Master of Foxhounds Association Seavington Hunt

Hunt Country The country lies in Dorset and Somerset. Best centres: Bridport, Beaminster, Crewkerne, Martock and Langport.

Hunt History This pack was originally Harrier, established in 1863 by Tom Naish. Owing to the War, the Hunt was dormant from 1941-45, but from 1945-50 Captain A.H. Daniel hunted the northern part of the old Seavington country. The southern portion, south of the Crewkerne-Chard road, was hunted from 1946 to 1950 by Mr. B.K. Ronald (Mr. Ronald's Hounds).

American Russell Terrier Club – History of the Breed

The Warwickshire (North) hunt used terriers (14-18 lbs.) which were short-legged with a rough coat type favored by the Rev. Jack Russell. These terriers were bred by Mr. S. T. Holland, who has been reported to have bred these terriers since 1903. His kennels were originally founded by Mr. Victor Cartwright, most of which died in World War. The strain was restored in 1919 by breeding three bitches each owned by Col. Fuller, M. F. H., Mr. Rawle of Porlock, and Maj. Jackson M. F. H. to an unnamed dog of similar type, presumably of a working strain. One of these terriers “Tiger" was sold to the Chagrin Valley Hunt, U. S. A. In the 40's and 50's surrounding the Warwickshire Hunt there were seven hunts total. Atherstone: no preference as long as it worked. Bicester and Wardenhill: Small fox terriers. Cotswolds: Non-pedigree Jack Russell Terriers. Hethrop: Fox terrier x border cross. Worcestershire: Sealyham x fox terrier. The Foway Harriers and the Seavington Hunt, covering 224 miles square of Dorset and Somerset countryside. Both of these hunts used Sealyham blends. The Foway using Sealyham x Russell and the Seavington: 3/4 Sealyham x 1/4 Fox (rough) terrier.

Major Sydney Banks Keast, O.B.E., M.C.

Major Keast lived in relative seclusion in South Petherton keeping in touch only with the closest of friends and relatives. Grief over the loss of his wife and his failing health did curtail his activities to a large degree but he remained as active as possible and continued to ride and hunt while he could. These years were not happy ones for him as attested to by his sister Ethel Mary, whose married name was now Routly, and by his nephew, John Trevor Spurgen, the son of his younger sister. They both visited him as often as possible to keep him company and help to overcome his loneliness.

His main interest during this period of his life centered on the activities of the Seavington Hunt in Somerset where he served as Joint Master with Brigadier Hirst of Broadwindsor. Major Keast had in his employ during this period a. housekeeper, Mrs. Edith Victoria Matthews, and a groom, Mr. J.R. Swann. Mr. Swann worked for Major Keast from May 1954 to May 1957 and describes Keast's activities as follows:

"The Seavington Hunt appeared to be Major Keast's main interest after his retirement from the Army and in the season from August to March he usually went hunting two or three times a week. He did not go shooting and did not appear to be actively involved in politics, either nationally or locally, and was not involved in church, parish council or county council affairs. Neither did he appear to be engaged in any aspect of engineering, but he did make one or two three- month trips to Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia in the above period on what might have been business trips of some sort."

"The Major was especially kind to people of all walks of life, and to animals as well. He was especially popular in Hunt circles. He was very set in his ways, keeping to a strict timetable which included taking his dog for a long walk and taking an afternoon nap."

"The Major was very fond of a Miss Pamela Gordon Thompson of Dowlish Wake and she rode his horse - Kildare - on frequent occasions after an operation that curtailed his riding activities."

Mr. Swann goes on to say that Major Keast was not very happy in South Petherton, often complaining that "it was a village full of old women and dogs". He had an Austin 14 and a jeep that Mr. Swann would drive when the Major went on his occasional trips to London. Mr. Swann would normally drive him to Crewkerne Station to catch the train but he recalls that on one occasion, during a rail strike, he had to drive him to Heathrow Airport to catch a plane for Rhodesia.

Despite his life-long association with the military Major Keast was not a member of the Royal British Legion or the Royal Engineers Association. Although he did not practice engineering in any form after his retirement he did, for some years maintain his membership in the Royal Society of Health which he finally relinquished shortly before 1958.

As he grew older his weakened heart eventually forced him to cease all but the most sedentary activities. He lived alone for his few remaining years, accompanied only by his housekeeper and his dog "Jolly." Except for occasional visits by his sister and nephew he had little contact with anyone else.

Finally, on 20 March 1964, Major Sydney Banks Keast, O.B.E., M.C. and bar, late Royal Engineers died peacefully in his home at Highfield, Palmer Street, South Petherton, Somerset of congestive heart failure at the age of 80. His final resting-place was Taunton where he and Una had spent so many happy days together, and there his body was cremated. 1844 Saturday 10 th February Mr. G. Notley’s Hariers, Tuesday, Seavington, - half past 10. Sunday 7 th April Notley’s Mr. G. – Friday, Seavington (a deer); at eleven. (The Era) th Sunday 26 October Mr. G. Notley’s harriers meet on Tuesday at Combe Common Old Turnpike Gate, and on Friday at Fonts Cross, near Seavington, at half-past ten. (The Morning Chronicle)

1845 A day with Mr. Notley. – South Petherton. - The meet on Tuesday morning took place at Coles’s, the residence of J. B. Edmonds, Esq., where the animated scene was graced by the presence of several ladies, who, it is hardly necessary to say, were most hospitably entertained. After trying all Ham’s field, and the immediate vicinity, a hare was started in Little Marshwood, which ran across Ham’s field to Ham’s , round to the turnpike, up great Marshwood, crossing the road, through Mr. Peters’s fields, to Watergore, back by Horsecastle into Thorn’s Close, killing in Horsecastle, close to the residence of Mr. Edmonds, without a check. It was a pretty run, one of the best of the season. The pack then trotted on to Lopen Head, where a bag fox had been provided by Mr. Notley, which, having good law, the dogs were laid on, ran through the bottoms to Mead Farm, near Seavington’s, over the hill towards Chaffcombe Woods; but the hounds being too swift, the varmint was run into, in the open, at Allowenshay, without a check, in thirty-five minutes. (The Era, Sunday 23 rd February)

1846 Sunday 22 nd November Mr. G. Notley’s Harriers – Tuesday, Seavington; at half-past ten (The Era) Monday 23 rd November Mr. G. Notley’s harriers meet to-morrow at Seavington at half-past ten. (The Morning Chronicle)

1848 Sunday 2 nd January Mr. G. Notley’s (Harriers) – Tuesday, Seavington; Friday, Chilworthy; at half-past ten. (The Era)

1854 Fox Hunt – The Somerset harriers met on Friday last week, at Golden Hill Copse, near Ilminster, where a fine old reynard was soon found, which started off at a rapid pace towards Puckington, with the hounds after it in full cry. The fox then made towards Barrington, and over the hills to Seavington, where it again turned, and was killed near Shepton Beauchamp, after a splendid run of eight miles. Some excellent sport was afterwards enjoyed, and two hares were caught. (The Era, Sunday 31 st December)

1857 Monday 2 nd March Somerset, Monday, Seavington, 11:00

1860 Saturday 24 th November Taunton Vale and Langport Hariers; Thursday, Seavington – 10:30

1863 Saturday 21 st November Cotley Harriers; Tuesday, Seavington – 10:00

1874 Accident in the Hunting Field – On Monday last T. E. Phillips, Esq, of Montacute House, Ilminster, was hunting with the Seavington Harriers, which met at Bow Bridge, West Chinnock. During the sport, as Mr. Phillips cleared one of the hedges, his foot caught in the stump of an old tree, and the sudden jerk snapped both bones in his left leg just above the ankle. He was conveyed to his residence, where he is going on favourably. (Bell’s Life in London and Sporting Chronicle, Saturday 7 th February)

A serious accident happened on Monday to W. R. Phelips, Esq., of Montacute House, Chairman of the Yeovil Board of Guardians, while out with the Seavington Harriers. When taking a fence his right foot came in contact with the stump of a tree with such force as to shatter both bones above the ancle. Mr. Phelps retained his seat for some time, but had to be eventually conveyed home in a carriage. A medical man was fortunately present, who strapped his leg. We are glad to hear that the bones are set, and that Mr. Phelips is making good progress towards recovery. (Sporting Gazette, Saturday 14 th February)

On Monday last a serious accident happened to Mr. W. R. Phelips, of Montacute House, chairman of the Yeovil Board of Guardians, while out with the Seavington Harriers .When taking a fence his right foot came in contact with the stump of a tree with such force as to shatter both bones just above the ankle. Mr. Phelips is making good progress towards recovery. (Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXX, Issue 520, 23 April 1874)

West Somerset (Crewkerne) Meeting

The Harriers Steeple-Chase for horses hunted with the Seavington or Taunton Harriers.

Mr. Rawling’s Sirius, 3 yrs, 11st 7lb Mr. Wightwick 1 Mr. Elera’s Ruby, aged, 11st 7lb Mr. Lloyd 2 Mr. Fairans’s Lion, 6yrs, 11st 7lb Mr. Ellis 3

Also Ran: Sportsmistress, aged, 11st 7lb (Mr. Palmer); Charley, aged, 11st 7lb (Mr. Annesley); Dandy, 5 yrs, 11st (Mr. Hyde). Esmeralda, 4 yrs, 10st (Mr. Evans); Counsellor, 4 yrs, 10st (Mr. G. Elers); Wansdyke, aged, 11st 7lb (Captain Fitzroy); and Merrylegs, aged, 12st 7lb (Mr. Hussey).

Betting; 2 to 1 agst Counsellor, 3 to 1 agst Ruby, and 5 to 1 agst Sirius.

Won by thirty lengths. All fell during the race except the winner. (Sporting Gazette, Saturday 28 th March)

List of Harriers Seavington Hunting Days: Mon. & Thur. Master: Mr. C. Langdon Hunstman: The Master Whips: Mr. T. Were and J. Shiner Kennels: Lopenhead, near Ilminster, Somerset.

(Sporting Gazette, Saturday 7 th November)

The Seavington Harriers had a good day on Monday, killing two brace after average runs, and being whipped off from a “demon” as dusk came on. Hares are plentiful, and there is promise of a capital season’s sport. (The Sporting Gazette, Saturday 14 th November)

1875 The Seavington Harriers wound up the season on Tuesday. (The Sporting Gazette, Saturday 27 th March)

The Seavington Harriers had good sport at Langport on Thursday week. A hare was started near the Langport Nurseries, and after a good run, was killed near Pict’s Hill. There was a good field, the scent fresh, and the sport highly enjoyable. Several other runs were obtained during the day. The ground being rather slippery, a few mishaps occurred, but nothing serious. (The Sporting Gazette, Saturday 25 th December)

1877 Saturday 1 st December Seavington – Monday, the Kennels; Thursday, Odcombe – 11:00

1878 Saturday 12 th January Seavington – Monday, Compton; Thursday Bow Gate – 11:00 Saturday 19 th January Seavington – Monday, Axnoller Farm; Thursday, Barrington Gate – 11:00 Saturday 9 th February Seavington – Monday, Hambridge Green; Wednesday, Holy Tree – 11:00 Saturday 16 th February Seavington – Monday, Mosterton; Thursday, Odcombe – 11:00

The Seavington Harriers had a clipping two hours on Thursday. During the run a curious accident took place. A wagon, laden with lime, belonging to a farmer at Othery, with three horses attached to it was being driven along the road, when the two foremost horses became excited and attempted to follow the hounds. In attempting to jump a hedge the hind horse fell and both shafts were broken, (The Sporting Gazette, Saturday 16 th February)

Saturday 23 rd February Seavington – Monday, Peaminster Down; Thursday, Middle Chinnock – 11:00 Saturday 2 nd March Seavington – Monday, Barrington Gate; Thursday, Odcombe – 11:00

Programme of West Somerset Steeple Chases. Tuesday, March 19. - The Harriers Cup Steeple Chase for horses regularly hunted at least twelve times during the present season with the Seavington or Taunton Harriers; four year olds 10st, five 11st 5lb, six and aged, 12st; for horses which at the time of starting have never won a flat race, hurdle race, or steeple chase; no professionals, grooms, or paid servants allowed to rise; about two miles. Closed. (Bell’s Life in London and Sporting Chronicle, Saturday 16 th March)

Saturday 12 th October Seavington – Monday, Odcombe; Thursday, Mosterton – 11:00 Saturday 23 rd November Seavington – Monday, Sutton Green, Long Sutton; Friday, Mosterton – 11:00 Saturday 30 th November Seavington – Monday, Crabtree-lane, Curry Rivell; Thursday, Compton – 11:00 Saturday 7th December Seavington – Monday, Pye Corner; Thursday, Beaminster Down – 11:00 Saturday 28 th December Seavington – Monday, Hambridge Green; Thursday, the Kennels – 11:00

1879 Saturday 11 th January Seavington – Monday, Odcombe – 11:00 Saturday 1 st March Seavington – Monday, Middle Chinnock; Thursday, Seaborough – 11:00 Saturday 29 th March Seavington – Monday, Long Sutton; Thursday, Muchelney – 11:00 Saturday 11 th October Seavington – Monday, Lower Odcombe; Thursday, Stapleton Cross – 11:00 Saturday 18 th October Seavington – Monday, Chiselborough; Thursday, Seaborough – 11:00 Saturday 25 th October Seavington – Monday, Pye Corner; Thursday, Seaborough – 11:00

Harriers (England)

Seavington Hunting Days: Mon. & Thur. Master: Mr. Churchill Langdon Hunstman: The Master Whips: Mr. T.B. Were, F. Rock Kennels: Lopenhead, near Ilminster, Somerset.

(Baily’s Monthly Magazine of Sports and Pastimes, Saturday 1 st November)

Saturday 15 th November Seavington – Monday, Tintinhull; Thursday, Barrington Gate – 11:00

The Seavington Harriers, kennelled at Lopen Head, three miles from Ilminster, have one of the most magnificent countries in England to hunt over, nearly all grass and flying fences. The Master of these hounds is Mr. Churchill Langdon of Parrocks Lodge, near Chard, and a more popular Master is not to be found. In no country do men ride harder then with the Seavington Harriers, and no harder man than the Master exists. Hares run straight here, and the hounds are fast, and there is no choice of place in the fences, all being fair and somewhat big; and from find to finish it is a case of “devil take the hindmost.” This country is the most striking contrast to the fox-hunting country above alluded to as somewhat slow. No one who has ever had the pleasure of hunting with Mr. Langdon has been disappointed of having a first-class day’s sport, and pities himself if he does not live near enough to enjoy many of them. (The Sporting Gazette and Agricultural Journal, Saturday 15 th November)

Saturday 22nd November Seavington – Monday, Long Sutton – 11:00 Saturday 13 th December Seavington – First open day ay the Kennels – 11:00

1880 Saturday 31 st January Seavington – Monday, Mosterton; Thursday, the Kennels, - 11:00 Saturday 21 st February Seavington – Monday, Odcombe; Thursday, Beaminster Down – 11:00 Saturday 2 nd October Seavington – Monday, the Kennels; Thursday, Bine Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 7 th October Seavington – Monday, Barrington Gate; Thursday, Stapleton – 11:00 Saturday 30 th October Seavington – Monday, Pye Corner; Thursday, Beaminster Down – 11:00

Harriers (England)

Seavington Hunting Days: Mon. & Thur. Master: Mr. Churchill Langdon Hunstman: The Master Whips: Mr. T.B. Were, F. Rock Kennels: Lopenhead, near Ilminster, Somerset.

(Baily’s Monthly Magazine of Sports and Pastimes, Saturday 1 st November)

Saturday 13 th November Seavington – Monday, Bell Inn, Curry Revell; Thursday, Lower Odcombe – 11:00 Saturday 27 th November Seavington – Monday, the Kennels; Thursday, Pye Corner – 11:00 Saturday 4 th December Seavington – Monday, Pickett Farm, Mosterton; Thursday, Bine Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 11 th December Seavington – Monday, Thorn Cross; Thursday, Hambridge Green – 11:00 Saturday 18 th December Seavington – Monday, Seaborough; Thursday, Langport – 11:00 Saturday 25 th December Seavington – Monday, Beaminster Down; Thursday, the Kennels – 11:00

1881 Saturday 12 th February Seavington – Monday, Odcombe; Thursday, Seaborough – 11:00 Saturday 1 st October Seavington – Thursday, the Kennels – 11:00 Saturday 15 th October Seavington – Monday, Hambridge Green; Thursday, Mosterton – 11:00 Saturday 22 nd October Seavington – Monday, The Bell Inn, Curry Rivell; Thursday, Stapleton – 11:00

Monday, Oct 24. – The Seavington Harriers met at Curry Rivell. The morning began wet and unpleasant, and a drive of ten miles to the meet at first did not seem to be a most agreeable thing, but about half-past nine there was a break in the leaden clouds, and the rain began to hold up. Having the Master, Mr. Churchill Langdon, with us, there was no need to hurry, as they would not begin without him. Though we did not start until rather late, we arrived in very good time at the meet. Mr. Eler’s team of four good-looking browns making short work of the ten miles. Not a large number of people at the meet, the wet weather, no doubt, keeping several away. At eleven o’clock we moved of towards the residence of Mr. Trevelyan, where there are always plenty of hares – in fact, too may for much sport with hounds. The pack looked extremely well, and are a very nice level lot, only two or three being smaller than the others, and these the Master is desirous of changing for larger ones. In admirable condition they all were, and reflected great credit on the kennel management. Before the day was over they showed that they not only looked well, but could go well also. Not much time was lost before a hare was found in some turnips, and coming away over the road, ran into a spinney at the end of the park, but quickly she was rattle: through this, away across the park to another small convert, several being dotted about in this part of the country. After several turns though all these small woods, puss was sent along at a good pace towards Curry Rivell as far as the limekiln; here, being headed, she turned tack again towards the park, but running the road for some distance, a check occurred, when the hounds not being able to hit off by themselves, Mr. Langdon, coming to their assistance with one of his masterly casts, hit off the line at the edge of the park, here several more hares were on foot, but this killing pack stuck in a determined manner to the line of the hunted hare, an a few minutes after ran into her, after a pretty circling run of 40 minutes. We then trotted off towards Hambridge, where another hare was found in a little plantation, which, after making one circle round a dozen fields, went away, straight as a fox, right over Curry Moor, where there was some water jumping, and a burning scent enabled the hounds fairly to race, giving the field all they could do to live with them. Without a turn they raced over the grass to Burrough-under-Hill, where the hare had laid up in an orchard. The merry little pack, coming quickly on her, gave her no chance of running further. This run was really straight – 32 minutes without a check. Another hare was found at Hambridge Withy-beds, which, strange to say, also burst straight away over a very pretty line of country to Burton Pynsent Monument, a four-mile point. Near here, the rain coming down heavily, and the cold increasing, a check occurred, and although the Master tried all his skill and persevered, even after most people would of given up all hopes of regaining the line, he was unable to hit it off. The weather becoming worse every minute, and very loth to give it up, the hounds were taken home. During the drive home the loss of that hare had a most depressing effect on the usually exuberant spirits of our worthy Master, and all we could get out of him was every now and again, between puffs of his pip, “I can’t make out what became of that hare.”

The county hunted by the Seavington Harriers is, without exception, the most perfect in England to ride over. There is not a double in the whole country, which is mostly grass with small flying fences, and carries a capital scent. It is a great pity that hare hunting is the only kind carried on in that neighbourhood, as a more perfect country cannot be found, and although a portion of it is hunted by the Taunton Vale Fox-hounds, foxes are few and far between in the best of it. (The Country Gentleman; Sporting Gazette and Agricultural Journal, Saturday 29 th October.)

