woodbridge to Braydon Pond plantation, without anybody over- taking him, which says a good deal for " Blue Pill," considering Tom Clark, George Fordham, and Custance, who I imagine were all riding about half my father's weight, were amongst the competitors. When I sent the photograph to Sir I^. Graham for his book I men- tioned this anecdote, and in his reply he said " I remember Blue Pill very well, and find in my diary the day which you mention, March 22nd, 1864. Met at L)nieham Green, from Great Wood fast to Woodbridge in V.W.H. country, and killed about 35 min. All grass. I remember it was much talked about for a long time : your father. Lord Vivian, Pincher Sutton, Fordham, and Clark were the only ones anywhere near." Mr. Sam Ferris, of Bradford, lately told me it was he who originally bought " Blue Pill " for £28 ! My father had wonderful hands, eye, and nerve. I recollect him telling me that in his younger days during a run that the fences were quite a secondary consideration to him, the only thing he thought of was how with his weight he was going to get to the end of it. The way this was accomplished is very well described by Davenport Bromley in a book entitled " Sport," in which my father is depicted as the hero, sailing over oxers and ridge and furrow in Leicestershire. Yours sincerely, C. N. Miles. February, 1914. The Late Sir Nigel Kingscote, K.C.B. Recollections of the Beaufort Hunt would not be complete without reference being made to that best of good sportsmen, Sir Nigel Kings- cote, of Kingscote, Colonel Henry has been fortunate enough to have obtained some records of him from his brother, Mr. Thomas Kint'scote, M.V.O., a few of which are appended, and will, it is thought, prove of interest. BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 51 Colonel Sir Eobert Nigel Fitzharclinge Kingscote, G.C.V.O., K.C.B., -was born on February 28th, 1830, the eldest son of Colonel Thomas Henry Kingscote, by his wife Lady Isabella Somerset, sixth daughter of the sixth Duke of Beaufort. Educated at home and by private tutors, he obtained a commission in the Scots Guards at the age of 16, and he served throughout the Crimean War, being A.D.C. to his great-uncle, Lord Raglan. He first mariied, in 1851, Caroline Sophia, daughter of Colonel Wyndham, of Petworth, afterwards created Lord Leconfield, but she died in 1852, and in 1856 he married Lady Emily Curzon, daughter of the first Lord Howe, and sister of the late Duchess of Beaufort and the late Lady Westmoreland, and half-sister of the Duchess of Abercorn. By her he had as issue a son and two daughters. The son, Mr. Nigel Richard Fitzhardinge Kingscote, formerly held a commission in the Rifle Brigade, and married, in 1912, Mrs. Aubrey Coventry, sister of Colonel Napier Miles ; the elder daughter married Mr. Arthur Maitland Wilson, of Stowlangtoft Hall, Bury St. Edmunds, and of Didmarton, and the younger daughter married the Marquis of Cholmondelcy. Although Sir Nigel had not been able to follow hounds for some years previous to his death on September 22nd, 1908, he is well re- membered by the older generation of hunting men in the Badminton, the Y.W.H. (Cirencester), and Berkeley countries as an especially straight rider, for his hunting career began when he w^as 16. He could well remember Will Long when he was with the Badminton, and during the late Duke of Beaufort's visit to Gibraltar Sir Nigel had the management of the famous pack under Clark the huntsman. An unpleasant experience of his was the breaking of a leg when riding one of the late King's — then the Prince of Wales — horses when the Prince was in Egypt ; he also broke ribs in the hunting field, but nearly up to the last he was fond of riding, and rarely missed that exercise before breakfast. In the grounds of Kingscote Park, 899 feet above the sea level, and on the main road between Tetbury and Wotton-under-Edge, is one of the finest racecourses in England, although it has not been used for that purpose since 1825, while in a secluded dell in the Park a place is pointed out where many prize fights were contested in the palmy days of the Ring. The shooting on the Kingscote estate was kept up to a high standard, and the open coursing meetings held there at one time were the best in Gloucestershire. As a patron of all field sports Sir Nigel is greatly missed, and no man in Gloucestershire was more revered and beloved, these sentiments increasing to intensity the closer one got to his old home. Sir Nigel Kingscote was a clever, versatile man, who had seen much of the world in Court, camp, and senate, while his personal qualities made him very popular in the many different circles in which he had links, and by his death Gloucestershire and the country generally was deprived of a fine type of English gentleman, one 52 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. whose ever present sense of duty was illuminated by unfailing sympathy and kindness of heart. In short, he was in the fullest sense of the word a true English gentleman, who left the world all the better for his long and honourable life, and his bright inspiring example. To quote from a letter written by one of Sir Nigel's Glou- cestershire neighbours — " In a short time we who knew him so intimately will be gone, and cannot then speak of his splendid qualities, and it is our duty to his memory and to our race that a record should be left of him. I reverence the memory of the late Sir Nigel ; there is no one like him left that I know — Gentleman, Soldier, Statesman, Business man, Farmer, Sportsman, Friend — he excelled in all." Prolonged Connection with the Hunt. The following is a copy of a letter received by Colonel Henry from Sir John Wallington, K.C.B., who was for many years " Father of the Hunt," in answer to an enquiry as to how long a period his family had been connected with the Beaufort Hunt : — Keevil Manor, Trowbridge, Wilts, 13th Deer., 1905. Dear Frank, I had the Blue Coat in 1844, so up to the present date, 1905, have worn it 61 years. My father, John Wallington, wore the Coat 68 years, and my grandfather, Edward Wallington, born 1760, died 1829, was also a member of the Duke of Beaufort's Hunt. Believe me. Yours very sincerely, John Wallington. Contributed by Will Dale. Fox Cottage, Didmarton, February, 1914. Dear Sir, During my career as Huntsman I hunted and killed 4,000 foxes, and assisted at killing a thousand more at Brocklesby and Bad- minton. The greatest number of days I was out in one season was 186, at Badminton, and I was the only one of the firm who went the whole lot. This was when His Grace took over the Avon Vale side, and many a long trot and ride we had home, as there was no BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 53 motor then, and the foui-horse van conveyed the hounds. His Grace invariably took me with him when lie drove to Sutton Benger or elsewhere, and it took us much longer to come home when we left off at Bynol or Bushton, and then had to come to Sutton. But it was as pleasant as it could be, and if we had had an extra good day we had time to discuss all the merits attending it. On Friday Nov. 30th, 1900, when we met at Erlestoke, we had a long day and a good one. We had a capital gallop in the morning, and killed the first fox after running over the Steeple Ashton Vale, then later found in Erlestoke Wood, and ran over a lot of country to Lavington, and finally over the Downs ; some splendid hound work, which included some rare work over a large tract of new plough. A good bitch named Harriet stuck persistently to the fox, which I viewed a good way ahead, and we finally killed him in the open at Tilshed after a two hours' run, and we had to come to Melksham to the van, then home to Badminton, altogether about 32 miles. This was when we were hunting eight times a week by twice in the week having two packs out a day. So that it required some thought and something to do at home. But we always did it, and liked it. I made a practice of being up in the morning early, which is always essential in a big establishment. The number of good runs would fill a volume themselves, were I to relate them all. The foxes have not made the good points over the Vale in Dauntsey District as they did before the new railway came, but there are plenty of good foxes in the hunt. There is no country like it. It is needless to relate how the pack has improved since 1896. Having all the best pedigrees at my finger ends, and knowing all the best working sorts, I set about them, and having such a good hound authority as His Grace as Master, it is nothing to be wondered that the Pack got to the present state of perfection. By introducing the best of Brocklesby and the best old Belvoir blood, combined with the old strains of Lord H. Bentinck, and having seen and known all the best workers since the sixties (I myself commencing my career as Huntsman under such a Master of the science as Mr. Frank Foljambe), it need only be expected that such good results in hound breeding would have happy results. Being such a devoted lover of hounds and their work, the work and trouble that has been taken has shown for itself. Yours respectfully, Will Dale. 54 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. Presentations to the 8th Duke of Beaufort. (From the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard, January 23, 1864.) The picture intended to be presented to His Grace, and which has been exhibited at Chippenham and Tetbury, contains the portraits of the Duke and Duchess. It was painted by Mr. F. Grant, K.A. (afterwards Sir Francis Grant), and is considered by those who Lave seen it to be one of the best of that celebrated artist's works. It is full size, being 12 feet high, and about 8 feet wide. It represents His Grace dressed in the blue and buff uniform of his Hunt, seated on his favourite grey horse, " Speculation," in an attitude of repose, looking back as if waiting for the huntsman to come up with the pack, in obedience to the summons of the horn, which the Di;ke is holding in his right hand. The Duchess is on a grey barb, which she purchased when at Gibraltar two