Hunt History

Although private packs of hounds have been hunting Exmoor since 1818 when Mr Knight purchased the land from the Crown and developed a number of farms, the Dulverton Hunt’s more recent history dates back to 1875 when Mr J. Froude Bellew, Squire of Anstey took over the country from Lord Portsmouth. Mr Froude Bellew hunted the country until 1886 when he sold his pack of bitches to Lord Guilford.

In 1940 Lord Poltimore divided the Dulverton Hunt country and the Dulverton West was formed. Lord Poltimore remained joint Master with Mrs. S.W.B. Smyth until 1950.

The Country is some of the most beautiful in England, stretching from the Bristol Channel to the River Barle, and allows for many opportunities to watch hounds at work. Wednesday and Saturday country covers the coastal region, including Braunton Burrows, and farmland. Monday country is pasture and woodland, often steep and known for its good scenting. Friday country is set in Exmoor where the views extend for miles on a clear day, and red deer and moorland ponies are regularly sighted.