Saturday 12 th November Seavington – Monday, Lower Odcombe; Thursday, Barrington Gate – 11:00 Saturday 19 th November Seavington – Monday, Mosterton; Thursday, Coate Railway Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 3 rd December Seavington – Monday, Pye Corner; Thursday, the Kennels – 11:00 Saturday 10 th December Seavington – Thursday, Seaborough – 11:00 Saturday 24 th December Seavington – Monday, Stump Stone; Thursday, Mosterton – 11:00

1882 Saturday 21 st January Seavington – Monday, Crabtree Lane; Thursday, Northover – 11:00 Saturday 28 th January Seavington – Monday, Stapleton; Thursday, Axeford – 11:00 Saturday 11 th February Seavington – Monday, Tintinhull; Thursday, the Kennels – 12:00 th Saturday 18 February Seavington – Saturday (this day), the Kennels; Monday, Hambridge Green; Thursday, Thorn Cross – 11:00 Saturday 25 th February Seavington – Monday, Lambrook Gate; Thursday, Holy Tree – 11:00 Saturday 4 th March Seavington – Tuesday, Pye Corner; Friday; Beaminster Down – 11:00 Saturday 11 th March Seavington – Monday, Barrington Gate; Thursday, the Kennels – 11:00 Saturday 18 th March Seavington – Monday, Northover; Thursday, Crewkerne – 11:00 Saturday 25 th March Seavington – Thursday, the Kennels (for deer) – 12:00 Saturday 14 th October Seavington – Monday, Hambridge Green; Thursday, Mosterton – 11:00 Saturday 28 th October Seavington – Monday, the Kennels; Thursday, Beaminster Down – 11:00 Saturday 4 th November Seavington – Monday, Bow Gate; Thursday, Seaborough – 11:00 Saturday 18 th November Seavington – Thursday, Bine Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 25 th November Seavington – Monday, the Kennels; Thursday, Stapleton – 11:00 Saturday 16 th December Seavington – Monday, Bow Gate; Thursday, Mosterton – 11:00 Saturday 23 rd December Seavington – Thursday, Chiselborough – 11:00 Saturday 30 th December Seavington – Monday, Axe Ford; Thursday, Lambrook Gate – 11:00

1883 Saturday 13 th January Seavington – Monday, Exeford; Thursday, the Kennels – 11:00 Saturday 27 th January Seavington – Thursday, the Kennels – 11:00 Saturday 3 rd February Seavington – Monday, Seaborough; Thursday, Odcombe – 11:00 Saturday 10 th February Seavington – Monday, Bow Gate; Thursday, Mosterton – 11:00 Saturday 24 th February Seavington – Monday, Bow Gate; Thursday, Lower Odcombe – 11:00 rd Saturday 3 March Seavington – Saturday (this day), the Kennels; Monday, Barrington Gate; Thursday, Hambridge Green – 11:00 Saturday 10 th March Seavington – Monday, Northover; Thursday, Stapleton – 11:00 Saturday 17 th March Seavington – Monday, Tintinhull; Thursday, Middleney – 11:00

Programme of the West Somerset Meeting. Wednesday 28 th March. The HARRIERS’ CUP STEEPLE-CHASE, value 21 sovs (to be … first race at 12:30 p.m.) for horses hunted regularly (at least twelve times during the present season with the Seavington or Taunton Harriers) four year olds 10st, five 11st 5lb, six and aged 12st, no professionals, grooms, or paid servants allowed to ride; about two miles. (The Country Gentleman; Sporting Gazette and Agricultural Journal, Saturday 24 th March)

Sudden Death of a Somerset Sportsman. – The sportsmen of Somerset, Devon and Dorset, who have followed the Seavington Harriers, will hear with regret of the death, very suddenly, of Mr. Thomas Naish, the founder of the pack, who has just expired at this residence, Upton, near Seavington St. Mary. He had been partridge shooting on Friday, and appeared in his usual state of health. The next morning, whist lacing his boots with the intention of having another turn at the birds, he broke a blood vessel. He died in a short time from the effects of the rupture. Mr. Naish had been under medical treatment more or less for some considerable period, and an inquest will not be held. The deceased was a thorough sportsman, and he only relinquished the directions of the Seavington pack in consequence of ill-health. He leaves a widow and nine children. (The Bristol Mercury and Daily Post, Tuesday 11 th September)

The sportsmen of Somerset, Dorset and Devon who have followed the Seavington Harriers will hear with regret of the sudden death of Mr. Thomas Naish, founder of the pack, who has just expired at his residence, Upton, neat Seavington St. Mary. He had been partridge shooting on Friday, and was about to resume on Saturday, when he broke a blood-vessel, from the effects of which he died. Mr. Naish had been under medical treatment, so an inquest was deemed unnecessary. Deceased was a thorough sportsman, and only relinquished the direction of the Seavington Hunt in consequence of ill-health. (Bell’s Life in London and Sporting Chronicle, Saturday 15 th September)

Saturday 6 th October Seavington – Thursday, the Kennels – 11:00 Saturday 13 th October Seavington – Monday, Holy Tree; Thursday, Hambridge Green – 11:00

Harriers (England)

Seavington Hunting Days: Mon. & Thur. Master: Mr. Churchill Langdon Huntsman: The Master Whips: F. Rock Kennels: Lopenhead, near Ilminster, Somerset.

(Baily’s Monthly Magazine of Sports and Pastimes, Thursday 1st November)

Saturday 3 rd November Seavington – Monday, Muchelney; Thursday, Barrington Gate – 11:00 Saturday 10 th November Seavington – Monday, Thorne Cross; Thursday, Bine Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 17 th November Seavington – Monday, the Kennels; Thursday, Stapleton – 11:00 Saturday 24 th November Seavington – Monday, Bow Gate; Thursday, Axford – 11:00 Saturday 1 st December Seavington – Monday, Pye Corner; Thursday, Lambrook Gate – 11:00 Saturday 29 th December Seavington – Monday, Muckelney; Thursday, Bow Gate – 11:00

1884 Saturday 5 th January Seavington – Monday, Mosterton; Thursday, the Kennels – 11:00 Saturday 12 th January Seavington – Monday, Beaminster Down; Thursday, Chiselborough – 11:00 Saturday 19 th January Seavington – Monday, Northover; Thursday, Crab Tree Lane – 11:00 Saturday 26 th January Seavington – Monday, Muckelney; Thursday, Thorn Cross – 11:00 Saturday 2 nd February Seavington – Monday, Mosterton; Thursday, Stump Stone – 11:00 Saturday 9 th February Seavington – Monday, Thorn Cross; Thursday, Dibbeford Cross – 11:00 Saturday 23 rd February Seavington – Monday, Seaborough; Saturday, Chiselborough Hill – 11:00 Saturday 15 th March Seavington – Monday, Bridge House, West Chinnock; Thursday, Beaminster Tunnel – 11:00 Saturday 22 nd March Seavington – Monday, Hambridge Green; Thursday, Manor Farm, Hardington -11:00 Saturday 22 nd March Seavington – Monday, Thorn Cross; Saturday, Long Sutton – 11:00 Saturday 11 th October Seavington – Monday, Muchelney; Thursday, Bine Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 18 th October Seavington – Monday, Mosterton; Thursday, Stapleton – 11:00 Saturday 25 th October Seavington – Monday, Tintinhull Forts; Thursday, Muchelney – 11:00 Saturday 1 st November Seavington – Monday, Hambridge Green; Thursday, Hardington – 11:00

List of Harriers for 1884-85

Name of Hunt: Seavington Adjacent Towns: Yeovil Hunting Days: Monday and Thursday Kennels: Lopenhead, near Ilminster, Somerset Master’s Name and Address: Mr. Churchill Langdon, Parrocks Lodge, Chard Huntsman: The Master Whips F. Rock

(The Country Gentleman; Sporting Gazette and Agricultural Journal, Saturday 1 st November)

Saturday 15 th November Seavington – Monday, Devonshire Arms, Long Sutton; Thursday, Creedy Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 6 th December Seavington – Monday, Beaminster Down; Thursday, the Kennels – 11:00 Saturday 13 th December Seavington – Thursday, Dibbleford – 11:00 Saturday 20 th December Seavington – Monday, Mosterton; Friday, Bow Gate – 11:00

1885 Saturday 17 th January Seavington – Monday, Northover; Thursday, Bine Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 24 th January Seavington – Monday, Mosterton; Thursday, Stapleton – 11:00 Saturday 31 st January Seavington – Monday, Stump Stone; Thursday, Axford – 11:00 Saturday 7 th February Seavington – Monday, Chiselborough Hill; Thursday, Seaborough – 11:00

The Seavington Harriers meet on Thursday next at the Kennels at 11. (The Country Gentleman; A Sporting Gazette and Agricultural Journal, Saturday 10 th October)

Saturday 24 th October Seavington – Monday, Mosterton; Thursday, Stump Stone – 11:00 Saturday 28 th November Seavington – Monday, Dibbleford; Thursday, Bine Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 5 th December Seavington – Monday, Urless Pond; Thursday, Pye Corner – 11:00 Saturday 12 th December Seavington – Monday, Bow Gate; Thursday, Mosterton – 11:00 Saturday 19 th December Seavington – Monday, Railway Hotel, Martock; Thursday, Pye Corner – 11:00

1886 Saturday 2 nd January Seavington – Monday, North Perrott – 11:00 Saturday 9th January Seavington – Monday, the Kennels – 11:00 Saturday 16 th January Seavington – Monday, Muchelney; Thursday, Seaborough – 11:00 Saturday 30 th January Seavington – Monday, Pye Corner; Thursday, Pickett – 11:00 Saturday 6 th February Seavington – Monday, the Kennels; Thursday, Windmill – 11:00 Saturday 13 th February Seavington – Monday, Hambridge Green; Thursday, Creedy Bridge - 11:00 Saturday 20 th February Seavington – Monday, Dibbleford; Thursday, Lambrook Gate – 11:00 Saturday 27 th February Seavington – Monday, Stapleton; Thursday, Northover – 11:00 Saturday 6 th March Seavington – Monday, Stapleton; Thursday, Thorn Cross – 11:00

Programme of the West Somerset Meeting. Tuesday 16 th March. The HARRIERS’ CUP STEEPLE-CHASE, value 21 sovs, for horses hunted (at least twelve times)with the Seavington, Taunton or Lord Wolverton’s Harriers; four year olds 10st 5lb, five 11st 8lb, six and aged 12st; owners riding their own horses allowed 5lb; no professionals, grooms, or paid servants to ride; winners of a steeple-chase 7lb extra; two miles; to close this day (Saturday). (The Country Gentleman; A Sporting Gazette and Agricultural Journal, Saturday 13 th March)

Saturday 20 th March Seavington – Monday, Coles Cross; Thursday, Long Sutton – 11:00 Saturday 27 th March Seavington – Monday, Coles Cross, Pilsdon – 11:00

The Seavington Harriers. A meeting was held at the Swan hotel, Crewkerne on Saturday afternoon, for the purpose of taking steps for the public recognition of the services of Mr. J. Churchill Langdon, who has ably hunted the Seavington Harriers for the last 15 years. The chair was occupied by Major Wilkie. It was decided that the testimonial should take the form of a portrait of the Master of the Hunt. (The Bristol Mercury and Daily Post, Monday 5 th April

Presentation to a Master of Hounds – At the first meeting of the Seavington Hunt yesterday, a presentation was made to the master of the harriers, Captain Churchill Langdon, of Parrocks lodge, near Chard, by the members of the hunt, as a proof of their high esteem and for their appreciation of the able manner in which he has fulfilled the duties of master during the last 15 years. The ceremony took place at the Kennels at Lopen, near Ilminster, in the presence of about 200 ladies and gentlemen, including the principal sportsmen of the neighbourhood. The testimonial took the form of a massive sold silver tankard, standing about 21 inches high, richly chased with rustic oak work, oak leaves, acorns, &c., surrounding on one side an embossed shield containing a hunting scene, “Full Cry,” after H. Alken, in repoussé work, and on the other side a similar shield on which is engraved the following inscription :- “Presented to Churchill Langdon, Esq, by his friends and members of the hunt, as a proof of their high esteem, and in appreciation of the able and sportsmanlike manner in which he has fulfilled the duties of master of the Seavington Harriers during the past fifteen seasons.” On the base is also a beautifully chased hare in form. A terminal for the handle is a perfect model of a hunter’s head, whilst on the lip is a model of a harrier’s head, taken from the celebrated bitch, Countess, and on the cover is an exquisitely-modelled and life-life equestrian portrait of Mr. Langdon in hunting costume, on his favourite hunter Bar One. The tankard is accompanied by four solid silver beakers, and the whole is mounted on a polished ebonised mahogany pedestal, round which are silver shields bearing the whole of the subscribers names (107) engraved on them. The whole weighs 220oz. The presentation was made by Dr. Mules, of Ilminster, who induced Captain Langdon to take the Mastership of the hunt on the death of Mr. Tom Naish, the previous master, 15 years ago. Captain Langdon, feelingly replied, and referred to the kindness which he had always experienced from members of the hunt, and of the friendly feeling and goodwill of the landlords and tenants of the district in allowing him to hunt over the land. Hearty cheers were given for the genial master of the hunt, and a good day’s sport was afterwards enjoyed. The presentation was arranged by a committee, of whom Major Wilkie was the chairman, Mr. W. R. Hickworthy the treasurer, and the Rev. L. H. P. Maurice the hon. secretary. The plate was supplied by Messrs Hancock, Cox, and Co., of Yeovil. (The Bristol Mercury, Friday 8 th October)

At the first meet this season of the Seavington Hunt on Thursday, the Master, Mr. Churchill Langdon, was presented with a massive silver tankard (about 21in high), richly chased with hunting scenes and incidents, and surrounded by four silver beakers, the whole weighing 220oz. (The Country Gentleman; A Sporting Gazette and Agricultural Journal, Saturday 9th October)

Saturday 23 rd October Seavington – Monday, Stapleton Cross; Thursday, Hambridge Green – 11:00

Prospects of sport with the Seavington Harriers, we hear, are very good. (The Country Gentleman; A Sporting Gazette and Agricultural Journal, Saturday 23rd October)

Saturday 30 th October Seavington – Monday, Bow Gate; Thursday, Axford – 11:00 Saturday 6 th November Seavington – Monday, the Kennels; Thursday, Long Sutton – 11:00 Saturday 20 th November Seavington – Monday, Bine Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 4 th December Seavington – Monday, Muchelney – 11:00 Saturday 11 th December Seavington – Monday, Bow Gate; Thursday, Mosterton – 11:00 Saturday 18 th December Seavington – Monday, Whitley Cross; Thursday, the Kennels – 11:00

1887 Saturday 1 st January Seavington – Monday, Stump Stone; Thursday, Axeford – 11:00 Saturday 22 nd January Seavington – Monday, Axeford; Thursday, Stump Stone – 11:00 Saturday 29 th January Seavington – Monday, Beaminster Tunnel; Thursday, Bow Gate – 11:00 Saturday 5 th February Seavington – Monday, Thorn Cross – 11:00 Saturday 12 th February Seavington – Monday, Stapleton Cross; Thursday, Hambridge Green – 11:00 Saturday 26 th February Seavington – Monday, Muchelney; Thursday, Windmill – 11:00 Saturday 5 th March Seavington – Monday, Beaminster Down; Thursday, Tintinhull Fort – 11:30 Saturday 12 th March Seavington – Monday, Coles Cross; Thursday, Barrington Gate – 11:00

Fox-Hunting with the Seavington Harriers. I recollect hearing the late Lord Guilford say that he would give me a “fiver” to see hounds run sharp for 50 minutes over the Marshwood Vale, and sincerely do I wish that renowned sportsman had lived to participate in the grand run which we had with the above pack on Monday last over this splendid bit of country.

Coles Cross was the fixture, and eleven the advertised hour for the meet, but after the hard frost of Sunday night Mr. Churchill Langdon very properly waited until twelve o’clock before throwing his hounds into covert at Race Down. Lest I should omit any I refrain from giving the names of the thirty or forty horsemen who were present when hounds moved off. Contrary to expectation, we failed to find a fox in Mr. Bryant’s covert, or in Wet Copse or Knacker’s Hole. Grighay Gorse also proved blank, as did one or two small coverts at Bettiscombe. It was not until we reached Mr. J. Tatchell Bullen’s Lower House Covert at Marshwood that the scene of order and tranquillity gave place to one of bustle and excitement. A whimper or two directly hounds were inside proclaimed this covert to be tenanted, and a clean, good-looking fox stole away at the top end pointing for Pilsdon Hill. Through Rivelshay they raced him, when bearing to the right they merrily rattle him over Pilsdon Farm, and actually through the churchyard of that diminutive parish.

By way of parenthesis, I venture to relate here an amusing incident which now occurred, and which will not soon be forgotten by those who witnessed it. Meeting the Master point blank in a narrow lane, Reynard attempted to evade Mr. Langdon by slipping into a cottage, the door of which happened to be open. The worthy dame, who evidently comes of a sporting race, catches a view of our fox under the stairs, and rushing excitedly out, exclaims, “Lor-a-massy, he’s under the chair!” Bless her old heart, she was right. In one moment that capital sportsman, Mr. John Naish, of Seavington, had the wily gentleman by the brush and the “scruff” of the neck, and, bringing him out unaided, let go unharmed into the presence of the whole field.

The pack were laid on in a twinkling, and then what a chorus as they streamed away through Hackeridge Farm to Broadorchard and Paddocks Cross, on to Stoke Mill, through Purcombe and Middlebrook Farms to Cards Mill. It now looked as if his point was the cliffs beyond Whitchurch, but veering to the right, and leaving Prime Copse to the left, they ran him very hard to Mutton Street, on close to Marshwood House and Cowded Farm, where he as rolled over in the open. One hour and eight minutes from the time we found him. It was not straight certainly, but it was very fast, and in every respect an excellent run, while no hounds in the world could have stuck to the line of their fox better. Mr. Langdon may well be proud of being the possessor of such a thoroughly sporting pack. At the kind invitation of Mr. Henry Smith the majority of the field betook themselves to his house at Pilsdon, where this good friend of fox-hunting regaled them with his usual liberality. AFRICANDER. (The Country Gentleman: A Sporting Gazette and Agricultural Journal, Saturday 19 th March)

Saturday 19 th March Seavington – Monday, Pye Corner – 11:00 Saturday 26 th March Seavington – Monday, Cock-pit Cottage, Broadwindsor (fox) – 11:00

West Somersetshire Meeting 1887 29 th and 30 th March. (Under the Grand National Hunt Rules.) First Day: (To be run the first day at 12.30 p.m.) The HARRIERS’ CUP STEEPLE-CHASE, value 21 sovs. for horses regularly hunted (at least twelve times) with the Seavington, Taunton, or Lord Wolverton’s Harriers, and a certificate to that effect from the Mast must be produced; four year olds to carry 10st 7lb, five 11st 8lb, six and aged 12st; owners riding their own horses allowed 7lbs; no professionals, grooms, or paid servants allowed to ride; any winner of a steeple-chase to carry 7lb extra, entrance 1 sov; six entries or no race; about two miles. To close to Mr. Nevill, Crewkerne, on Saturday, March 26 th . (The Country Gentleman: A Sporting Gazette and Agricultural Journal, Saturday 26 th March)

Saturday 22 nd October Seavington – Thursday, Tintinhull Forts – 11:00 Saturday 29 th October Seavington – Monday, Bow Gate; Thursday, Northover – 11:00

List of Harriers for 1887-8

Name of Hunt: Seavington Kennels: Lopen Head, Ilminster Hunting Days: Monday and Thursday Adjacent Towns: Yeovil, Ilminster, Crewkerne Master’s Name and Address: Mr. Churchill Langdon, Parrocks Lodge, Chard Huntsman: The Master Whips F. Rock

(The Country Gentleman; Sporting Gazette and Agricultural Journal, Saturday 29th October)

Saturday 5th November Seavington – Monday, the Kennels; Thursday, Mosterton – 11:00 Saturday 12 th November Seavington – Monday, Chiselborough; Thursday, Seaborough – 11:00 Saturday 19 th November Seavington – Monday, Seaborough; Thursday, Hambridge Green – 11:00 Saturday 26 th November Seavington – Monday, the Kennels; Thursday, Long Sutton – 11:00 Saturday 3 rd December Seavington – Thursday, Muchelney – 11:00

1888 Saturday 7 th January Seavington – Monday, Seaborough; Thursday, Bow Gate – 11:00 Saturday 4 th February Seavington – Monday, Lambrook Gate; Thursday, Muchelney – 11:00 Saturday 11 th February Seavington – Monday, Maiden Beech Tree; Thursday, Pye Corner – 11:00 Saturday 18 th February Seavington – Monday, Bow Gate; Thursday, Pye Corner – 11:00 Saturday 25 th February Seavington – Monday, Bow Gate; Thursday, Pye Corner – 11:00 Saturday 3 rd March Seavington – Monday, Bow Gate; Thursday, Pye Corner – 11:00 Saturday 10 th March Seavington – Monday, Barrington Gate; Thursday, North Perrott – 11:00

Program of the West Somerset Meeting: Tuesday, March 13 - The HARRIERS’ CUP STEEPLE-CHASE, value 21 sovs. for horses regularly hunted with the Seavington, Taunton, or Lord Wolverton’s Harriers, and a certificate to that effect from the Mast must be produced; four year olds to carry 10st 7lb, five 11st 8lb, six and aged 12st; owners riding their own horses allowed 7lbs; no professionals, grooms, or paid servants allowed to ride; winners of a steeple-chase 7lb extra; about two miles.

