LIVE STOCK JOURNAL
18th DECEMBER 1914
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Death of Sir JOHN BARKER, Bart.
The greatest figure in the world
of Polo pony breeders passed peacefully away at his residence,
The Grange, Bishop's Stortford, on
Wednesday at 10.45 am - we refer to Sir John Barker, Baronet,
the man who set out with a fixed aim, to evolve a playing pony
that should be bloodlike, be full of quality, be gifted with
speed, stamina, and over and above all that, able to carry a
rider weight playing so strenuous a game, that only a pony with
matchless and stupendous strength in its compact form could attempt
to essay it.
The good work that Sir John Barker
accomplished in this aim - for he succeeded beyond the measure
of even his greatest dreams - will live long after him. His large-heartedness
did not deter him from imparting to all and sundry that wealth
of knowledge and of wisdom he had learned in the greatest school
of all, the school of experience, acquired from years of experimenting
in the fashioning of the future breed, the Polo-bred pony, of
whom it might be said at this moment is the aristocrat of all
our national pony types.
Sir John invited competition and
asked for others to come into the ring to secure a fall, perchance
a victory, from him. His periodical sales of young stock and
made ponies gave to others the opportunities of ranging future
generations of stock against his in the ring, and these two last
seasons the awards, not only at the Royal Agricultural Hall,
but at the Royal Show and in the country, have gone to many different
owners. At one time it was truly a case of "Eclipse first
and the rest nowhere." Although his son-in-law, Mr Tresham
Gilbey, frequently ranged his own-bred stock alongside that of
Sir John's, and often beat the exhibits from The Grange, with
those from Whitehall, the two studs, laid fundamentally upon
much the same lines, held pride of place so long that their filling
up of all the prize list with their stock became something like
a joke that reached its merriest mood at the annual diner of
the Polo and Riding Society. It was at this yearly function that
the late Sir John Barker was always so prominent a figure in
the rare banter that took place between a coterie of pony breeders,
and particularly between Sir John and Mr George Norris Midwood,
who at the last show reaped a full measure of reward and, for
once, could claim that the Stortford pre-eminence had at last
been broken. That Sir John's cheery presence will be missed from
the shows and councils of the National Pony Society is but to
state an empty fact.
We reiterate that no one will ever
be able to gauge the good that Sir John did the cause of Polo
pony breeding. Formerly the Polo pony was bred anyhow and picked
up anywhere - in fact, it was a misfit, As the fame increased
in popularity there followed great scarcity of ponies, and players
found that types suitable for their requirements were difficult
to secure.
ESTABLISHING THE BREED
It was during this condition
of things that Sir John decided to tackle the problem of trying
to breed the Polo pony to type, and, if possible, to establish
a breed of high-class riding ponies. The experiment was fully
recognised as likely to prove a costly one, and, further, most
experts looked askance at a venture which, in their opinion,
was foredoomed to failure. The founding of The Grange Stud in
1898 was therefore chiefly experimental, but no trouble or expense
was spared to carry out the work to a successful issue. He started
with an open mind and sought to solve the problem on what might
be called common-sense lines. Realising that to meet the position
a pony of a certain height and type was required, possessing
intelligence, handiness, stamina and speed, he formed the opinion
that pony blood should be chosen as the foundation stock, and
in selecting suitable mares decided to use only those that had
proved their worth and value in playing the game - in other words,
to breed only from known quantities - the idea being that not
only would "like beget like" in type, likely to take
readily to the game.
Then came the question of the sires,
and here, in looking carefully over what had already been attempted
in the way of breeding Polo ponies, he decided to purchase the
half-bred pony sire Sandiway, bred by Sir Humphrey de Trafford.
He was by Sir Walter Gilbey's celebrated thoroughbred stallion
Rosewater, out of Cuddington, a well-known playing and prize-winning
mare belonging to Sir Humphrey de Trafford, who was one of the
pioneers in the endeavour to breed Polo ponies.