years ago. She is dressed in a blue and buff riding habit and hat, and is looking towards the Duke. In the foreground are two of the best hounds of the Badminton pack, " Finder " and " Hector." The likenesses are considered very good. The frame is neat and without much ornament, and bears on a small tablet these words : " Presented to Henry, 8th Duke of Beaufort, by the gentlemen and farmers of his hunt, and other friends, January, 1864." The testimonial originated in a desire expressed by several farmers, as well as by the members of the hunt, to present to the Duke some token of the respect felt towards him by every class of those who, whether as owners or occupiers of land comprised within the hunt, or merely as hunting with His Grace's hounds, appreciate the liberal and sportsmanlike manner in which he has hunted the country since his father's death, and desire to offer him an acknowledgment of his courtesy and liberality. The number of subscribers exceeds, we are told, 400 ; and His Grace and the Duchess will value the compliment all the more from its being the joint present of persons of every rank of life. The picture is to be engraved before it reaches its final resting place at Badminton. (From the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard, June 18, 1864.) The following correspondence has taken place on the occasion of presenting to the Duke of Beaufort the picture containing the Portraits of His Grace and the Duchess, painted by F. Grant, Esq., K.A. :— " January, 1864. " Dear Duke of Beaufort, — We send with this a list of the sub- scribers to the picture by Mr. Grant, containing the portraits of yourself and the Duchess, and on behalf of those whose names are BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 55 inscribed in that list we request your acceptance of the picture, as a token of the respect felt towards you by every class of those who, whether as members of the Beaufort Hunt, or as owners or occupiers of land comprised within the hunt, or merely as visitors occasionally hunting with your hounds, appreciate the liberal and sportsmanlike manner in which you have hunted this country since your father's death, and desire to offer you some acknowledgment of your courtesy and liberality. " It has been a great additional pleasure to the subscribers, since the idea of presenting you with a portrait of yourself was first started, to have been able to include in the same picture a portrait of the Duchess, not only because the picture will thus, we feel sure, be more highly prized by you, but also because it will thus bear witness to the esteem which is so sincerely felt towards Her Grace personally by all her neighbours. " We hope that this picture will serve to remind future owners of Badminton of the respect and affection with which their ancestors were regarded by those amongst whom they lived. " We are, dear Duke of Beaufort, Yours very truly, " Edw. D. Bucknall Estcourt, " C. W. Miles. " To His Grace the Duke of Beaufort, etc." " Badminton, January, 1864. " My dear Mr. Estcourt, — It is difficult to express sufficiently all I feel on the subject of your and Colonel Miles's most kind and flattering letter, conveying to me in the name of the subscribers Mr. Grant's picture of the Duchess and myself. Independently of the merits of the picture as a work of art, it is most valuable to me as a proof of the good feeling and regard of my neighbours and friends, feelings which, believe me, are warmly and gratefully returned by us both. The ready assistance and willing co-operation which I in- variably meet with from the members of my hunt, and the owners and occupiers of the land, and the hearty and successful efforts to preserve foxes, has added tenfold to the pleasures of the noble sport, and has made the hunting field, as it always should be, a place of cordial greeting and good fellowship, cemejiting together the ties which always have bound, and I trust always will continue to bind my family to this neighbourhood. " I am particularly sensible .of the kindness of the subscribers in wishing to add the portrait of the Duchess to the originally intended picture — an addition which indeed doubles its value to me, and which to her has been a most gratifying pioof of the esteem of those friends and neighbours among whom she is always so happy to find luM'self. " As you have written on behalf of the subscribers, I will ask you to convey to them, from the Duchess as well as myself, our 56 BE AV FORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. warmest thanks £(»• the great pleasure their kind and most handsome present has conferred upon us. " Believe me, my dear Mr. Estcourt and Colonel Miles, " Very sincerely yours, " Beaufort. " To Edw. B. Estcourt, Esq., and Lieutenant-Colonel C. W. Miles." The picture was exhibited at the Ro5'al Academy Exhibition of 1864. In 1898, His Grace, the 8th Duke of Beaufort, who had four years previously handed over the Hounds to the Marquis of Wor- cester, and had taken up his residence at Stoke House, was presented with a portrait of himself by Mr. Ellis Roberts. The presentation was made on the occasion of a lawn meet at Badminton, on March 5th, 1898, and in making the presentation on behalf of the subscribers, Lord Estcourt said " They felt in that country, in that fox- hunting country, that they owed an enormous debt of gratitude to the Duke of Beaufort. The Duke, on visiting Badminton again, would like to hear one thing — they had first class sport under his noble son, the Marquis of Worcester. They desired to express their obligations for all the Duke of Beaufort had done in the interests of sport. For very many years past they had had the very best of sport under His Grace's rule. There never was in the history of any presentation one which had met with such absolute concurrence, and which was so full of good feeling from those from whom it came as the present." The Duke of Beaufort, in replying, said : " It is very difficult for me to find words to express to you the gratification that I feel at the too great kindness you have shown me. I am sure no man has been more warmly, more heartily, supported in any country in England than I have been all my life. It was the same with my grandfather and my father before me, and I am happy also to feel that that same kind feeling still pervades, and that you support my son in the kind and generous way in which you have always supported me. I assure you that it is a difficult matter to find words to express, on behalf both of the Duchess and myself, what very great gratifica- tion you have given to us in this mark of your kindness. I hope that this picture will be handed down from son to son for many generations to come ; and if such a thing is possible as fox-hunting in the future, that the Master of Badminton will still be master of the hunt in this country, and the hounds will continue to show the sport which you are kind enough to say we have always shown you. As to Colonel Estcourt and the Committee, the gentlemen who have taken all the trouble about this matter, I am most grateful to them ; and I must say — of course I am no judge myself of a likeness of myself — that I have heard on all hands that no one could paint a more perfect likeness than Mr. Ellis Roberts has just done. I beg to thank him BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 57 for the trouble he took about it, and I thank you ladies and gentlemen all for very kindly coming here to-da}'^ to meet me, and I hope you may live long to enjoy not only sport of the field, but licalth and happiness." Accompanying the picture was a handsomely bound volume of names, containing the signatures of all the subscribers. On the fly-leaf of the volume was the following preface : "" At a general meeting of the subscribers of the Badminton Hunt, held at Malmes- bury, on the 11th of February, 1897, it was unanimously decided to ask His Grace the Duke of Beaufort to accept some small gift from those who have been identified with and have enjoyed the sport which he has provided for them for many years, and during which time they have received from him as their M.F.H. so many proofs of kindness." His Grace the 8th Duke of Beaufort died in May of the following year, to the great grief of everybody who had ever been associated with him. Presentations to the 9th Duke of Beaufort. In 1891 the members of the Hunt presented Lord Worcester with four pictures of the " Blue and Buff," as some acknowledgment of their obligations to him during the twenty-two years he had then hunted the hounds, and at the same time expressing their hearty thanks for the excellent sport he had shown. The pictures contained portraits of a number of friends whom His Lordship had been accustomed to meet out hunting, and reminded him of many pleasant years of sport. Li 189G, Lord Worcester was presented with a wedding present by gentlemen hunting with the Beaufort Hounds. The presentation took the form of a portrait of himself by Professor Herkomer, R.A., and the following account of the event is taken from the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard of November 7th, 1896. " On Monday, at the White Hart Hotel, Tetbury ('previous to the opening meet for the season of the Badminton Hounds at Xewnton Lodge), the wedding present subscribed for by members ami followers of the hunt was presented to the Mar(]uis of Worcester. The gift took the form of a splendid portrait of the recipient, painted by Profes.sor Herkomer, R.A., the cost being 500 guineas. The portrait is of three-(juarter length, and represents the noble marquis in luuiting costume as Master of the Badminton Hounds. The likeness in admirable, the expression of the marquis being very happily caught, and the work altogether is worthy of the fame of the great artist from whose brush it comes. The ))ictur(^ bears the artist's signature, and to the frame is affi.xed the following inscription : — ' Presented 58 BE AV FORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. to the Marquis of Worcester, on his marriage, by the members ot the Beaufort Hunt and other friends hunting