Lakeland Terrier Country
Lakeland Terriers originated in the Fell Packs - hounds followed on foot in mountain country such as Skiddaw Forest.
"Forest" in this context means hunting ground not trees.


      The fell packs were - Blencathra, Coniston, Eskdale & Ennerdale, Melbreak and Ullswater.
"Back of Skiddaw" view looking south to the mountains

mountain panorama
            Uldale and Caldbeck Commons extend to the east in the middle ground

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Skiddaw
View from the top of Ron's daughter's house in Ireby,Cumbria.
The name Lakeland Terrier was decided on in 1912 to apply to the "new improved Fell Terrier" and should only be applied to Kennel Club registered dogs of that bred. Perversely nowadays all sorts of working type terriers all over the British Isles are being advertised as "Lakeland Terriers" these advertisers risk referral to trading standards under the Trades Descriptions Act 1968.

Some of the show terriers are of a type that would never be capable of doing a job of work.

Eskwyre Lakeland Terriers are bred for quality combined with true type.

Mike's father, Isaac Vickers, was born at Uldale and later lived at Ireby.



hunting horn

The famous huntsman John Peel 1776-1854 had a small farm at Ruthwaite. Pell's was not a fell pack and his area became "Cumberland Farmers" who still meet at Ireby to ride to hounds. 		Ike Vickers
Picture left shows
Ike Vickers judging at Liverpool Terrier show
about 1980
Skiddaw forest was hunted by the "Blencathra" fell pack,
originaly Squire John Croziers pack in Peel's day.

John Woodcock Graves of Wigton arguable made Peel the most famous Cumbria of all with his song "Do You know John Peel" but Ron has conversed with relatives of Peels Wife who concur with the following comment:

Why make a hero of one who neglected his farm and impoverished his family
by his unrestrained pursuit of hunting?
                                                                       - Rector of Caldbeck, 1929



"John Peel"
D'ye ken John Peel with his coat so
  grey,
D'ye ken John Peel at the break of
  day,
D'ye ken John Peel when he's far far
  away,
With his hounds and his horn in the
  morning.


Note: Peel's coat would be the rustic "Hodden Grey" - an undyed, coarse cloth made from the wool of local Herdwick sheep. Possibly woven in Graves woollen mills at Caldbeck.
Peels grave

It's been suggested that Graves also neglected his business in favour of hunting.
Certainly he lost his mills and took his wife and family to Tasmania where he
landed with about £10 in his pocket.

Descendents of Peel kept the Sun Inn in Ireby (currently closed) where his hunting horn was hung above the bar.
Following the very hard winter of 1948/9 they followed Graves example and emigrated to Australia.

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