22 The Life of Fred Archer 
often also rode in hurdle races. At this time he rode with 
great success at Prestbury Park as well as at Hednesford. 
He is said by a leading sporting paper to have been one of 
the most respectful and best-mannered jockeys on the Turf, 
and though his temper was short and his language forcible, he 
was popular with all classes. 
One morning Mr. Thomas Taylor said to him : " Archer, 
would you like to go to Russia ? " Bill said he would. He 
was given splendid testimonials by Lord Chesterfield and also 
by the Marquis of Anglesey, who had left a leg behind him at 
Waterloo and who often acted as starter at Hednesford Races. 
Soon he started off to Russia under engagement to ride for 
Nicholas I., Tsar of Russia, at a salary of £ioo a year, with board, 
lodging, and all expenses paid. 
On a bright May morning he sailed from Hull, taking with 
him a string of English thoroughbreds, among them being Lady 
Adelia, a filly by Touchstone, and Fishfag, by BilHngsgate, and 
his stud safely landed at Cronstadt, and proceeded to Tsarskoe- 
Selo Palace, some twenty-five versts from St. Petersburg, 
where the extensive plains afforded ample training-grounds. 
The Emperor Nicholas L was greatly interested in horse-racing, 
and an interesting article in the Times for July 27, 1914, on 
" The Turf and the Army," gives an account of the Tsar's 
efforts to encourage in his officers that love of sport which he 
considered a necessary part of military training. 
William Archer is said to have been for some time at Thirsk, 
near Moscow, where the frost and snow were awful. The 
severity of the climate tried his health, and he returned home 
in 1844. Nine years later the Tsar Nicholas issued a decree 
ordering horse-racing for officers of the Guard at Tsarskoe-Selo, 
and granting stakes valued at Rs. 1,000 (£100). 
In the autumn of 1844, William Archer landed at St. 
Catherine's Docks, London, and at once went to his old master, 
Mr. Bradley, at Hednesford, as he had promised that if he did 
not like Russia he would return to him. 
