You are visiting the "Trialing to 1900" page.
The links in the box to the right will take you to other pages within the
"Barcroft" section. The links with asterisks in front will return you
to either the parent or "Home" pages.
Many of the below printed trial results were
either collected by, or sent to, Sylvia Barcroft. The individuals
who assisted Sylvia included: Barbara Carpenter (Author), John
Simpson (Author/Historian), and Andrew Hall (Editor/Publisher).
Some of the excerpts were transcribed (typed or hand written)
from old newspapers, magazines, books, etc., and the words may not
precisely match the original text. In some cases, the
transcriber left out language which did not pertain to the Barcrofts. Also, it is important to keep in mind that some of
the articles themselves had information incorrectly reported.
Sylvia Barcroft never located any information demonstrating that
Jonathan and George ever competed against one another. It is not known
what year each of them began trialing dogs. The first recorded British sheep dog trial was held at Bala, Wales, on October 9,
1873.
It is difficult to know when Jonathan started trialing; it is believed that he
trialed for several years before George began competing. Samuel
Lund furnished the information for George Barcroft's obituary
(see "Obituary" page).
"It was at Preston Guild, in 1882,
that he first entered the arena with a dog named 'Old Nip.' Two
years later, on September 5th; 1884, he won the Northern
Counties' (Westmorland, Cumberland, Lancashire and Yorkshire)
championship with 'Trim,' and second in another class with 'Old
Nip,' the mother of the former."
There is confusion regarding a female sheepdog named "Old Nip"
(also called "Grey Nip"). A Jackson's Oxford Journal article of September 13,
1890, mentioned both Grey Nip and Trim as being "well known winners."
Therefore, it is possible that a female named Nip was dam to both Trim
and Trim's half-brother known as Bob or White Bob.
Another female named Nip competed at the Llangollen 1888 trial. She was
reported as being a black and white, age two. This same Nip was reported
as being age four at the 1890 Llangollen trial. Based upon her age, that Nip could not
possibly have been the dam of Trim and White Bob, because Trim
was reported as being age six in the 1888 Vale of Llangollen trial, age nine when he competed at the 1890 Langollen trial, and age ten at
the 1891 Llangollen trial.
Note: According to a book entitled Dog Shows And Doggy
People, by Charles H. Lane, 1902, Theo Marples founded the
British Fancier:
"He ... founded a well got-up journal known as the
British Fancier, which enjoyed considerable popularity and
was devoted to all the fancies, such as dogs, poultry,
pigeons, etc. , with an influential body of directors.
Mr. Marples resigned his position as editor of the
British Fancier in order to found Our Dogs, a paper he still
directs, and which is said to have the largest circulation
of any of the papers dealing with dogs only."
Among the dogs' names appearing in written documents were: Trim; Sall (it is believe that Sall
was also called "Sally"); Nip; Bob or "White Bob"; Lady; Slip; Bell; Lassie; Fan;
Brown Bob; Bess; Tipsy; Rap; Jack; Dust; Tom; Scot; Wylie; and
Ken. A dog was listed as belonging to George by the name of Sep, but it
is believed that may have been a mistake.
If, indeed, George started trialing in 1882, he would have been age
27 after January 26, 1882; his father, Jonathan, would have then been 57.
Thanks to Andrew Hall, an article dated October 2, 1880 in the Liverpool Mercury
confirmed that the North-Western Counties Sheep Dog Trial Association (which, due to the
length of the name, was often referred to as "Northern Counties") held its third trial
that year at Ulverston. Neither Jonathan or George were listed among the
winners, but that does not necessarily mean that one of the Barcrofts
did not compete. Dogs that did not place were often not listed in an
article about the trial.
Note: Andrew Hall believes that the Lake District Sheep Dog
Trials Association took over from the Northern Counties, and that the first
trial, under that name, took place in 1891.
Andrew located an article from the Preston Guardian dated September 3, 1881, announcing a Northern
Counties' fourth trial to be held on Wednesday, September 21st, 1881, at
Kirkby Stephen, Westmorland. Advertisements or short write-ups in
publications were one of the ways potential competitors learned about upcoming trials.
In 1875, it was advertised that an upcoming trial would take place in Llangollen, Wales. Apparently several
trials took place in Llangollen. This led to the formation of the Llangollen Sheepdog Trial Society. It is confusing as to whether the
Society formally existed in 1888. An article from the London Daily News
of May 17, 1890 referred to the Society as being "newly formed.""
According to an article appearing in The Wrexham
Advertiser on August 18, 1888, it was reported that the annual sheep
dog trial of the Vale of Llangollen took place at Llandyn Hall Farm. The
article was lengthy. There were two trials; one trial was for the locals
(with five entries), and a second trial was "open to the world"
(referred to as the Cambrian Stakes with 21 entries). Cambria was the classical name for
Wales. Jonathan Barcroft was listed as entering Sall,
a grey bitch, two years of age; Trim, a black and grey dog, six years;
and Nip, a black and white bitch, two years of age.
