Empedia

The area between Nottingham and Market Harborough was originally hunted by the Quorn.The present Fernie Hunt was an off-shoot formed in 1856 when the Quorn divided, with Mr. Tailby of Skeffington Hall taking the southern area, with kennels based at Billesdon, later at Medbourne. In 1888 Charles Fernie a Scot from Edinburgh, succeded Sir Bache Cunard as Master, remaining for 31 years. This continuity ensured the eventual independence of the hunt from the Quorn. The hunt took the name of Femie in his honour in 1920, two years after his death, when the Quorn at last relinquished all claims. In 1923 the Hunt Committee purchased from the Stokes Estate stables at Great Bowden, and built new kennels which were in use the following year. They also bought Nether House and outbuildings and various other properties around Nether Green, including the present Huntsman's house. Nowadays the Hunt has two meets a week, on Wednesday and Saturday, and runs 45 couples of hounds. The Boxing Day Meet is traditionally held on the Green in front of the Shoulder of Mutton.