with the duke's hounds. October 9th, 1895." Among those who gathered to meet the Marquis at the Assembly-room of the White Hart Hotel were Colonel, Mrs., and the Misses Henry, General Hale, General Burn, Mr. G. Sotheron Estcourt, Mr. Erskine Pollock, Q.C., and Mrs. Pollock, Colonel Gist, Colonel Hoole, Mr. Lowsley Williams, Mr. A. C. Mitchell, Mr. T. H. Cardwell, Mr. D. Lindsay, Major Little, Mr. A. M. Wilson, Mr. Darling, Mr. A. Playne, Mr. W. Playne, Mr. S. Playne, Mrs. Raymond Barker, Messrs. Boustead, A. Dunsford, J. Garlick, C. Eich, W. T. Drew, H. Fry, Clarke (Didmarton), C. Hamblm, etc. General Eobert Hale, in making the presentation, said : Lord Worcester, — I have been requested by Sir Nigel Kingscote to express his great regret that he is unable to be present here to-day. The short notice and his engagement in London make it quite impossible for him to come down, otherwise I am sure Sir Nigel would have been very pleased to have stood in my position to-day. The task that has been entrusted to me is a very pleasant one, and I presume that one of the reasons whj' I have been asked to undertake it is the fact that it is now more than 40 years since I put on my first blue and buff coat, and therefore I am able to testify from my own personal experience to the sport that has been shown for so many years in this county by the liberality of your noble father and by yourself. (Cheers.) In asking you to accept as a wedding present this admirable portrait of 3'ourself, which I hope may be considered a good likeness, painted as it has been by one of the most eminent, if not the most eminent portrait painter of the present day, Professor Herkomer, I should wish, on behalf of the subscribers, who are ladies and gentlemen in the habit of hunting with the Badminton Hounds, to convey an assurance of the good will that they feel towards you and towards your house — (cheers) — and to offer their sincere congratulations on your marriage, and their heartfelt good wishes that health, happiness, and prosperity may attend Lady Worcester and your self through life. (Cheers.) We hope you may be long spared to dwell among your neighbours, and to preserve those tra- ditions which have made Beaufort and Worcester and Badminton household words throughout the country. (Cheers.) You have, I beheve, received a list of the names of the subscribers, and from that you will see that the expression of good feeling which the gift repre- sents is not confined to one section of the community, but that it conveys a sentiment which is universal. (Cheers.) It now only remains for me, in their names, to hand over this picture to your keeping. (Cheers.) Lord Worcester, in reply, said : General Hale, ladies and gentle- men,— I can only say I am very much obliged to you for so kindly giving me this picture, which I shall value very much, and I hope it will be handed down for many years to hang at Badminton, and. BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 59 being the work of Professor Herkomer, I hope it will be regarded as a work of art. Lady Worcester would have been very pleased if she had been able to be present, but she is going to Hartham this evening, and she thought the two journeys would be rather too much for her. I cannot say how very much obliged I am for your present, and for the kind expressions towards myself and my family. (Applause.) I will not detain you any longer. You know perfectly well I am not a good hand at speaking, and I will only thank you once again, and remind you that we ought to be getting on for the meet as soon as we can. (Cheers and laughter.) The proceedings then closed, and the party mounted their horses and rode to Newnton Lodge." Presentation to Colonel F. Henry. (From the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard of Nov. 9th, 1912.) The opening meet of the season of the Beaufort Hounds took place on Monday morning last at Ehnestree, Tetbury, the residence of Colonel Frank Henry, and the occasion was signalised by the presentation to the gallant Colonel of a portrait of himself painted by Mr. John Bacon, R.A., which had been subscribed for by past and present followers of the Beaufort Hunt in recognition of the services rendered by Colonel Henry as honorary secretary of the Hunt during the last 24 years. The presentation was made by His Grace the Duke of Beaufort. The presentation took place on the lawn just outside the front entrance to Ehnestree. The meet of the hounds was announced for eleven o'clock, and punctual, as usual, His Grace the Duke of Beaufort arrived with the pack. The assembly was a very large and distinguished one, the meet being peihaps the biggest which has taken place in the history of the Badminton Hounds, and the weather was everything that could be desired, both on the part of those gathered for the purpose of witnessing the inter- esting ceremony and those who combined therewith the intention of taking part in the subsequent day's sport. There was just enough sunshine to temper the nippiness of a November morning, and the presence of so many hunting men in " blue and buff," together with numerous ladies, and the extraordinary number of motor cars all combined to make an exceedingly picturesque spectacle. Amongst those present in addition to the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort and Colonel and Mrs. Henry, were Colonel Sir Audley Neeld, Sir George Holford, the Ladies Blanche and Diana Somerset, Mr. W. A. Harford, Mr. F. de Tuyll, Mr. Arthur M. Wilson, Lord Richard Wellesley^ Lord Ludlow, Lady Sybil Codrington, Lord Andover and the Ladies Howard, Lady Cholmondeley, Captain Morrison-B(!ll, M.P., and Mrs. Morrison- Bell, Mrs. Prideaux-Brune, Colonel Allan Henry, 60 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. Captain and Mrs. G. Henry, Captain and Mrs. E. Henry, Colonel Napier Miles, Mr. and Mrs. G. Lowsley- Williams, Mr. Aiidley Miller (secretary of the Beaufort Hnnt), Major and Mrs. Scott, Colonel and Mrs. Pierce Taylor, Mrs. Graham Smith, Mr. and Mrs. A. Hoare, Colonel Forestier-Walker, Captain Truman, Mr. D. Lindsay, Mr. Meredyth Brown, Mr. A. C. and Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Walmsley, Mr. W. Playne, Mr. Hugh Baker, Captain J. Spicer, Major A. Cope, Major-General Inigo Jones, Major A. E. Miles, Major Brinton, Mr. C. Harding, Colonel Balfour, Major and Mrs. Bishop, Mr. Carnaby Forster, Mr. G. de Lisle Bushe, Major Little, Dr. W. Wickham, Eev. Dr. Thomson, Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Kitcat, Major Playne, Major Eicardo, Mr. F. Plavne, Mr. J. T. C. Masters, Mr. Will" Dale, Mr. Roper Tvler, Mr. H.' Lisle Taylor, Mr. J. C. N. Hatherell, Mr. W. Warner. Mr. E. Garlick, Mr. T.Knight, Mr. Rufus Holborow, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Home, Mr. E. P. Fowler, Eev. A. Gabe Jones, Mr. G. Fowles, Mr. A. Witchell, Mr. E. Fowler, Mr. M. Driver, Mr. and Mrs. E. Deavin, Mr. A. Bozworth, Mr. H. Arkell, Mr. S. Keevil, the Hon. Cvril Ward, Dr. Heaton, Mr. Algernon Turner, Mr. P. Barber, Mr. W. Cave, Mr. W. Drew, Mr. W. Davis, Mr. S. Kilminster, Mr. C. Godwin, Mr. J. Calcutt. Mi'. J. Pineger, Mr. G. Beaven, Mr. Ernest Pritchard, and many otheis, the attendance being representative of nearly every family residing within many miles of Tetbury, and including nearly the whole of the farmers of the countryside and a great many Tetbury people. The company having gathered about the picture which had been on view on the lawn. The Duke of Beaufort said : Ladies and gentlemen, we are met here to-day to present to Colonel Henry his portrait and this album containing the names of the subscribers to the picture, as a slight return for all he has done for the Hunt during the 24 years he has acted as secretary. I suppose you are all aware how hard he has worked, how well he has attended to every detail connected with damage, loss of poultry, and all other matters connected with the Hunt. Unfortunately, we don't get any younger as time goes on, and Colonel Henry, alas ! found it impossible to ride and see what was going on whilst out hunting, and he therefore determined to resign. Luckily, that does not mean losing him from among us. (Hear, hear.) He is still living in our midst, and I trust will do so for many years to come. (Applause.) I hope when he looks at this picture and this album containing the names of those who have subscribed to the picture he will be reminded of many happy days and many old friends. (Hear, hear.) I will say no more, but will ask Colonel Henry to accept the picture as a token of our esteem and affection, and wish him and Mrs. Henry long life and happiness. (Applause.) Colonel Sir Audley Neeld said : Ladies and gentlemen, I don't intend to detain you long, and first of all I wish to endorse every word BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. Gl that His Grace has said with regard to Colonel Henry to-day. I have been asked, as chairman of the Beaufort Hunt Committee, to say a few words to-day on this very interesting occasion, an occasion I venture to say which is almost without precedent in the annals of any hunt in England. Colonel Henry has for 24 years voluntarily and without reward of any kind furthered the interests of the Beaufort Hunt. In times of great changes, in times of almost unspeakable difficulties, in times of severe agricultuial depression. Colonel Henry has done what he could in the interests of sport, and ho has promoted in this country a feeling with I'egard to that sport which shows our country is indeed a very happy one. He has removed many diffi- culties which might have been of sinister importance, by, to use the words in the address, " his continual courtesy, his great tact, and his genial and kind manner." (Hear, hear.) I venture to say I voice the opinion not only of the Committee of the Hunt, but every- body connected with this Hunt, when I say that we owe to Colonel Henry a debt of great and unpayable gratitude. (Hear, hear.) On behalf of everybody who has subscribed to this beautiful picture and this lovely album I venture to endorse the words that the Duke has already said, and wish Colonel and