76 A HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH TURF. 



desire only to make it clear in general terms that a great change in bloodstock 

 had begun, before I try to describe the equally great change which was to be 

 so brilliantly inaugurated by the attendance at all the best Races of the highest 

 rank and fashion in the land. 



Few epochs can have been more fascinating for the reckless, witty, gallant 

 spendthrift than the days when the second Charles was King. Few English 

 princes have been more devoted to the sport than he, with, perhaps, the exceptions 

 of George the Fourth and of Edward the Seventh before they ascended the 

 throne. In his day, and for some time to come, Racing meant Newmarket; for 

 the Court the famous Heath was certainly the headquarters though not the 

 exclusive quarters of the Turf. Never has it been more frequented by Royalty 

 than at this beginning of its real fame. Charles would stay in the town itself, 

 and in the great houses within a reasonable distance, Audley End or Euston, 

 for a month at a time. It is true that foot-races were still run on the Heath, 

 and no doubt they had their interest for the fastest walker of his time. But 

 horse racing was the thing, and there is complete evidence that it was followed 

 in a workmanlike spirit. In the matter of his own apartments, Charles apparently 

 could dispense with much of his usual luxury at Newmarket, as may be realised 

 from Evelyn's description : " Passing thro' Newmarket, we alighted to see His 

 Majesty's house that is now new building ; the arches of the cellars beneath are 

 well turn'd by Mr. Samuel the architect, the reste mean enough and hardly fit 

 for a hunting-house. Many of the roomes above had chimnies placed at the 

 angles and corners, a mode now introduc'd by His Majesty which I do at no hand 

 approve of. I predict it will spoil many noble houses and roomes if followed. 

 It does only well in very small and trifling roomes but takes from the state of 

 greater. Besides, this house is placed in a dirty streete, without any court or 

 avenue, like a common one, whereas it might and ought have been built at either 

 end of the towne, upon the very carpet where the sports are celebrated ; but it 

 being the purchase of an old wretched house of my Lord Thomond's, His Majesty 

 was persuaded to set it on that foundation, although the most improper imaginable 

 for a house of sport and pleasure. We went to see the stables and fine horses, 

 of which many were here kept at a vast expense, with all the art and tendernesse 

 imaginable .... we returned over Newmarket Heathe, the way being 

 mostly a sweet turfe and down, like Salisbury Plaint, the jockies breathing their 

 fine barbs and racers, and giving them their heates." 