Ida, 6 yrs Pilgrim, aged Stella, aged Dandy, aged Temptation, 4 yrs Skylark, aged Jack, 5 yrs

(The Country Gentleman: A Sporting Gazette and Agricultural Journal, Saturday 10 th March)

Saturday 17 th March Seavington – Monday, Beaminster Tunnel; Thursday, Stump Stone – 11:00

A Retrospective of the Hunting Season. Of accidents there have been the usual crop…… Mr. E.S. Rodd, while hunting with the Seavington Harriers “took a severe toss,” as the newest phrase goes; (Baily’s Monthly Magazine of Sports and Pastimes, Tuesday 1 st May.)

Scent up to date with the Seavington Harriers has been good (The Country Gentleman: A Sporting Gazette and Agricultural Journal, and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 27 th October)

Saturday 10 th November Seavington – Monday, Axeford; Thursday, Windmill – 11:00 Saturday 17 th November Seavington – Monday, Chiselborough Hill; Thursday, Seaborough – 11:00 Saturday 8 th December Seavington – Monday, Littleford; Thursday, Stump Stone – 11:00 Saturday 22 nd December Seavington – Monday, Creedy Bridge; Thursday, Mosterton Mill – 11:00

1889 Saturday 5 th January Seavington – Monday, Barrington Gate; Thursday, Thorne Cross - 11:00 Saturday 12 th January Seavington – Monday, Mosterton; Thursday, Broadstone – 11:00 Saturday 19 th January Seavington – Monday, Lambrook Gate; Thursday, Northover – 11:00 Saturday 26 th January Seavington – Monday, Muchelney; Thursday, the Kennels – 11:00 Saturday 9 th February Seavington – Monday, Barrington Gate; Thursday, Windmill – 11:00 Saturday 16 th February Seavington – Monday, Chiselborough, Thursday, Axeford – 11:00 Saturday 23 rd March Seavington – Thursday, Northover – 11:00 Saturday 2 nd November Seavington – Monday, Seaborough; Thursday, Broadstone – 11:00 Saturday 16 th November Seavington – Monday, Lambrook Gate; Thursday, Northover – 11:00 Saturday 23 rd November Seavington – Monday, Holy Tree; Thursday, the Kennels – 11:00 Saturday 30 th November Seavington – Monday, Muchelney; Thursday, Bow Gate – 11:00 Saturday 7 th December Seavington – Monday, Hambridge Green – 11:00 Saturday 14 th December Seavington – Monday, Fox-Hole Bridge, near Broadstone; Thursday, Thorn Cross – 11:00 Saturday 21 st December Seavington – Monday, Long Sutton; Thursday, Axeford – 11:00 Saturday 28 th December Seavington – Monday, Seaborough Court; Thursday, Chiselborough – 11:00

1890 Saturday 11 th January Seavington – Monday, Mosterton; Thursday, Bow Gate – 11:00 Saturday 18 th January Seavington – Monday, Broadwindsor; Thursday, the Kennels – 11:00 Saturday 25 th January Seavington – Monday, Chiselborough Hill; Thursday, Coles Cross – 11:00 Saturday 1 st February Seavington – Monday, Stump Stone; Thursday, Holy Tree – 11:00 Saturday 15 th February Seavington – Monday, Stoke Knaps; Thursday, Bow Gate – 11:00 Saturday 22 nd February Seavington – Monday, Barrington Gate; Thursday, Seaborough – 11:00 Saturday 1 st March Seavington – Monday, Lambrook Gate; Thursday, Coles Cross – 11:00 Saturday 8 th March Seavington – Monday, Lambrook Gate; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts – 11:00 Saturday 15 th March Seavington – Monday, Hambridge Green; Thursday, Northover – 11:00 Saturday 29 th March Seavington – Monday, Cock-pit Cottage – 11:00 Saturday 5 th April Seavington – Monday, Coles Cross – 11:00

Major Langdon of Chard, who has for many years held the Mastership of the Seavington Harriers, has decided to resign this appointment at the close of the present season. Mr. Chandos Pole, brother to the Master of the Cattistock Hunt, is mentioned as the Major’s successor. (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 13 th December)

1891 A Master is wanted immediately for the Seavington Harriers, this noted country being vacant in consequence of the resignation of Major Langdon. Application to be made to the hon. secretary, Mr. E. J. Trask, Courtfield, Norton, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, Somerset. (The Country Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal, and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 27 th June)

Mr. J. S. King, of The Beeches, is the new Master of the Seavington Harriers. (The Country Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal, and “The Man about Town”, Saturday10th October)

The Seavington Harriers. Sir, - It may interest some of your readers to hear that through the kindness of various Masters, who have given hounds, a pack has been got together to take the place of the old one that had to be destroyed through an outbreak of rabies and dumb madness. There has been an entire change of Master and staff. Mr. J. S. King succeeds Major Langdon, and Robert Harris succeeds Roch as whip. The kennels have been changed from Lopen Head to the Beeches, Seavington, the residence of the new Master. Mr. King hunts the hounds himself, and the hunt consider themselves fortunate in securing him as Master, for Mr. King comes from one of the oldest Devonshire county families, and one of the best sporting families Devonshire ever saw. Scent has been very bad so far; yet Mr. King has managed to show some good sport. These hounds hunt the fox on the Dorchester side of their country, adjoining the Cattistock country; indeed, through the courtesy of Mr. Chandos Pole, Master of the Cattistock, they sometimes draw a portion of the Cattistock country. They have as yet only had one day’s cub-hunting, when they found lots of foxes, but, scent was so bad, could do very little. The hounds worked well, and the Master, as usual, was indefatigable in his endeavours to show sport, and it is wonderful to see the command he has hounds under, and how well they hunt, considering that are all drafts and strange to one another. The country is also all new to the Master, but I must give him credit for getting over it well, and being generally with his hounds when wanted. That hounds are in good condition goes without saying, for Mr. King is no novice in their management, and had considerable experience with his father in South Devon, hunting the Roborough district for many seasons, and other parts of the country. In fact, Mr. King was born amongst the hounds, and I congratulate the Seavington Hunt in having got the right man in the right place, and feel sure it will not be his fault if he does not show them good sport, for his heart and soul is in hunting. Wishing every success for coming season – Yours truly, WHIP. (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 17 th October)

Both hares and foxes are plentiful in the Seavington Harrier country, which is nearly all grass, but scent has been very bad. As will be remembered, the old pack, owing to rabies and dumb madness, was destroyed during the past summer, and a fresh lot got together by the present Master, Mr. J. S. King, which succeeds Major Churchill Langdon. There has been a thorough change of kennels and staff, Robert Harris, the present whip, being the son of Charles Harris, the huntsman of the Hertfordshire Hounds. (The Country Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal, and “The Man about Town”, Saturday17th October)

List of Harriers for 1891-92

Name of Hunt: Seavington Kennels: The Beeches, Seavington, Ilminster Hunting Days: Monday and Thursday, occ. Saturday Adjacent Towns: Yeovil, Ilminster, Crewkerne, Martock Master’s Name and Address: Mr. J. S. King, The Beeches, Seavington, Ilminster Huntsman: The Master Whips Robert Harris, kh

(Country Gentleman; Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 24th October)

Saturday 31 st October Seavington – Thursday, November 5 th , Lopen Head (opening meet); Monday, November 9 th , Axe Ford; Thursday, November 12 th , Chiselborough Hill – 11:00 Saturday 31 st October Seavington – Thursday, Lopen Head – 11:00 Saturday 14 th November Seavington – Monday, Long Sutton; Thursday, Bine Bridges – 11:00 Saturday 21 st November Seavington – Monday, Thorn Cross; Thursday, Martock Station – 11:00 Saturday 28 th November Seavington – Monday, Barrington Gate; Thursday, Northover – 11:00

The Seavington Harriers – Sir, - These hounds met on Thursday last at Martock Station. After allowing a few minutes’ grace the Master moved off to draw Coat (Mr. Gillett’s), and in the second grass field puss jumped up in view, running across the turnpike road, over Gaw Bridge, on the road to Kingsbury, turning to the left over Heathers Hill, where she was headed, and hounds checked. The Master cast back towards the turnpike road, and, hitting the line, recrossed the road, and crossed the Parrett River between Gaw Bridge and Kingsbury Church. Hounds here had all the fun to themselves, as the field had to make a detour for a bridge, getting in with the hounds near Coat pointing for Martock. Being again headed, this good hare was forced from her line, and ran back over a lovely grass country, where all we had to do was to sit down and ride. However, as poor George Jordan said, “’tis the pace that kills,” and at the end of 50 minutes this game hare was rolled over. Trotted away to draw Stapleton Mead; found in a grass field in the occupation of those good sportsmen and hare preservers Messrs. Gale, when we had a run that eclipsed the one of the morning, running first to Stapleton Covert, then across the G.W.R. near Langport, and over the Horsey and Muchelney Meadows, and was pulled down after a very sharp 60 minutes. A large field enjoyed this good day’s sport, including several well-known men from the Blackmore Vale. The country gone over was almost entirely grass, with good fair fences that took some doing, especially the large open reams and brooks that divided the pastures, and any person who desired more jumping or better sport must indeed be a glutton. The hounds hunted admirably, plenty of music, and showed us they could both hunt and drive, and unbounded thanks are due to the generous Masters of various packs who have assisted by giving hounds to replace the pack which had so unfortunately to be destroyed last summer. Let us wish we may have many more such days during the season. S. H. (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 28 th November)

Saturday 5 th December Seavington – Monday, Mosterton Village; Thursday, Bell Inn, Curry Rivel – 11:00 Saturday 12 th December Seavington – Monday, Cock Pit Cottage - 10:30; Thursday, Holy Tree – 11:00 Saturday 19 th December Seavington – Thursday, Bow Gate – 11:00 Saturday 26 th December Seavington – Monday, Chartnole, Broadwindsor – 10:30; Thursday, Lopen Mill – 11:00

On Monday week the Seavington Harriers met at Cockpit Village, but their intention was not to hunt their usual quarry, for on this occasion they were bent on fox- hunting. A brace of foxes were found at King-more, one of whom took them at a rare pace to Lewesdon Hill, and away to Stoke-Abbott, through Brimley Farm. From here he crossed the river neat to Waytown, and as far as Metplash Church, and thence to Fern Coppice. Here he doubled back, but, after a slight check, the hounds got on to his track, and eventually pulled him down in a turnip field. These hounds, thanks to the very able handling of the Master, Mr. King, have had a very good season so far, and are beginning to work well together. The Seavington Harriers had a splendid day on Thursday, the 17 th , when meeting at Holy Tree, they had a brilliant run of an hour and five minutes, finishing up with a kill; the country was riding fearfully heavy, and falls were plentiful as blackberries in a good season. Afterwards they had another excellent of an hour, but this time puss escaped. (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 26 th December) 1892 Saturday 2 nd January Seavington – Monday, Bow Gate; Thursday, Long Sutton – 11:00 th Saturday 9 January Seavington – Monday, Bow Gate; Thursday, Seavington Village; Saturday, Tintinhull Forts – 11:00 Saturday 23 rd January Seavington – Monday, Odcombe; Thursday, Long Sutton – 11:00

Robert Harris has left the Seavington Harriers. (The Country Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal, and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 23 rd January)

Saturday 30 th January Seavington – Monday, Tintinhull Forts; Thursday, Half Moon Inn, Chinnock – 11:00 Saturday 6 th February Seavington – Monday, Foxwell Gate, Hazlebury, Thursday, Barrington Gate – 11:00 Saturday 13 th February Seavington – Monday, Windmill; Thursday, Stump Stone – 11:00 Saturday 20 th February Seavington – Monday, Lambrook Gate; Thursday, Hambridge Green – 11:00

The Seavington Harriers. Sir, - Thursday Feb, 11, Barrington Gate, at 11 a.m., meets our eye in the morning paper, and thereupon a resolution was made not to miss this favourite fixture. Jogging along to meet, we hear hounds running merrily about a mile to our left. Must be late, we fancy, and something wrong with the “old Dutch;” but, on arriving at meet, found not only we were a bit early, but hounds had not arrived. Presently “here they come,” and in a minute we are greeting our good friend Mr. Poole, who had so kindly been hunting hounds through the Master’s enforced absence through a severe attack of the universal malady, influenza and bronchitis. It being evident, from the fact his horse being sent on, that the late and popular Master, Major Langdon, intends to honour use, a little extra law is allowed. At last we move off, and in first field we begin to draw. Hounds feather, and are evidently on a walk, although not strong enough to speak to. They carry the line through two fields, when the eagle eye of Mr. Poole sees pussy stealing away in next field. He has the pack on the line before you could wink, and away they go, and we see at once that not only is a scent, but that they are pointing for some of the very cream of the country over the Vale; and, by George! our hare means it too, and we have to harden our hearts and sit down and ride our best to keep near them. Of course, there are some who manage to do their best to spoil the sport of others by over-riding the hounds, but scent to-day was too good for them to do much mischief. Running away over Barrington Court and Lake, pointing towards Westport, bearing to the right, they check in road close to Mr. Newman’s dairy farm. Recovering the line, they race away over Westmore meadows into a willow-bed. Quickly pushing their hare through, they cross a field into a larger osier-bed. Here they give her a rare twisting round. Presently she breaks with pack close to her, but not viewing, everyone thinks it would be who-whoop; but no. On they race to Burrow-over-the-Hill, towards Mr. Pittard’s farm at Rodwell. Making a slight turn to the left towards Kingsbury, they throw up at end of field neat where two men are at work on a manure heap. In answer to question if they have seen hare, they state that they have not done so. Mr. Poole makes his cast. The workmen did not know the man they had to deal with, or they would have hardly tried to play pranks with such a sportsman. Feeling sure puss had not had fair play, Mr. Poole still casts very carefully. Presently he sees unmistakable signs of the murder, and appealing to the field with “Gentlemen, unless you insist on these men giving up the hare which they have killed, there is not a sportsman amongst you,” the appeal was not made in vain. Major Wilkie is at once to the front, followed by other good and true men, but had hardly time to speak to the men when Mr. Poole discovers poor pussy dead and stiff, partly concealed by side of the manure heap. Doubtless the rascals had not time to complete their work of concealment, and thus prevented an unsatisfactory account of being given at end of the run. Many a huntsman will sympathise with Mr. Poole, had he not been lucky enough to have discovered the trick these blackguards had tried to play. It is too often the case with a beaten hare, I regret to say, that these rascals take advantage, and the unlucky huntsman is the sufferer for their rascality. That they are not found out is a pity, but to-day the luck was with the huntsman. Trotting back again to the Vale, we find directly, and again have such a splendid run that at 2.30 p.m. all cried enough, and although Mr. Poole would have drawn again had the field desired it, all were satisfied, and he wisely determined to return to kennel, hounds have had two gruelling runs, ending with blood, and no doubt but hounds would have run another hare still. Had they done so, and scent proved to have changed, and not finished with blood, why, hounds would not have returned to kennel in as good a heart as they now did. That we may yet have many such runs, and that the Master, who, we were glad to hear, was getting on well as possible, and now able to get down stairs, may be with us to enjoy the fun, is the hearty wish of – Yours, S. H. (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 20 th February)

We are pleased to learn that Mr. J. S. King, the Master of the Seavington Harriers, is able to get about a little after being laid up some five weeks with an attack of influenza and bronchitis, but it will be some time yet before he is strong enough to resume his duties with the pack. In Mr. King’s absence Mr. James Poole has ably carried the horn. They had a capital day’s sport last Monday from Windmill, having over an hour with their first hare before they rolled her over, and a good run with the second, which eventually saved her scut. (The County Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal, and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 20 th February)

The Seavington Harriers. These hounds still continue to have very good sport. Meeting at Windmill last Monday, they ran their first hare very sharply for twenty minutes, when they came to a slight check. Hitting it off again, they ran very fast for three-quarters of an hour, going over a lovely grass country, and running from scent to view rolled over as gallant a hare as ever stood before hounds. Found again, and had a capital run, not quite so straight as the first run, the hare running foil, and the field pressing hounds too closely resulting in puss saving her scut.

