49G Report on the Warwickshire Fanu-rrize Competition, 187G. 
Me. Henry Stilgoe's Farm. 
Fiist Prize Farm. 
Lower Clopton Farm, in the occupation of Mr. Henry Stilgoe, 
is situated about two miles north of Stratford-on-Avon, a short 
distance to the east of the turnpike-road leading from that town 
to Henley-in-Arden. It is under a little range of hills which near 
here rise from the valley of the Avon, and run in a north-westerly 
direction towards the village of Bearley, and whose escarpment 
forms the eastern boundary of the Clopton estate. The farm 
consists of 483 acres, of which 333 are arable and 150 pasture, 
and is the property of Arthur Hodgson, Esq., whose residence, 
Clopton House, is in the immediate vicinity, and the parks 
belonging to which are in the occupation of Mr. Stilgoe. The 
farm extends from the sides of the eminence above mentioned 
into the fertile and gently undulating plain which lies at the foot 
■of the hill, and in which the town of Stratford rests. The New 
Red Sandstone in this neighbourhood gives way to the Lias ; but 
Clopton Farm, though near their junction, is entirely upon the 
former formation. The soil is of the description which is locally 
known as " Marl," and is of a reddish colour, intermixed with 
smooth stones, with a stratum of blue marl a few inches beneath. 
Although of a somewhat heavy nature, it grows good roots, which 
are mainly fed upon the land — in some seasons, no doubt, with 
considerable difficulty. 
The farm is very compact, and lies entirely in a ring fence ; 
but the arable and pasture lands are a good deal intermingled, as 
will be gathered from the plan (Fig. 1). The quality of the land 
varies, some of the arable being only moderate and some good ; 
but its natural value is by no means equal to that of a great deal 
■of this very fertile district. The pastures, although fairly good, 
are not remarkable, and a small portion on the hill-side is of 
very inferior character. The fields are large, and the fences, 
though somewhat irregular in outline, are clean, and well kept 
and trimmed. 
The house and buildings are situated a short distance beyond 
Clopton House, the beautiful old residence of Mr. Hodgson, 
and by the side of the private road which runs from Stratford 
through the estate ; and the occupation of the pretty park 
adjoining the mansion, added to the other ornamental features 
•of the property, contributes materially to the pleasant character 
and aspect of the farm. The view from the higher grounds on 
ihe slope of the hill is very attractive, and embraces the whole ol 