I\Irs. Henry good health, prosperity, and happiness, and in the name of all for whom I am speaking I trust that they may be spared for many years to enjoy those greatest blessings life can possibly give. (Applause.) Colonel Henry, in reply, said : My Lord Duke, Sir Audley Neeld, ladies and gentlemen, I need hardly tell you I find it very difficult to find words to express my gratitude for what you have all done for me. I confess I was surprised when I heard such a thing was intended, and more astonished when I heard of the number of people who had been kind enough to subscribe, and who have come here to-day to assist at the presentation. I am more particularly pleased to find by looking at the list of subscribers that my friends amongst the farmers have responded so well in supporting the presentation. (Hear, hear.) I confess when I undertook the secretaryship of the Hunt the first thing I thought of was the consideration that must be shown to the farming interest in the country. Farmers and fox- hunting go hand in hajid together, and good will must be shown on both sides. (Applause.) I am sure in this country the example shown by His Grace the Duke of Beaufort, and the good will he shows to the farmers on every possible occasion, is well known to us — (hear, hear) — and I can assure you that during my term of office of 24 years, when I have consulted His Grace about the payment of damage the advice His Grace has always given has been to act generously in the matter of any serious damage. (Hear, hear.) We are delighted to see His Grace here to-day. During the past 15 or 16 years of my term of office, in furthering the good will that ought to exist between foxhunting and farmers, I was al)ly supported by one whom we are also glad to see here to-day. I was aided and 62 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. abetted by my old friend, Will Dale. (Applause.) He was always a favourite of everybody's here. (Hear, hear.) Now, I should not like 3^ou to think that I wish to take all the credit to myself of having managed the poultry fund of the Hunt ; not at all, for I was most ably assisted by the gentlemen who have so kindly given up their time and have loyally and efficiently helped me, and if I was to pick out one, who lives furthest from me, and who has done his work with discretion and tact, I should like to mention the name of Mr. Ernest Pritchard. (Hear, hear.) The Hunt owes him more than they think, and his system of accounts is the best I have come across. Whilst on the topic of accounts I should like to add one more name. When I undertook the management of the accounts of the Hunt it was a simple matter ; I only had 91 subscribers, and the subscription was something under £2,000. Lately, I have had 291 subscribers, and the subscription has been nearer £5,000 than anything else. (Hear, hear.) That is a serious matter, and I had to get assistance. I have been ably assisted by Mr. Edwin Deavin, and I beg now to thank Mr. Deavin for the trouble he has taken for the sake of the Hunt. (Applause.) I think, gentlemen, I have only one thing more to say, and that is I hope those who have loyally supported me will loyally support my successor, not only for his own sake but for the sake of foxhunting in Gloucestershire. (Applause.) Perchance my ex- perience may be of some use to him, and he knows very well that if at any time I can ever assist him I shall only be too proud and pleased to do so. (Hear, hear.) I only wish now to say that the day after to-morrow is, unluckily, my birthday. (Laughter and applause.) You won't all be here then, but you are here now, and if you feel inclined to go round the corner of the house and into my dining room you will have an opportunity of drinking my health. (Cheers.) The company then dispersed, and the Colonel being taken at his word his health was drunk most heartily. Presentations to Will Dale. At a meet of the Beaufort Hounds at Worcester Lodge on November 9th, 1911, Will Dale, who had been their huntsman for 15 years, was presented with a handsome testimonial upon his retire- ment. The presentation, which consisted of an annuity to Dale and his wife, and a cheque for £200, was made by His Grace the Duke of Beaufort. The full amount subscribed was £2,263, and the album containing the names of the 1,132 subscribers was inscribed as follows : — " Presented to Will Dale on his retirement from active service by his old friends and comrades in remembrance of the many days BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 63 of good sport enjoyed with him in the Beaufort and other countries, and in appreciation of his unfailing keenness, courtesy, and kindness." Will Dale suitably replied, and feelingly expressed his gratitude to the committee and the subscribers, observing that the 15 years he had spent among them had been extremely happy ones. The earthstoppers and keepers of the Beaufort Hunt also pre- sented Dale with a silver coffee service, which bore the following inscription. " Presented to Will Dale upon his retirement by the Earthstoppers of the Beaufort Hunt as a small token of the good feeling which existed between them during the 15 years he w-as Huntsman to the Duke of Beaufort. August, 1911." The presentation was made at Chippenham by Mr. N. Croker, of Netheravon. Key to the 1846 Lawn Meet Picture. It may be of interest to reproduce the " Key " to the picture representing the Lawn Meet at Badminton in 1846, by " Craven," after the original picture by Messrs. William and Henry Barraud. " Until a very few years ago painting, in reference to sporting subjects, was in almost as primitive a state in this country, as it is, in its general character of one of the fine arts, at the present hour among the Esquimaux. The great masters, both ancient and modern, appear to have regarded it as beneath the dignity of the pencil — unless, indeed, the Sneyders types of Tonbridge ware dogs and horses are to be considered as tributes to the science and poetry of pictorial woodcraft. Comparisons however are proverbially offensive — let bye-gones, therefore, be bye-gones. Let us not inquire how much that was excellent in the equestrian groups of the Parthenon Seymour contrived to overlook, or how much that was execrable BO many of his successors managed to manufacture out of their own evil devices. This we will pass for a more grateful and a more grace- ful office. Banishing, as memories of the nursery night mares, the wooden cavalry common to the artists of our nursery days, let us ' look at this picture ' — a fitting accompaniment for those which we owe to the genius of Francis Grant, and a few other worthies of his school and era. The Beaufort Hunt is essentially characteristic of the ' hour and the man ' it is designed to record. It sets before us a noble representative of the hneage of the olden chivalry about to take his pleasure in a manful and a popular pastime. All around is brave, and boon, and national — a scene that both ' points the moral and adorns the tale ' of the rural life of England. " The scene of this goodly masque of ' the silver shafted Queen ' is laid in front of * Badminton Park,' the seat of His Grace the Duke 64 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. of Beaufort, K.G. Time — any fair forenoon sent forth from the sweet South, between the feasts of All Saints and Easter. Dramatis Persons — by the following distinguished Company : — " No. 1. Count A. Esterhazy. When we find a foreign noble- man, accustomed to very different amusements, enter into the chase with the zeal, interest, and pleasure which the Count A. Esterhazy shows for the sport of fox hunting, it is a strong proof of the influence which the noble science is capable of exercising. In the costume of the Beaufort Hunt, this accomplished young nobleman looks all over a British Sportsman ; his presence at Badminton and in the field is at all times hailed with pleasure, for a more affable and agree- able man cannot exist. As a proof that the Count appreciates hunting beyond the mere parade of being seen out with hounds, he is in the habit frequently of visiting the kennel, and making enquiries into the various minuti;e incident to the chase with anxious interest. He rides fearlessly to hounds, and is an elegant horseman. " No.. 2. John Stanley, Esq. The performances of this gentle- man with hounds are better known in Cheshire and some of the crack Midland Counties than with the Beaufort Hunt, as he is only an occasional visitor ; but the specimen he has given is enough to confirm the report, that he is very difficult to beat. " No. 3. Lord Andover, as a sportsman, is gifted with the happy combination which but few possess, the faculty of being sufficiently forward to observe all the beautiful operations of the pack, without a particle of that jealous feeling towards his compeers which induces many to over ride hounds and destroy sport. His Lordship is by no means a light weight, yet he is always in a good place. As he resides within the limits of the Vale of White Horse country, he hunts principally with the hounds of that district, and a very clever pack of harriers of his own. During the intervals of sport Lord Andover keeps his friends in spirits by the witty effusions which flow from a source replete with anecdote and humour. " No. 4. Lord Alfred Paget. In consequence of the appoint- ments which this nobleman holds at Court, as Clerk Marshall and Chief Equerry to the Queen, the full enjoyment of field sports, which his taste and inclination would lead him to adopt, of necessity yields to his official duties. Whenever opportunities offer, however, he makes up for lost time ; he is a bold and fearless horseman, and always in a good place. The Duke of Beaufort usually mounts Lord Alfred Paget, and on the occasion, represented in the picture, Jew's-eye, a favourite horse belonging to His Grace, is seen in readiness for his noble guest. It may be said of this most popular scion of the house of Paget, that there is scarce a national sport of this country which he has not practised and promoted, and very surely that ' nihil quod teligit non ornavit.' BE