In this severe and matchless chase.
Then near to Sandford village ran.
Where, turning to the right again.
He first was view'd — with ardour new
The pack continud to pursue
Their game — and kill'd near Kiddington
As stout a fox as ever run.
Kiddington village lies to the left of Ditchley Woods.
The chase lasted an hour and 50 minutes. This was one
of the finest runs we had seen for many years, and the
termination was most satisfactory. Towards the latter end
of the chase, the Duke of Beaufort, Lord Dillon, and
some other gentlemen, joined the Field.
Lord Clon?*iell, Mr. Shirley, Mr. H. Campbell,
and Mr. J. Lucy, had good places, but their horses were
all beat. The huntsman kept his place.
The pack returned to kennel, not less than 30 miles,
the same evening — not a hound missing.
MR. FELLOWES.— 1829. 193
MEET WOLFORD WOOD, JANUARY 8tH.
This covert has long been remarkable for stout wild
foxes. We found one of that description this morning, that
first ran round the wood, and then went away at a good
pace across a heavy line of country, over Addlestrop Hill,
and near to Stow-on-the-Wold. The scent lay but cold
through the day, yet the Sportsmen did not complain of
the pace, as the rising hills and fences found the best nags
enough to do to keep their place. Passing by Heyford, he
dashed over the enclosures and waste lands nearly to Aston
Park Wood. Here the Field got view of their game ; and
though he exerted all his powers, and ran some distance
afterwards, the hounds still gained upon him, and at length
turned him up in good style.
THE SAME, BY VENATOR-
' Now reynard's turn'd out, and o'er liedge and ditch rush,
Hounds, horses, and huntsman, all hard at his brush.'
No covert, range Old England thro'.
Can such a race of foxes shew
As Wolford Wood. No better breed
To lead a pack, and foil a steed.
Reynard soon found — but ere began
The chase, he round the covert ran —
Then scampcr'd off at his best pace.
To 'scape the foe he durst not face.
Across the country ; upon ground
More noxious to the horse than hound —
Over Addlestrop Hill, near Stow,
That lies within the wold below.
194 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
The scent lay coldly thro' the day.
Oil tilth and fallow, sward and clay ;
Still of the pace the sporting train
Did not at any time complain.
The rising hills and fences too,
Found the best nags enough to do
To keep their place ; as on he paae'd
To Heyford, o'er closures and waste.
Near to the wood of Aston Park
The Field old reynard view'd — and, hark 1
The cheering halloo ! welcome sound
To ev'ry Sportsman on the ground ;
But to our fox, that nobly fell.
It was — of death the direful knell.
The fox was killed not far from Cheltenham, upwards
of 15 miles from the place where he was found ; after a run,
chiefly cold hunting, of two hours' duration.
Lord Clonmel, Mr. Pole, of Todcnham, then a
spirited subscriber to the hounds, Mr. Fellowes the
master, some other Gentlemen, and the huntsman, were
up at the death.
BY HARK-FORWARD.
MEET bishop's ITCHINGTON, MARCH 7tH, 1829.
This morning we drew the coverts at Ladbroke, Rad-
bourne, and Watergall, blank. The foxes had been rattled
about so much during the season, that we felt but little
disappointment at the result. We then went to Itchington
Heath, where we found a good fox that led us away through
Chesterton Wood ; then leaving Lighthorne to the left, he
passed through Chesterton spiny, and from that place the
pack pressed him gallantly along to Edge Hill, where he
was killed, — The run lasted 54 minutes without a check.
MR. FELLOWES.— 1829. 195
BY ANONYMOUS.
MEET WOLFORD WOOD, MARCH IOtH.
We started a fox out of this cover at the Moreton end^
the pack well up, and the Field in good place. As he
crossed Moreton Common, the fleetest nags for a time had
the advantage. He then took through Evenlode, and held
stoutly on, at his best pace, unchecked, to Chastleton ; and
led us gaily along to Addlestrop, in Gloucestershire. Then
turning to the right about, he changed his route, took down
the meadows, and over Evenlode brook ; crossed quickly
the meadows on the other side, gained the high ground,
and away to Broadwell. Our fox next made play through
Upper and Lower Swell, Upper and Lower Slaughter, and
passed by Cold Aston Farm. It was now pretty evident
the hounds were gaining ground upon their game. We soon
Tallyho'd him in view, and not long afterwards he was
turned up by the leading hound.
