Robert Colling facts for kids
Robert Colling (born in 1749, died March 7, 1820) and his brother Charles Colling (born in 1751, died January 16, 1836) were famous English farmers. They were well-known for making the Shorthorn breed of cows much better. Their work helped create some of the best cattle in the world.
Contents
Early Life and Farming Career
Robert Colling was the oldest son of Charles Colling, who lived in Ketton, near Darlington. Robert had a basic education. He first started working for a grocer in Shields. However, he wasn't feeling well, so he returned home to his father's farm. This is when he began his career in agriculture.
After spending some time in Hurworth, Robert started farming at Barmpton. This land was owned by the Lambton family. At first, he didn't plan to become a special breeder of Shorthorn cows. He only kept cows for dairy products, like milk and cheese.
Developing the Shorthorn Breed
The Start of a Special Herd
Robert's journey into breeding special cows began with a bull. This bull was yellow-red and white. His brother Charles suggested buying it for eight guineas (an old form of money). This bull, later known as 'Hubback', was very important. Robert eventually sold Hubback to his brother Charles for his farm at Ketton.
Brothers and Their Herds
A disagreement started between Robert and Charles in March 1793. Because of this, their cow herds, the Barmpton herd and the Ketton herd, were kept separate for a while. However, they later became friends again.
In October 1810, Charles Colling sold all his Shorthorn cows from Ketton. After this, Robert's herd at Barmpton became very important to other Shorthorn breeders. Shorthorn cows were becoming very popular at this time.
Famous Cows and Breeding Methods
Robert Colling had a very famous white heifer (a young female cow). This heifer was a daughter of a bull named Favourite. When she was four years old, she weighed about 826 kilograms (1,820 pounds). An artist named Thomas Weaver painted her. A picture of the painting was made and shared in December 1811. It was dedicated to Robert Colling.
Two butchers bought this famous heifer. They showed her off at Christmas in 1811 in London. They called her "the greatest wonder of the world of the kind." By then, she weighed about 1,110 kilograms (2,448 pounds).
Robert continued to breed his cows using a method called "inbreeding." This means breeding cows from the same family lines. He did this without bringing in new cows from other farms. This was the same method his brother Charles used at Ketton.
Later Life and Legacy
Robert Colling continued to manage his special herd until September 29, 1810. At that time, his cows were sold in an auction. Sixty-one groups of cows were sold for a total of £7,852 and 19 shillings. This was a very large amount of money back then.
Robert Colling never married. He passed away at Barmpton on March 7, 1820. He left all his property to his brother Charles. A final sale of his remaining items was held on October 3, 1820. The Colling brothers' work greatly influenced how Shorthorn cattle are bred even today.
