History of PRFSS
The Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show Society was founded in 1878 under the Chairmanship of the Marquis of Huntly. The first show was held under the patronage of H.H.H The Prince of Wales K.G. and the first President was the then Earl Fitzwilliam.
The importance of the Show was recognised in 1934 when H.M. King George V gave permission for the name of the Society to become the Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show Society.
By tradition, by its achievements, and by the continuing excellence of its standards, The Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show is the major event in its field in the world.
Modern and Old English Hounds
In the main ring at the Peterborough Royal Foxhound show Modern Foxhounds are shown, and outside the Old English (OE) type are judged. There are fewer classes in the OE ring as there are fewer packs and since the advent of these classes at Peterborough, the quality of the OE appears to have improved.
The modern English Foxhound has evolved over the last 100 years and consists of a mixture of different types, with the “pure” or “old English type” regarded by some as not suitable for hunting, because the Peterborough fashion had become exaggerated with too much bone.
Fortunately the old English type has also evolved and become more active than the heavy hound of 100 years ago. So what are the differences which are barely discernible to the layman? The Old English (OE) may be smaller than some of the current modern hounds and while all tan, they appear to be slightly straighter in the shoulder with a shorter humerus bone than the modern. Supporters of the OE do not want to have a touch of what was regarded as tainted blood (modern) and they have managed by careful hound breeding and not breeding too close to maintain their type without losing their conformation, they certainly have produced a type and the OE packs are certainly well matched in levelness that is so important.
The modern initially were made up from the best of the OE and Welsh blood lines much lighter boned than the OE. Between the two world wars the FKSB was closed and it was not until 1955 that it was opened again to admit not only Welsh but also Fell and Hill hound blood. More recently American lines have been introduced. The reason for needing these out-crosses is to give the line bred modern foxhound a refresher of blood that provides extra hybrid vigour as well as increasing the gene pool.
2023 Judges
Dog Hounds
M J Ramsden Esq., MFH & O M Dale Esq., MFH
Bitch Hounds
C C Frampton Esq., MFH & G Watchman Esq., MFH
Old English Type – Dog hounds and Bitch Hounds
A D Osborne Esq. &J Holliday Esq.
Becoming a PRFSS Vice President
Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show Society Vice Presidents Membership.
On joining PRFSS the Vice Presidents are entitled to:
- Free entry to the Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show and Festival of Hounds
- Purchase guest badges for the Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show and Festival of Hounds
- Reserved seating in the Foxhound Enclosure upon application
- Purchase tickets for the PRFSS Vice Presidents’ Luncheon
- Forward parking car pass and a named VP badge
- Invitation to and Voting Rights at the AGM of the PRFSS
A PRFSS Vice President of the Peterborough Royal Foxhound Society membership can be purchased by a one-off payment or by setting up a direct debit.
For more information about Membership, please contact us.
Tel: 01733 961016
Email: foh@eastofengland.org.uk
You can register to be a PRFSS Vice President HERE.
PRFSS Young Vice Presidents
Under 25 PRFSS Vice Presidents’ Membership will be entitled to:
- A PRFSS Young Vice Presidents named badge and entry to the show
- A reserved seat in the Foxhound Enclosure upon application
- Purchase guest badges for the Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show and Festival of Hounds
- Purchase tickets for the PRFSS Vice Presidents’ Luncheon
This membership is offered at a reduced rate of £25 by direct debit only.
For more information about Membership, please see below.
You can register to be a PRFSS Young Vice President HERE.