Regarding the Cambrian Stakes, several parts of the article are
quoted below:
"The even numbers were run in one field and the odd
numbers in an adjoining field, the best dogs being afterwards
selected from each field for a final trial in the afternoon. The
work which the dogs had to do in the first stage of the trials was
to find three sheep liberated from a pen at the top of the field, to
get them round three flags placed triangularly in different parts of
the field, and finally to pen them, the time allowed being fifteen
minutes."
Regarding Trim:
"Mr. Barcroft's 'Trim' got his sheep round the
first flag in one minute. The sheep were brought to the pen in five
minutes from the start and were cleverly penned in one minute more."
Regarding Nip:
"Mr. Barcroft's 'Nip' got round two flags in three
minutes, and having made a false point, one of the sheep escaped
into the wood, and could not be found until time was up. The judges,
however, allowed him to try to pen the two remaining sheep, which he
did in two minutes."
The article went on to explain that the judges selected
eight dogs to participate in the final trial. The work given was to be
more severe as compared to the earlier part of the trial. The article
stated:
"The shepherd was stationed in one field, and the
sheep at the bottom of the adjoining field, behind the wood, and out
of sight. The dog was sent off to find them to bring them back
through a gap in the hedge, and afterwards to make them pass through
another gap between two sets of hurdles, in the open field, and then
to bring them down the field and pen them. The judges awarded the
prizes as follows:—1st prize,£12, Mr. Rowland Pugh's 'Black' (No.
5); 2nd prize £7, Mr. Jonathan Barcroft's 'Nip' (No. 17)
... ."
What was also included in the article was mention of a
silver cup being awarded to the best looking dog or bitch competing in
the trials (based upon the satisfaction of the judge). It is not known
if Jonathan competed with any of his dogs as only four dogs were named
as receiving either an award or "highly commended." The dogs' owners
were described as walking them around the judge, Mr. W. H. G. Weaver,
until he made his selections.
In 1889, either Jonathan, or George, was invited to participate in an exhibition trial
to be held in August at Bala, Wales. This was to be a special event for
her Majesty, Queen Victoria. She witnessed several runs. According to the Queen's journal, she was
impressed with White Bob's run; the words from her journal entry appear on the
"White Bob" page.
According to a May 17, 1890 write-up in the London Daily News:
"Lord Trevor was president of the newly-formed Llangollen
Sheep-dog Trial Society, has received a communication from Sir Henry
Ponsonby, stating that the Queen has become a patron of the society.
It will be remembered that some sheep-dog trials were exhibited to
her Majesty during her visit to Wales last August, and she expressed
her gratification at the remarkable sagacity shown by the Welsh
sheep dog."
The problem with the London Daily News report is that at least
one of the dogs was not Welsh (Barcroft's "White Bob"). It is understandable how the reporter
might have
been confused since the exhibition took place in Wales. He may have
assumed all the dogs were from Wales.
Starting in 1890, several articles allow us to follow the handling endeavors of Jonathan and
George.
The Langollen trial was reported
in The Field, August 9, 1890:
"Mr. Jonathan Barcroft's black
and white bitch, Nip, four years, found at once and brought
her sheep through the opening in three minutes, the gap in
the artificial fence was negotiated in seven minutes and by
some capital work on the part of both shepherd and dog the
sheep were penned well within the allotted time."
"Mr. Jonathan Barcroft's white
and black dog, Bob, three years, went straight to his sheep
and had them through the opening in two and a half minutes.
The dog was well under the control of his shepherd and after
some nice work the sheep were safely penned in nine and a
half minutes."
"Mr. Jonathan Barcroft's black
and grey dog, Trim, nine years, found his sheep in about two
minutes, had them safely through the opening in another half
minute, but was bothered with some rather wild sheep;
however, he succeeded in getting them through the artificial
opening in about eight minutes, after some careful and
patient work, got them in the pen in eleven and a half
minutes."
"Mr. Jonathan Barcroft's grey
bitch, Sally, three years, found her sheep at once and got
them through the first opening in three minutes, two minutes
later sending them through the artificial fence, in another
minute they were at the pen, into which they were sent in
exactly six minutes."
"Sally, Bob and Nip went
through to the next round to compete against five other
qualifiers."
"The task now was for the dogs
to find six sheep released from a pen on the hill out of
sight of the dog, bring them through an opening in the
hurdles, separate them with the aid of the shepherd, and pen
three marked sheep, the remaining three unmarked ones being
returned to the first field. The time allowed was twelve
minutes."
"Sally found at once her sheep
and had them through the first opening and separated in five
minutes, and penned in seven and a half minutes."
"Bob went straight away to his
sheep and had them through the opening in three minutes and
succeeded in separating them in nine minutes, the sheep
being safely penned in less than eleven minutes."
"Sally was third in the trial; Bob was fourth; Nip was Reserve (5th)."
