History

Our history

The Hunt was formed in 2002 by the amalgamation of the Vale of Aylesbury with the Garth and South Berks, themselves amalgamations of the Garth, the South Berks, the Old Berkeley, the South Oxfordshire, the Woodland, and Hertfordshire Hunts in earlier times. It was renamed ‘Kimblewick Hunt’ in 2010.

Why we wear yellow

The Huntsman and Whipper-In of the Kimblewick Hunt wear the tawny yellow-coloured livery of the former Old Berkeley Hunt. This is quite unusual as staff with most other hunts wear a red coat (although some wear green or other colours).  It is a tradition that harks back many years and has remained constant despite a variety of hunt mergers along the way.

The Hunt staff wear five brass buttons on their tawny yellow coats, mahogany tops on their boots and they carry white hunting whips. An amateur whipper-in is usually a subscriber who helps hunt staff with their job, and may wear a red or black coat.

Hunt staff, Masters and Officials are the only people who may wear a traditional velvet hunting cap with the ribbon tails left free. This is so they may be identified from behind. Anyone else who wears a velvet cap should sew up the tails of the ribbon.

Hunt staff wear the tawny yellow livery, lady Masters wear black or navy coats with yellow collars and brass buttons, and gentlemen Masters wear red coats with yellow collars and brass buttons.