Hark-Forward has favoured us with a description of
the same run. We killed our gallant fox, (he says,) near
to Northleach. The run lasted two hours and 30 minutes,
the first hour quick, and the latter part excellent hunting.
As fine a sporting run as any gentleman could wish to
enjoy.
THE SAME, BY VENATOR.
' Happy the man, who
With nnrivall'd speed can pass his fellows,
And with pleasure view the struggling pack !'
Sportsmen are flush' d with pleasures high
When they this fav'rite cover try;
While fancy and her gaudy train
To charm the heart, inspire the brain !
N 2
196 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
Foxes — of better game or blood,
Were never bred in brake or wood —
Foxes — more hardy, brave, or stout,
Were never roiis'd by hunters' shout —
Foxes — none can more boldly lead
O'er glebe and wold, at greater speed !
The hounds into the covert rush,
And nimbly ply round ev'ry bush.
With eager and sagacious nose,
Where reyi^ard sly might seek repose.
Silent the Field — a single word
Is not from one good Sportsman heard ;
With head askance, by ear to seize
Floating upon the welcome breeze
The first, the heart-inspiring note
Of some stanch hound of tuneful throat.
But now and then will intervene
Some babbling tongue to mar the scene.
From kennel rous'd, the game they send
From covert at the Moreton endj
The pack well up — the Field in place.
Delighted join the doubtful chase ;
And if in countenance we find
An index faithful of the mind.
There seldom was, at cover yet,
A field scarce half so happy met,
Cross'd Moreton Common, where the soil
Favour'd the fleetest nags awhile j
Through Evenlode without a stop
To those who could the hedges top.
MR. FELLOWES.— 1829 19/
Our fox, unc'heckd, held stoutly on
At his l)est pace to Chastleton ;
Then gaily led us pretty near
To Addlestrop, in Glostershire.
Here turning to the right about,
He chang'd, capricious rogue, his route ;
The meadows gain'd, and took his road
Over the brook of Evenlode.
Then quickly to the uplands flew
Across the meads of greenish blue.
Beat by the heavy ground, we find
The weaker horses tail behind.
To Broadwell next, and forward go
The gallant Field — then leaving Stow
Close on the left. The rampant, bold.
Hot, restive nag, one scarce could hold
When to the covert first he came,
Is now, alas ! passive and tame.
The prime in Ijlood, and stout in ))onc.
Enjoy the sport almost alone !
Thro' Lower, and to Upper Swell
The chase continued — few could tell,
Tho' riding nags as whalebone tough,
Which next would fail, and cry — ' Enough !'
Upper and Lower Slaughter were
Left at a distance in the rear.
Passing Cold Aston Farm, 'twas plain
The pack did slo\vly on him gain ;
As he Farmington Grove drew nigh.
We said, our gallant fox must die !
For the first time the morning thro',
Reynard was ' Tallyho'd,' in view ;
198 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
Symptom of death — his daggl'd brush
Trail'd on the earth — by ardent rush
The leader of the pack, good hound,
Stretch'd the brave fellow on the ground.
We have been informed by another Sportsman who was
present — That this run lasted two hours and 35 minutes,
and was considered the best run that had occurred for some
time. The first 50 minutes was very severe, and many
Sportsmen disappeared Ijefore the end of the chase.
Last meet this season, March 28th, 18^9, at Mitford
Bridge.
At the commencement of this season, the following
Sportsmen, among many others, were at Leamington : —
Sir Edward Mostyn, Sir E. Antrobus, Mr. Shakerley,
Colonel NiCHOLLS, Mr. Cresvelt, Mr. Cardwell, Mr.
G. C. Antrobus, M. de Normandie, &c. &c.
BY ANONYMOUS.
' The fox has broke cover, and gallantly bounds
O'er the hills and the dales, while the echo resounds.'
MEET COMPTON VERNEY, NOV. 2nD, 1829.
