Royal Ascot 



(«- 



long period previous to the erection of the above-mentioned 

 Lodge, Svvinley Walk, Windsor, had been the seat of the 

 kennels, 



His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, second 

 son of George II., was born April 15th, 1721. He was 

 a fine sportsman, a brave soldier, and a clever politician. 

 Under the influence of his counsel, and by his personal 

 exertions, a dangerous rebellion was subdued, and the nation 

 relieved from the state of anxiety to which it had long been 

 subjected. Fromi the field of war and the faction of politics 

 he at length retired, rewarded by his Sovereign and by 

 the representatives of the people, to the Lodge in Windsor 

 Great Park, of which he had been appointed Ranger, there 

 to enjoy the pleasures of domestic life. Here, in addition 

 to occupying himself with the usual pursuits of rural life, 

 he established his stud and breeding stock. Crab, Marske, 

 Herod, and Eclipse were amongst the most celebrated 

 stallions of his own breeding. His Royal Highness, in his 

 first efforts for superiority, encountered many difficulties, and 

 a good deal of unscrupulous opposition. But in time he 

 produced stock of his own breed, formed on his improved 

 judgment, which enabled him to take the lead, and defeat 

 every attempt at competition. At the time of his death 

 he had in his possession the finest and most valuable stud 

 of horses in the kingdom. Amongst the numerous improve- 

 ments which he directed in the neighbourhood of his 

 residence, the Race Course at Ascot claimed his greatest 

 interest. He lived to complete the construction of the 

 course, begun by Queen Anne, but died whilst he was 

 occupied with arrangements for a Spring and Autumn 

 Meeting, which were intended to vie with those at New- 



