Records of The East Kent Hunt go back to the early part of the 19th century although the country was certainly hunted by a trencher pack before that date and we are still going strong to this day.
Please visit our History Page.
There are a number of landmarks in the hunt’s history some of which are outlined below:
Selby Lowndes took on the Mastership in 1900 and remained at the reins until 1930. A biography was published in 1926 from the pen of J. Fairfax-Blakeborough. Selby-Lowndes was renowned for his language, which could be colourful at times. He was also famous for an annual “Foot-Followers’ Meet”, held on Easter Monday each year. This was arranged to thank the people of Folkestone and Dover for their support. Hounds met at Capel, between Dover and Folkestone and hunted the Warren below. It was not unusual for 2000 to turn out!
The East Kent has had the benefit of a string of long serving Masters. Reg Older accepted the Mastership in 1967 and continued in that role until 1997. Continuity in the country has allowed a small and divided country to continue to show good sport for 200 years. Richard Blakeney’s position as Huntsman since 1976 has furthered this tradition.
Hunting takes place throughout the autumn and winter months, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. On Wednesdays we have approximately 20 riders and on Saturdays up to 40 mounted followers. We are always well supported by followers in cars, on bikes and on foot. Our thanks goes out to the generosity of the farmers in the East Kent Country who allow the hunt over their land regularly, and without their active co-operation hunting could not continue.