This well-conducted pack met at Compton Verney, on
Monday, where a most brilliant muster of well mounted
Sportsmen, among whom we noticed several County Gen-
tlemen, and most of the Leamington Nimrods, assembled
to witness the opening of the hunting campaign.
MR. FELLOWES.— 1829. 199
On Tuesday, the hounds threw off at Farnborough,
where, after a httle parley, a game fox broke cover, and led
his pursuers at a very trying pace, over hill and dale ; when
after a brilliant and gallant run of three hours and 20
minutes, reynard closed an excellent day's sport by suddenly
taking to earth.
BY HARK-FORWARD.
MEET FARNBOROUGH, NOV. 3rD.
Found on the Mollington side, and after our fox had
taken a sharp ring for 20 minutes, he went to ground. We
soon found a good game fox in that part of the gorse near
the earths, which went nobly away. Ringed by Mollington,
and then took straight over Boddington Hill, and through
Prior's Hardwick. Taking the left of Prior's Marston, he
led on through Griffin's Gorse, Hellidon village, and the
Charwelton spinies, to Preston Gaps, and then to Church
Wood, where we stopped the hounds, after a fine run of one
hour and fifty minutes.
This being early in the season, our horses were all
I)eat ; and as we knew the cover to be full of foxes, we
thought it would be the best plan to stop the hounds,
which was done just before they reached the wood.
MEET OXHILL VILLAGE, NOV. 7tH.
After the meet, we found a capital fox in Hell Brake,
and he went aM'ay at a good rattling pace to Brailes Hill,
and by Sutton North. Leaving Cherrington on the left, he
bore along straight through Wichford and Long Compton
woods, and Rollright Coombs. By passing that village to
the left he ran to Over Norton, where we ran into him,
after a very good run of one hour and 4.5 minutes.
This was a most severe day for the nags ; Captain
Grkgoky's horse died near Halford Bridge.
wo WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
MEET OAKLEY WOOD, NOV\ IfiTH.
This excellent pack of foxhounds had another Ijrilliant
run on Monday, when they met according to appointment
at Oakley Wood, where they threw off in fine style ; a great
number of ladies and gentlemen being spectators of the
animating scene. In a few mimites a fine fox was found,
who, with the sagacity of his species, after tantalizing his
pursuers with running a few short rings, suddenly took to
earth, and obliged them to proceed further in search of
sport.
Many of the field left here, and the hounds were drawn
away to Lighthorne Rough, where, about noon, the merry
cry was again heard, the hounds having started another fox
possessing more game, and less cunning. He took off in
gallant style, in the direction of Hill Farm ; then turning to
the left he skirted Compton Verney House, and the beau-
tiful woods of that domain ; bounded to the right in the
direction of Brickhill Gorse, and after passing the Red
House, went at a spanking rate across Brockhampton fields
to Butler's Marston, where a very short check ensued. The
pack soon hit off the scent again, and their fox led them
close by the kennel to Blacklands and Pillerton Hersey,
leaving Oxhill \illage to the left. Here reynard, turning to
the right towards Hell Brake, put his speed to the utmost,
and led the pack over hill and dale, through flood and field,
in prime style, as far as Lord Northampton's, at Compton
Wynniate, where he took refuge in the ice-house. The
hounds closely followed, and Colonel Gilbert, Mr. R.
Greaves, and the huntsman, obtaining a ladder and some
lights, entered poor reynard's singular retreat, descended
an ice pit about ten feet deep, and found at the bottom
several of the hounds, who had devoured every part of the
fox except his nose.
MR. FELLOWES.— 18'29. '201
This run was one of the severest of the season, and.
lasted an hour and 45 minutes. Of the few heavy weights
who were up at the death, was the owner of Ben Lomond,
Mr. W. Bellamy, of Haseley. Mr. T. Cumines, jun. and
Mr. CocKBiLL, jun. were also up at the end.
MEET FARNBOROUGH, NOV. 28tH.
An excellent Field of Sporting Gentlemen assembled at
the meet this morning. A fox, one that could go along,
was soon found in the plantations adjoining the seat of W.
HoLBECH, Esq. but after running a ring or two on the
lawn, and twice crossing the fishpond, we killed him in
front of the house.
