CHAPTER VII 



SPORT WITH THE BLANKNEY HOUNDS, SIR ROBERT 

 FILMER AND TOM ISAAC 



Sir Robert Filmer advised by his uncle, Sir Herbert Langham — Tom Isaac 

 from the West Norfolk — His boyhood and ambition — Irish experiences 

 — The three Leicestershire huntsmen and Blankney — A good run 

 on a Skellingthorpe day — A Sleaford day hunt — Another good day 

 from Navenby — A hunting talk with Tom Isaac — Hounds to trust — 

 The luck of hunting — The Kettlethorpe fox with the white collar and 

 pads — A good hunt from Welbourn — The Blankney hounds in 

 comedy opera — A silver horn for Tom Isaac — The Blankney entry of 

 191 1 — Sir Robert Filmer's puppy show oration — The presentation at 

 Blankney to Tom Isaac on his leaving to go to Cottesmore. 



" Come what may through every weather, 

 Gaily may you onward ride ; 

 May good luck and you together 

 Journey ever side by side," 



— Clifton Bingham. 



A SPARKLING period of sport with the Blankney, 

 between 1908 and 1911, is associated with the 

 mastership of Sir Robert Filmer and his huntsman, 

 Tom Isaac, a great many people enjoying their 

 hunting. Youth and enthusiasm can generally com- 

 mand success, and there was fox-catching so long 

 as horses stood up and day light lasted. When Sir 

 Robert Filmer commenced the duties of master- 

 ship in igo8, succeeding Lord Charles Bentinck at 

 Blankney, he started with the advantage of sound 

 advice from the late Sir Herbert Langham, his 

 uncle, who was master to the Pytchley during a 

 brilliant period of sport, 1878 to 1900, having for 

 his staff a wonderful combination of talent, in Will 

 Goodall, John and Charles Isaac. When seeking 



