It is known that the Royal farms are
directed by the most competent men in the
kingdom, that neither skill not' expense have
been spared to obtain the best results, and
that the animals to be sold are the finest
that care and money can produce

Agricultural England owes muck to
her sovereigns since the time of George III.
The fact that our sovereigns themselves are
practical farmers goes far to strengthen the
attachment of the country to the throne ;
while the part taken by members of the
reigning family in agriculttire assures the
farming interest of Royal sympathy and
understanding

Elsenham Hall

August, 19 1 3



CONTENTS



Preface

George III

George IV

William IV

Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort

King Edward VII

King George V



5

7

16

i7
18

33
44



THE ROYAL FAMILY AND FARMING

The Royal Family of England have
been closely identified with farming since
the days of George III, whose popular
nickname, "Farmer George," shows how his
> subjects appreciated the interest he took
in all that related to agriculture

GEORGE III

The King's interest in farming was
proved by his mastery of its details and
by the time he devoted to the subject ; and
England was particularly fortunate to enjoy
for a long period of years, when agricul-
ture most required attention, the rule of a
sovereign who made our greatest industry
his principal hobby

Before attempting, to trace this monarch's
personal work as a farmer and a patron of
farming, it may be well to glance at the
general conditions of agriculture in England
when he came to the throne

The " common farm " system of culti-
vating the soil and breeding stock was then



prevalent over a great part of the country.