Mr. James Poole has been ably handling the hounds during the Master’s enforced absence as a victim to influenza and bronchitis. Although better, and able to get out of doors a little, it will be some time yet before Mr. King can resume the horn. The field ought to feel very much indebted to Mr. Poole for his kindness in coming forward and showing the sport he has done, and if some who follow the pack would remember that they come out not solely for their own amusement, and abstain from so persistently over-riding hounds, thus spoiling not only their own sport, but that of others as well, all would enjoy better sport, more hares would be killed, hounds would not be continually checking and driven off the line, and lastly, those who really know what hunting is would not so often feel out of temper at these thrusting gentlemen. Snow is now falling, and it looks as if sport will be stopped again. Let us hope not. WEST COUNTRY. . (The County Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal, and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 20 th February)

Saturday 27 th February Seavington – Monday, Crimbleford Cross, Dinnington; Thursday, Haselbury Mill – 11:00 Saturday 5 th March Seavington – Monday, Pye Corner; Thursday, Martock Station – 11:15 Saturday 12 th March Seavington – Monday, Muchelney; Thursday, Seaborough – 11:15

The Seavington Harriers will hunt foxes during April (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 12th March)

Close Time for Hares. To The Editor of “The County Gentleman.” Sir, - Now that this Bill is likely to become law ere long, I was glad to see a suggestion that the fixing of such close time should be regulated by the County Councils. This appears a very wise course to adopt, inasmuch as a hard-and-fast fixed period is inapplicable to all counties. Take, for instance, Dartmoor and Exmoor, where it is possible to hunt much later than elsewhere on account not only of not damaging crops, but because during the winter months a great portion of these parts are unrideable, also it is generally considered hares breed later in those districts. Again, take Somerset. This season, owing to continued wet in the autumn and through the winter, it has been impossible to hunt a great part of the Seavington country on account of the wet state of the ground and the damage that would be done, and it is only now at the very tail end of the season there is a change of getting a gallop over this beautiful low-lying grass country; therefore, if it were law that hare hunting must terminate on 1 st March, all chance of a gallop when country served would be lost. Regulated by the County Council, these difficulties could be met. – Yours &c. March 9, 1892 A MASTER OF HARRIERS (The County Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 12 th March)

The Seavington Harriers, which have been showing some capital sport lately, will hunt fox during April in the Dorset part of their country. Mt. J. S. King, the Master, has nearly recovered from his recent illness, and hopes to be in the saddle next week, so that if the snow goes he may yet enjoy a good gallop or two before the season closes. (The County Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 12 th March)

We learn that barbed wire is becoming prevalent in the Seavington country, which is very regrettable, as close at hand are the Cattistock, Blackmore Vale, and Taunton Vale, all good hunting countries, which, it is hoped, may be spared this pest. (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 19 th March)

th Saturday 19 March Seavington – Monday Lambrook Gate; Thursday, Strode Manor, Beaminster; Saturday, Seavington Village – 11:15 Saturday 26 th March Seavington – Monday, Petherton Bridge (to meet for fox); Thursday, Cole’s Green – 11:00

By kind permission of Mr. Guest, Master of the Blackmore Vale, the Seavington Harriers are hunting a portion of the Blackmore Value country for fox to the end of this season. (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 26 th March)

A correspondent informs us that Mr. King, the Master of the Seavington Harriers, was considerably injured by a mishap which occurred on Friday, the 30 th ult., while out with his pack in the neighbourhood of Beaminster. It is hoped, however, that his injuries are not of such a serious character as to prevent his soon getting into active work again. (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 8 th October)

Scent has been good with the Seavington Harriers, which have found hares plentiful. Walter Pamplin succeeds Robert Harris as first whip, and kennel huntsman, and Mr. E. King assists in whipping-in. (The County Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal, and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 22 nd October)

List of Harriers for 1892-93

Name of Hunt: Seavington Kennels: The Beeches, Seavington, Ilminster Hunting Days: Monday and Thursday, occ. Saturday Adjacent Towns: Yeovil, Ilminster, Crewkerne, Martock Master’s Name and Address: Mr. J. S. King, The Beeches, Seavington, Ilminster Huntsman: The Master Whips Walter Pamplin, kh. Mr. E. King

(Country Gentleman; Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 24th October)

th Saturday 5 November Seavington – Monday, Long Sutton; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts; Saturday, Crimbleford Cross – 11:00 Saturday 12 th November Seavington – Tuesday, Stump Stone; Thursday, Atkins’ Gate – 11:00 Saturday 19 th November Seavington – Monday, Beaminster Down; Thursday, Thorne Cross – 11:00 Saturday 26 th November Seavington – Monday, Long Sutton – 10:45; Thursday, Bine Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 10 th December Seavington – Monday, Mosterton; Thursday, Seavington Village; Saturday, Bar Gate – 11:00 Saturday 17 th December Seavington – Monday, Muchelney; Thursday, Barrington Gate – 11:00 Saturday 24 th December Seavington – Monday, Cock Pitt Cottage – 10:45; Thursday, Lambrook Gate – 11:00 st Saturday 31 December Seavington – Monday, Seavington Village; Thursday, The White Hart Hotel, Martock; Saturday, Hambridge – 11:00

1893 th Saturday 7 January Seavington – Monday, Hambridge Green; Thursday, White Hart, Martock; Saturday, Creedy Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 14 th January Seavington – Monday, Hambridge Green; Thursday, Long Sutton – 11:00 Saturday 21 st January Seavington - Monday, Lambrook Gate; Thursday, Cock Pitt Cottage – 11:00 Saturday 28 th January Seavington – Monday, White Hart, Martock; Thursday, Hambridge – 11:00 Saturday 4 th February Seavington – Monday, no meet; Thursday, Holy Tree – 11:00

The Mastership of the Seavington Harriers has been taken by Mr. J. A. Jefferys, of Montserrate, Salisbury. . (The County Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal, and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 11 th February)

th Saturday 18 February Seavington – Saturday (this day) the Kennels – 11:30; Monday, Tintinhull Fort; Thursday, Foxhole Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 25 th February Seavington – Monday, Coler Cross; Thursday, Hambridge Green – 11:30

Wincanton Hunt Steeple-Chases, to be held, under National Hunt Rules, on Easter Monday, April 3 rd , 1893. 3pm 4.- The TALLY-HO STEEPLE-CHASE PLATE of 21 sovs to the winner, 5 sovs to the second; for tenant farmers and tradesmen residing in the country hunted by the Blackmore Vale, Lord Portman’s. South and West Wilts, Cattistock, Taunton Vale, South Dorset, and Seavington Harriers; two miles; weights 13st; entrance 1 sov.; to be ridden by persons who have never ridden for hire.

(Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 18 th March)

Saturday 18 th March Seavington – Tuesday, Corfe Village, near Taunton (for wild red deer) – 11:00 Saturday 8 th April Seavington - Tuesday, Corfe Village, near Taunton – 10:30 (for wild stag)

R. Russell, late of the Hursley, has gone as whip and kennel huntsman to the Seavington Harriers. (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 29 th April)

Saturday 21 st October Seavington – Monday, Duke of Edinburgh; Thursday; Littlewindsor – 11:00

List of Harriers for 1893-94

Name of Hunt: Seavington Kennels: The Beeches, Seavington, Ilminster Hunting Days: Monday and Thursday, occ. bye day Adjacent Towns: Yeovil, Ilminster, Crewkerne Master’s Name and Address: Mr. Jefferys Allen-Jefferys, Seavington, Ilminster Huntsman: The Master Whips Robert Russell, kh, James Poole

(The Country Gentleman; Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 28 th October)

Saturday 4 th November Seavington – Monday, Axe Ford – 11:30; Tuesday, Tintinhull Forts; Friday, Isle Brewers – 11:00 Saturday 11 th November Seavington – Tuesday, Sutton Bingham; Friday, Bell Inn, Curry Rivel – 11:00 Saturday 18 th November Seavington – Monday, Blackdown – 11:30; Thursday, Windmill – 11:00 Saturday 25 th November Seavington – Monday, Bow Gate – 11:15; Thursday, Victoria Inn, Ilchester – 11:00 Saturday 2 nd December Seavington – Monday, Crimbleford Cross – 11:30; Thursday, Barrington Gate – 11:00 Saturday 9 th December Seavington – Tuesday, Stapleton Cross; Friday, Long Sutton – 11:00 Saturday 23 rd December Seavington – Tuesday, Blackdown House – 11:30; Friday, Lopen Head – 11:00 Saturday 30 th December Seavington – Tuesday, Pye Corner; Friday Mosterton – 11:15

1894 Saturday 13 th January Seavington – Monday, Crewkerne Station; Friday, Pye Corner – 11:00 Saturday 20 th January Seavington – Tuesday, Bell Inn, Curry Rivel; Friday, Gawbridge Mills – 11:00 Saturday 27 th January Seavington – Monday, Seaborough – 11:15; Friday – Tintinhull Forts – 11:00 Saturday 3 rd February Seavington – Monday, Blackdown House – 11:30; Friday, Chiselborough Hill – 11:00

Wincanton Steeple-Chases, to be held under National Hunt Rules, on Easter Monday, March 26 th 1894

1. The SPORTSMAN STEEPLE-CHASE PLATE of 21 sovs, for horses which have been regularly hunted by their owners since February 1 st , 1891, open to the Blackmore Vale, Lord Portman’s. South and West Wilts, Cattistock, Taunton Vale, South Dorset, and Seavington Harriers; winners 7lb extra (point-to-point races excepted); two miles and a half; weights 12st 7lb; entrance 1 sov.; to be ridden by persons who have never ridden for hire.

4 The TALLY-HO STEEPLE-CHASE PLATE of 21 sovs to the winner, 5 sovs to the second; for tenant farmers and tradesmen residing in the country hunted by the Blackmore Vale, Lord Portman’s. South and West Wilts, Cattistock, Taunton Vale, South Dorset, and Seavington Harriers; two miles; weights 13st; entrance 1 sov.; to be ridden by persons who have never ridden for hire.

(Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 24 th February)

Saturday 24 th February Seavington – Monday, Muchelney; Thursday, Atkins Gate – 11:00 Saturday 17 th March Seavington – Monday, Broadwindsor; Thursday, Windmill – 11:30

Hare Hounds or Harriers – Which? To the Editor of “Horse and Hound”: Sir, - May I suggest that it would be better that the name “Harriers” should be dropped and hounds that hunt the hare be called “Hare Hounds,” as formerly. It appears that “Harriers” in these days means an association of young shopkeepers and others who assemble for the purposes of foot racing, &c., and has nothing what to do with sport properly so called. After all, what is the derivation of “Harriers”? We do not speak of “Foxiers.” I saw this week placarded about Taunton something about the “Taunton Harriers Club” and found it referred to foot racing. Now, considering that the “Taunton Harriers” have been an established pack of hounds for upward of a century, to take that name is bad taste, to say the least of it. But as this seems very prevalent in these advanced days, I suggest, as above, the term “Hare Hounds.” – I am, yours, JEFFERYS ALLEN-JEFFERYS, Master of the Seavington Hare Hounds. (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 25 th August)

The Seavington Harriers, consisting of 20 couples, hunt one week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and the next on Monday and Thursday. The kennels are at Seavington, near Ilminster; the Master, Mr. Jefferys Allen Jefferys, Gatchell House, near Taunton; and the Master also carries the horn, the whips being Mr. Piers Clarke and Mr. J. Poole. The nearest towns are Ilminster, Crewkerne, Yeovil and Martock. Up to date they have kill 11½ braces of hares, which are scarce, but not so much so as subscriptions. (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 20 th October)

Saturday 27 th October Seavington – Tuesday, Windmill; Friday, Blackdown – 11:00

List of Harriers for 1894-95

Name of Hunt: Seavington Kennels: Seavington, Ilminster Hunting Days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, alt. Monday and Thursday Adjacent Towns: Crewkerne, Yeovil, Ilminster Master’s Name and Address: Mr. Jefferys Allen Jefferys, Gatchell House, Taunton Huntsman: The Master Whips Mr. P. Clarke, Mr. J. Poole

(Country Gentleman; Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 27th October)

Saturday 3 rd November Seavington – Monday, Pye Corner; Thursday, Sandpit, Broadwindsor – 11:00 Saturday 10 th November Seavington – Monday, the Kennels; Thursday, Mosterton – 11:00

The Seavington Harriers. Sir,- Mr. Jefferys Allen-Jefferys, with his celebrated pack of black-and-tans, had a clinking run with a wild red deer on Tuesday 13 th . The stag was lying on Pilsdon Hill, and hounds ran him more than fifteen miles in an hour and 40 minutes over very hilly country fenced with enormous banks, finally setting up to bay in a stream at Uplyme, near Lyme Regis, when he was taken alive, a grand four year old stag. There was a burning scent, and never a check from find to finish. – Yours, &c., GINGER. (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 17 th November)

Saturday 24 th November Seavington – Monday, Bow Gate; Thursday, Mosterton – 11:00 Saturday 15 th December Seavington – Monday, Crab Tree Lane; Thursday, West Coker – 11:00 Saturday 22 nd December Seavington – Monday, Barrington Gate; Thursday, Bine Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 29 th December Seavington – Tuesday, Broadwindsor; Friday, Long Sutton – 11:00

1895 Saturday 5 th January Seavington – Monday, Broadwindsor; Thursday, Creedy Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 19 th January Seavington – Monday, Broadwindsor; Thursday, Creedy Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 26 th January Seavington – Monday, Blackdown House; Thursday, Burrow Hill – 11:00 th Saturday 9 February Seavington – Monday, Chiselborough Hill; Thursday, Pye Corner; Saturday, Blackdown House – 11:00 Saturday 16 th February Seavington – Monday, Broadwindsor; Thursday, Pye Corner; Saturday, the Kennels – 11:00 Saturday 9 th March Seavington – Monday, Lambrook Gate; Thursday, Stump Stone; Saturday, the Kennels – 11:00 Saturday 16 th March Seavington – Wednesday, Broadwindsor; Saturday, the Kennels – 11:00

Wincanton Steeple-Chases. The Third Annual Meeting under National Hunt Rule will be held at HATHERLEIGH, on Easter Monday, April 15 th , 1895

1. The TALLY-HO STEEPLE-CHASE PLATE of 21 sovs to the winner, 5 sovs to the second; for tenant farmers and tradesmen residing in the country hunted by the Blackmore Vale, Lord Portman’s. South and West Wilts, Cattistock, Taunton Vale, South Dorset, and Seavington Harriers; two miles; weights 12st 7lb; entrance 1 sov.; to be ridden by persons who have never ridden for hire

2. The SPORTSMAN’S STEEPLE-CHASE PLATE of 21 sovs, and 5 sovs to the second, for horses which have been regularly hunted by their owners since March 1st , 1895, with either of the following pack, viz. :- Blackmore Vale, Lord Portman’s. South and West Wilts, Cattistock, Taunton Vale, South Dorset, and Seavington Harriers; winners 7lb extra (point-to-point races excepted); two miles and a half; weights 12st; entrance 1 sov.; to be ridden by persons who have never ridden for hire.

(Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 23 rd March)

Saturday 23 rd March Seavington – Monday, Crab Tree-lane; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts; Saturday, Bine Bridge – 11:00 th Saturday 19 October Seavington – Monday, Crab Tree-lane; Wednesday, Stoke Knapps; Friday, Crimbleford Cross – 11:00 Saturday 26 th October Seavington – Monday, Puckington; Wednesday, Bine Bridge; Friday, Monkwood Cross – 11:00

List of Harriers for 1895-96

Name of Hunt: Seavington Kennels: Seavington, Ilminster Hunting Days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday Adjacent Towns: Ilminster, Crewkerne, Yeovil Master’s Name and Address: Mr. Jefferys Allen Jefferys, Gatchell House, Taunton Huntsman: The Master Whips Mr. Piers Clarke, Mr. J. Poole

(Country Gentleman; Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 26th October)

Saturday 2 nd November Seavington – Monday, Muchelney; Wednesday Bow Gate; Friday, the Kennels – 11:00 Saturday 9 th November Seavington – Monday, Pilsdon Manor; Wednesday, West Coker; Friday, Burrow Hill – 11:00 Saturday 30 th November Seavington – Monday, Barrington Gate; Thursday, Creedy Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 7 th December Seavington – Monday, Drayton; Thursday, Lopen Head (deer) – 11:00 Saturday 14 th December Seavington – Monday, Sandpit Mill; Thursday, White Hart, Martock (deer) – 11:00 Saturday 21 st December Seavington – Monday, Stapleton Cross – 11:00; Thursday, East Chinnock (deer) – 11:00

During the remained of the season the Seavington Harriers are to hunt deer on certain days, hares having become very scarce in that part. (The County Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal, and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 28 th December)

Saturday 28 th December Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, George Hotel, Ilminster – 12:00 1896 Wednesday 1 st January Seavington Harriers – At 11. Friday, Jan 3 – Monkwood Bridge (The Bristol Mercury and Daily Post) Saturday 4 th January Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, Montacute – 11:30 Seavington – Monday, Barrington Gate; Friday, Pye Corner – 11:00 Saturday 11 th January Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, Seavington – 12:00 Seavington – Monday, Creedy Bridge; Friday, Hambridge Green – 11:00 Saturday 18 th January Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, Martock – 11:30 Seavington – Monday, Curry Rivel; Saturday, East Coker – 11:00 Friday, 24 th January Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, 29 th January, Lopen Head – 12:00; Wednesday, 5 th February, Crewkerne – 11:30; Wednesday, 12th February, Seavington – 12:00, Wednesday, 19 th February, Martock – 11:00 (The Bristol Mercury and Daily Post) Saturday 25 th January Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, Lopen Head – 12:00 Seavington – Monday, Ham Hill House; Friday, Sandpit – 11:00 Saturday 8 th February Seavington – Monday, Lambrook Gate; Friday, Creedy Bridge – 11:15

The Taunton Vale Harriers. Sir, - Monday last found us at Ile Abbots Village, and those present included Dr. Liddon, Messrs. E. and J. Humphrey, M. J. Darby, Mr. Channer, Mr. Lambert, Mr. Hewett, Mr. T. de E. Hanbury, Mr. Kidd, Mr. Willcocks, and some ten or a dozen others. The sharp frost of Saturday night had left a lot of bone still in the ground, and made riding somewhat difficult as well as risky, yet it made scarcely any perceptible difference to the followers of this pack after the first fence or two had been negotiated, and, although several falls took place, no harm resulted, one and all enjoying a fine day’s sport. But before speaking of the sport I should mention that Mr. John Humphrey had provided something else almost equally enjoyable, especially after a twelve-mile ride, and this, it is unnecessary to say, was dome ample justice to. Just as we had commenced drawing the meadows by the river, hounds were heard running hard within a few fields of us. This turned out to be the Seavington Harriers, who had met somewhere in the vicinity, and not wishing to clash the Master very properly gave the order to move to Higher Woodlands. No sooner had we arrived there than a “See Ho!” was heard, and a little jack slipped with hounds close to his scut. From the way the pack settled down to their work it was at once seen that scent was A1, and that we were in for something unusually good. We ran very fast from here to Beer Marsh, right-handed around Curry Mallett Church, away to Rock, wheeling right to Stowey (Mr. Willcock’s), on to Mr. Harcombe’s, crossing the main road, in and through the Crimson Hill covers, but never dwelling a moment, and there we undoubtedly changed our game, as a fox was now viewed in front of the hounds. At racing pace we crossed the Wrantage road as if for Newport, but wheeling right-handed ran nearly down to Sedgemoor, running the vale for a long distance, and hounds were caught and stopped on the bounds of Swell Farm. This was a truly magnificent forty-five minutes without the shadow of a check. We had two other good runs later, but nothing equalling the morning’s gallop, which was something quite out of the common. I intended giving you some particulars of out Thursday’s sport at Stoke St. Mary, but time will not permit this week. JORROCKS. (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 15 th February)

Saturday 22 nd February Seavington – Monday, Lopen Head; Friday, Muchelney – 11:00

Wincanton Steeple-Chases. The Fourth Annual Meeting under National Hunt Rule will be held at HATHERLEIGH, on Easter Monday, April 6 th , 1896

No. 3. The SPORTSMAN STEEPLE-CHASE PLATE of 21 sovs to the winner, and 5 sovs to the second, for horses which have never won a steeple-chase, hurdle or flat race value 40 sovs under any rules, and which have been regularly hunted by their owners since February 20 th , 1896, with the Blackmore Vale, Lord Portman’s. South and West Wilts, Cattistock, Taunton Vale, South Dorset, or Seavington Harriers; winners in 1895 or 1896 once 7lb, twice 14lb, three times 21lb extra; weights 12st each; distance three miles; to be ridden by persons who have never ridden for hire; certificate from the Master of Hounds to be sent with entry; entrance 1 sov.

No. 4 The TALLY-HO STEEPLE-CHASE PLATE of 21 sovs to the winner, 5 sovs to the second, for tenant farmers and tradesmen residing within the limits of the counties hunted by the Blackmore Vale, Lord Portman’s. South and West Wilts, Cattistock, Taunton Vale, South Dorset, or Seavington Harriers; two miles and a half; weights- four years 10st 10lb, five years 11st 10lb, six years and aged 12st 3lb; winners in 1895 or 1896 once 5lb, twice, or one of 40 sovs, 10lb, three times, or once of 100 sovs, 14lb extra; maiden six years old and upwards allowed 7lb; entrance 1 sov.; to be ridden by persons who have never ridden for hire.

(Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 7th March)

Monday 9 th March Seavington Harriers – At 11:15. Monday, Match 9 – Puckington (To finish the season) (The Bristol Mercury and Daily Post) Saturday 14 th March Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Monday, Ilminster – 12:00; Thursday, Duke of Edinburgh, near Yeovil – 11:30

The Seavington Harriers will hold their opening meeting next Thursday at Lopen Head at 11 a.m.

