Articles

Whilst fox hunting was developing in the rest of England in the 17th and 18th centuries, the sport had been carried on in the far north west from time immemorial. Throughout history early farmers had used hounds to protect their flocks from predators, and whilst the sport in the rest of England became a pastime...

These notes were written at various times for the guidance of different Huntsmen, by J Anstruther Thompson (renowned Master of the Pytchley)  and published by Baily’s in 1891 as ‘Hints to Huntsmen’. Much of the advice is as valid now as it was then, and, as the author notes:- “…these hints are now printed in...

First published in BHD 2000 , the writer Liz Young gives a personal and valuable insight into the life of a Hunt Secretary The Hunt Secretary can be described as a cross between a Secretary of State and a housekeeper: this office bearer works both diplomatically and physically behind the scenes. On the one hand…

Throughout the entire season I had looked forward to a day with the Howard County-Iron Bridge Hounds (Maryland) thanks to the kind invitation of Dr Roger Scullin, MFH, and here it was, late March and the last day of hunting. The temperature was in the eighties, it was sultry and the sun was high. Fortunately...

This article appeared in BHD 98/99 Here is a story of a successful outcross of American blood in the English foxhound, orchestrated by two brilliant hound breeders – an American, the late Bill Brainard, MFH, and an Englishman, Captain Ronnie Wallace, MFH. The American blood traces back to old Virginia strains bred by Burrell Frank...

The Aeroflot flight shuddered and bumped to a halt at Minvrody (Mineral Water) Airport. It was early May and the temperature was in the high 20s- not quite the usual weather for hunting. A long Mercedes limousine with black tinted windows met us on the runway, in the style of some sinister rendezvous, and we...

This invaluable insight into the life of a Hunt secretary was written by Meriel Buxton and appeared in the 1992 edition of BHD Dick Watson first took on secretaryship of the Fernie during the War, when he was a ‘very junior member of the Finance Committee’. Money was short and the Hunt could no longer…

This article written by Michael Clayton (Foxford) was first publishred in BHD 1980 (74th edn) Anyone conversant with sporting art in the 18th and 19th centuries will know that hunting dress was anything but standardised when the sport was in its hey-day. Certain conventions applied in the smarter hunting countries, but there was considerable variation...

Baily’s has been given access to Bells Sporting, which has a considerable amount of historically interesting hunting information.  As a part of this fascinating archive, we have found a pack list for the 1835-1836 season of all packs or all types across England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland published across 2 issues; this was originally taken...

For the new Master hunting hounds for the first time can be an ordeal, but the general opinion on our new Master seems to be that he’s a sensible sort of fellow, and obviously keen. During the summer he’s been getting round his country quite a bit and being a young man of engaging manners,...