THE HISTORY OF THE BELVOIR HUNT 



Castle in a mythological group, where he appears as Jupiter, 

 a deity with whom he had at least some points in common. 

 He was a kindly, not over-wise prince, much given to wine 

 and gambling, but remarkable in the annals of his family for 

 never deserting or losing a friend. When Berkeley Craven, 

 another leading member of this set, was speaking harshly at 

 Oatlands of Brummell and Alvanley, the Duke administered 

 a reproof to him which has been often quoted. 



The Duke of Dorset and Mr. Delmd Radcliffe were guests 

 at the Castle at the same time as Brummell and the Princes, 

 and were well known in the sporting world as among the 

 leading gentlemen riders of the day. Though they followed 

 the hounds like the rest of the guests, they rather sought 

 distinction at Bibury or Croxton Park than in the hunting 

 field. The former was noted for his hardness and condition. 

 " A stirring ride [about twelve miles] that we took this 

 morning, Dorset," the Duke of York is reported to have said 

 to him one morning at Brighton. " It was, sir," was the 

 reply ; " but I had ridden from London before I had the 

 honour of attending your Royal Highness in your ride." 



Another member of the set was " Chig " Chester, one of 

 those useful, all-round men who are always popular at 

 country houses — equally ready to spend the day with 

 hounds or with the gun, to take his share of wine after 

 dinner, or to sit up half the night playing cards with the 

 Duke of York, who never could be induced to go to bed 

 while any one would sit up to remain with him. There 

 was, too, the Rev. Sir John Thoroton, one of the chief 

 advisers of the Duchess Elizabeth in the rebuilding of 

 Belvoir, and in her favourite experiments in landscape 

 gardening, of which many traces may still be seen. 



Somewhat of a character, too, was the Sir Watkin Wynn of 

 that day. Sir Watkin was a constant visitor at Belvoir, and 

 rode well to hounds in spite of his great weight. His horses 

 were purchased for him by Tom Penn, his one-eyed groom, 

 and the Welsh baronet was always well mounted. He had a 

 good eye to country, but Nimrod, who had been his tutor, 

 gives us the reason of his success — his fine temper ; he was 



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