A REMARKABLE SIRE
Sandiway proved to be a remarkable
sire, mating perfectly with the blood-like mares selected for
the foundation stock, and much of the success of The Grange Stud
in its earlier years was due to the influence of this impressive
stallion. He sired more prize-winning Polo ponies at London and
other leading shows throughout the country than any sire of his
day, and in 1910, through the stud being so full of his blood,
Sir John sold him to the Crown Agents for the Colonies to go
to Gambia, West Africa.
When the stud was established it
was thought that one of the chief difficulties would be that
the ponies would be bred too big, and so not be able to conform
to the 14h 2in Hurlingham standard, but it was soon discovered
that the produce were a little on the small side. This was adjusted
by introducing heavyweight ponies while still retaining plenty
of quality. The success of the experiment to establish a breed
of Polo ponies is now a matter of history, for the Polo-bred
pony is in evidence everywhere, not only in the show ring, on
the Polo grounds, and in the leading Polo tournaments, but is
also a favourite with those seeking an ideal riding pony. Some
of the ponies bred at The Grange Stud has been selected for the
International matches against America, and many have gone to
all parts of the world.
With certain changes in the rules
of Polo the game in England has become much faster, and so in
recent years thoroughbred stallions have been more largely used
at the Grange on the pony mares. The regulation height of the
Polo pony has also been raised by half an inch, which allows
an animal with shoes on to be registered as 14h 21in, or without
shoes 14h 2in. Further, owing to the difficulty of getting thoroughbred
stallions under 14h 21in. for breeding purposes, the National
Pony Society passed a resolution that stallions should be registered
up to 15 hands, and so sires of this height have of late years
been used. Following Rosewater such stallions as Bold Marco,
Antre, Mark For'ard, Right For'ard, Kennington, Royston Cave,
Primrose Lad, Othrae, Othery and Arthur D have been used at The
Grange Stud.
To all parts of the world stock
have been sent, and it was recalled only on the occasion of the
recent visit of the South African farmers to Bishop's Stortford
and to Sir John's stud, that a rather notable farmer in South
Africa bought the well-bred Persism, who was by Persimmon, out
of Miss Primrose, a Galopin mare.
In looking over The Grange Stud
at any time the visitor would be impressed with the remarkable
uniformity of type throughout, and also by the quality and blood-like
appearance of the ponies. Sir John strove for and got on his
stock the correct riding shoulders, lengthy quarters, good middles,
feet and limbs. Perhaps the best description of the stud would
be that it is one of miniature thoroughbred hunters.
This home of the Polo pony was
designed especially for its purpose; the buildings are commodious
and conveniently arranged, with spacious loose-boxes and a riding
school; indeed, the idea throughout has been to lay down a utilitarian
model stud farm for the housing of what can faithfully be described
as the largest and finest breeding stud of Polo ponies in England.
The influence of Sir John's experiment will extend to every part
of the world where lovers of the pony are found. There is no
doubt that in the modern Polo pony we have the highest type of
pony yet produced. The good work done at The Grange will have
a far-reaching influence on the future of pony breeding, not
only at home but abroad, and it should go far to influence the
development of the riding pony for use in peace as well as in
times of war.
Sir John had many interests and
many pursuits. He contested his native town of Maidstone in the
Liberal interest so long ago as 1888, and again in 1898, but
was unsuccessful on both occasions. On his third fight, in 1900,
however, he was elected, but subsequently lost his seat. In 1906
he was returned for Penrhyn and Falmouth, which he represented
until 1910. He was one of the Aldermen elected to serve on the
first London County Council. The dignity of a Baronetcy was conferred
upon him in 1898. Among the other offices he has filled from
time to time were those of President and member of the Council
of the National Pony Society, president of the Essex Agricultural
Society, President of the Newspaper Press Fund, President of
the Early Closing Association, and a member of the royal Agricultural
Society, the Hackney Horse Society, and the Hunters' Improvement
Society. Like his life-long friend, the late Sir Walter Gilbey,
he was a keen sportsman and lover of the open-air life, Agricultural
pursuits, including fruit growing and horse-breeding claimed
a large share of his interest, and shooting was an especially
favourite form of sport with him. He was a member of the Reform,
national Liberal, and Automobile Clubs. He was founder and chairman
of John Barker and Co Ltd, Kensington. Sir John was born in 1840,
in Kent his father been a prosperous brewer at Loose, Maidstone.
