Features
Explore the whole world of hunting, from its costumes, customs and iconography to its representation in literature. We meet Reynard the Fox, and today's urban foxes, and discover strong views on each side of the debate
Early Opposition to Hunting
Opposition to hunting is almost as old as the sport itself. The 18th century saw a growing awareness that animals were capable of suffering, and that it was wrong to hunt them for sport. In his 1785 poem, "The Task", William Cowper described hunting as a "Detested sport,/That owes its pleasure to another's pain;/That feeds upon the sobs and dying shrieks/Of harmless nature".
The Hunt in Literature
Not surprisingly for an activity that is so deeply embedded in the traditions of pastoral England, fox-hunting has been very much in evidence in the national literature, perhaps even more so than such other iconic pursuits as cricket. The forms in which it has been celebrated range from Henry Fielding's blood-and-thunder heroics to the mistily romantic nostalgia of Siegfried Sassoon.
Customs of Hunting
Like any long-established pastime, hunting has its traditional customs. Some of these came to be unofficially frowned on among the hunting community by the end of the Victorian era, but survived anyway, while others were still going strong right up until the time of the ban.
The Fox as a Character
Most of our wild mammals have at some time in history found themselves becoming characters in folk literature and art - from Aesop's fables to Basil Brush.
Foxes and the City
The various species of fox are members of the Canidae family, which includes wolves and dogs. They are found in every continent of the world in one form or another, including the Arctic fox with its snow-white fur. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most widespread member of the fox family, and is the one we are familiar with.
Iconography
For many English people, the nearest they have ever been to a hunt is seeing images of foxes and hounds on Christmas cards, place mats, biscuit-tins and prints on pub walls.
Hunting Fashion
Fox-hunters usually wore traditional hunting costume. Most recognisable were the scarlet coats worn by huntsmen, masters, whippers-in and other officials. These are called pinks, and there are many theories about the origin of the term.
Hunt Sabotage
Hunt saboteurs, or sabs, use direct action to prevent animals being killed by all blood sport groups, but more usually fox-hunts.
Banned Blood Sports
Throughout the centuries there have been blood sports considered traditional events by some, and an example of animal cruelty by others. Although most of these activities were made illegal over 150 years ago, some still go on today…
Interview: Ann Widdecombe
The fox-hunting debate in Parliament has never divided neatly along party lines. There were those who spoke against the ban on the Labour benches. It may perhaps come as more of a surprise, though, that a handful of Conservative members are fully in favour of the ban. ICONS’ Stuart Walton went to Westminster to invite one of hunting’s most formidable political opponents, the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe MP, to put her case.
Interview: Roger Scruton
Philosopher Roger Scruton is the author of "On Hunting: A Short Polemic" and a passionate defender of the English countryside. ICONS spoke to him.
Film Clip: Ann Widdecombe
Ann Widdecombe MP is fervently anti fox-hunting. She spoke to ICONS about why she supports the ban.
