Compton Down

A Stag Hunt on Compton Down Uppark Estate, New Year’s Day 1864

Watercolour on paper

Lady Fetherstonhaugh was the dairymaid age 20 who married Sir Harry Fetherstonhaugh age 71. He lived to be 90, and when he died she inherited his Uppark Estate, now a National Trust property. She would grow old with her sister Frances, and Miss Sutherland, a love child of Sir Harry. Lady Fetherstonhaugh kept up the traditions of the Estate. Ubsdell was a local celebrity, could teach painting and photography, and could play the organ and piano. He was a frequent houseguest. As a gesture of thanks for his invitations he recorded scenes on the estate.  Uppark was the deer park on the hill. This is a record of the New Year’s Day Stag Hunt in 1864.

(Chris Brindle Collection)