No change in the hunting arrangements of the Seavington (Mr. J. Allen-Jeffreys’s) Harriers is to be noted this year except that the pack now numbers 15 couples only. (Horse and Hounds: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 3 rd October)

On Monday next the Seavington Harriers will meet at Pilsbury Windmill, and on Thursday at Lambrook Gate, each day at 11 a.m. (Horse and Hounds: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 10 th October)

List of Hounds for 1896-97

English Stag-Hounds

Name of Hunt: Mr. Allen-Jefferys’ Kennels: Seavington, Ilminster Hunting Days: Wednesday, occ. bye Adjacent Towns: Taunton, Yeovil, Sherborme Master’s Name and Address: Mr. Jefferys Allen Jefferys, Seavington, Ilminster Secretary’s Name and Address: Huntsman: The Master Whips Mr. James Poole

(Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 17 th October)

Saturday 10 th October Seavington – Monday, Pibsbury Windmill; Thursday, Lambrook Gate – 11:00 Saturday 24 th October Seavington – Monday, Drayton, Thursday, East Coker – 11:00

List of Harriers for 1896-97

English Harriers

Name of Hunt: Seavington Kennels: Seavington, Ilminster Hunting Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday Adjacent Towns: Ilminster, Crewkerne, Yeovil Master’s Name and Address: Mr. Jefferys Allen Jefferys, Seavington, Ilminster Huntsman: The Master Whips Mr. Piers Clarke, J. Poole

(The County Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 24 th October)

Saturday 31 st October Seavington – Monday, Barrington Gate; Thursday, Holy Tree – 11:00 Saturday 21 st November Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, Ilminster – 12:00 Seavington – Monday, Creedy Bridge; Thursday, Windmill – 11:00 Saturday 28 th November Seavington – Monday, Muchelney; Thursday, Tintinhull – 11:00 Saturday 5 th December Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – At 12:00, Wednesday, December 16, Martock; Wednesday, December 23 rd , Ilminster; Wednesday, December 30, Taunton (The Bristol Mercury and Daily Post) Saturday 12 th December Seavington – Monday, Hambridge; Thursday, Byne Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 19 th December Seavington – Monday, Axe Ford; Thursday, Pye Corner – 11:00

1897 Saturday 9 th January Seavington – Thursday, Pye Corner – 11:00 Saturday 16 th January Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, Ilminster – 11:00 Saturday 23 rd January Seavington – Monday, Hambridge Green; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts – 11:00 Saturday 30 th January Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, Martock – 12:00 Seavington – First open Monday or Thursday, the Kennels – 11:00 Saturday 6 th February Seavington – Monday, Axonaller Farm; Thursday, Chiselboro Hill – 11:00 Saturday 20 th February Seavington – Monday, Stoke Knapps; Thursday, Holy Tree – 11:00 Saturday 27 th February Seavington – Monday, Hambridge Green; Thursday, Bineham, Long Sutton – 11:00 Saturday 13 th March Seavington – Monday, Blackdown House – 11:00

Wincanton Steeple-Chases. The Fifth Annual Meeting under National Hunt Rule will be held at HATHERLEIGH, on Easter Monday, April 19 th , 1897

No. 4 The TALLY-HO STEEPLE-CHASE PLATE of 21 sovs to the winner, 5 sovs to the second, for tenant farmers and tradesmen residing within the limits of the counties hunted by the Blackmore Vale, Lord Portman’s. South and West Wilts, Cattistock, Taunton Vale, South Dorset, or Seavington Harriers; distance two miles; weights- four years 10st 10lb, five years 11st 10lb, six years and aged 12st 3lb; winners in 1896 or 1897 once 5lb, twice, or one of 40 sovs, 10lb, three times, or once of 100 sovs, 14lb extra; maiden six years old and upwards allowed 7lb; entrance 1 sov.; to be ridden by persons who have never ridden for hire. (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 20 th March)

The Seavington Harriers have had a very good season, despite moderate scent. Hunting two days a week they have killed 26 brace of hares, besides 3 brace of foxes in the hill country. They were stopped hunting on nine days. Hares were scarce in places. (The County Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 24 th April)

Saturday 9 th October Seavington – Monday, Hambridge Green; Thursday, East Coker – 11:00

Mr. J. Piers Clarke this season will hunt the Seavington Harriers instead of the Master, Mr. J. Allen-Jefferys, and he is also hon. secretary. Hares are scarce, but a good season should be had, as the district of the hunt is one of the best flying countries in England (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 9 th October)

Mr Allen-Jefferys’s Stag-hounds have every prospect of a successful season over the grand country they hunt around Taunton, Yeovil, and Crewkerne (The County Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal, and “The Man about Town”, Saturday, 9 th October)

List of Hounds for 1897-98

English Stag-Hounds

Name of Hunt: Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s Hunting Days: Uncertain, gen Tuesday Adjacent Towns: Taunton, Yeovil, Crewkerne Master’s Name and Address: Mr. Allen-Jefferys, Gatchell House, Taunton Secretary’s Name and Address: None Huntsman: The Master Whips: J. Poole, A. Poole Kennels: Seavington, Ilminster

(Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 16 th October)

Saturday 23 rd October Seavington – Monday, Pibsbury Windmill; Thursday, Creedy Bridge – 11:00

Mr Allen-Jefferys’s Staghounds had a run on Thursday, 19 th , of four hours, a seventeen-mile point, and more than thirty as the hounds ran. The lay-on was at Yeovil, and the stag was taken on Sedgemoor below Aller. (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 23 rd October)

Hares are scarce in the grand country hunted by the Seavington Harriers, which this year are to be let out on Mondays and Thursday (The County Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal, and "The Man about Town", Saturday 23 rd October)

Saturday 30 th October Seavington – Monday, Crab Tree Lane; Thursday, Stapleton Cross – 11:00 Saturday 6 th November Seavington – Monday, Bineham Farm – 11:15; Thursday, Mins Gate – 11:00 Saturday 13 th November Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Tuesday, Ilminster – 12:00 Seavington – Monday, Isle Brewers; Thursday, Duke of Edinburgh – 11:15 Saturday 20 th November Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Tuesday, Martock – 12:00 Seavington – Monday, Muchelney; Thursday, Bow Gate – 11:00 Saturday 27 th November Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Tuesday, Montacute – 12:00 Seavington – Monday, Bell Inn, Curry Rivel; Thursday, Stapleton Cross – 11:00 Saturday 4 th December Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Tuesday, Ilford Bridges – 12:00 Seavington – Monday, Crimbleford Cross; Thursday, Creedy Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 11 th December Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, Hazelbury Village – 12:00 Seavington – Monday, Lambrook Gate; Friday, East Stoke – 11:00 Saturday 18 th December Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, Seavington – 12:00 Seavington – Monday, Stapleton Cross; Thursday, Chiselborough Hill – 11:00 Saturday 25 th December Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Monday, Lambrook Gate – 12:00 Seavington – Tuesday, Knowle, Long Sutton; Friday, Atkins Gate – 11:00 1898 Saturday 1 st January Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Tuesday, Montacute – 12:00 Seavington – Monday, Blackdown House; Thursday, Creedy Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 8 th January Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, Ilminster – 12:00 Seavington – Monday, Seaborough; Thursday, Stump Stone – 11:00 Saturday 15 th January Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, East Chinnock – 12:00 Seavington – Monday, Hambridge Green; Thursday, Pye Corner – 11:00 Saturday 22 nd January Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, Yeovil – 12:00 Seavington – Monday, Barrington Village; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts – 11:00

Mr. J. Allen-Jeffreys, the Master of the Seavington Staghounds and Harriers, has half-a-dozen excellent hunts coming up at Albert Gate on Monday week, Jan. 31, these being sold to make room for younger horses coming on. They are a smart and reliable lot, and fuller particulars of them will be given in our usual article on Messrs. Tattersall’s Monday next week. (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 22 nd January)

Saturday 29 th January Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, Ilford Bridges – 12:00 Seavington – Monday, Broadwindsor; Thursday, Petherton Bridge – 11:00

Forthcoming Sales at Albert Gate. Well worthy of attention are the half-dozen horses sent up by Mr. J. Allen-Jefferys, the Master of the Seavington Staghounds and Harriers, which stand in the Eleven (A) Stall Stable, Nos 96 to 101, and are only disposed of to make room for younger horses coming on. They comprise Nigger, a fine- actioned black gelding, quiet to ride, and useful in harness; Waterford, a serviceable grey gelding, quiet to rise up to 14st, and an exceptionally smart bank-jumper, which remark also applies to Masterpiece, a grand weight-carrying bay gelding; Nobleman, a powerful-looking and very well-mannered chesnut gelding, that possesses a good turn of speed, and is up to 15st; Brilliant, a very fast roan mare, up to 15st, that jumps well, and has a speck on one eye, which, however, detracts very little from her quality; and White Wings, a very smart chesnut gelding by York, that jumps well and thoroughly knows his business as a hunter, a winner at the 1896 Badminton Point-to- point Races, possesses quite enough speed and cleverness to make him useful over a steeple-chase course, and is sold solely on account of his no being up to Mr. Allen- Jefferys’s weight. The last five mentioned as all described as good hacks and hunters, and are together a capital lot. (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 29 th January)

Saturday 5 th February Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, Montacute – 12:00 Seavington – Monday, Lambrook Gate; Thursday, Bow Gate – 11:00 Saturday 12 th February Seavington – Monday, Herd’s Hill House, Langport – 11:00 Saturday 19 th February Seavington – Monday, Long Sutton – 11:00

Wincanton Steeple-Chases. The Sixth Annual Meeting (under National Hunt Rules) will be held at HATHERLEIGH, on Easter Monday, April 11 th , 1898

No. 4 The TALLY-HO STEEPLE-CHASE PLATE of 21 sovs to the winner, 10 sovs to the second, and 5 sovs to the third; for tenant farmers and tradesmen residing within the limits of the counties hunted by the Blackmore Vale, Lord Portman’s. South and West Wilts, Cattistock, Taunton Vale, South Dorset, or Seavington Harriers; distance two miles; weights4 yrs 10st 10lb, 5 yrs 11st 10lb, 6 yrs and aged 12st 3lb; winners in 1897 or 1898 once 5lb, twice or once of 40 sovs, 10lb, three times, or once of 100 sovs, 14lb extra; maiden 6 years old and upwards allowed 7lb; to be ridden by persons who have never ridden for hire; entrance 1 sov.

(Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 19 th , February)

nd Friday 2 March Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – At 12:00, Wednesday, March 2 – Ilminster (The Bristol Mercury and Daily Post) Saturday 5 th March Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Thursday, Martock – 12:00 Seavington – Monday, Ash Cross-roads (for fox to finish the season) – 11:00

The Seavington Harriers met at Ash Cross Roads to draw for an outlying fox on Monday last, which they found in a hedgerow, and had a clinking 50 minutes with him ere bowling him over, thus ending the best season ever known with this pack (The County Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal, and "The Man about Town” Saturday 12 th March)

Saturday 12 th March Mr Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Monday, Puckington; Thursday, Yeovil – 12:00 Saturday 19 th March Mr Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Monday, Ilton; Thursday, Seavington – 12:00 Saturday 26 th March Mr Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, Barrington Gate – 12:00 Saturday 2 nd April Mr Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Saturday (this day), Martock; Thursday, Ilminster – 12:00

Mr. Allen Jefferys with the Seavington Harriers (15 couples) has had a fine season’s sport, scent proving fair. There were out on a hundred days, and killed 53½ braces of hares and 1½ brace of foxes. They were only stopped on one day. (The County Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal, and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 23 rd April)

The entered and unentered draft of the Seavington Harriers and of Mr. Jefferys Allen Jefferys’s Staghounds can be disposed of. Apply to James Poole, Seavington House, near Ilminster. (The County Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal, and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 7 th May)

Ilminster - At the police court on Wednesday, before a full bench, Mr. Jefferies Allen Jefferies, of Gatchell house, Trull, near Taunton, a magistrate of Somerset and master of the Seavington Harriers and Seavington Staghounds, Ilminster, was summoned by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for cruelty to a pony by excessive beating on the 2 nd of April. Mr. Hosw Colam, of London, was prosecuting barrister, and Mr. Douglas Metcalfe, of Bristol (instructed by Mr. C. P. Clarke, of Taunton), appeared for the defence. James Lane, grocer, of Seavington St. Michael, said on the day in question he saw the defendant in a trap drawn by a grey pony. The latter commenced to rear and backed in the trap, when the defendant got out and commenced to belabour it with a thick stick. They pony fell down, and he continued to strike it until it got up again. He kept up a continuous round of blows on the mare, and it fell a second and third time under the chastisement. Witness said if he had been 34 instead of 74 years of age he would have gone to the defendant, but he called to him to stop. Two grooms stood at the horse’s head whilst the defendant beat it. Elizabeth Lane, wife of the last witness, and three other witnesses gave more or less corroborative evidence. For the defence, it was contended that the pony had a vicious and dangerous habit of rearing at starting, and that the beating was necessary and reasonable. Mr. James Poole, who was present at the time, said he would have given the horse more than she got from the defendant. Mr. John White, livery stable keeper, of Taunton, said to such a horse the beating described would be beneficial. William Nicholls, defendant’s groom, said the pony did not show any weals on its back when it arrived home the same evening; and Major Williams, of Portsmouth, spoke of the mare’s propensity to rear and throw herself down. After several hours’ sitting, the Bench decided that the pony in question needed correction, and there being a difference of opinion as to the amount of punishment administered by the defendant, they dismissed the case. (The Bristol Mercury, Saturday 28 th May)

Mr. Jefferys Allen-Jefferys, who country bordering on the Blackmore Vale is a grand flying one, nearly all grass, will hunt his stag-hounds three days a fortnight during the season. Mr. Allen-Jefferys will also hunt his harriers, the Seavington, as usual. (The County Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal, and “The Man about Town, Saturday 8 th October)

Saturday 15 th October Seavington – Monday, Hambridge Green; Thursday, Holy Tree – 11:00

List of Harriers for 1898-99

English Harriers

Name of Hunt: Seavington Kennels: Seavington, Ilminster, Somerset Hunting Days: 2 a week Adjacent Towns: Ilminster, Yeovil, Crewkerne Master’s Name and Address: Mr. Jefferys Allen Jefferys, Gatchell House, Taunton Huntsman: The Master Whips Mr. W. Morris, J. Poole, kh.

(The County Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 22nd October)

Saturday 29 th October Seavington – Monday, Barrington Village; Thursday, Lopen Head – 11:00

We are informed that on the occasion of the opening meet of Mr. J. Allen-Jefferys’s Staghounds – to take place at the George Hotel, Ilminster, on Wednesday next at 11:30a.m. – advantage will be taken of presenting the popular Master with a testimonial in the shape of a silver hunting horn, as a slight recognition of the sportsmanlike way in which he has hunted the country for several seasons. (Horse and Hound: A Journal of Sport and Agriculture, Saturday 5 th November)

Saturday 12 th November Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Monday, Martock; Thursday, Choughs Hotel, Yeovil – 11:30 th Friday 18 November Mr. Allen Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – At 11:30, Monday, November 28 – Seavington (The Bristol Mercury and Daily Post) Saturday 26 th November Mr Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Monday, Seavington; Friday, South Petherton – 11:30

“Our Van.” - Presentations. – The George Hotel, Ilminster, was on Wednesday, November 9 th , the locus in quo of a presentation to Mr. Allen-Jeffreys, whose staghounds find the dwellers in the country in a good deal of sport. The testimonial consisted of a silver hunting horn and case. The hounds met at Ilminster Market Place on the day in question, and in the Assembly Rooms Major J. Churchill-Langdon made the presentation, remarking, as he did so, that the master had come to the rescue at a critical moment, and had collected an excellent pack of both staghounds and harriers. The master in reply stated that he deemed the Seavington country too good to be hunted by a pack of harriers which could find only about one hare per diem, and that those localities were few and far between where three or four hares could be found; and he announced his intention of giving up the harriers unless hares became more plentiful. With his staghounds a gallop could be generally reckoned upon. (Baily’s Magazine of Sports and Pastimes, Tuesday 1 st December)

Saturday 10 th December Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Monday, Lopen; Friday, Lambrook Gate – 11:30 Saturday 17 th December Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, Doctor’s Cottage, Ashill – 11:30 Saturday 24 th December Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, Ilminster – 11:30

1899 th Friday 13 January Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – At 11:30, Monday, January 16 – Shepton Beauchamp (The Bristol Mercury and Daily Post) Saturday 21 st January Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, Ilford Bridges – 11:30 Seavington – Monday, Lambrook Gate; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts – 11:00 Saturday 28 th January Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Monday, Ashill; Friday, Ilminster – 11:30

Mr. Jefferys Allen-Jefferys has resigned the Mastership of the Seavington Harriers, after heaving held it for the past six years. In announcing his retirement, Mr. Allen- Jefferys expressed a hope that Mr. Piers Clarke, of Barley Hill, near Chard, will be incused to succeed him, in which case he will lend his pack to the hunt, and give the kennels rent free. (Hound and Hound: A Journal for Every Sportsman, Saturday 28 th January)

Mr. T. Piers Clarke, Barley Hill, near Chard, has been appointed Master of the Seavington Harriers, which Mr. J. C. Allen-Jefferys gives up after hunting them for six seasons. The Seavington Harriers were established so far back as 1827, and hunt over a wonderfully fine expanse of pasture country in Somersetshire and Dorsetshire, with flying fences and wide ditches, some parts of which are also used by the Blackmore Vale, Cattistock, and Taunton Vale Hounds. (Horse and Hound: A Journal for Every Sportsman, Saturday 11 th February)

Saturday 4 th February Mr. Allen-Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – Wednesday, Ilton – 11:30 Saturday 11 th February Seavington – Monday, Hambridge; Thursday, Creedy Bridge – 11:00 Wednesday 15 th February Mr. Allen Jefferys’s (Staghounds) – At 11:30, Wednesday, March 1 – Seavington (The Bristol Mercury and Daily Post) Saturday 18 th February Seavington – Monday, Curry Rivell; Thursday, Pye Corner – 11:00 Saturday 25 th February Seavington – Monday, Barrington Gate – 11:00

The Seventh Annual Meeting. Wincanton Steeple-Chases.1899, will take place at Hatherleigh, on Easter Monday, April 3 rd . Under National Hunt Rules.