AV FORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 65 " No. 5. DiGBY Boycott, Esq. All who are acquainted with this gentleman proclaim him to be one of the most agreeable of companions in the field and in social hfe ; he is a heavy weight, but remarkably fond of hunting. " No. 6. John Shelley, Esq. Since Mr. Shelley has hunted with the Beaufort Hounds (now about four or five seasons) he has obtained the enviable distinction of being an excellent sportsman and a capital rider. His stud generally consists of six or seven hunters, which are quite first rate ; they are kept at the Cross Hands, which saves them a vast deal of road work, as he resides himself with his family at Bath. No distance appears too great for him to ride to covert, and his ' turn out ' altogether is of the very first-rate description. Mr. Shelley is said to be particularly fond of timber jumping, a taste which he no doubt acquired in the land of his noviciate ; early impressions and customs are apt to be strong. I have known more than one hard rider, who on their first appearance in the stone wall countries, has selected the gates to ride over in preference to the walls, despite the timber being the higher of the two, but in process of time they usually take to the walls. " No. 7. Lord Adolphus Fitzclarence is introduced into the noble sporting group more on account of his intimacy with the Badminton circle than in consequence of his fondness for the chase. As a visitor Lord Adolphus usually attends the hounds mounted on one of the Duke of Beaufort's stud. Affability, kindness, and the utmost good humour, are the prominent characteristics of this most popular son of a most popular sire. " No. 8. John Wallington, Esq. This gentleman resides at Dursley, within the limits of Earl Fitzhardinge's Berkeley Country. He is a light weight, and a very neat horseman, a most agreeable companion, a good sportsman, and very regular attendant. " No. 9. Francis Lovell, Esq. This gentleman is a brilliant example of what may be done when the heart is in the right place. A few years since, when attending a pigeon match at the Red House, Battersea, incautiously resting on his gun, it went off accidentally and shattered his arm so dreadfully as to render amputation indis- pensable. With only one arm, however, he can do more with his horse than the generality of men can do with the usual complement. His seat is perfect, and his elegance on horseback is combined with the most undeniable nerve. An example of his resolution is current which must not be omitted. Riding at a very high quick-set hedge, as tough as whalebone, out of a lane, his horse had not power to penetrate it, and slipping from under him came back into the lane, leaving Mr. Lovell Uke a spread eagle in the hedge. Recovering his horse he made another effort, in which he succeeded, by getting through the fence in company with his nag, a resolute and daring attempt which many men would have declined. 66 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. " No. 10. Mr. French, Stud Groom. Previous to entering the service of the Duke of Beaufort, French filled the situation of trainer and gi'oom to Mr., now Sir William, Codrington, in whose service he distinguished himself, for the care he took of the horses placed in his charge, and his superior knowledge of the treatment of hunters. At the time when the half bred horse Conservative was in training, it is astonishing the distances he travelled with him from race to race, in short spaces of time (before vans or railways were in existence) always bringing him fresh and well to the post, and by his great care winning many races with him. In these forced marches his plan was to" ride a hack and lead Conservative by his side, trotting him along when the road was good, and thus performing a distance of thirty miles in the day, several days in succession when circumstances demanded it. Since the picture was taken French has left his place at Badminton, and is no longer in the service of the Duke of Beaufort. "No. 11. The Hon. Henry Howard, Member for Cricklade, and brother to Lord Andover, is a most straight forward determined rider to hounds, and highly respected in this hunt, as w^ell as in the Vale of White Horse country, where he hunts principally. " No. 12. The Duke of Beaufort. I should like to lay odds, if it was referred to a committee of twelve gentlemen, having an ordinarv knowledge of English society, to decide ' Who is the most popular man in this country ? ' that every one of the dozen would answer — ' the Duke of Beaufort.' In the character of a princely supporter of a great national sport, His Grace not only follows where his noble father led, but has taken a Hne of his own — a course worthy one of the most distinguished of our aristocracy. They say the Duke meditates giving up his hounds, should the railway nuisance spread in his neighbourhood, as present symptoms would indicate But my belief is, he is too thorough a sportsman to surrender hia ' country,' so long as there is a sod of it left to cry ' whoo, whoop,' on. In the character of host his menage is perfect. A good judge of the fashion of English hospitality, already spoken of in his place in these brief biographies, was not long since taking his temporary leave, * God bless you, Duke,' he said, in the sincerity of a heart mellowed by good cheer, and a couple of hours at the horse-shoe table after it — ' God bless you ! B is not a bad shop, but Badminton is the best I ever was in.' If antiquity and excellence of descent are to regulate the precedence of fox hounds, then none in the world rank before the Beaufort. Their ' blood ' has long classed foremost among the most renowned in the annals of the chase, and the star by which it is marked in the Badminton kennel book, in the eyes of the true fox hunter is as proud a distinction as any device that ever sparkled on the breast of warrior or courtier. " No. 13. R. B. Hale, Esq., Member for West Gloucestershire. Although this gentleman does not hunt very regularly, he is a good BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 67 friend to foxhunting, and withal a most kind hearted man. The coverts at Alderley, on his father's property, are well stocked with foxes. "■ No. 14. Sir W. C. Codrington, Bart., Member for East Gloucestershire. There is no doubt that a knowledge of race-riding is a considerable adva]\tage in riding to hounds ; it renders a man alive to many little circumstances that are never thought of by those who have not given racing their attention. Previous to Sir William's alliance with Lady Georgina Somerset, he was very fond of it, and had a few horses in training ; but since the death of his father he seems to have declined the turf ; and also finding it necessary to visit some estates in the West Indies during the winter of 1844 and 1845, and last season not being in good health, he has not been so constant an attendant in the field as formerly. Sir William was never in the habit of keeping a very numerous stud, but his horses were always of a good sort, well bred, and in first rate condition. As a sportsman, and a staunch preserver of foxes, the limit of the Beaufort Hunt does not contain one more zealously devoted to the Noble Science. " No. 14-|. T. HoLROYD, Esq., has not hunted much during the last few seasons, but when he kept a regular stud he rode to hounds in a very straight forward and workmanlike manner. " No. 15. Count Kinsky. So little has this foreign nobleman been in the habit of hunting with the Beaufort hounds, that no just estimate can be formed of him in his appreciation of fox hunting, or of his experience in riding in chase, but as he goes fast, another visit to Badminton will probably afford him opportunities of dis- tinguishing himself. " No. 16. The Earl of Jersey. A long and successful career on the turf has rendered the name of Jersey familiar with most sporting classes of Her Majesty's liege subjects ; but losing his old trainer, Edwards, and having accepted the appointment of Master of the Horse, Lord Jersey gave up racing. The excellence of the blood which he possessed will distinguish his name as a breeder of racing stock in future generations, calling to remembrance the superiority of his Derby and Oaks winners — Middleton, Mameluke, Bay Middleton, Cobweb, and a long team of worthies descended from the celebrated Prunella, and many of the best mares heralded in the pages of turf genealogy. Lord Jersey's appearance in the saddle declares him at a glance to be a horseman, and there is that repose and self possession in his manner so characteristic of the genuine old English Sportsman. His seat on a horse is graceful, powerful and commanding, and I can bear testimony that he thinks much less of a fall than many of his more juvenile companions. As Lord ViUiers he was one of the ultra fast school ; its a stereotyped 68 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. anecdote, his declaring, tliat fox hunting would be perfect if in chase ' the hounds would only get from under your horses' feet.' *' No. 17. The Earl Bathurst. Aware of the dislike which this nobleman has to public notoriety, it would be uncourteous to place him in a more prominent position than that which the artist has assigned him, in the midst of the elite of this sporting coterie. " No, 18. H. R. H. The Duke of Cambridge. Both on account of his elevated rank and his taste for all that is English and social in its relation, the royal duke was happily selected for the centre and cynosure of this tableau. This prince has long enjoyed golden opinions for the national bias of his habits, and the courtesy of his manners. " No. 19. The Duchess of Beaufort. This noble lady is represented leaning on the arm of the Duke of Cambridge. I would fain pay, in this place, that tribute of homage and admiration which is the free will offering of all the circles in which the Duchess of Beaufort is known ; but I am reluctantly withheld in the fear that, while seeking to grace my subject, I might give umbrage to one that delights to do good, but who might not desire ' to see it fame.' " No. 20. Lord Cantilupe — I cannot speak of from my own knowledge as a proselyte of Diana. He is always appointed as becomes ' a very perfect gentle knight ' ; and this much I do know, if he only manages to mount himself with hounds as cleverly as he does in the park, he ought generally to be on good terms with them. " No. 22. Lady Georgiana Codrington occasionally rides to covert to see the hounds throw off, but never follow-s them after- wards. Her Ladyship is a most elegant and accomplished horse- woman, and is here mounted on a horse called ' Ivanhoe.' " No. 23. R. S. HoLFORD, Esq. Silkwood, Bowldown, and Charlton Plantations are celebrated coverts on this gentleman's estates, and his anxious desire to preserve foxes in them is universally acknowledged ; but whether his keepers carry out these good in- tentions to the extent which those woods are capable of, is a question which it is said admits of some doubt.