Waveney Harriers Hunt Since 1872
The Pack began as foxhounds well over 200 years ago, run privately by the Freestone family and later as a subscription pack under A.G. Freestone, who died in 1872. They were then known as the Waveney Harriers, but after the Mastership of Sir Savile Crossley, Bt. (later Lord Somerleyton), from 1881 to 1888, the Earl of Stradbroke purchased them, and they took the title of the Henham Harriers. The Earl himself hunted hounds until 1939. On his death they passed being to the Countess, hunted by Major the Hon. George Rous. In 1954 the Henham were reorganized as the Waveney Valley and in 1960 they became, as in their early days, the Waveney Harriers.
The pack are registered Stud Book Harriers. As well as their ability on the hunting field, they win many a ribbon and championship on the flags at the Festival of Hunting, Peterborough held annually in July.
The pack registered with the MFHA (Masters of Foxhounds Association) in 2004.
The country extends some twenty two miles from east to west and nineteen miles from north to south, lies in East Suffolk and part of Norfolk and is roughly bisected by the River Waveney.
Carrying on a great tradition
The history of venery, the science of hunting with hounds, dates back to ancient times. It is expressed over many centuries in many countries in its own mythology, its own literature, its art, its traditional songs and its place in rural culture and way of life. Until the introduction of the Hunting Act 2004, hunting fulfilled an important and unique role in the management of our wildlife. Man has a responsibility to manage and preserve the present man-made countryside and to preserve the health and vigour of Britain’s ecosystems: the evidence shows a ‘hands off’ approach does not result in a balanced and healthy wildlife population.
Since the introduction of the Hunting Act 2004, all hunts engage in lawful hunting activities.
It is hoped that common sense prevails to preserve our tradition and to secure the future of our beloved hounds.