In a neighbouring gorse a second fox was found ; he
led us a gallant chase of an hour and ten mimites, without
a check, and ran to ground within about three miles of
Banbury.
MEET — WOLFORn WOOD.
Dec. 1 — We met at Wolford Wood, and found a fox on
the Leamington Hastings coppice side of that cover j he
ringed about the wood and heath for an hour, before he left
them. At last he went away in good style, for Leamington
Hastings, the pack at times pressing hard upon his brush,
and then he crossed the open country into Gloucestershire,
and was killed at Shedcombe, between Cambden and Chel-
tenham, about eight miles from the latter place. The run,
which afforded some excellent sport, lasted an hour and 20
minutes without a single check. I
1 At the death, the Ijeaniini^toniaiis found themselves 34 miles
from home ; a distance very distressing to horses after a long; and
severe dav.
202 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
The hounds met both on Tuesday and Wednesday, the
inth and l6th, but did not throw off in conscquenee of the
foggy weather.
MEET COMPTON VERNEY.
Dec. 17 — The hounds met this day, (Thursday,) at
Compton Verney, where they soon fo\ind a good fox in
a plantation in front of the house. The fox led us off at a
speedy rate, and after skirting Lighthorne Rough, Moreton
Wood, and Oakley Wood, ran into Warwick Park, where
it was thought they changed foxes. The second fox ringed
for Oakley Wood and took to a drain ; he was got out and
thrown up. after a chase of 20 minutes. 1
BY HARK-FORWARD.
MEET — CIIESTERTON WOOD.
Feb. 1 3th, 1830— The hounds had been kept out of the
field for many weeks by the frost, and to-day the riding
was very bad ; on the north and north-east sides of the
fences the ground still remained hard, and to leap was
highly dangerous both to man and horse ; but a few of
those Spoi'tsmen which you will find in most countries, and
who know very little abovit hunting, were hunting-mad, and
hunt they must, at all risks. Jack Wood thought they
would like a good crash, and to humour them he took out
4O5 couple of hounds to Chesterton Wood. Three brace of
foxes were soon afoot, and the break-away was succeeded
by a famous crash for half an hour. The hounds kept M'ell
together, and away they went to Itchington Heath. Our
fox left Harbury to the right, and then turned to the left
1 The lioumls did not go out apaiii, in const^quenre of a severe
frost, for fight week.s.
MR. FELLOWES.— 1830. 203
over Whitnash Field, leaving Wai'wick Park on the right,
and Oakley Wood to the left. He then took through
Carter's Bushes to Chesterton Wood, where three fine
chesnut horses cried ' Enough,' and were taken home to
the Abbey, and Leamington Spa. The hounds, fresh as
larks, ran straight through the wood without a check, and
pursued their game in a line to Harbury. Leaving Radford
just to the right, and Whitnash village to the left, reynard
passed straight by Leamington, and we killed him in good
style, on the bridge in Warwick Park. Every hound was
up at the death, except one called Wonder.
In this run, which lasted three hours, there was some
excellent hunting ; but few horses were vi]) at the end of the
run, and they were all beat. Mr. Fellowes, Mr. Pole,
and Mr. Mitchell, were in at the death. I
THE SAME, BY ANONYMOUS.
The pack met, according to appointment, on Saturday,
February 13th, at Chesterton. Reynard soon broke cover,
and went off in gallant style towards Itchington Holt ; and
after skirting the village of Tachbroke, returned to his old
quarters, but he was so closely pursued by the hounds that
he stopped there no time, but went off at a slapping pace,
nearly over the same ground, till he got to Tachbroke. He
then kept on until he ran into Warwick Park, where, after
a sharp chase, he was killed near the bridge.
1 The young ones, who were in the morning so anxious for the
throw-off, the one or two at least who saw the latter part of the run,
were greatly delighted with the day's sport, and returned liome elated
with the self-gratification, that they knew as much of foxhunting as the
oldest Sportsmen in the field. No accident, fortunately, of any serious
consequence, occurred during the day.
"204 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
Thus closed one of the most brilliant runs of the season,
extending from end to end 12 miles, and occupying an hour
and 20 minutes, with but one momentary check near to
Highdown.
