Bluecap Memorial facts for kids

The Bluecap Memorial is a special stone monument found in the yard of the Cheshire Hunt Kennels in Cuddington, Cheshire, England. It was built to remember a famous foxhound named Bluecap. This dog became well-known for winning an important race against other hounds in 1763. The memorial is made of sandstone and looks like a tall, thin pillar called an obelisk. It has a metal plaque with a poem on it. This memorial is officially recognized as a Grade II listed building, which means it's an important historical structure.

The Story of Bluecap

Bluecap was a special foxhound owned by John Smith-Barry. John was the son of a nobleman, the 4th Earl of Barrymore. Bluecap was part of the very first group of foxhounds in Cheshire. These dogs lived at Forest Kennels, Speedwell Hill.

In 1763, John Smith-Barry was challenged to a race. Another important person in fox-hunting, Hugo Meynell, from the Quorn Hunt, made a bet with him. The challenge was a race between two hounds from each owner.

The Famous Race

The race took place over a four-mile course in Newmarket. Many people thought Meynell's hounds would win. But Bluecap won the race easily! Bluecap's daughter, named Wanton, even came in second place.

Bluecap became a legend in northwest England. He was known for being faster than all the other dogs. Bluecap lived to be 13 years old and passed away in 1772.

Building the Memorial

John Smith-Barry arranged for the memorial to be built. It was first put up at Speedwell Hill. Later, in 1959, it was moved to its current spot at the Cheshire Hunt Kennels. We do not know who created this stone memorial.

What the Memorial Looks Like

The Bluecap Memorial is made from buff (light brown) and pink sandstone. It stands about 200 centimetres (6.6 ft) tall. A low wall and railings surround it.

The memorial has a square base. On top of the base is a square pillar. This pillar has decorative edges, called a moulded plinth and cornice. An obelisk (a tall, pointed stone pillar) sits on top of the pillar.

The Brass Plaque

On the north side of the square pillar, there is a brass plate. This plate has information about Bluecap the foxhound and his owner. Below that, there is a poem. All the writing is in a fancy style called copperplate script.

The inscription says:

To the Memory of old Bluecap a Fox Hound the late Property of the Hon. John Smith Barry

This obelisk Reader is a Monument rais'd

To a shade, tho' a Hound, that deserves to be prais'd

For if Life's but a Stage where on each act a Part

And true greatness a Form, that's deriv'd from the Heart

If Fame, Honour and Glory depend on the Deed

Then O Bluecap, rare Bluecap, will boast of thy Breed

If not a Tear, yet a Glass, will we pour on the Brute

So high fam'd as he was in the glorious Pursuit

But no more of this Theme, since the Life's but a Race

And Bluecap but gone to the Death of the Chace

Other Ways Bluecap is Remembered

Bluecap was very popular in his local area. He was even painted at least two times.

One painting was ordered by the Tarporley Hunt Club. You can see it hanging in the Swan Hotel in Tarporley. Another painting of Bluecap was done by an artist named Francis Sartorius in 1774.

Bluecap is also mentioned in a book called Ballads and Legends of Cheshire. This book was written by Egerton Leigh in 1867. There is even a pub, the Blue Cap Inn in Sandiway, named after this famous foxhound.

Why the Memorial is Important

The Bluecap Memorial was officially named a Grade II listed building on July 18, 1986. Grade II is the lowest of the three levels of listing. It means the building is considered "of national importance and special interest."