12 THE ESSEX FOXHOUNDS. 



lived at Parndon Hall, Mark Hall being occupied by the 

 ladies of the family. Details of the intimate connection 

 of the Arkwright family with the P2ssex Hounds are given 

 in later chapters ; while Mark Hall is at present let to 

 Mr. Newman Gilbey — a tenant who well maintains the 

 sporting associations of the house. 



Down Hall, between Harlow and Hatfield Broad Oak, 

 has for more than a century been the seat of the .Selwin 

 family. In former times foxhunting was not favoured 

 here, but the present owner (now Lord Rookwood)' brought 

 about a change in his father's views. No man is more 

 devoted to foxhunting than Lord Rookwood, who, as Sir 

 Henry Selwin Ibbetson, had a most successful seven years' 

 mastership of the Essex. 



At Bishop's Hall, Lambourne, the preservation of 

 foxes has for many years past been looked after by the late 

 General Mark Wood, though he cared more for racing than 

 for hunting, and by his son (he has resumed the old 

 family name and is now known as Colonel Mark Lockwood) 

 who enlivens the hunting field, as he does the House of 



' When it was known that a peerage had been offered to Sir Henry Selwin- 

 Ibbetson, a story — ben trovato, if not vera — was current at the time with 

 reference to the title he would take. A friend, after offering his congratulations, 

 is reported to have said : " I suppose, Ibbetson, you will become Lord 

 Harlow?" "What," replied Sir Henry, "and be called 'Clarissa' all my life! 

 No, thank you." 