No. 4 TALLY-HO OPTIONAL SELLING STEEPLE-CHASE of 25 sovs to the winner, 10 sovs to the second, and 5 sovs to the third; for tenant farmers and tradesmen residing within the limits of the counties hunted by the Blackmore Vale, Lord Portman’s. South and West Wilts, Cattistock, Taunton Vale, South Dorset, Wilton, or Seavington Harriers; 4 year olds 10st 10lb, five 11st 10lb, six and aged 12st 3lb; winners in 1898 or 1899 once 5lb, twice, or once of 40 sovs, 10lb, three times, or once of 100 sovs, 14lb extra; maiden six year olds and upwards allowed 7lb;if entered to be sold by auction for 50 sovs allowed 7lb; entrance 1 sov; two miles

(Horse and Hound: A Journal for Every Sportsman, Saturday 4 th March)

Saturday 11 th March Seavington – Monday, Crimpleford Cross; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts (to finish the season) – 11:00

Programme of Wincanton Steeple-Chases

The TALLY-HO OPTIONAL SELLING STEEPLE-CHASE of 25 sovs to the winner, 10 sovs to the second, and 5 sovs to the third; for tenant farmers and tradesmen residing within the limits of the counties hunted by the Blackmore Vale, Lord Portman’s. South and West Wilts, Cattistock, Taunton Vale, South Dorset, Wilton, or Seavington Harriers; 4 year olds 10st 10lb, five 11st 10lb, six and aged 12st 3lb; winners in 1898 or 1899 once 5lb, twice, or once of 40 sovs, 10lb, three times, or once of 100 sovs, 14lb extra; maiden six year olds and upwards allowed 7lb;if entered to be sold by auction for 50 sovs allowed 7lb; two miles

Mr. C. Trevena’s b g Yes Mr. Gilbert Cole’s b m The Little Widow, 4 yrs Mr A. W. Binnie Clarke’s b g Prince, 5 yrs Mt. J. E. Woolmingtons’s b m Confetti, 4 yrs Nr. J. Woodford’s gr g Sedgehill Cream, aged Mr. H. L. Senior’s br g Midsummer, 7 yrs Mr. A. H. Farrant’s b m Lady Lightfoot, 4 yrs Mr. W. Brown’s br m Lassie Mr. R. H. Say’s b g Tally-ho, 6 yrs Mr. J. Sawtell’s Ruby

(Horse and Hound: A Journal for Every Sportsman, Saturday 1 st April)

Mr. J. Allen-Jefferys has sold his pack of staghounds to Captain Ormrod (of Wynesdale Park, Garstang, Lancashire), but the Seavington Harriers will still be carried on in this splendid hunting country, which lies in Somersetshire and Dorsetshire, and is used on occasions by the Blackmore Vale, Cattistock, and Taunton Value Foxhounds. Under the new Mastership of Mr. T. Piers Clarke (of Barley Hill, near Chard) the pack will number 15½ couples, be kennelled, as hitherto, at Seavington, and hunt on Mondays and Thursdays. Mr. Robert Hole (of Merriott) will fulfil the double duties of Secretary and whipper-in, and James Poole has been retained as kennel-huntsman. The country is well stocked with foxes, and a very good season is looked forward to. (Horse and Hound: A Journal for Every Sportsman, Saturday 30 th September)

The Seavington Harriers went out for the first time on September 25, when the new Master (Mr. Piers Clarke) had the misfortune to dislocate his collar-bone, and fracture his shoulder-blade, owing to his horse falling over a drop fence. The opening meet of this pack is fixed for the 26 th inst. (The County Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 7 th October)

We regret to learn that Mr. Piers Clarke (of Barley Hill, Combe St. Nicholas), the new Master of the Seavington Harriers, recently met with a serious accident while hunting. In crossing Lake Farm, West Lambrook, his horse came down at a drop fence, throwing him heavily, dislocating his collar-bone, and seriously injuring his shoulder. Though he is now progressing satisfactorily, it will be some time before Mr. Clarke is able to resume his place in the field. (Horse and Hound: A Journal for Every Sportsman, Saturday 14 th October)

That excellent pack of stag-hounds, which was established by Mr. Allen-Jefferys in 1895, and which was hunted a fine grass country in Somerset and Dorset, has been given up, though the Seavington Harriers, of which Mr. Allen-Jefferys was also the Master, are still in existence, being now under the charge of Mr., Piers Clarke, whose unfortunate accident while out for the first time this season with the hounds we reported in out last issue. Though Mr. Allen-Jefferys has given up, however, the stag- hounds, or rather a portion of them, will continue to show sport, albeit in another part of England. They were purchased by Mr. Peter Ormrod, who will hunt the district around Garstang in Lancashire. He has kept the pick of them and drafted the rest. Mr. Ormrod has gone in chiefly for the old Southern blood, which he has got from various packs, notably the Penistone in Yorkshire, The hounds stand between 25in. and 26in. Mr. Ormrod also has a pack of harriers, but the two packs are quite distinct. (The County Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal and “The Man about Town”, Saturday 14 th October)

Saturday 21 st October Seavington – Thursday, Lopen Head (opening meet) – 11:00 Saturday 28 th October Seavington – Monday, Hambridge Green; Thursday, Petherton Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 4 th November Seavington – Monday, Muchelney; Thursday, Bow Gate – 11:00 Saturday 11 th November Seavington – Monday, Bell, Curry Rivel; Thursday, Waldron’s Park - 11:00 Saturday 18 th November Seavington – Monday, Creedy Bridge; Thursday, Bineham, Long Sutton – 11:00 Saturday 2 nd December Seavington – Monday, Gawbridge Mill; Thursday, Thorney – 11:00 Saturday 16 th December Seavington – Monday, Ash; Thursday, Bine Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 23 rd December Seavington – Tuesday, Lambrook Gate; Friday, Crimbleford Cross – 11:00 Saturday 30 th December Seavington – Monday, Petherton Bridge; Thursday, Drayton – 11:00

1900 Saturday 6th January Seavington – Monday, Lopen Head; Thursday, Crab Tree Lane – 11:00 Saturday 13 th January Seavington – Monday, Axe Ford; Thursday, Pye Corner – 11:00 Saturday 20 th January Seavington – Monday, Crewkerne; Thursday, Stump Stone – 11:00 Saturday 27 th January Seavington – Monday, Chiselboro’ Hill; Thursday, Lambrook Gate – 11:00 Saturday 3 rd February Seavington – Monday, Bow Gate; Thursday, Creedy Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 17 th February Seavington - Monday, Crab Tree Lane; Thursday, Creedy Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 24 th February Seavington – Monday, Duke of Edinburgh; Thursday, Holy Tree – 11:00 Saturday 3 rd March Seavington – Monday, Long Sutton; Thursday, Lambrook Gate – 11:00 Saturday 10 th March Seavington – Monday, Creedy Bridge; Thursday, Barrington Gate – 11:00 Saturday 17 th March Seavington – Monday, Bow Gate; Thursday, Crab Tree Lane – 11:00 Saturday 20 th October Seavington – Monday, Hambridge Green; Thursday, Lopen Head (opening meet) – 11:00 Saturday 3 rd November Seavington – Monday, Stapleton Cross; Thursday, Bow Gate – 11:00

List of Harriers for 1900-01

English Harriers

Name of Hunt: Seavington Kennels: Seavington, Ilminster Hunting Days: Monday, Thursday Adjacent Towns: Ilminster, Yeovil, Crewkerne Master’s Name and Address: Mr. T. Piers Clarke (1899), Barley Hill, Chard Huntsman: The Master Whips Messrs R. Hole, J. Poole and A. Poole

(The County Gentleman: Sporting Gazette, Agricultural Journal, Saturday 3 rd November)

Saturday 10 th November Seavington – Monday, Crab Tree Lane; Thursday, Crimbleford Cross – 11:00 Saturday 1 st December Seavington – Monday, Atkin’s Gate; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts – 11:00 Saturday 8 th December Seavington – Monday, Bell Inn, Curry Rivell; Thursday, Chiselboro Hill – 11:00 Saturday 15 th December Seavington – Monday, Barrington Gate; Thursday, Pye Corner – 11:00 Saturday 22 nd December Seavington – Monday, Lopen Head; Thursday, Long Sutton – 11:00 Saturday 29 th December Seavington – Monday, Petherton Bridge; Thursday, East Coker – 11:00

1906 Seavington Harriers. The Seavington, whose master is Earl Poulett and hon. sec. Mr. C. J. Trask of Broadshard, Norton-sub-Hamdon, are kennelled at Hinton St. George. They hunt two days a week over an area of 27 miles by 17 miles, which extends into Dorset, and is mostly pasture with little plough and very little woodland. Flying Fences and wide ditches make it a fine country to ride over. The Pack consists of twenty couples of 20-in harriers and crossbred hounds. There have been may masters since Mr. Tom Naish established the pack in 1863 – Major Churchill Langdon, 1871 – 91; Mr. J. King, 1891 – 93; Mr. Jefferys Allen-Jeffreys, 1893 – 99, when Mr. Piers Clarke bought his pack of pure 19-in. harriers and hunted them two seasons; Mr. R. Hole. 1901 – 04l Mr. H. Stuart Menzies, 1904 – 06, when the present master purchased the pack from the committee. (The Victoria History of the Counties of Britain – Somerset - Sport Ancient and Modern)

Hunting (From a Correspondent) - The Taunton Vale, however, have scored their “run of the season” since I last wrote. This was a remarkable gallop of two hours and 30 minutes from Dawlish Copse; and only a few of the large field who started were able to struggle on to where hounds had thrown up in the dark near Seavington at 6 o’clock at night. (The Times, Saturday 10 th February)

1907 Hunting (From a Correspondent) – I hear of a continnance of good sport with the Atherstone, of a seven-mile point being recorded by the Heythrop in 55 minutes from Lodge-park, and of a similar one by the Seavington (Lord Poulett’s), a fox from East Stoke taking them over a beautiful line of grass well into Blackmore Vale territory, and getting to ground at Mudford Sock. (The Times, Saturday 30 th November)

Hunting (From a Correspondent) –Seldom can the country have been in such a water-logged state so early in the winter. Even the high ground rides deep, and the difficulty of keeping anywhere near hounds when they are running appears to be the almost universal complaint. Even if the sport had really been good all round, it is doubtful whether it could have been enjoyed to the fullest extent. Still it may be considered lucky that the heavy rainfall came before rather than after Christmas. Had it been two months later, many fixtures would perforce have been cancelled in order to avoid the great risk of damage to the land. As it is, the Seavington and one or two other packs have put off their meets until further notice on account of the wet ground. (The Times, Saturday 21 st December)

1909 Hunting (From a Correspondent) – The announcement of Lord Poulett’s decision to give up the Seavington Harriers at the end of the season has also caused much regret. It is hoped, however, that the loss of the Seavington may prove to be the gain of some other hunt by his acceptance of a Mastership of foxhounds. (The Times, Saturday 18 th December)

1910 Hunting – The Opening Week – The announcement of Lord Poulett’s intention to give up the Seavington country at the close of the season which has just started has caused much regret in Dorset and Somerset. He took over the pack upon the resignation of Mr. Stuart Menzies four years ago, and has shown sport of a high order. It is a fine riding country, mostly grass, which as a rule, carries a good scent, and the hares are proverbially stout. Portions of it are hunted by the Blackmore Vale, Taunton Vale, and Cattistock Foxhounds, and it is a thoroughly sporting district. (The Times, Saturday 5 th November)

1918 The 7 th Earl Poulett died. The 8 th Earl Poulett was opposed to hunting and blood sports, and none were allowed on his land at Hinton Park. The kennels at Hinton St. George were vacated by the Seavington Hunt and allowed to fall into ruin. (The Pouletts of Hinton St. George)

1922 Saturday 4 th November Seavington – Monday, South Bowood; Thursday, Petherton Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 18 th November Seavington – Monday, Chillington Down; Thursday, Bereley Farm – 11:00 Saturday 25th November Seavington – Monday, Isle Brewers; Thursday, Clapton Mill – 11:00 Saturday 2 nd December Seavington – Monday, Village Cross, Hinton St. George; Thursday, Stapleton Cross – 11:00 Saturday 9 th December Seavington – Monday, East Stoke; Thursday, Stoke Nap – 11:00 Saturday 16 th December Seavington – Monday, Norton Crossroads; Thursday, Wayford – 11:00 Saturday 23 rd December Seavington – Thursday, Crimbleford Cross, near Pinnington – 11:00 Saturday 30 th December Seavington – Monday, Duke of York, Shepton Beauchamp; Thursday, Drimpton – 11:00

1923 Saturday 6 th January Seavington – Monday, South Bowood; Thursday, Stump Stone, Odcombe – 11:00 Saturday 13 th January Seavington - Monday, Racedown House – 11:00 Saturday 20 th January Seavington – Monday, Royal Oak, Barrington; Thursday, Four Ashes – 11:00 th Saturday 27 January Seavington – Monday, Windmill Farm, Montacute – 11:00; Thursday, Market Square, Crewkerne – 11:30 Saturday 3 rd February Seavington – Monday, Stapleton Cross; Thursday, Symondsbury – 11:00 Saturday 10 th February Seavington – Monday, Oathill Cottages near Clapton; Thursday, Lufton Manor – 11:00 th Saturday 24 February Seavington – Saturday, the Kennels; Tuesday, Broadwindsor; Thursday, Kitwhistle Inn, Blackdown – 11:00 Saturday 3 rd March Seavington – Monday, South Bowood th Saturday 10 March Seavington – Monday, Poulet Arms, Hinton St. George; Thursday, Cockpit Cottage, Pilsdon – 11:30

1926 Sale of Hounds at Rugby – Some High Prices. The draft of 17 couples of entered hounds from the Cheshire realized a total of 257 guineas, the most notable purchases being the three couples taken by Major Ian Bullough for the Ledbury at 82 guineas and two couples for which Lieutenant-Colonel W.H. Speke, the Master of the Seavington, paid 44 guineas. (The Times, Monday 26 th April)

Foxhounds.

1927 Saturday 10 th December Seavington – Monday, Roundham; Thursday, Broadwindsor – 11:00 Saturday 17 th December Seavington – Monday, Stapleton Cross; Thursday, Kitwhistle – 11:00 Saturday 24 th December Seavington – Monday, Brympton d’Evercy (instead of Roundham), Thursday, Beaminster – 11:00

1928 Saturday 7 th January Seavington - Monday, Crimbleford Cross; Thursday, Marshwood Manor (by invitation) – 11:00 Saturday 14 th January Seavington – Monday, Stapleton Cross; Thursday, Kitwhistle – 11:00 Saturday 21 st January Seavington – Monday, Roundham; Thursday, Four Ashes – 11:00 Saturday 28 th January Seavington – Monday, Petherton Bridge; Thursday, Pilsdon Hill Gate – 11:00 Saturday 4 th February Seavington – Monday, North Lodge; Thursday, Broad Oak – 11:00 Saturday 11 th February Seavington – Monday, Brympton; Thursday, Stoke Knap – 11:00 Saturday 18 th February Seavington – Monday, Tintinhull Fort; Thursday, Marshwood Manor (by invitation) – 11:00 Saturday 25 th February Seavington – Monday, Wayford; Thursday, Beaminster – 11:00 Saturday 3 rd March Seavington – Monday, Petherton Bridge; Thursday, Broad Oak – 11:00 Saturday 10 th March Seavington – Monday, North Lodge – 11:00 Saturday 17 th March Seavington – Monday, Roundham (to finish the season) – 11:00 Saturday 3 rd November Seavington – Monday, Brympton d’Evercy; Thursday, Symondsbury Manor – 11:00 Saturday 24 th November Seavington – Monday, Brympton d’Evercy; Thursday, Broadwindsor – 11:00 Saturday 1 st December Seavington – Monday, Wayford; Thursday, South Bowood – 11:00 Saturday 8 th December Seavington – Monday, Roundham; Thursday, Symondsbury – 11:00 Saturday 15 th December Seavington – Monday, Stapleton Cross; Thursday, Stoke Knapp – 11:00 Saturday 22 nd December Seavington – Monday, Hinton St. George; Thursday, Kitwhistle – 11:00 Saturday 29 th December Seavington – Monday, Holly Tree; Thursday, Crewkerne – 11:00

1929 Saturday 5 th January Seavington – Monday, North Lodge; Thursday, Marshwood Manor (by permission) – 11:00 Saturday 12 th January Seavington – Monday, Tintinhull Forts; Thursday, Beaminster – 11:00 Saturday 19 th January Seavington – Monday, Stapleton Cross; Thursday, Pilsdon Hill Gate – 11:00 Saturday 26 th January Seavington – Monday, Crimbleford Cross; Thursday, Beaminster – 11:00 Saturday 2 nd February Seavington – Monday, Norton-sub-Hamdon; Thursday, Chideock Hill – 11:00 Saturday 9 th February Seavington – Monday, North Lodge; Thursday, Birdsmoregate (by invitation) – 11:00 Saturday 16 th February Seavington – Monday, Tintinhull Forts; Thursday, Stoke Abbott – 11:00 Saturday 23 rd February Seavington – Monday, Brympton d’Evercy; Thursday, Bettiscombe – 11:00 nd Saturday 2 March Seavington – Monday, Tintinhull Forts; Thursday, Stock Abott – 11:00 (Cap for “Field” Distemper Fund each day.) Saturday 9 th March Seavington – Monday, Tintinhull Forts; Friday, Bettiscombe – 11:00 Saturday 16 th March Seavington – Monday, Roundham; Thursday, Broad Oak – 11:00 Saturday 23 rd March Seavington – Monday, Winsham; Thursday, Birdsmoregate (by invitation) – 11:00 Saturday 30 th March Seavington – Tuesday, Kennels (to finish the season) – 12:00 Saturday 26 th October Seavington – Monday, Four Gates; Thursday, Stapleton Cross – 10:00 Saturday 2 nd November Seavington – Monday, S. Bowood – 10:00; Thursday, Lopen Head (opening meet) – 11:00 Saturday 9 th November Seavington – Monday, Kitwhistle; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts (cap for Earl Haig’s Fund) – 11:00 Saturday 16 th November Seavington – Monday, Four Ashes; Thursday, Bunford Hollow – 11:00 Saturday 23 rd November Seavington – Monday, Marshwood Manor (by permission); Thursday, Roundham – 11:00 Saturday 30 th November Seavington – Monday, Chideock; Thursday, Petherton Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 7 th December Seavington – Monday, South Bowood; Thursday, North Lodge – 11:00 Saturday 14 th December Seavington – Monday, South Bowood; Thursday, Kennels – 11:00 Saturday 21 st December Seavington – Monday, Kitwhistle; Thursday, Stapleton Cross – 11:00 Saturday 28 th December Seavington – Monday, Symondbury Manor; Thursday, Wayford – 11:00

1930 Saturday 4 th January Seavington – Monday, South Petherton – 11:30; Marshwood Manor (by permission) – 11:00 Saturday 11 th January Seavington – Monday, Four Ashes; Thursday, Crimbleford Cross – 11:00 Saturday 18 th January Seavington – Monday, Chideock; Thursday, Bunford Hollow – 11:00 Saturday 25 th January Seavington – Monday, South Bowood; Thursday, Hinton St. George – 11:00 Saturday 1 st February Seavington – Monday, Kitwhistle; Thursday, Tintinhull Fort – 11:00 Saturday 8 th February Seavington – Monday, Broadwindsor; Thursday, Wayford – 11:00 Saturday 15 th February Seavington – Monday, Slape Manor; Thursday, Roundham – 11:00 Saturday 22 nd February Seavington – Monday, The Beehive, Chideock – 11:30; Friday, Compton Durville Manor – 11:00 Saturday 1 st March Seavington – Monday, Bettiscombe; Thursday, Muchelney – 11:00 Saturday 8 th March Seavington – Monday, Broadwindsor; Thursday, North Lodge – 11:00 Saturday 15 th March Seavington – Monday, Bunford Hollow – 11:30 Saturday 18 th October Seavington – Monday, Stapleton Cross; Thursday, Broad Oak Saturday 25 th October Seavington – Monday, White Hill, Langport; Thursday, Squirrel Inn – 10:00 Saturday 1 st November Seavington – Monday, Lopenhead (opening meet); Thursday, Netherbury – 11:00 th Saturday 8 November Seavington – Monday, Bunford Hollow; Thursday, Broadwindsor – 11:00 (cap each day for Earl Haig’s Fund) Saturday 15 th November Seavington – Monday, Muchelney; Thursday, Kitwhistle – 11:00 Saturday 22 nd November Seavington – Monday, Wayford Manor; Thursday, Chideock – 11:00 Saturday 29 th November Seavington – Monday, Holy Tree; Thursday, South Bowood – 11:00 Saturday 6 th December Seavington – Monday, North Lodge; Thursday, Marshwood Manor – 11:00 Saturday 13 th December Seavington – Monday, Halfway House, Pitney; Thursday, Stoke Knapp – 11:00 Saturday 20 th December Seavington – Monday, Prince of Wales, Ham Hill; Friday, Kitwhistle – 11:00 Saturday 27 th December Seavington – Monday, Compton Durville; Thursday, Winsham – 11:00

1931 Saturday 3 rd January Seavington – Monday, Broadwindsor; Thursday, Crimbleford Cross – 11:00 Saturday 10 th January Seavington – Monday, Stapleton Cross; Thursday, Netherbury – 11:00 Saturday 7 th February Seavington – Monday, Muchelney School; Thursday, South Bowood – 11:00 Saturday 14 th February Seavington – Monday, Crimbleford Cross; Thursday, Pilsdon Hill Gate – 11:00 Saturday 21 st February Seavington – Monday, Whitchill, Langport; Thursday, Slape Manor – 11:00 Saturday 14 th March Seavington – Monday, Bunford Hollow; Thursday, Kitwhistle – 11:15 Saturday 21 st March Seavington – Monday, Halfway House Pitney; Friday, Four Ashes – 11:30 Saturday 28 th March Seavington – Monday, Kennels (cap for Royal Veterinary College – to finish the season) – 11:30 Saturday 31 st October Seavington – Monday, Lopenhead (opening meet); Thursday, Bettiscombe – 11:00 Saturday 14 th November Seavington – Monday, Stump Stone; Thursday, New Inn, Whitchurch Canon – 11:00 Saturday 21 st November Seavington – Monday, Halfway House, Pitney; Thursday, Kitwhistle – 11:00 Saturday 28 th November Seavington – Monday, Muchelney; Thursday, Broadwindsor – 11:00 Saturday 5 th December Seavington – Monday, Compton Durville; Thursday, Bettiscombe – 11:00 Saturday 12 th December Seavington – Monday, North Lodge; Thursday, Drimpton – 11:00 Saturday 19 th December Seavington – Monday, Half-way House; Thursday, South Bowood – 11:00