At the age of thirty he had laid the foundations of the famous
Kensington establishment, which was started with two houses then
confined to the drapery trade. At the present time upwards of
sixty houses are incorporated in the premises, while the company's
staff numbers nearly 2,000 persons. The departments total sixty-five,
and the business as it stands to-day is a striking testimony
to the energy and initiative bestowed upon it by its founder
in all the stages of its development.
The late Sir John farmed about
300 acres of land at the Grange, Bishop's Stortford, primarily
for pleasure. From the first horse breeding was the principal
feature in his farming enterprise, as perhaps was to be expected
from his proximity to and friendship with Sir Walter Gilbey.
Sir John at one time bred both Shires and Hackneys, but the Hackney
stud was dispersed in the closing years of the last century to
make room for the Polo and other ponies with which unprecedented
success has been achieved. He also owned one of the largest and
best of the few flocks of Syrian sheep in this country. He took
a keen interest in local and county agricultural affairs, and
was President of the Essex Agricultural Society when the show
was held at Bishop's Stortford a few years ago.
Sir John leaves an only daughter,
who married Mr Tresham Gilbey, third son of the late Sir Walter
Gilbey, Bart, and upon whom a heavy dual blow has fallen within
the space of a few weeks.
The funeral will take place at St Michael's Church, Bishop's
Stortford, at 2 o'clock to morrow (Saturday). A special restaurant
car train will leave Liverpool Street Station at 12.40 returning
3.30. Conveyances will meet the train.
THE TIMES, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1914
DEATH OF SIR JOHN BARKER
FOUNDER OF THE KENSINGTON
STORES
We regret to record that Sir John Barker, Bt., founder of
the great stores in Kensington which bear his name, died at The
Grange, Bishop's Stortford, yesterday. He had a severe illness
last June, from which he never really recovered.
Sir John Barker, who was born at Loose, a village near Maidstone,
on April 5, 1840, was the eldest son of Mr. Joseph Barker, who
was first part proprietor and afterwards sole owner of a small
brewery. He was apprenticed at the age of 13 to a draper in Maidstone,
and subsequently worked as a junior assistant at Folkestone and
Dover. Having completed his apprenticeship he went to London,
and after brief periods of service with two other employers in
Westbourne Grove, engaged himself to the late Mr. Whiteley, who
was then carrying on business in a small way. From this time
Mr. Whiteley's business made rapid headway, Mr. Barker being
the owner's right-hand man. In a few years the assistant was
made manager at a salary of £300 a year. He soon wanted
a further increase, and Mr Whiteley agreed to double his salary
if he doubled the business in the next year. The business was
doubled and so was the manager's salary. Mr. Whiteley's business
continued to expand, and Mr. Barker asked to be taken into partnership.
Mr. Whiteley offered to increase his salary to £1,000 a
year, but could not see his way to making him a partner, whereupon
Mr. Barker left him and entered into partnership with Mr. (afterwards
Sir James) Whitehead. A business was opened in a couple of shops
in High Street, Kensington, and Mr. Whitehead found the necessary
capital.
The business of John Barker and Co. developed even more rapidly
than Mr. Whiteley's had done, and shop after shop was taken in.
Mr. Barker bought out his partner, and not long after decided
to transfer his business to a limited liability company, of which
he was to be chairman, the capital being fixed at £250,000.
There have since been various extensions of the business of John
Barker and Co. (Limited), the most notable being the incorporation
with it of the firm of Messrs. Pontings.
In 1888 Mr. Barker stood as a candidate for Parliament in the
Liberal interest at a by-election at Maidstone, but was unsuccessful.
