Masters in early 1900s

Westmeath Hunt Meeting

Westmeath Hunt Meeting circa 1920

© Sean Magee and Westmeath County Library

Westmeath Hunt Meeting
© Sean Magee and Westmeath County Library

Westmeath Hunt Meeting

Westmeath Hunt Meeting circa 1920

© Sean Magee and Westmeath County Library

Enlarge image

Masters in the early 1900's

 

Mr Frank Barbour was Master between 1908 –1912, he was succeeded by an American Mr Harry Worcester Smith of Worcester Massachusetts. He brought his own pack of hounds called the Grafton Hounds from the United States, and following a nine month quarantine period he set about hunting the countryside.

Mr E .W. Hope – Johnstone was Master from 1913-1924.

Apart from Lt. Col. Denis Purdon and his brother Lt. Col. Purdon – Winter who shared the Mastership for twenty nine years between 1927 and 1966 most other Masters of the Hunt during the 20th Century only held the position for short periods of time.