1932 Saturday 2 nd January Seavington – Monday, Wayford – 11:00; Thursday, Lopen Head – 11:30

Seavington Hunt – The annual ball of the Seavington Foxhounds was held last night in the Victoria Hall, Crewkerne, Somerset. The committee included:- Mrs. Cox, Mrs. Firth, Miss V. Wyatt, Mr. S. Lock, Mr. H. Clarke, Mrs. Crossley, Colonel Casson, Mr. J. Vaux, Mr. G. Lawrence, Miss Rawlins, Mr. R. Pomeroy and, Mr. R. Gale. (The Times, Thursday 7 th January)

th Saturday 9 January Seavington- Monday, Stapleton Cross; Wednesday, Kennels (by-day for children only); Thursday, Kitwhistle – 11:00 Saturday 16 th January Seavington – Monday, Roundham; Thursday, Whitchurch Canon – 11:00 Saturday 23 rd January Seavington – Monday, Tintinhull Forts; Thursday, Broadwindsor – 11:00 Saturday 30 th January Seavington – Monday, Stump Stone; Thursday, Wayford – 11:00 Saturday 6 th February Seavington – Monday, Burrow Hill; Thursday, Clapton Court (by invitation) – 11:00 Saturday 13 th February Seavington – Monday, Stapleton Cross; Thursday, Morecambelake – 11:00 Saturday 20 th February Seavington – Monday, North Lodge; Thursday, Pilsdon Hill Gate – 11:00 Saturday 27 th February Seavington – Monday, Ash; Thursday, Broad Oak – 11:00 (Cap for H.S.B.S each day.) Saturday 5 th March Seavington – Monday, Half-way House; Thursday, Slape Manor – 11:00 Saturday 12 th March Seavington – Monday, Clapton Court (by invitation); Thursday, Bettiscombe – 11:00 Saturday 19 th March Seavington – Monday, Hinton St. George; Thursday, Winsham – 11:30 Saturday 29 th October Seavington – Monday, Bettiscombe – 10:00; Thursday, Lopenhead (opening meet) – 11:00 Saturday 5 th November Seavington – Monday, Kitwhistle; Thursday, Crewkerne Station (by invitation) – 11:00 th Saturday 12 November Seavington – Monday, South Bowood; Thursday, Stapleton Cross – 11:00 (Cap for Earl Haig’s Fund each day.) Saturday 19 th November Seavington - Monday, Broad Oak; Friday, Roundham – 11:00 Saturday 26 th November Seavington – Monday, Netherbury; Thursday, Holy Tree – 11:00 Saturday 3 rd December Seavington – Monday, Drimpton; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts – 11:00 Saturday 10 th December Seavington – Monday, Chideock; Thursday, East Stoke – 11:00 Saturday 17 th December Seavington – Monday, South Bowood; Thursday, Long Sutton – 11:00 Saturday 24 th December Seavington – Monday, Kitwhistle; Thursday, Winsham – 11:00 Saturday 31 st December Seavington – Monday, Symondsbury Manor – 11:00; Thursday, Stapleton Cross – 11:30; Saturday, Kennels (bye-day – children only) – 11:00

1933 The Seavington Hunt – The annual ball of the Seavington Hunt was held at Crewkerne last Night. The Avalon dance band played. The committee included :- Mrs. Cox, Mrs. Firth, Mrs. Crossley, Mrs. Hodge, Miss Rawlins, Colonel Casson, Mr. Horace Clarke, Mr. Gear Lawrence, Mr. S. Lock, Mr. R. Pomeroy and Mr. J. Vaux.

Among those who had parties at the ball were :- Captain Maurice Cox, M.F.H., and Mrs. Cox, Captain C. P. L. Firth, M.F.H., and Mrs. Firth, Mrs. A. A. Crossley, Mrs. Harris St. John, Mrs. Lyle, Lady Jackson, Major and Mrs. Joff, Mrs. Teresa Digby, Mrs. Wood, Colonel and Mrs. Parry, Mrs. G. F. Davies, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald, Dr. and Mrs. Hodge, Mr. F. R. Rawlins, and Colonel Casson. (The Times, Thursday 5 th January)

Saturday 7 th January Seavington – Monday, Beddiscombe; Thursday, Hinton St. George – 11:00 Saturday 14 th January Seavington – Monday, Wayford; Thursday, Bunford Hollow – 11:00 Saturday 21 st January Seavington – Monday, Netherbury; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts – 11:00 (Cap each day for H.S.B.S.) Saturday 28 th January Seavington – Monday, Netherbury; Thursday, North Lodge – 11:00 Saturday 4 th February Seavington – Monday, Kitwhistle; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts – 11:00

The Seavington met at Tintinhull Forts yesterday, with Captain Cox hunting hounds. A fox went away at once from the artificial earth at Bearley. Crossing the brook he pointed for Ilchester and, swinging right-handed over the Fosseway, went on through Chilthorne Covert, past Bearley cross-roads, towards Ash. Crossing Witcombe Bottom hounds ran through Ash Spinney. There the fox must have been headed, and doubling back he made for Bearley Drain, but went on across Broadleaze Farm, hounds being run out of scent near Ilchester after a capital hunt of two hours and 35 minutes over a good line of country. (The Times, Friday 10 th February)

Saturday 11 th February Seavington – Monday, Netherbury; Thursday, Roundham – 11:00 Saturday 18 th February Seavington – Monday, Whitchurch; Thursday, Muchelney – 11:00 Saturday 25 th February Seavington – Monday, Clapton Court (by invitation); Tuesday, Holy Tree – 11:00 Saturday 4 th March Seavington – Monday, Crimbleford Cross; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts – 11:00

The Seavington had splendid sport after meeting yesterday at Tintinhull Forts. Finding an outlier at Bearley, they had a hunt of 55 minutes, running by Ash and Witcombe. Finding at Stapleton, hounds ran by Longload Milton into Witcombe Bottoms, and across Bearley and Broadleaze farms. Crossing the Yeo north of Ilchester, they ran as if for Kingsdon, but scent failed after they had made a 4½-mile point in 65 minutes, hounds running very fast at times. (The Time, Friday 10 th March)

Saturday 11 th March Seavington – Monday, Kitwhistle – 11:16; Thursday, Point-to-point races at West Chinnock (first cap. 1:30); Saturday, Woolminstone – 11:15 Saturday 18 th March Seavington – Monday, Beaminster; Thursday, Halfway House – 11:15

The Seavington - The Seavington Hunt Point-to-Point Races were held at West Chinnock, Somerset, on Thursday. The weather was wet, and the going consequently very heavy. The results were :-

ADJACENT. HUNTS MAIDEN RACE – Mr. L. King-Brain’s (Sparkford Vale Harriers) SONNY BOY (Owner), 1; Mr. E. G. Dorse’s (Taunton Vale) JINGLESTONE (Mr. C. Dorse), 2; Mr. C. E. R. Duff’s (Blackmore Vale) LOUD SPEAKER II (owner), 3. Eight Ran.

SUBSCRIBERS’ RACE – Miss Nancy Jackson’s SHYLOCK (Mr. T. Jackson), 1; Miss Ursula Davies’s SODAMINT (Mr. A. Davies), 2; Captain C. P. L. Firth’s WINSTON (Mr. C. J. F. Platt), 3. Five Ran

NOMINATION OPEN RACE – Mr. L. Clapp’s LITTLE BRITON (Mr. N. Richards), 1; Mr. C. E. Tory’s MARBLE II (Owner), 2; Mr. S. S. James’s SHADE OF NIGHT (Owner), 3. Nine Ran.

ADJACENT. HUNTS LADIES’ RACE – Mrs. Tatham-Warter’s (Cattistock) CAMROSE PRIDE (Miss K. Tatham-Warter), 1; Mr. D. Worrall’s (Taunton Vale) SILVER KISS (Miss U. Jervis), 2. Eight Ran.

SEAVINGTON HUNT FARMERS’ RACE – Mr. A. Brake’s TRANSPLENDENT (Mr. J. Brake),1; Mr. Hugh White’s AURANIUM (Owner), 2; Messrs. B. Lock and Sons’ SPANISH PRIDE (Mr. R. P. Lock), 3. Three Ran.

(The Time, Friday 24 th March)

Saturday 25 th March Seavington – Monday, Kennels; Friday, White Hill, Langport – 11:30 th Saturday 11 November Seavington – Monday, Beaminster; Thursday, Wayford – 11:00 (Cap each day for Earl Haig’s Fund.) Saturday 18 th November Seavington – Monday, Bettiscombe; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts – 11:00 Saturday 25 th November Seavington – Monday, South Bowood; Tuesday, White Sheet Hill – 11:00 Saturday 2 nd December Seavington – Monday, Broadwindsor; Thursday, Muchelney – 11:00 Saturday 9 th December Seavington – Monday, Netherbury; Thursday, Prince of Wales – 11:00 Saturday 16 th December Seavington – Monday, Whitchurch Canon; Thursday, Roundham – 11:00

The Seavington had splendid sport after meeting at Crimbleford Cross yesterday. Hounds went away on good terms with a fox from Woodclose, running fast by Ludney, as if for Chaffcombe. Leaving Nine Elms on their left, they took the line more slowly through Donyatt Big Wood to Chilworthty, where they were stopped after a great hunt of seven miles. Another fox was later marked to ground by Dowlish Wake after a twisting hunt. (The Times, Friday 29 th December.)

Saturday 23 rd December Seavington – Tuesday, Kitwhistle, Thursday, Crimbleford Cross – 11:00 th Saturday 30 December Seavington – Monday, Slape Manor; Thursday, Stapleton Cross; Saturday, North Lodge (children’s meet) – 11:00

1934 Seavington Hunt – The Seavington Hunt ball was held at Crewkerne last night. Amongst those who brought parties were :- Captain and Mrs. Cox, Captain and Mrs. Firth, Major G. F. Davies, M.P., Mrs. Crossley, Colonel and Mrs. Harris-St. John, Captain Pass ,Major and Mrs. Ronald, Colonel and Mrs. Parry, Colonel and Mrs. Casson, Mrs. Tatham-Waters, Mr. and Mrs. A. Hayward, Major and Mrs. Cecil Hayward, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Symonds, Mrs. Brierley, Major and Mrs. Quantock Shuldham, Dr. and Mrs. Hodge, Mr. and Mrs. J. Hall, Mr. J. Jowles, Mr. George Moody, Mr. and Miss Rawlins, Mr. H. Clarke, Mr. G. Lawrence, Mr. S. Lock, Mr. R. Pomeroy, and Mr. J. Vaux. (The Times, Thursday 4 th January)

The Seavington provided capital sport yesterday, meeting at Stapleton after the hunt ball. A fox from the Orchards gave a short hunt before going to ground by Coat. Finding in Mr. Moody’s thicket, hounds ran very fast over the rhines, through Egypt, to Muchelney Ham. Checking there, they ran across Wetmoor, by Stapleton Mead and Loadmoor, to Longload, where they killed after a good hunt of 50 minutes. Another fox from the thicket skirted Longload and crossed Witcombe Bottom to Bearley, being lost at Burlingham after one hour. (The Times, Friday 5 th January)

Saturday 6 th January Seavington – Monday, South Bowood; Thursday, Prince of Wales – 11:00 Saturday 13 th January Seavington – Monday, Bettiscombe; Thursday, Muchelney – 11:00 Saturday 20 th January Seavington – Monday, Broadwindsor; Thursday, Halfway House, Pitney – 11:00 Saturday 27 th January Seavington – Monday, Four Ashes; Thursday, Stump Stone – 11:00 Saturday 3 rd February Seavington – Monday, Drympton; Friday, Tintinhull Forts – 11:00 Saturday 10 th February Seavington – Monday, South Bowood; Thursday, Harp Farm, Over Stratton – 11:00

The Seavington had a great hunt after meeting at Tintinhull Fort on Saturday. A fox from the Bearley drain made a big half-circle in Ash Bottoms, and then, crossing into the Blackmore Vale country by Tintinhull, skirted Chilthorne and Vagg Coverts to Wangles. Turning back from there he was left in Ashington Wood, after a hunt of two hours and five minutes with a 5¼-mile point and about 12 miles as hounds ran. It was a bright, sunny day, and there was a fair scent. (The Times, Monday 12 th February)

Saturday 17 th February Seavington – Monday, Stoke Abbott; Thursday, Stapleton Cross – 11:00 Saturday 24 th February Seavington – Monday, Broad Oak; Thursday, Wayford – 11:00

The Seavington had splendid sport from their meet at Stapleton. Hounds killed a fox in the orchards. A fox from the Thicket was marked to ground by Coat Bridge. Another from the Thicket pointed to Egypt and then swung left-handed across to moor towards Kingsbury. Going along the river by Parratt works he was marked to ground at Cripple Hill, after 75 minutes, the first 45 without a check. Hounds made a four-mile point. Finding in Mr. Gent’s Muchelney covert, hounds ran to Coat, where scent failed after 60 minutes. (The Times, Saturday 24 th February)

Saturday 3 rd March Seavington – Monday, Kitwhistle; Thursday, Ash – 11:15 Saturday 10 th March Seavington – Monday, Roundham; Thursday, High Ham – 11:30 Saturday 17 th March Seavington – Monday, Half-way House, Pitney (to finish the season) – 11:30 rd Saturday 3 November Seavington – Monday, Kitwhistle – 10:00; Thursday, Lopen Head (opening meet); Monday, Stoke Nap – 11:00 th Saturday 10 November Seavington – Monday, Stoke Nap (cap for Earl Haig’s Fund); Thursday, Muchelney (cap for Earl Haig’s Fund) – 11:00

The Seavington had fine sport yesterday from their meet at Muchelney. A fox from the withybeds ran through Mr. Cridland’s covert and over Thorneymoor to Egypt, where hounds checked. Then they hunted slowly to the Stapleton Thicket drain and marked to ground there, after 70 minutes. The fox was bolted and was killed. A fox from Mr. Moody’s orchard ran towards Wetmoor and, turning left-handed, crossed the railway at Coathay towards Bower Hinton. Being headed by Hinton Bow, he doubled about outside Martock and was killed in a garden near the Town Hall after 60 minutes. Scent was catchy. (The Times, Friday 16 th November.)

Saturday 17 th November Seavington – Monday, Broad Oak; Friday, Holy Tree – 11:00

Aged Magistrate Burnt to Death. Fall on the Fire while Reading – Mr. Jefferys Charles Allen, who was 86, a well-known Somerset magistrate and sportsman, was burnt to death on Sunday night after he had fallen on the fire in his study at Mill House, Upwey, Weymouth. He was reading at the time and he may have fainted. The discovery was made by a woman staying in the house. She stopped a passing motor-omnibus and the driver and two other men rushed in and pulled Mr. Allen off the fire.

Mr. Allen was born on December 24, 1847, the son of the Rev. W. J. Allen, of Gatchell House, neat Taunton. He went to Eton in 1861, to Mr. Herbert Snow’s (afterwards Kynaston’s) house, and went on to Trinity College, Cambridge, where he took his degree of LL.B. Having been called to the Bar by the Inner Temple in 1872 he joined the Western Circuit Mr. Allen, who was a widower, had lived at Weymouth for some years, and was a member of the Royal Dorset Yacht Club, but was best known in Somerset. He was chairman of the county bench at Ilminster, and formerly Master of the Seavington Harriers. (The Times, Tuesday 20 th November)

Saturday 24 th November Seavington – Monday, Bettiscombe; Thursday, Ash – 11:00 Saturday 1 st December Seavington – Monday, Four Ashes; Thursday, Bunford Hollow – 11:00 Saturday 8 th December Seavington – Monday, Four Gates – 11:00; Thursday, Lambrook Gate – 11:30 Saturday 15 th December Seavington – Monday, Shaves Cross; Thursday, Roundham – 11:00 nd Saturday 22 December Seavington – Monday, South Bowood; Thursday, Crimbleford Cross; Saturday, Kennels (children’s meet) – 11:00 Saturday 29 th December Seavington – Monday, Broadwindsor; Thursday, Stapleton Cross – 11:00

1935 th Saturday 5 January Seavington – Monday, Whitchurch Canonicorum; Thursday, Halfway House, Pitney; Monday, Moorbath, Symondsbury – 11:00 Saturday 12 th January Seavington – Monday, Moorbath Farm, Symondsbury; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts – 11:00

Mrs. A. Simmons has resigned the Mastership of the South Herefordshire Hounds, which she has held since 1931, and Captain M.C. Cox is resigning his position as Acting-Master of the Seavington Hounds, which he has hunted for the past seven years. (The Times, Saturday 12 th January)

Saturday 19 th January Seavington – Monday, Kitwhistle; Thursday, North Lodge – 11:00 Saturday 26 th January Seavington – Monday, Beaminster; Thursday, Muchelney – 11:00 Saturday 2 nd February Seavington - Monday, Pilsdon Hill Gate; Thursday, Hinton St. George – 11:00

The Seavington had splendid sport from their meet yesterday at Pilsdon Hill Gate. Finding below the Camp hounds ran fast by Specket’s Gorse, Lowdown and Childhay Farms to Blackdown Hill. Swinging round there they drove on by Coombelake to Knackers Hole, Grighay, and Colmer Farm. Then, turning back, they left Marsh Village on their right and killed in the open above Birdsmoregate after a great hunt of 80 minutes. A fox from Racedown Gorse quickly went to ground. An outlier found on Hackeridge Farm gave a good ringing hunt of 50 minutes by Lower Half, Sheepwash, and Doghill before being lost. (The Times, Tuesday 5 th February)

Saturday 9 th February Seavington – Monday, Beaminster; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts – 11:00 Saturday 16 th February Seavington – Monday, Kitwhistle; Thursday, Halfway House, Pitney – 11:00

The Seavington after meeting at Kitwhistle yesterday did not find until 1 o’clock. Then a fox from Coombelake, after being headed repeatedly, ran into Pilsdon, Hounds raced along the hill and went down to Kingsmoor, over Lewisdon, Long Waddon, and Gerrards Hill. Crossing there into Cattistock country, they pointed for Meerhay, but, turning back by Hornpark Dairy, hounds marked to ground in Foxholes after a great hunt of 60 minutes with a point of 5½ miles and nearly nine miles as hounds ran. There was no check, but the line was over some rough country. (The Times, Tuesday 19 th February)

Saturday 23 rd February Seavington – Monday, Shaves Cross; Thursday, Roundham – 11:00 Saturday 2 nd March Seavington – Monday, Strode Manor, South Bowood; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts – 11:00

The Seavington has very good sport after meeting yesterday at Whitchurch Canonicorum. Finding in Whitchurch Wood hounds made two small rings, then crossed the River Char and, running by Lodge House Park and Baber’s Farms, marked ground at Harmshay. This was a good hunt of one hour 40 minutes. Hounds hit off a line going to the next draw and had a good, ringing hunt of 95 minutes before marking to ground at Lamberts. There was a holding scent in brilliant sunshine. (The Times, Tuesday 5 th March)

The Seavington had good sport yesterday from their meet at Tintinhull Forts. A fox from Bearley gave fast gallop of 20 minutes before being lost by Milton. A second fox from Bearley ran across the Bottoms and on to Ash. Then, turning left-handed, he ran by Burnfield Farm and Halfway House over the Fosseway, and crossing the railway, went to ground just in front of the hounds below Stoke. This was a hunt of 45 minutes, the first part being really fast. Scent was catchy.

