Then and Now Photos - Ullswater Foxhounds

In 1873, the Patterdale and Matterdale hunts were combined to form the Ullswater Foxhounds. In 1879 Joe Bowman (just 32 years old) was made huntsman of the Ullswater Foxhounds, a position he held (with a few short interruptions) until 1924. Joe Bowman was succeeded in 1924 by his whip, Braithwaite Wilson (“The Flying Whip”) who was Huntsman for 10 years, to 1934, when he was succeeded by Joe Wear, who had been his whip and who held the role for the next 37 years. Joseph “Hunty” Bowman died in 1940 - one of the most famous huntsmen of all time, as well as being father of three Bowman Brothers who appear on our Roll of Honour. He was also an early Border Terrier breeder, and he was also the first person to cross up a blue-black Border Terrier with a black and tan Fell Terrier (also called a working Lakeland) to create what he called a Patterdale Terrier.

Then and Now

The Ullswater Foxhounds are still going strong and occupy the same position in Grassthwaite How that they did in Joe Bowmans day. Indeed the Hunstman still lives there close to where Joe and his family lived for many years.

One of the highlights of the year is the annual Patterdale Dog Day, which is held every year at the end of August and in which you can see the hounds in all their glory.

For more information on the history of the Ullswater Foxhounds please take a look at Joe Bowman’s own Reminiscences of Joe Bowman and also The History of the Ullswater Foxhounds (Part 2) 1914 - 1965 by Rob Black.

Ullswater Foxhounds by Lowe of Patterdale. Coming out from Patterdale with the White Lion on the right. Note this was before the current post office was built - and with buildings both in the current White Lion Pub car park and to the right of the road before the White Lion. To the right - Joe Bowman in his prime.

Ullswater Foxhounds at Dog Day - Courtesy of Patterdale Dog Day