* " No. 24. Walter Paul, Esq., is a first-rate sportsman in the fullest meaning oi the term, and an anxious, zealous preserver of foxes ; but his woodlands are not very extensive. * This was writtx;n in 1846. At the present time there are plenty of foxes in these covers — " Of this there is no manner of doubt, No possililc probable shadow of doubt, No possible doubt whatever." — F.H. BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 69 " No. 25. The Marquis of Worce.ster. If there is any founda- tion for the apprehension which is expressed, that the good old English taste for hunting is on the decline, the noble Marquis may with great truth be looked up to as the champion who will throw down the gauntlet for it. The lively interest which His Lordship takes in every department of the Badminton hunting establishment, must be a source of the utmost gratification to all well wishers of fox hunting. In the field his attention is universally directed to the operations of the pack. When large coverts afford the wily denizens of the woods opportunities of slipping away unobserved, the Marquis takes up a point where he is most likely to give notice of the intended clandestine departure. If hounds in their ardour flash from the line of chase, and require to be turned to the huntsman, in the absence of a whip the Marquis instantly officiates ; he knows the name of almost every hound, and can recognise the first challenge of an unerring veteran with the accuracy of an old huntsman and ex- perienced sportsman. " As a proof of his taste for hunting, during the summer months taking up his abode at Troy House or in the neighbourhood of the silvery streams of Wales where the otter frequents, and rising ere the sun has gladdened the mountain tops, he is indefatigable in his labours, and enjoys the sport with an ardour never excelled. In the field he is courteous to all (but resolute in preventing mischief), and a very steady rider to hounds. " No. 26. Lady Rose Somerset frequently rides to covert to see the hounds throw off, and sometimes remains till a fox is found, apparently enjoying the exciting scene with much pleasure. Her ladyship is an elegant horsewoman, and the likeness of a favourite mare, Camilla, is here correctly given. " No. 27. Henry Howard, Esq. This gentleman, who is nearly related to Lord Andover, being first cousin by birth and half brother by marriage, is a very excellent sportsman and fine rider to hounds. " No. 28. Charles Long, second whip, is a nephew to William Long, the huntsman, and was born, if I may be permitted to use such a term, in the service of the late Duke of Beaufort. He has been employed as whipper-in eleven years, previously to which he was engaged in the kennel. As a horseman he is remarkably good ; and under the very excellent tuition of his uncle, it is almost super- fluous to add, that he understands his business in every department, and is a most civil, obliging, and well conducted young man. He is represented on a chestnut horse called ' Enchanter.' " No. 29. Mr. Long, huntsman. This excellent servant and very popular man first saw the light at Badminton ; when at the age of fourteen he was a recognised member of the stable corps. 70 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT, There bis love of all that appertained to sporting soon displayed itself, and he presently became one of the whips to the late Duke's fox hounds. In 1807 be was made first whip, and ten seasons after he became huntsman. His appointment proved as satisfactory to his noble master as to the country generally. In the kennel he has long rated as a professor of all its difficult details ; and in the field, you shall go farther than the country he lives in to find bis like. His seat upon a horse is perfection ; bis frame muscular, bis habit spare. His career has not passed unbonoured ; he has had public testimonials of the most sterling sort offered to his worth ; and private proofs innumerable of the consideration by which he is held by all classes. Most excellent of Diana's disciples, we bid thee good speed. ' To you what trophies of the chase belong. You won them well, and may you wear them Long ! ' " No. 30. John Lovell, Esq. The equestrian art appears to be an inheritance of the Lovell family, and this gentleman possesses it in the utmost perfection ; when hounds run he is sure to be with them, and is always well mounted. " No. 31, AuDLEY Lovell, Esq. Not so regular an attendant as his two brothers, but like them he is equally gifted in the attributes of a horseman. " No. 32, NiMROD Long, The youngest son of WiUiam Long, the huntsman ; a very promising lad, and mounted on his donkey has contrived to follow the hounds through many hard days. It has frequently been said to him by gentlemen in the field, that a pony should be substituted for his long eared charger, and his reply to one of them who made the remark was tolerably shrew and ap- propriate— ' A great many of the gentlemen. Sir, have told me that I ought to have a pony, but none of them have ever given me one.' He was then rising eleven years of age, " No. 33. William Stansby, first whip. This excellent servant came from the Worcestershire hounds about ten years since. He is a capital horseman, a nice weight, and particularly neat in his appearance. His mare, Ida, is faithfully pourtrayed. " No. 34. Second Horseman. " No. 35. The Rev. Townsend Stephens is here introduced merely as a friend of the Duke of Beaufort, As the Reverend gentle- man does not keep a stud of hunters, the inference may be drawn that he does not consider the chase orthodox in one of his cloth, beyond an occasional attendance at the covert side, " No. 36. Lord Curzon is but an occasional attendant on these hoimds ; hunting principally with the Quorn, the Athorstone, and the Warwickshire, with which packs he has distinguished himself as a very hard rider. He has a particularly fine seat on his horse. BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 71 and looks like a workman from the top of his cap to the heel of his boot. Horses mu t be of the right sort, and in first rate condition to carry him, or the tale will soon be told. " No. 37. The Earl of Shelburne, Member for Calne, an excellent preserver of foxes, and an enthusiastic admirer of every- thing appertaining to fox hunting. The artist has hit the mark by placing Lord Shelburne in juxta-position with Lord Curzon, as in conversation and in scrutinizing the merits of the splendid pack before them. What has just been stated of Lord Curzon equally applies to Lord Shelburne ; and when hounds are in cha.se wherever any man will go his Lordship will go likewise. " No. 38. Edward Hobson, Esq. Who can have hunted, in Leicestershire some seven or eight years ago, and not remember the kind, jocular, and merry countenance of Mr. Hobson ? If Momus has selected a mortal on earth to diffuse his humours through the coterie of the hunting field, surely this gentleman must be the one. If hounds went as fast as Mr. Hobson's jokes do, who would be able to live with them ; or if they went as fast throughout the day as he usually rides to covert, how many second horses would be in requisi- tion ? " No. 39; John Bayly, Esq. The great experience this gentle- man has had in riding to hounds, added to his thorough knowledge of the art of race riding, insures his being always in the front flight in a run. Experience in the latter branch of horsemanship is of great value to any man who is ambitious of fame as a rider to hounds when they go fast. It causes a man to exercise a due regard for pace, it directs him in the selection of gi-ound over which to make the most of his horse ; and it generally teaches him the necessity of holding his nag together, though on this latter point some racing men when in the hunting field appear to be singularly careless. Mr. John Bayly is favoured by nature with gifts which do not often fall to the share of one disciple of Diana ; he is a light weight, riding under lOst. 101b., and he is sufficiently lengthy to po.ssess an unexception- ally good seat on his horse, with good Jiands and plenty of nerve to bring all these attributes into effect ; he ranks as one of the best men in the Beaufort Hunt. His mare ' Daphne,' is celebrated for her extraordinary cleverness at stone wall jumping. " No. 40. The Earl of Chesterfield. Everything which this nobleman undertakes is executed in a princely style ; but that is not all, there is a kind affability in his manner which renders him popular with all classes. When Master of the Royal Buckhounds, Lord Chesterfield gave a prestige to that establishment which has never been surpassed ; and during the period in which his Lordship hunted the Pytchley country, the hounds, horses, and all the ap- pointments were first class. Being a heavy weight, none but first 72 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. rate and valuable hunters can carry Lord Chesterfield, and first rate they must be, to be permitted to occupy a place in his stud. In- dependently of the Chase, the Turf and the Road have been assisted most materially by Lord Chesterfield's patronage and taste. Among an extensive assortment of race horses he has had many excellent