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Excerpt from The Master of the Hounds
It was on the morning of the 1st of November, 18 - (the fox-hunter's opening day for the season), that a gay party of sportsmen, in their bright scarlet costume, were gathered round the breakfast table of Mr. Beauchamp, of Bampton House, a gentleman of high descent, and large landed property, in one of the midland counties. Bampton House being of large dimensions, many friends were invited the previous evening to dine and sleep there, in readiness for the ensuing gala day; accordingly, about half-past nine on that auspicious morning (for so it proved, although not exactly with "a southerly wind and a cloudy sky"), a goodly assemblage of choice and daring spirits thronged the hospitable board of Mr. Beauchamp, all eager to dispatch their morning meal, and prepare themselves for the coming fray.
On the sideboard, besides the usual dishes on such occasions, of ham, beef, cold fowls, game, &c., divers bottles of cherry brandy, Curascoa, and Maraschino, stood invitingly displayed.
Of this goodly company, whilst so engaged, we may take this opportunity of noticing a few of the most distinguished characters; and first of all, as standing by fox-hunting etiquette at the head of his brothers in pink, the Master of the Hounds, William Beauchamp, now in his twenty-fourth year (living with his father), to whom the management of the pack was now entrusted. He was tall in stature, though rather slightly formed, yet of great activity and strength, and a fearless though careful rider.
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