The Hurworth Hunt

The Hurworth Hunt 1775/2007

The Hurworth Hunt is steeped in history and boasts being one of the oldest hunts in the country dating back from around 1775, although the first official records are dated 1803 when the hunt was started by the Wilkinson brothers of Neasham Abbey and named after the local village. In 1926 financial difficulties led to the sale of the pack, however, the following year Colonel Bell of Mount Grace Priory financed the construction of the hunt kennels at West Rounton near Northallerton, where the hounds are still kennelled to this day.

In more recent times the Master from 1936-1971 was the great Eleanor Mary Furness, otherwise known to us as "Miss Mary". Although she died in 1990 she is still very much revered in the Hurworth country, both as an authority on the Old English Foxhound and for rejuvenating the hunt.

The hounds at the Hurworth are one of only six Old English packs in the country as opposed to the modern foxhounds used by the majority of packs throughout the U.K. The Old English foxhound is predominately tan in colour and a slightly thicker and heavier set in appearance compared to the modern foxhound. The majority of packs, some 50pc, in the country just as little as fifty years ago where Old English and the Hurworth continue to use this breed as they are the best type of hound for hunting in our country.

The Hurworth country lies within South Durham and North Yorkshire between Yarm and Thirsk to the north and the south and Stokesley to Northallerton from east to west. Our neighbouring hunts are the Bedale, Zetland, Cleveland, Bilsdale and the South Durham.

Our country is a mixture of dairy, sheep and arable with some forestry to the east. The result of this makes sure that we have varying types of terrain with differing obstacles ranging from post and rails to hedges and stells (local name for ditches). Traditionally a well foxed country the hunt have adapted to hunting within the law whilst seeking to retain the traditional essence of our sport in anticipation of the repeal of the Hunting Act. Our days are entirely dependent on the goodwill and the generosity of local land owners and farmers for which we are grateful.

Described by Adrian Dangar of the Horse and Hound magazine you will find that we are "an immensely friendly and sporting pack", and welcome visitors at all times (see contacts page for secretary details). Should you wish to visit with your horse we will endeavour to make overnight B&B arrangements for you and your steed, (please contact Heather Wedderburn on 0774 6740 936 or 01609 775240).

2007 is the 50th anniversary of the Hurworth Hunt Supporters Club who in addition to hosting social events they undertake an important role with the maintenance of the hunt kennels. We have the annual point to point which is held at Skutterskelfe Park near Hutton Rudby every March; with a back drop of the Cleveland Hills this provides a superb setting for a day of traditional racing.

Visitors are welcome to visit the kennels and talk to our huntsman Joe Townsend by prior appointment. You can talk to Joe directly on 01609 882213. Our hunting activity days are Tuesdays and Saturdays with a 10.45am start, contact the Hon Secretary Mr. Ken Fox for further details. 

Fox-Hunting survey