Zetland Hunt

About This Hunt

Hunt Country The country which bestrides Country Durham /North Yorkshire border is about 20 miles square. There is no defined western boundary as the land rises up into grouse moors which are not hunted. The northern boundary follows the River Wear which runs through Bishop Auckland. The southern limit similarly follows the River Swale with Richmond its main centre. The eastern edge of the country runs into Darlington and its suburbs. Towards its northern, southern and western extremities the Zetland country is mainly grass with stone walls, rails and hedges. The Tees Valley is the centre of the best of the country with a selection of fairly stiff fences, but without many ditches.Best areas here are centred on Aldbrough St. John, Gainford and Staindrop.

Hunt History When the Old Raby Country was left derelict on the death of the Duke of Cleveland, it was hunted by the Hurworth one day a week until in 1866 C.Craddock Esq., took over the Country for ten seasons. He was succeeded by the Marquess of Zetland, (His successor is our Chairman), who built new Kennels at Aske Hall. In 1911 Lord Zetland relinquished the Mastership The present kennels were built at Aldborough St. John, by subscription of the Old Raby Hunt Club. H. Straker Esq., followed Lord Zetland as sole Master, later followed by Lord Barnard, who held office up to the War years. Today the Zetland Hunt still offers its followers the challenge of crossing the country while watching the hunting of the fox in its natural habitat, by a pack of Foxhounds bred to that purpose for many generations. For those who do not care to ride, the motor car can also provide the opportunity of following the Hounds and participating in this uniquely English Sport.

Secretary: Mr. & Mrs. A.C.M. Spalding.