Page 25 - Life in Langham 1914-1919

Hunting

At the beginning of the war, the need for horses to go into battle

saw the requisition of vast numbers of animals.

The Cottesmore Hunt continued to function throughout the war

years thanks to Lord Lonsdale who had resumed the role of

master in 1913 and financed its continuation. The Hunt met four

times a week and featured regularly in local newspaper reports.

The Cottesmore Kennels were given over to the Womens’ Legion

as a hostel for trainees and from 1915 the hounds were

kennelled at Barleythorpe.

Lord Lonsdale, reputedly, justified his support

of the Hunt by asking: What on earth are officers

home from the front going to do with their time if there is

no fox-hunting for them.

The Hunt and its associated services made an

important contribution to the countryside

economy. There were a number of Hunting

Boxes in Langham providing employment for

domestic staff and grooms. Lord Lonsdale

Quite a nice day’s sport

followed the

Knossington Meet on

Saturday. Hounds

located a pacemaker in

Ladywood, which took

the chase through

Orton Park to Langham

Cold Overton Road,

where hounds were at

fault. A difficult skein

The signpost is pointing towards Langham - Unknown Artist was unthreaded past

Ranksborough Gorse down to the Melton Road, where reynard was proclaimed

master of the situation. The famous Ranksborough Gorse appropriately furnished

the last pilot.

Grantham Journal 10 April 1915