runners ; and although he has not yet had the fortune to win a Derby, the St. Leger fell to his share through the assistance of Don John, and in the Oaks he proved the old maxim — ' Industry must prosper.' The taste displayed by Lord Chesterfield in the Carriage department has certainly never been surpassed, and I believe I am correct in stating that he was the first to introduce that splendid blue, a colour which has been so much in fashion ever since. It is a treat to witness the ' turn out ' of the ' Drag ' from Chesterfield House, when any event is ' coming off down the road ' to induce his Lordship to make up a load. " No. 41. W. J. Phelps, Esq. Since this gentleman has taken up his residence at Chavenage, he has been a very regular attendant with the Duke of Beaufort's hounds ; he is fond of hunting, and a good sportsman. " No. 42. Walter Long, Jun., Esq. A most promising young sportsman, whose heart and soul appear to be centred in everything relating to fox hunting, " No. 43. Phillip Miles, Esq., Member for Bristol. A good sportsman, remarkably fond of hunting, and seldom missing an opportunity of being present until parliamentary duties require his attendance in London. " No. 44. Second Horseman, with Wandering Boy, in attendance on William Long. This man is remarkable for his peculiar neatness and appropriate turn out. " No. 45. Second Horseman. " The portraits of the hounds introduced into the picture are those of the leading worthies in the kennel at the time the work was executed." BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 73 "The Blue and the Buff." The late Major G. J. Whyte-Melville, the celebrated author, who hunted from Tetbury, and who met with a fatal accident whilst out hunting with the V.W.H. near Braydon Pond on December 5th, 1878, wrote and dedicated the following poem to His Grace the Duke of Beaufort : In coats of all colours we follow the pack, There is green for the youthful and grey for the old ; The Church out a-hunting rides forward in black, And Royalty glistens in scarlet and gold : But Badminton borrows her hues from the sky, When it smiles in our faces, as upward we look. And the slowest of s])ortsmen is tempted to fly In the yellow and azure he dons for the Duke. Then give me a cheer for the Blue and the Buff I And one cheer more for the Buff and the Blue I The man in the coat is undoubtedly tough. But the heart in his waistcoat is tender and true. The harvest is gather'd, the fallows are bare. And something foretells we shall have it to-day : There's a bloom on the gorse, there's a scent in the air, And the little red rover is forward away ! He is view'd by his Grace on the crest of the hill, But he whisks through the fence ere his brush can be seen. And we know by the whistle, so piercing and shrill. We must hurry to follow the Marquis in Green. Then give me a cheer, etc. How they drive to the front — how they bustle and spread — These badger-pyed beauties that open the ball 1 Ere we've gone for a mile they are furlongs ahead. For they pour like a torrent o'er upland and wall. There is raking of rowel and shaking of rein, (Few hunters can live at the Badminton pace), And the pride of the stable's extended in vain. And the Blue and the Buff are all over the place I Then give me a cheer, etc. The tale is a long one — a tale to be told ; Like the tail of a comet it streams to the rear ; The dashing, the doubting, the crafty, the bold. Are all of them coming, but few of them here ; For some are defeated, and others are blown. While half of the Field in a lane is comjiress'd. Though a score of good fellows arc holding tlieir own. And a score of good horses are doing their best. Then give ine a cheer, etc. I would call them by name were I nearer the front. But you know them far better than me, I expect ; And it's little disgrace to be out of a hunt, When the pace is so good and the Field so select. There's a parson, a peer, and a soldier, I think. Of landlords a coujjle, of tenants a few ; A dandy in leathers, a doctor in pink. And a plentiful muster of comrades in blue. Then give rac a cheer, etc. 74 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. And what of the ladies so killing and fair ? In their Badminton colours how lovely they look ! When fun is the fastest, be sure they are there, By pluck or man'Buvre, by hook or by crook : While each, at a gallop, finds time, as she flies, ; To deliver her shafts. Does she know how they hurt, When shot by a pair of adorable eyes, As bright as her buttons, as blue as her skirt ? Then give me a cheer, etc. 'Tis done ! They have got him ! He dies on the grass, In thirty-five minutes exact from the find ; For a fox cannot hope to live longer, alas ! When a pack so determined are raging behind. Untiring they race, undefeated they stoop. And they finish with blood, I am proud to remark : " Whoop ! tear him, good hounds ! " says Lord Worcester ; " Who-whoop And we'll find you another before it gets dark ! " Then give me a cheer, etc. The Visitors' Day. In the Badminton Country, January 23rd, 1889. Dedicated to John Hargreaves, Esq., late M.F.H. (By kind permission of Baily's Magazine.) They come from the East, those gay sportsmen in pink, Maiden Erlegh and Reading supplying their ranks, As westward they travel, to see what they think Of the Badminton ditches and Badminton banks ; Seventeen was their number in gallant array. At the Swalletts Grate meet, on the " Visitoi's' Day." Like flowers of the garden while summer still lurks, Their coats were resplendent in roseate hue ; And the " locals " remark'd that the pinks of South Berks Formed a sportsmanlike contrast to Badminton Blue But like flowers of the garden when autumn's away Were those coats at the end of the " Visitore' Day." In Greatwood's broad rides there are oceans of dirt, Our horses' legs stuck as if held by the stocks ; Lord Worcester looked grave, and was heard to assert That we must have got hold of a very load fox ; But his countenance changed from the grave to the gay Ere he came to the end of the " Visitors' Day." So we hied us to Dauntsey, the cream of the vale ; Two hundred and more to the withy-bed came ; And those who thereafter might falter or fail Had only themselves or their chargers to blame — The whistle resounded — 'twas " Porrard away" — And we all got a start on the " Visitors' Day." First towards Wootton Bassett, then round on the right, While Greatwood appears as the point he would make ; But Greatwood we missed by a field in our flight. O'er rail and canal-bank our journey we take ; Said our fox, " They may catch me who can on the clay. But I'll take no advantage on ' Visitors' Day.' " BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 75 Over Bushton's strong fences continued the game, And grief was the lot of both Blues and outsiders. As we ran past a covert, Black Dog is its name ; (Not so black as the garments of some of the riders !) Yet our guests, although here anel there prostrate they lay. Did credit to Berks on the " Visitois' Day." An ex-M.F.H., and his daughter so bold, Helme, and thiee of " The Boyals " were there to the fore, Sclater-Booth, with a hat prematurely made old. Which its shape shall recover, ah ! never no more ! But he came up ejuite Learning, as one who should say, " What's a hat more or less on the Visitoi-s' Day ? " By the ladies from Draycot we all were impressed. And the lady fioni C'oisham that i-ides the grey cob ; And the lady from Birdrup was going hei' best When most weie l.'eginning to sigh and to sob ; While Wroughton's fair Queen, and of course Easton Grey, Held their own in the run on the " Visitoi's' Day." Clyffe Wood is behind us ; again does our fox Treat the notion of rest with derision and laugh; Biishton hangings are gained, and we look at our clocks; By the points on the map seven miles and a half In thirty-six minutes, deny it who may. Though deep was the going on " Visitors' Day." Still forward, past Stanmore, a field to his left. Fresh foxes on foot, and diminished the pace ; But our " gees " are well nigh of a struggle bereft. As again to the valley our steps we retrace — At the mouth of a drain the hounds clamour and bay — Ninety minutes to ground on the " Visitors' Day." Space forbids me to offer an accurate score Of those who went best when the pace was " a hopper " ; Owen, Wilson, t'otes, Donovan, Harford, and more Went well, though they " took " an occasional " cropper" ; While many men found that " Macadam " will pay If used with discretion on " Visitoi-s' Day." Nor must I omit the full merits to state Of two Ncstors, oft mentioned in Badminton lays ; For the Duke anel the Colonel were giving such weight As woulel tax Major Egerton's brains to appraise — You must bring out a nag that can gallop and stay If you ride sixteen stone on the " Visitoi-s' Day." And what shall be saiel of the Badminton pack. Those " ladies " that raced from the moment they found ? Those twenty-three couple that led the attack. Each one of them there when they ran him to ground ? Like leeches to blood they stuck to their prey. The pride of Charles Ham))lin on " Visitors' Day." But by no means the least, tho' it may be the last, Comes he who inherits the ken of his race ; Though for thirty-six minutes hounds never were cast. Lord Worcester, the huntsman, was there in his place. His motto is " Sport," and we all of us pray That he'll show the same sport on next " Visitors' day." Our guests are departing, " Farewell " they exclaim, May never worse fortune South Berkshire betide Than to visit a eountry whose timc-honour'd name Me.ans a welcome to all who like sportsmen will ride, A welcome alike from November to May, Farewell to the Duke and the " Visitors' Day." P. K. BLAm-OLiruANT. 