The Blandford races had been held since 1603 at Race Down and attended by the worthies of Dorset. It is remarkable that there exists a list of those arriving in 1786 and Lord Milton with his ‘Coach and six Bays’ heads the list. The Blandford Races were accompanied by plenty of other entertainment for the lords, ladies and others who could afford the entry fees, for example wrestling matches, cudgel playing, cock fighting, balls, concerts and dinners. Below Lord Milton in the list were Lord Shaftesbury of Wimborne St Giles, Lord Arundel of Wardour Castle, Mr Portman of Bryanston, Mr Drax of Charborough, Mr Morton Pitt of Winterborne Kingston, Colonel Michel of Dewlish, Mr Blair of Whatcombe, Mr Pleydel of Milborne and Captain Bingham of Melcombe Bingham.

©Bryan Phillips Nov 2023