The severity of the run was such, that many of the
crack horses were completely knocked uj) ; and some few
were bled, long previous to the death of the fox, on the
field.
MEET OAKLEY WOOD.
March 11 — The hounds met on Thursday, at Oakley
Wood, where they soon found a fox that went away for
Newbold Pacey, over Moreton brook. They continued
moving at a slapping pace, without intermission, for a full
quarter of an hour, when the scent changed on getting on
the limestone. After a short interval, Mr. Fellowes
determined upon drawing Chesterton Wood for a fresh fox,
in which he was successful. Reynard made the best use of
his legs, and went away with the hounds close at his brush ;
and although he was a bad fox, he afforded a capital day's
sport, and had the run been straight it would have proved
a good thing.
There was a large Field, and the scene was unusually
attractive by the number of ladies present in their carriages
— among whom were Lady Mostyn, Lady Ongley, Mrs.
Nugent, Mrs. Hook, Misses Gregory, &c. &c.
Mr. Fellowes having signified his intention of giving
up the management of the hounds at the close of this
season, 1830, the Gentlemen of the County, Subscribers to
the Hunt, met at the Warwick Arms, on Wednesday, the
2nd of December. During the meeting, J. Russell, Esq.
M. P. of Upton House, expressed his willingness, in case
no other offer was made, to hunt the Warwickshire country.
MR. FELLO WES.— 1830. 205
for seven years, if the sum of £2,000 was annually sub-
scribed. The company much regretted the retirement of
Mr. Fellowes, and it was suggested that the Woodlands
should be more frequently himted, as they generally pro-
duced a breed of foxes remarkably good.
In the latter part of this year, December 13th, 1830,
the hounds met at the kennel ; and Mr. Thornhill, of
Wellesbourne, while following them, met with a very severe
accident, from the effects of which, his friends were happy
to hear, that he recovered much sooner than could be
expected.
Last meet, this season, Tuesday, March 30th, 1830, at
Oakley Wood.
Jack Wood now left the Warwickshire. — There was no
finer horseman, (says Nimrod,) than Jack Wood, having
a graceful seat, and a light hand. In fact. Wood rode like
a gentleman, but he had been unlucky, having broken a leg,
a thigh, and a collar bone. Perhaps Dick Christian would
call this ' something particular/ although he considered
his own fractured leg ' nothing particular.' 1
1 Dick Christian rode Mr. Mostyn's Warwick, in the Dunchurch
Steeple Race, and Mr. Russell's Scripton in the Leamingto)i Steeple
Race, with steady nerve and great judgment, in 1837.
206
WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
MR. FELLOIFES'S FOXHOUNDS, 1830.
NAMES.
Virulent
EIGHT YEARS.
SIRES.
Lord Sondes's Ottoman
DAMS.
Vengeaure
Fallacy
Ornament
Rosamond
Waterloo
Destiny
Hebe
Proserpine
SEVEN YEARS.
Duke of Beaufort's Waterloo
Duke of Beaufort's Nectar
Duke of Beaufort's Hermit
Warrior
Mr. Osbaldeston's Pilot
Hannibal
Mr. Meynell's Bajazet
Friendly
Ominous
Riimsey
Whynot
Diligent
Darling
Proserpine
Barlielor
Cardinal
Curious
Danger
Dairymaid
Lapwing
Victory
Virgin
SIX YEARS.
Mr. Osbaldeston's Chorister
Mr. Osbaldeston's Chorister
Duke of Beaufort's Dorimand
Guardsman
Benedict
Blemish
Whynot
Bridemaid
Lapwing
Virulent
FIVE YEARS.
Boaster
Bridemaid
5
Rocket
Bridemaid
Brevity
Rocket
Bridemaid
Benedict
Basker
Duke of Beaufort's Rubens
Brilliant
Bobadil
Dealer
Duke of Beaufort's Dorimand
Juliet
Jester
Mr. Musters' Jester
Duchess
Jovial
Jessamy
I
Mr. Osbaldeston's Jasper
Lucy
Messmate
Lord Tavistock's Marmion
his Syren
Volatile
Mr. Osbaldeston's Valentine
Virulent
Whipster
Duke of Rutland's Lifter
his Wanton
Wildfire
Warble
]
Mr= Osbaldeston's Rasselas
Whynot
MR. FELLOWES.— 1830.
