Memorial To Bluecap In The Yard Of The Cheshire Hunt Kennels

The memorial to Bluecap is located in the yard of the Cheshire Hunt Kennels and was erected in 1772, although it was moved here from Forest Hill around 1959. It is made of buff and pink sandstone ashlar. The memorial features a square base that is surrounded by a low wall topped with sturdy plain bar iron railings. Atop the base is a plain square pier with a moulded plinth and cornice, which supports the obelisk.

On the north face of the pier, there is a brass plaque inscribed in good copperplate script that reads:

To the Memory of old Bluecap a Fox Hound the late
Property of the Hon. John Smith Barry
This obelisk Reader is a Monument rais'd
To a shade, tho' a Hound, that deserves to be prais'd
For if Life's but a Stage where on each act a Part
And true greatness a Form, that's deriv'd from the Heart
If Fame, Honour and Glory depend on the Deed
Then O Bluecap, rare Bluecap, well boast of thy Breed
if no Tear, yet a Glass, will we pour on the Brute
So high fam'd as he was in the glorious Pursuit
But no more of this Theme, since the Life's but a Race
And Bluecap but gone to the Death of the CHACE

Bluecap was a renowned foxhound of the Tarporley Hunt Club, celebrated for winning a challenge race for 500 guineas on Newmarket Heath in 1763.