76 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. A Legend of the Quorn Countrie. When careful of his goods or spouse, A strong naan armed doth keep his house ; It may be termed for him a bore, To find a stranger at his door, Who binds the strong man at his ease. Pockets his cash and all he sees ; And tho' he does not take his life. Is far from civil to his wife. The ex-strong man looks on the while, Without the least desire to smile ; At least, I take it, such would be The case, did such things chance with me. There lived, I do not deal in dates, A Champion of the heavy weights. Who over Leicestershire had done Great things in spite of sixteen stone ; For many years laad been admired For going when the rest were tired ; Who feared no timber, liked a brook, Could calmly at a bullfinch look ; And thought himself in all his glory, Just at the period of my story ; But often when we feel most sure. We're apt to be the least secure ; And Gilmour, happy and content. With long-established precedent. By all men honoured and respected, Was rivalled when he least expected. 'Twas in November's dreary sky. Strange meteors were seen to fly ; And rumor spread thi-oughout the land. That some convulsion was at hand ; And presently the fact was known. That one who weighed near seventeen stone. Light of hand and firm of seat, Arrived at Quorn, was hard to beat. Well ! all men deemed the fact absurd. And Gilmour laughed at what he heard ; And not until he saw the naan, The sinking in his boots began. When first he showed beside the gorse. Colossal seemed his coal-black horse ; His frowning brow and deep-set eye. His heart's resolve did not belie ; Not oft he smiled, but if a trace Of mirth did flit across his face, No joy, I ween, it did impart. But chilled the shuddering gazer's heart ; And Gilmour, at that harrowing look, Down to his very small-clothes shook ; When towards him with the lightning's speed, The stranger spurred his fiery steed. " My name, he said, is Peter Miles, " And there is none like me " Prom Land's End to Northumberland, " And all the North Countrie. " You Melton men, you Leicester knaves " Come ride with me, say I, " Five minutes over Skeftington, *' And then lie down and die. ' I've heard of you Sir Gilemore, BE AV FORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 77 " I know you're all my eye, " I'll cut you down, and hang you up, " Aye ! hang you up to dry. " Yes ! funking wretch ! I know you, " How you shudder at a rail, " How you shun the bristling bullfinch, " And at a Brook turn tail." But he who was not wont to brook A hasty word or angry look, Now, with a meek submissive face, Yielded the trophies of the chase. Without a blow resigned his sway, And Miles, triumphant, leads the way ; Thenceforth from gates and brooks he shrunk. Thenceforth by all was called a funk ; Such is the fate of human glory. Such the sad sequel to my story. I cannot tell the year of grace, In which these things were taking place ; But this I know, a portly Squire Now bruises over Leicestershire ; Whom Sutton loveth to commend. His guide, philosopher, and friend ; And none with him dispute the right To lead the field from morn to night. But though among the thrusting train, You seek for Gilmour's face in vain ; Wait till the second horsemen pass, You see a form — 'tis his, alas ! The heavy-weight who funks the stiles, And trembles at the name of Miles. Such is the lot of mortal man. Where (iilmom- ended. Miles began ; And Miles in turn must yield his sway. For every dog will have his day. 1852. W. H. Bromley. The Great Wood Run. The celebrated Great Wood Run with the Badminton Hounds took place on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, 1871, and was thus commemorated in verse by Mr. P. Kington Oliphant, who wrote under the nom de plume of " Dannyman." Come, pull off your boots — 'tis no time for a nap, Let us measure the run on the Ordinance map ; Much sport have we seen since {,\w frost, but this last day Proves the joke that Ash-Wediu'sil.iy's a regular " Past " day. Our meet Swallett's Gate, and .it (ireatwood the draw. For the stoutest of foxes the Vale ever saw ; In the corner we mov'd him, he's gone in a minute. Here's a chance for the riders who mean to be in it ; And, Heber, («) remember, you make our hearts glad When you whistle, and we can como to you my lad. Headed back near the brook, through Greatwood once more. He returns to the cover that's called Ueservoir : (a) Heber Long, whipper in. 78 BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. Just touching on Faston, he crosses the rail, Right over t.o Brinkvvorth he threads thro' the Vale ; The Brook, as you'll see, was full up to the brim, Cis Howard (a) got across without losing a "Limb ; " (6) While Candy (r) commenced a succession of i^lunges, That rendered himself and his pal like two sponges ; But brooks are like casks ('tis no figure of speech,) They are full when a Bung (d) is inserted in each. Now, those who lost start had both struggled and spurred, When a check, after fifty-five minutes, occurred ; And some of the horsemen,^ dispersed o'er the plain, Took leave of us here, and ne'er saw us again ; But Lord Worcester, our huntsman, soon hit off the scent, And onward to Somerford Common we went ! Hard by, the Duke addressing. Ruck, (e) the stout yeoman, stands ; His hair was white. His farm rode light, Well cultured were his lands ; And with a voice prophetic, Thus to the Master spake — " The fox I viewed This side the Wood, My oath I'll hereby take ; He's earned a name. He's just the same (Mark well the words I speak.) Tlu'ockmorton's (/) hounds To Blunsdon's grounds Hunted last Thursday week. And when you stand With fox in hand. If such shall be your luck. Then thank the powers. That made him yours, And think on Edmund Ruck." He ceas'd — Red Lodge was past, and then the pack By Gospel Oak pursued the onward track ; In front old Sentinel and Sexton show'd. Close to the bridge they cross' d the Minety Road ; While, strangers to the country, on we pass, Straight to the glories of the Tadpole grass. But time had told its tale ; in dire despair, The " swells " perceiv'd no change of mount was there 1 Said one, " The law which man from wife divorces Should never part us from our second horses." Alas ! no lagging groom can now avail To succour Jonas {g) in the Tadpole Wale. 'Twas here, that, eating luncheon, And stern as hardy Norseman, A heavy-weight (h) Sat on a gate. And curs' d his second horseman. To him another sportsman (<) spake, (a) The Hon. Cecil Howard. (6) The Hon. Greville Nugent. (c) Captain Henry Candy, late 9th Lancers. (d) Colonel the Hon. Charles Byng. (e) A Braydon yeoman farmer. (/) Sir William Throckmorton, the Master of the V.W.H. (fir) Captain Jona.s Hunt, late 4th Hussai-s. (h) Colonel Peter Miles. (i) Mr. Canning, of Clifton. BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. 79 Of civic mien and figure, (I hardly know which of the two In scales would prove the bigger,) " Oh ! Colonel, I am not the man A run is wont to frighten, But to my face Declar'd His Grace, This fox is going to Brighton I If this be true, 'Tis time that you Were off like flash from pistol ; 'Tis time that . I Should homeward fly Which is the road to Bristol ? " But onwards still, and onwards. This wondrous h\int proceeds, Upon the right lay Purton Stoke, We cross the Whitehall meads, And leaving Cricklade on his left, Seven Bridges on his right. Straight to the Thames he crossed the road — No bridge, no ford in sight ! And first and foremost, Worcester, The hero of the day. Plunged in the depths on Beckford, The old flea-bitten grey And after many a struggle, They reached the further side, The hounds were far before them, They must for dear life ride. And on to the canal bank And back across the river, It look'd as though this Greatwood run Were going to last for ever. On the right lay Castle Eaton, And Kempsford on the left ; The nags stood still, Brave Beckford's beat. Of all but life bereft. Some viewed the run from villages. On steeple's friendly roof. Some left their steeds in farming stalls. And tried to " pad the hoof ! " So, on they speed past Hannington, So, on past Crouch's Wood ; One brook alone remained to jump. There was but one who could ; And when this gallant fox appear'd E'en now amongst the slain. On the Swindon side of Highworth, He crept into a drain ! Three hours and thirty minutes Those hounds and nags did go. For them 'twas eight amd twenty miles, And fifteen for the crow. So, Hamblin, kennel huntsman. Share the honours of the day. For of all the Badminton dog pack There were but two away. Oh 1 for Whyte-Melville's pen, that I might tell The varied fortunes which our field befell ; For though the finish he iircsumes to treat on. Your bard's last resting place was Castle Eaton, Where, both for horse and man, he found good quarters. 80 BE AV FORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT, Thanks to the parson, and his charming daughters. Of those who saw the end, I fain would fix on. Three gallant Colonels, Ewart, Bourke, and Dickson. The huntsman ; Heber, on his home-bred grey, Luce, Chaplin, Barker, and, to end my say, (Ye daring tbrusters, tell it not in Gath,) Attired in pink a veteran from Bath, (a) After such feats as this, I never can PiUy the sorrows of a poor old man ! But first among the foremost in the race, Jenkins, on Giffard, merited a place. Well known on various courses is his fame. Well known as " Mr. Merton " is his name ; While Grace, (b) on Cootey's (c) mount, appeared to be A brother worthy of great W. G. And undeniable to please my fancy, Are Charlie Bill, id) Jack Savile, (e) and Joe Dansey. (/) We all can testify to Candy's pluck, But can we estimate Byng's wondrous luck. Who saw the run for some three hours or more, And never hunted in this isle before 1 My task is done — one moral from the tale Of beaten chargers toiling o'er the Vale, I fain would draw. Experience endorses The dogma that good hounds will beat good horses. Strangers from Quorn, or Pytchley, if you doubt, Bring down your " gee-gees," and let's see them out ; Let's see them out, on such like day, and you Will all admit my theory is true ; For time and points, and country all attest The finest run recorded in the West 1 Dannyman. (a) Mr. Pitman. (6) Dr. Alfred Grace. (c) Captain Coote, late Carbineers. Id) Captain Charles Bill, of The Priory, Tetbury. (e) Late 7th Hussars. (j) Colonel Dansey, late 1st Life Guards. Illil! ' I'M' ''i''''!! It'll "III '!,.;" ,!l: lUl f',1! Illl!