He was again defeated at a by-election in 1898, and although
he was returned at the General Election of 1900 he was unseated
on petition. In 1906 he was elected for Penryn and Falmouth,
but lost his seat at the January election in 1910. He was made
a baronet in 1908.
Sir John farmed about 300 acres of land at The Grange, Bishop's
Stortford, primarily for pleasure. From the first, horse-breed
was the principal feature in his farming enterprise, as perhaps
was to be expected from his proximity to, and friendship with,
Sir Walter Gilbey, who died last month. Sir John at one time
bred both Shires and Hackneys, but the Hackney stud was dispersed
in the closing years of last century to make room for the polo
and other ponies with which unprecedented success has been achieved.
For many years The Grange stud has occupied the leading position,
winning innumerable prizes at Islington and other shows and fulfilling
a prominent part in evolving and fixing the type and breed of
polo pony. Sir John was an active member of the Polo Pony Society
and was a past president. He also owned one of the largest and
best of the few flocks of Syrian sheep in this country. He took
a keen interest in local and county agricultural affairs and
was president of the Essex Agricultural Society when the show
was held at Bishop's Stortford a few years ago.
Sir John Barker was also chairman of Paquin (Limited). He was
financially interested in the Echo evening newspaper during the
later stages of its existence and had also an interest in the
short-lived Morning Herald.
His only son lost his life at an early age as a result of an
accident while riding in Kensington. His only daughter is married
to Mr. Tresham Gilbey, third son of Sir Walter Gilbey.
The funeral will be at Bishop's Stortford on Saturday.
THE TIMES, MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1914
FUNERAL
SIR JOHN BARKER
The funeral of Sir John Barker,
Bt., took place at Bishop's Stortford on Saturday. The chief
mourners were Mrs. Tresham Gilbey (daughter) and Mr. Tresham
Gilbey. There were also present Mr. Frank Barker (brother), Lord
Blyth, Sir Walter Gilbey, Colonel Viscount Helmsley, M.P., Major
G. Lane-Fox, M.P., Mr. T.P. O'Connor, M.P., Captain Larking,
Colonel Healey, and representatives of a large number of institutions
with which Sir John Barker was connected.
From WHO WAS WHO
Sir John Barker, 1st Baronet, created 1908; JP Herts;
founder and Chairman of John
Barker and Co Ltd., Kensington; Chairman, Paquin, Ltd. (of
Paris), Mayfair; born 1840; son of Joseph Barker, Brewer, Loose,
Maidstone; married; one daughter. Alderman of first London County
Council; contested Maidstone, 1888, 1898; MP 1900; MP (L) Penryn
and Falmouth, 1906-1910; Past-President, Polo Pony Society, also
of Essex Agricultural Society, Newspaper Press Fund, and Early
Closing Association; Member of the Royal Agricultural Society
of England, Hunters' Improvement Society, Hackney Horse, and
other Societies. Recreations: farming, horse-breeding, shooting,
etc. Heir: none. Address: The Grange, Bishop's Stortford, Herts;
Old Court Mansions, Kensington, W. Clubs: Reform, National Liberal,
Royal Automobile.
THE LONDON GAZETTE, 21 MAY, 1915
Sir John Barker, Bart., Deceased
Notice to Creditors
Pursuant to Statute 22 and 23 Victoria, c 35
All persons having any claims against the estate of Sir John
Barker, Bart., late of The Grange, Bishop's Stortford, Herts,
Chairman of John Barker and Company Limited (who died on the
16th December, 1914, and whose will was proved in the Principal
Registry, on the 12th March, 1915, by Tresham Gilbey, Annie Sarah
Gilbey, and William Satterley Graham, the executors therein named),
are required, on or before the 30th June, 1915, to send particulars
of their claims to the undersigned, after which date the executors
will distribute the estate of the deceased, having regard only
to the claims of which they shall then have had notice. - Dated
this 17th day of May, 1915.
Baileys, Shaw and Gillett, 5, Berners Street, London, W., Solicitors
for the said Executors. |
BARKER