Saturday 9 th March Seavington – Monday, Strode Manor, South Bowood; Thursday, Broad Oak – 11:00

The Seavington Hunt Committee have elected Mr. B. K. Ronald, of Slape Manor, Netherbury, as Master of the Seavington Foxhounds for next season. The country has lately been hunted by a Committee, with Captain M. C. Cox as acting-Master and huntsman. (The Times, Monday 11 th March)

Saturday 23 rd March Seavington – Monday, Shaves Cross; Friday, Roundham (to finish the season) – 11:30 nd Saturday 2 November Seavington – Monday, Coles Cross – 10:30; Thursday, Lopen Head (opening meet); Saturday, Banford Hollow – 11:00 Saturday 9 th November Seavington – Monday, Symondsbury – 10:45; Wednesday, Long Sutton; Saturday, Pitney – 11:00 Saturday 16 th November Seavington – Monday, South Bowood – Thursday, Muchelney; Saturday, Windham – 11:00 Saturday 23 rd November Seavington – Monday, Whitchurch; Thursday, Holy Tree; Saturday, Roundham – 11:00 Saturday 30 th November Seavington – Monday, Broadwindsor; Thursday, Stapleton Cross; Saturday, High Ham – 11:00 Saturday 7 th December Seavington – Monday, Stoke Abbot; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts; Saturday, Chiselborough – 11:00

The Seavington met yesterday at Tintinhull Forts, and, owing to floods, went to Hamhill instead of into the vale. Hounds had to be stopped from hunting a Highwood fox owing to shooting arrangements. A fox from Leabridge then gave a very good hunt of 60 minutes. Going away at a good pace hounds pointed for Egwood, but, swinging right-handed below the hill, they crossed the main road and went on across Hinton Bottoms. Then keeping Dinnington on their left they marked their fox to ground in Brockhole Lane. Scent was fairly good. (The Times, Friday 13 th December)

Saturday 14 th December Seavington – Monday, Chideock; Thursday, Crimbleford Cross; Saturday, Long Sutton – 11:00 st Saturday 21 December Seavington – Monday, Laverstock; Thursday, Crewkerne (by permission); Saturday, Blackdown House (children’s meet) – 11:00 Saturday 28 th December Seavington – Monday, Slape Manor; Thursday, Stapleton Cross; Saturday, High Ham – 11:00

1936 th Saturday 4 January Seavington – Monday, Bettiscombe; Thursday, Compton Durville Manor; Saturday, The Kennels (children’s meet) – 11:00

The Seavington had splendid sport after meeting on Monday at Bettiscombe. Finding at once in Oakey Plot hounds had a good ringing hunt of 45 minutes, the first part being fast. Running by Lambert’s Castle and Nash they turned back by Bettiscombe and through Oakey Plot, marking to ground in Dungeon. From Hackerridge hounds raced by Venn to Pilmeshay, where there was a slight check. Then they went on by Dairyground and Waddon and marked to ground in Lenhams. This was an excellent burst of 30 minutes with a four-mile point. Scent was good. (The Times, Wednesday 8 th January)

Saturday 11 th January Seavington – Monday, Laverstock; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts; Saturday, Aller – 11:00 Saturday 18 th January Seavington – Monday, Kitwhistle; Thursday, Muchelney; Saturday, Cricket St. Thomas – 11:00 Saturday 25 th January Seavington – Thursday, Holy Tree; Saturday, Hinton St. George – 11:00 Saturday 1 st February Seavington – Monday, Bettiscombe; Thursday, Stapleton Cross; Saturday, Winsham – 11:00 Saturday 8 th February Seavington – Monday, Stock Knapp; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts; Saturday, Chiselborough – 11:00 Saturday 22 nd February Seavington – Monday, Kitwhistle; Thursday, Lambrook Gate; Saturday, Winsham – 11:00 Saturday 29 th February Seavington – Monday, Bettiscombe; Thursday, Ash; Saturday, High Ham – 11:00 Saturday 7 th March Seavington – Monday, Broadoak; Thursday, Bunford Hollow – 11:00 Saturday 14 th March Seavington – Monday, High Ham; Wednesday, Marks Barn, Merriott (to finish the season) – 11:00 Saturday 7 th November Seavington – To-day, Aller; Monday, Marshwood Manor (by invitation); Thursday, Muchelney (cap for Earl Haig’s Fund); Saturday, Pitney -11:00 Saturday 14 th November Seavington – Monday, Slape Manor; Thursday, Stapleton Cross; Saturday, Montacute – 11:00 Saturday 21 st November Seavington – Monday, Stock Abbott; Thursday, Holy Tree; Saturday, Morecombelake – 11:00 Saturday 28 th November Seavington – Monday, Marshwood Manor (by invitation); Thursday, Lambrook Gate; Saturday, Wayford Manor – 11:00 Saturday 5 th December Seavington – Monday, Broadwindsor; Thursday, Muchelney; Saturday, Westport Lodge, Cricket St. Thomas – 11:00 Saturday 12 th December Seavington – Tuesday, Kitwhistle; Thursday, Ash; Saturday, Long Sutton – 11:00

The Seavington make a 7½-Mile Point. The Seavington from Kitwhistle had splendid sport yesterday. Finding on Blackdown hounds ran to Berechapel, and after two small circles came back to the hill. Going away on a fresh fox hounds ran by Wetwood and Grighay to Gashay and then over Lambert’s Castle and down to Abbots Wootton. Leaving Wootton Fitzpaine on their right they ran by Catherston to the river, and turning back killed their fox on Mr. Barnes’s farm after running continuously for 3¼ hours. This was a 7½-mile point and 15 as hounds ran. (The Times, Wednesday 16 th December)

Saturday 19 th December Seavington - Monday, South Bowood; Thursday, Stoke-sub-Hamden; Saturday, Crewkerne – 11:00

1937 Saturday 2 nd January Seavington – Monday, Whitchurch Canonicorum – 11:00; Thursday, Stapleton – 12:00; Saturday, Hinton St. George (children’s meet) – 11:00

Seavington Hunt – The Seavington Hunt ball was held at Slape Manor, Netherbury, Dorset, yesterday. Among those who took tickers, many of whom brought parties, were :- The Master and Mrs. Ronald, Mrs. Harris St. John, Captain and Mrs. Maurice Cox, Mrs. Crossley, Captain and Mrs. Firth, Dr. and Mrs. Hodge, Miss Rawlins, Mr. S. Lock, Mr. J. Vaux, Colonel Casson, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Glossop, Mrs. Best, Sir Alexander and Lady Gibbons, Mr. H. Weld, Sir Reginald and Lady Pinney, Colonel and Mrs. Woodall, Colonel Parry, Miss Davies, Mrs. Leschallas, Mr. Jack Jowitt, Miss Pass, Major Quantock Shuldham, Mr. and Mrs. Trenchard Cox, Miss Martin, General Hannay, Mrs. Bacon, Mrs. Montagu, Captain Russell, Captain Carter, Lady Jackson, Mr. R. F. Palmer Eames, Mrs. Mac-Gongal Porter, Mrs. Barkworth, Mrs. Pope, Mrs, Lovegrove, Mr. and Mrs. Caven, and Mr. Humphrey Baker. (The Times, Thursday 7 th January)

Saturday 9 th January Seavington – Monday, Drimpton; Thursday, Muchelney; Saturday, Morecombelake – 11:00 Saturday 16 th January Seavington – Monday, Moorbath; Thursday, Holy Tree; Saturday, Pitney – 11:00 Saturday 23 rd January Seavington – Monday, Broadwindsor; Thursday, Ash; Saturday, Hinton St. George – 11:00 Saturday 30 th January Seavington – Monday, Kitwhistle; Thursday, South Petherton – 11:00 Saturday 6 th February Seavington – Monday, Winsham; Thursday, Stapleton; Saturday, Ilchester – 11:00 Saturday 13 th February Seavington – To-day, Chiselborough (instead of Ilchester); Monday, Bettiscombe; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts; Saturday, Crimbleford Cross – 11:00 Saturday 20 th February Seavington – Monday, Slape Manor, Netherbury; Thursday, Stoke-sub-Hamdon (cap for H.S.B.S.); Saturday, High Ham – 11:00 Saturday 27 th February Seavington – Monday, Stoke Abbott; Thursday, Ilchester; Friday, Holcombe – 11:00 Saturday 6 th March Seavington – Monday, Broadoak; Thursday, Ash; Saturday, Merriott – 11:00 Saturday 13 th March Seavington – Monday, Pilsdon Gate; Wednesday, Petherton Bridge – 11:00 Saturday 20 th March Seavington – Monday, Broadwindsor; Thursday, Bunford Hollow; Saturday, Pitney – 11:00 Saturday 6 th November Seavington – Monday, Symondsbury; Thursday, Holy Tree; Saturday, Wayford – 11:00 Saturday 13 th November Seavington – Monday, Whitchurch Canonicorum; Thursday, Muchelney; Saturday, Long Sutton – 11:00 Saturday 20 th November Seavington – Monday, South Bowood; Thursday, Ash; Saturday, Slape Manor, Netherbury – 11:00 Saturday 27 th November Seavington – Monday, Drimpton; Thursday, Stapleton Cross; Saturday, Hinton St. George – 11:00 Saturday 4 th December Seavington – Monday, Bettiscombe; Thursday, Lambrooke Gate; Saturday, Odcombe – 11:00 Saturday 11 th December Seavington – Monday, Broadwindsor; Thursday, Tintinhull Forts; Saturday, High Ham – 11:00 Saturday 18 th December Seavington – Monday, Broadoak; Thursday, Ash; Friday, Slape Manor, Netherbury – 11:00 Friday 24 th December Seavington – Monday, Crewkerne; Wednesday, Cricket St. Thomas; Thursday, Lambrook Gate; Saturday, Half Way House, Pitney – 11:00

Because of the risk of infection from foot-and-mouth disease, the Seavington Hunt requests people living in restricted areas not to bring their own horses out with these hounds. (The Times, Friday 24 th December) 1938 st Saturday 1 January Seavington – Monday, Whitchurch Canonicorum – 11:00; Thursday, Stapleton Cross – 12:00; Saturday, Odcombe - 11:00

Seavington Hunt – The Seavington Hunt ball was held last night at Slape Manor, Netherbury (lent by the Master and Mrs. Ronald). The committee responsible for the arrangements were:- Mrs. Ronald (hon. secretary), Mrs. Maurice Cox, Mrs. Crossley, Mrs. Harris St. John, Mrs. Firth, Mrs. Hodge, Miss Rawlins, Miss Pomeroy, Colonel Casson, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Pomeroy, Mr. Gent, Mr. Lock, and Mr. J. Vaux.

Among those who took tickets and brought parties were:- Mr. B. K. Ronald, M.F.H., and Mrs. Ronald, Captain and Mrs. A. Douglass Pass, the Hon. Mrs. James Best, Major and Mrs. K. Ward, Major Sir Alexander and Lady Gibbons, Miss Crossley, Captain and Mrs. Maurice Cox, Captain and Mrs. Firth, Mrs. Harris St. John, Lady Davies, Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Wandsworth, Mr. Mark Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Craven, Mrs. E. Bullivant, Mrs. Hamilton Fleming, Lady Jackson, Captain and Mrs. N. H. Carter, Mrs. Dyson, Miss Theresa Digby, Mrs. Glossop, Miss Weld, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. F. Gundry and Dr, and Mrs. Hodge. (The Times, Thursday 6 th January)

Saturday 8 th January Seavington – Monday, Symondsbury; Thursday, Michelney; Saturday, Wayford Manor – 11:00 th Saturday 15 January Seavington – Monday, Bettiscombe; Thursday, Crimbleford Cross; Saturday, Pitney. (Subject to foot-and-mouth restrictions.) th Saturday 12 March Seavington – Monday, Drimpton; Thursday, Freemason’s Arms, Ash; Saturday, Halfway House, Pitney Saturday 19 th March Seavington – Monday, High Ham; Wednesday, Merriott th Saturday 29 October Seavington – Monday, Broadwindsor – 10:30; Thursday, Lopen Head (opening meet); Saturday, Bunford Hollow – 11:00

The Seavington opened their season at Lopen Head yesterday. A fox from the hedgerow was hunted for 30 minutes very fast nearly to Allowenshay and back, to be killed near Petherton. Another from Mr. Jacob’s root field ran a ring past Lopen nearly to Egwood, and, swinging right-handed along Hinton Vale, was killed near Allowenshay after another fast gallop of 30 minutes. A fox from Bridge ran almost straight for 15 minutes to ground at Stratton, and another from there pointed for Egwood, but he was headed and got into a drain at Stratton. Being quickly bolted he finally got to ground after 27 minutes at Lopen. All these hunts were over good flying country at racing speed. (The Times, Friday 4 th November)

Saturday 5 th November Seavington – Monday, Symondsbury; Thursday, Michelney; Saturday, Coate – 11:00 Saturday 12 th November Seavington – Monday, Stoke Abbott; Thursday, Freemason’s Arms, Ash; Saturday, Wayford – 11:00 Saturday 19 th November Seavington – Monday, Pilsdon Manor; Thursday, Holy Tree; Saturday, Chiselborough – 11:00

The Seavington met at Holy Tree yesterday. A fox found near Stoke ran by Pevinshill to Tintinhull and then through Chilthorne Domer to Vagg, where he was killed in the open after 65 minutes. Finding again at Petherton Bridge, hounds ran by the River Parrett towards Coat and then turned back through Martock and Bower Hinton to Stoke village. Leaving Holy Tree on their right, they ran down the river, over the Fosseway, and killed in Captain Palmer’s covert at the end of one hour, 20 minutes. (The Times, Friday 25 th November)

th Saturday 26 November Seavington – Monday, Whitchurch Canonicorum; Thursday, Stapleton Cross; Saturday, Low Ham – 11:00 Saturday 3 rd December Seavington – Monday, South Bowood; Thursday, Crimbleford Cross; Saturday, High Ham – 11:00 Saturday 17 th December Seavington – Monday, Kitwhistle; Thursday, South Petherton; Saturday, Symondsbury – 11:00 Saturday 24 th December Seavington – Monday, Crewkerne; Tuesday, Morecombelake (bye-day); Wednesday, Westport Lodge, Cricket St. Thomas; Thursday, Long Sutton – 11:00

1939 The Seavington – The Seavington Hunt ball was held last night at Slape Manor, Netherbury, Bridport by permission of the Master and Mrs. B. K. Ronald). Those who took tickets included:- Mrs. Alexander, Miss Blacker, Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Humphrey Baker, Colonel Bushell, Major Bullen, Mrs. Bullivant, Mrs. Dyer, Mrs. Dyson, Mr. Hamilton Fleming, Mrs. Gregson, Mrs. Grindley, Mr. J. C. F. Gundry, Captain Palmer, Captain A. D. Pass, Miss Reade, Mrs. Riddell, Captain Russel, Mr. W. V. C. Ruxton, Mrs. Trotman, and Mr. Vyvyan.

The committee responsible for the arrangements included :- Mrs. Crossley, Mrs. Firth, Mrs. Hodge, Mr. G. Lawrence, Mrs. Harris-St.John, Mr. Hugh White, and Mr. Jack Vaux, with Mrs. B. K. Ronald as honorary secretary. (The Times, Thursday 5 th January)

th Saturday 7 January Seavington – Monday, Racedown House; Thursday, Petherton Bridge; Saturday, Pitney (Halfway House) – 11:00 Saturday 14 th January Seavington – Monday, Broadoak; Thursday, South Petherton; Saturday, Chideock Manor – 11:00 Saturday 21 st January Seavington – Monday, Broadwindsor; Thursday, Ash; Saturday, Hewish – 11:00 Saturday 28 th January Seavington – Monday, Bettiscombe; Thursday, Muchelney, Saturday, Hinton St. George – 11:00 th Saturday 4 February Seavington – Monday, Whitchurch Canonicorum; Wednesday, Long Sutton; Saturday, High Ham – 11:00 Saturday 11 th February Seavington – To-day, Holcombe (instead of High Ham); Monday, South Bowood; Thursday, Crimbleford Cross; Saturday, Bettiscombe – 11:00 Saturday 25 th February Seavington – Monday, Stoke Abbott; Thursday, Petherton Bridge; Saturday, High Ham – 11:00 Saturday 4 th March Seavington - To-day, Halfway House, Pitney (instead of High Ham); M.., Slape Manor, Netherbury; Thursday, Ilchester; Saturday, Hewish – 11:00 th Saturday 11 March Seavington – Monday, Pilsdon Manor; Thursday, Bunford Hollow; Saturday, Pitney (Halfway House) – 11:00 th Saturday 18 March Seavington – To-day, Halfway House, Pitney; Monday, Kitwhistle; Wednesday, Merriott; Saturday, High Ham – 11:00

1967

TO THE MANOR BORNE. The pack was in full and glorious cry when the Seavington Hunt burst through the tall iron gates at Montacute House, a manor in Somerset. Unfortunately, it quickly became obvious that the quarry was not a fox but the lady of the manor's pet cat. The cat, named Phelips after the original owners of the 16th- century mansion, scrambled up a tree to safety. Mrs. Yvonne Brock, his owner, was outraged. "When the huntsman arrived he did not even apologize," she said afterward. "If I don't receive a proper apology I shall take steps to have the hunt banned from the district."

The joint master of the Seavington Hunt, Mr. Tom Squire, claimed the hounds were chasing a fox when the cat got in the way. Furthermore, he said, the hunt did apologize. "The huntsman went up to Mrs. Brock, touched his cap, blew his horn and left," said Squire. (Sports Illustrated, 13 th November) MAJOR SYDNEY BANKS KEAST, O.B.E., M.C.*

THE FINAL YEARS, 1944-1964

Major Keast lived in relative seclusion in South Petherton keeping in touch only with the closest of friends and relatives. Grief over the loss of his wife and his failing health did curtail his activities to a large degree but he remained as active as possible and continued to ride and hunt while he could. These years were not happy ones for him as attested to by his sister Ethel Mary, whose married name was now Routly, and by his nephew, John Trevor Spurgen, the son of his younger sister. They both visited him as often as possible to keep him company and help to overcome his loneliness.

His main interest during this period of his life centered on the activities of the Seavington Bunt in Somerset where he served as Joint Master with Brigadier Hirst of Broadwindsor. Major Keast had in his employ during this period a. housekeeper, Mrs. Edith Victoria Matthews, and a groom, Mr. J.R. Swann. Mr. Swann worked for Major Keast from May 1954 to May 1957 and describes Keast's activities as follows:

"The Seavington Hunt appeared to be Major Keast's main interest after his retirement from the Army and in the season from August to March he usually went hunting two or three times a week. He did not go shooting and did not appear to be actively involved in politics, either nationally or locally, and was not involved in church, parish council or county council affairs. Neither did he appear to be engaged in any aspect of engineering, but he did make one or two three- month trips to Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia in the above period on what might have been business trips of some sort."

"The Major was especially kind to people of all walks of life, and to animals as well. He was especially popular in Hunt circles. He was very set in his ways, keeping to a strict timetable which included taking his dog for a long walk and taking an afternoon nap."

"The Major was very fond of a Miss Pamela Gordon Thompson of Dowlish Wake and she rode his horse - Kildare - on frequent occasions after an operation that curtailed his riding activities."

Mr. Swann goes on to say that Major Keast was not very happy in South Petherton, often complaining that "it was a village full of old women and dogs". He had an Austin 14 and a jeep that Mr. Swann would drive when the Major went on his occasional trips to London. Mr. Swann would normally drive him to Crewkerne Station to catch the train but he recalls that on one occasion, during a rail strike, he had to drive him to Heathrow Airport to catch a plane for Rhodesia.

Despite his life-long association with the military Major Keast was not a member of the Royal British Legion or the Royal Engineers Association. Although he did not practice engineering in any form after his retirement he did, for some years maintain his membership in the Royal Society of Health which he finally relinquished shortly before 1958.

As he grew older his weakened heart eventually forced him to cease all but the most sedentary activities. He lived alone for his few remaining years, accompanied only by his housekeeper and his dog "Jolly." Except for occasional visits by his sister and nephew he had little contact with anyone else.

Finally, on 20 March 1964, Major Sydney Banks Keast, O.B.E., M.C. and bar, late Royal Engineers died peacefully in his home at Highfield, Palmer Street, South Petherton, Somerset of congestive heart failure at the age of 80. His final resting-place was Taunton where he and Una had spent so many happy days together, and there his body was cremated.