The Royal Caledonian Hunt facts for kids
The Royal Caledonian Hunt is a very old club in Scotland that focuses on horse racing. It started way back in 1777.
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How the Club Started
The Royal Caledonian Hunt officially began on August 2, 1777, in a town called Hamilton. It was first known as 'the Hunters Club'. Just one year later, in 1778, the club changed its name to 'The Caledonian Hunt Club'.
The first leader of the club was the Duke of Hamilton. The Countess Eglinton was chosen as the club's special supporter, called a Patron.
From Hunting to Racing
Even though the club's first name was 'the Hunters Club', it was interested in horse racing right from the start. The club's first big meeting was planned for October 1778 in Haddington.
One year after it began, the club held its first horse races at Musselburgh. Two years later, in 1779, The Caledonian Hunt Club sponsored its first race at the Kelso Racecourse.
Club Meetings and Events
For a long time, the club met twice a year in Kelso. They used the Cross Keys Hotel as their meeting spot. Over time, they started meeting more often, both in Edinburgh and other places.
The club also held special events like the Hunt Ball. A famous one was in 1787, which was the first time the Edinburgh Assembly Rooms were opened.
The club's main base became Edinburgh. However, the horse races they organized happened in different places each year. Kelso was the most common place for their races. Even though Scotland had eight different racecourses, the club only chose to race in 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 asked to buy 100 copies of Burns's book for £25 when it was published.
By 1792, Robbie Burns himself was a member of The Caledonian Hunt Club. However, his name does not appear on the official list of members. Later, a portrait of Robbie Burns was given to the club by the famous engraver William Walker. This portrait is now owned by the British Museum.
Royal Support for the Club
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 special supporter, or patron. This allowed the club to use the important title 'Royal' in its name.
The music for this special event was played by Nathaniel Gow. 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
The Royal Caledonian Hunt Club has inspired more than just Robbie Burns. Other artists have also created works because of the club.
For example, there is 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 of music.
What the Club Does Today
The Royal Caledonian Hunt club still meets regularly. Their yearly meeting and dinner are held at The New Club in Edinburgh. The current special supporter of the club is Prince Edward, Duke of Kent.
See also
- Tarporley Hunt Club
