The Royal Caledonian Hunt facts for kids
The Royal Caledonian Hunt is a very old Scottish club. It started way back in 1777 and is known for its connection to horse racing.
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How the Club Started
The club officially began on August 2, 1777, in a town called Hamilton. It was first known as 'the Hunters Club'. Just one year later, it changed its name to 'The Caledonian Hunt Club'. Important people like the Duke of Hamilton became its President, and the Countess Eglinton was its Patron.
Early Activities
At first, the club was mainly set up for hunting. Their very first big meeting was planned for October 12, 1778, in Haddington. But from the start, they were also very interested in horse racing.
Only a year after forming, the club held races at Musselburgh. Two years later, they sponsored their first race at the Racecourse in Kelso. The club often met twice a year in Kelso, using the Cross Keys Hotel as their meeting spot.
Growing Popularity
Over time, the club met more often, both in Edinburgh and other places. They even held a special event called a Hunt Ball. A famous one was in 1787, when the Edinburgh Assembly Rooms opened for the very first time for this ball.
A visitor in 1786 described the lively scene at one of their meetings in Kelso. He mentioned that gentlemen from both sides of the Tweed river, along with their families and friends, would gather. There were hunting activities with foxhounds and harriers in the mornings. They also enjoyed concerts and races. The gentlemen of the Hunt would host a grand ball.
Meeting Locations
Even though the club became based in Edinburgh, their race meetings moved around each year. Kelso was the most common place they held races. The club had a choice of eight different racecourses in Scotland, but they only chose Aberdeen once.
Robbie Burns and the Club
Around 1787, the famous Scottish poet Robbie Burns met members of the Caledonian Hunt Club. He had made friends with several members in Edinburgh. Burns even dedicated the first Edinburgh Edition of his poems to the Hunt.
To show their appreciation, the club's treasurer was told to buy 100 copies of Burns's book. They paid him £25 when his book was published. By 1792, Burns himself was a member of the Caledonian Hunt Club. However, his name does not appear on the official public list of members. A portrait of Robbie Burns was later given to the club by the famous engraver William Walker. This print is now owned by the British Museum.
Royal Connections
In 1822, King George IV visited Edinburgh. During his visit, he attended the Caledonian Hunt Club's yearly ball. He was so impressed by the event that he agreed to become the club's patron. This meant he allowed them to use the special title 'Royal'.
Nathaniel Gow provided the music for this event. He was so happy with the King's reaction to his music that he refused to charge the club any money.
Since 1822, many other kings, queens, and royal family members have been involved with the club. These include William IV, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and Edward VII.
Art Inspired by the Club
Besides Robbie Burns, the Royal Caledonian Hunt Club also inspired other artists. For example, there's a painting called "The Caledonian Hunt" by Sir Alexander Don from 1780. There's also a song called "The Royal Caledonian Hunt's Delight," written by Mr. James Miller in 1792. Robbie Burns later added words to this song. Another piece is "North's (Milles Macphail) Farewell to the Caledonian Hunt," which was published as part of the Gow collection.
What the Club Does Today
The Royal Caledonian Hunt club still meets today. Their annual general meeting (AGM) and yearly dinner are held at The New Club in Edinburgh. The current patron of the club is Prince Edward, Duke of Kent.
See also
- Tarporley Hunt Club