^07
NAME.S.
Absolute
Basilisk
Blossom
Benefit
Butterfly
Bertram
Barmaid
Bashful
Bonny Lass
Dolphin
Emperor
Nimrod
Pillager
Playful
Ranter
Blucher
Clarion
Conrad
Comfort
Cruiser
Hermit
Harper
Pilot
Pontiff
Prudence
Rebel
Wonder
Whynot
Warrior
Champion
Comedy
Countess
Dorimont
Daffodil
Justice
Minister
Royal
Ruby
Rosebud
Rally
Rector
Rubens
Redrose
Ruin
Viola
Windsor
Wildboy
FOUR YEARS.
SIRES.
Rocket
Workman
Workman
Mr. Osbaldeston's Vanquisher
Duke of Beaufort's Boxer
Workman
Mr. Osbaldeston's Emperor
Duke of Beaufort's Nimrod
Duke of Beaufort's Boxer
Rocket
Rocket
Minister
Rocket
Rocket
Duke of Beaufort's Rubens
Duke of Beaufort's Vanguard
Workman
Active
Brilliant
Brilliant
Blemish
Virulent
Darling
Judy
Friendly
Duke of Beaufort's Platoff
Comedy
Rocket
..
Dairymaid
THREE
YEARS.
Bajazet
Cymbeline
Rocket
Curious
Rocket
..
Ciu'ious
Conqueror
Juliet
Hannibal
Vocal
Bachelor
..
Proserpine
Rocket
Destiny
Rocket
Whynot
Workman
Dairymaid
TWO
YEARS.
Cymbeline
Destiny
Jessamy
Diligent
Proserpine
Warspite
Darling
Virulent
Dairymaid
208
WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
ONE YEAR.
NAMES.
SIRES.
DAMS.
Biuslier
Bowman
1
Benedict
Warble
Baronet
Blameless
I
Benedict
Warble
Buglet-
Cidonel Berkeley's Pagan
his Bravery
Cry er
Rocket
Cymbeline
Denmark
Dewdrop
Ranter
Destiny
Duncan
Bobadil
Darling
Harmony
i
Ranter
Honesty
Harmless
s
Marmion
1
>
Manager
Mover
Minister
Dairymaid
Madcap
Modish
j
Remus
Rocket
V^ocal
Remnant
Duke of Beaufort's Rubens
his Waspish
Rifleman
, ,
Rocket
Playful
Rambler
^
Ringwood
c
Rocket
Wildfire
Ruler
^
Vaulter
..
Duke of Beaufort's Vanguard . .
Diligent
Voucher
Ditto
his Echo
Welcome
Col. Berkeley's Woldsman
his Racket
Workman
Workman
Volatile
TOTAL— Fifty two Coitples.
MR. RUSSELL.
-«tS»^Cs»«-
John Russell, Esq. of Upton House, took to the
management of the homids from Mr, Fellowes, hm\ting
them by subscription. Bill Boxall was promoted to the
office of huntsman.
Mr. Russell entered upon the Hunt with high preten-
sions. He was a capital sportsman, the branch of a noble
family, and, by marriage, of distinguished connections ; and
his character, both in public and social life, reflected honour
upon his name. The anticipations of good sport, raised by
the excellent arrangements of the worthy Master, were fully
realised.
'210 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
At a meeting held at the Royal Hotel, Leamington, in
1830, Mr. Russell in the chair, it was agi'eed, — that a
kennel, stables, &c. should be erected near to the town, for
the better accommodation of those gentlemen who resided
in the vicinity of the Spa, as well as those sportsmen who
made Leamington their head quarters during the hunting
season. The inhabitants subscribed liberally to carry the
resolutions of the meeting into effect, and Mr. F. Rob bins
engaged to complete the whole by the September following,
for the sum of £200. Mr. Robbins fulfilled his engage-
ment with great credit to himself, and to the satisfaction
of his employers. The buildings were erected at Lillington,
about a mile north of the town.