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Hawking on the Downs, near Wallingford, 1850. Creator: Unknown
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Hawking on the Downs, near Wallingford, 1850. Creator: Unknown
Hawking on the Downs, near Wallingford, 1850. A fine exhibition came off...on the [Berkshire] Downs, at about a mile and a half from the Wallingford station of the Great Western Railway. A quarry of seven blue rock pigeons, the swiftest that could be got, was flown. Five were killed, one escaping entirely, the other taking refuge in a stack of faggots, where it probably died, as it was much injured. One flight was most beautiful: the hawk was flown, and immediately soared an immense height, following the falconer for more than half a mile, and pounced upon the quarry with almost inconceivable rapidity, in fact like a stone; the pigeon was struck to the ground, and rebounded with the blow. Mr. Barr, the falconer, had six peregrins with him, though four only were flown, all of which perfectly understood their work'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850
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Media ID 36222104
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Animal Cruelty Berkshire England Bird Of Prey Cruelty Cruelty To Animals Downs Falcon Falconer Falconers Falconry Harrison Weir Harrison William Weir Hawk Hawking Hobby Huntsman Pigeon Pigeons Posh Prey Raptor Top Hat Top Hats Tophat Weir Harrison Weir Harrison William Falco Peregrinus Pastime Peregrine Falcon
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This image, titled 'Hawking on the Downs, near Wallingford, 1850', transports us back in time to an era of rural pastimes and noble pursuits. The photograph, of unknown origin from Heritage Images, was first published in the Illustrated London News, a prominent 19th-century British newspaper. The scene unfolds on the picturesque Berkshire Downs, a mere stone's throw from Wallingford's Great Western Railway station. A thrilling falconry exhibition is underway, with Mr. Barr, the skilled falconer, showcasing his six peregrine falcons. Four of these birds of prey are set free to demonstrate their innate hunting abilities. The quarry of choice: the swift and agile rock pigeon. The contest is fierce, with one flight particularly noteworthy. The hawk soars to great heights, following the falconer for over half a mile, before making a breathtakingly quick descent to strike its mark. The participants in this noble pursuit are dressed in the fashion of the time, donning top hats and tailored clothing. The setting is idyllic, with the rolling hills and countryside providing a picturesque backdrop. The scene exudes an air of elegance and refinement, a posh pastime for the gentry of the era. Despite the beauty and allure of the image, it is important to acknowledge the controversy surrounding falconry and the treatment of animals. The capture and training of birds of prey for hunting purposes was a common practice during this period, though it is viewed with increasing unease in modern times due to concerns over animal welfare. This image offers a glimpse into a bygone era, where the pursuit of the great outdoors and the mastery of nature's most magnificent creatures held great allure and fascination.
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