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The Times

Extract from July 6th 1863

Suffolk Agricultural Society.

[Transcription copyright © Geoffrey Woollard]

Suffolk Agricultural Society. - The annual meeting of this society, the leading agricultural organization of the Eastern district, took place on Friday in the beautiful grounds of Mr Fonnereau, near Ipswich. The show of stock was excellent, and of horses there was especially a first-class exhibition. The prize of 15l. for the best cart stallion, together with a prize cup given by the townspeople, went to Mr G.D. Badham for Chester Emperor, an animal which has earned his owner altogether about 300l., having received 29 prizes. In riding horses Mr Westrop took the first prize with Doctor Sangrade, and Mr Dobito's Dutchman stood alone as the best thoroughbred coaching stallion. In the cattle classes some fine bulls were shown by Sir E.C. Kerrison, M.P., Mr S. Wolton, Mr J.G. Shepherd, Major Parker, M.P., &c.; and in cows and heifers several of these gentlemen had to compete with Lady Pigot, of Branches-park, near Newmarket, well-known for her choice shorthorn herd.

In Southdown sheep, the principal prizes were taken by Sir T.B. Lennard and Mr G. Tomline, M.P.; and in long-woolled sheep the contest lay principally between Mr T. Brown and Mr Hugh Aylmer, two Norfolk breeders of some little note, the principal prizes going to the former. A few of the black-faced sheep of the breed now termed "the Suffolk" were awarded premiums, the society having taken the breed under its protection, principally at the solicitation of Mr G. Dobito, of Lydgate, who has for some years shown much attachment to it. In swine, the principal prizes went to Mr T. Crisp, Mr S.G. Stearn, Mr G.M. Sexton, &c.

Altogether upwards of 700l. was awarded in prizes, while the town of Ipswich added seven prize cups of values ranging from 15l. to 7l. each for the best animals in each leading division of the prize list. The show of implements was very large and varied, as might be expected, since Suffolk is one of the great centres of this branch of industry. The show was visited during the day by 10,000 persons, the receipts at the gates approaching 350l. At the dinner of the members of the society in the evening the Earl of Stradbroke presided, with the Marquis of Bristol in the vice-chair, and the company comprised the Duke of Grafton, Earl Jermyn, M.P., Lord Henniker, M.P., Sir E.C. Kerrison, M.P., Major Parker, M.P., Mr P.S. Humberston, M.P., Mr J.C. Cobbold, M.P., Sir C.J.F. Bunbury, Sir C. Rowley, Colonel Adair, &c. In the course of the evening allusion was made to a possibility that the Royal Agricultural Society might be induced to hold its meeting for 1866 at Ipswich.

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December 2004