The Jackson's Oxford Journal, on September 6, 1890, announced the Woodstock Agricultural and Horticultural
Association Show was to be held on September 9th at
Blenheim Park. Woodstock was a small town 8 miles (13 km) northwest of
Oxford in Oxfordshire, England.
Another Jackson's Oxford Journal article of September 13,
1890, mentioned both Grey Nip and Trim as being "well known winners."
That wording seems to suggest those two dogs were trialing prior to
White Bob's birth. Trim was an older half-brother to White Bob (the
latter being born around the spring of 1887); White Bob's images can be
viewed on the "White Bob" page. If the Jackson's Oxford Journal
article is correct in its write-up, White Bob began competing in 1888.
That meant he was unusually talented at a very early age, and remained
so throughout his lifetime. It was stated:
"'Bob' is out of 'Grey Nip' and half brother to 'Trim,'
well-known winners, and was admired for his working as distinct from
good looks. He took first prize in 1888 at the Northern Counties,
Lord Bective's Trials at Troutbeck in 1888, and premier honours at
Leominster the same year. In 1889 he was awarded the first prize at
Llangollen. 'Nip' was first at Hereford in 1888, second at Kilcam,
and first at Llangollen."
Note: Lord Bective would have been Thomas Taylour, Earl of Bective, who died in 1893. He was the founder of
North-Western Counties Sheep Dog Trial Association.
The Jackson's Oxford Journal article continued:
"The prizes were offered by Mr. G. Herbert Morrell, of
Headington Hill Hall, who in addition went to considerable expense
in order to illustrate sheep dogs to perfection. For this purpose 21
sheep were brought from North Wales, together with the Cambrian group of
dogs which appeared before the Queen last year. Capt. Best, R.N.,
who arranged the trials before her Majesty, kindly undertook the
arrangements, assisted by Mr. J. Hughes, of Llangollen."
The 1890 Woodstock sheep dog trials were arranged by and under the regulations of the Vale of Llangollen Sheep-dog Society.
There were two separate groups that trialed. One group was listed as a "Special
Class.—Cambrian Group." Apparently the Society wanted the locals to
witness "sheep dogs to perfection." The results indicated the prizes were being given to the shepherd
whose dog penned five sheep in the quickest and best manner. There
were six entries. Nip was listed as being age four; Bob was listed as
being age three. Their runs were described:
"'Nip' was second. She also displayed good style and command.
She was round the first flag in 3 minutes 50 seconds, through the
hurdles in 6 minutes 10 seconds, drove the sheep back in eight
minutes, but was rather long in penning, the total time being 14
minutes 40 seconds. 'Bob," a black and white dog, was third, and his
colour rather favoured him. He, however, had some rather stupid
sheep to deal with, and one of them knocked him over twice. His
total time was 15 minutes 10 seconds."
The local class group didn't fare too well; the 1890 Woodstock
article also indicated it was decided that the prizes for that group
would be divided equally among ten of eleven entries (one was absent).
The Vale of Llangollen Sheep dog trial of 1891 in Wales was reported
in The Wrexham Advertiser on August 15th, 1891. It was reported:
"The day broke rather hazy, and when the first dog was let off at
nine o'clock rain threatened, but the morning was most favorable; in
the afternoon the wind rose, so that the dogs could only with
difficulty hear their master's commands. The dogs had to first sight
the sheep, which were, on a given signal, let out from a pen at the
top of the field, take them round a flag post, through a gap in the
fence through a hurdle gap, and pen them in ten minutes."
The above article indicated Jonathan entered: (1) Trim, a black and grey
dog, ten years; (2) Nip, a black and white bitch, age five years; (3)
Bob, a white and black dog, four years; (4) Sall, a grey bitch, four
years ; and (5) Lady, a black and tan bitch, one year and one month.
After the dogs all had their runs, the judges decided which dogs
would run again for placement. Jonathan had four dogs invited to
participate: Trim, Nip, Bob, and Sall. Their runs were described as
follows: (Trim) didn't do well; (Nip) worked splendidly, and penned
finely in nine minutes; (Bob) did quite well; he brought up his sheep in
fine form, and raced the sheep around to gain all the points, then
penned in 6-1/4 minutes; (Sall) was unable to pen the sheep, but she
gained other points. Bob won first prize of £_ and a Challenge Cup. Sall was awarded third prize of £4.
The Wirral Sheepdog Trial Association held a trial on June 6, 1892 in Cheshire. The
British
Fancier reported in its article dated June 10, 1892, that Trim, age ten, was entered along with White Bob, age
five, in the Wirral Sheepdog Trial Association trial. Bob placed second in this trial to a dog
named Turk. The article stated "Bob was inferior to Turk nowhere
except that he bungled a little by leaving his sheep to listen for
orders..." The time for Turk was 9 minutes and 55 seconds with
total points of 68; Bob's time was eleven minutes with total points
of 64.
In the British Fancier article of June 10, 1892 (accompanied by a
picture), the writer stated:
"Bob, a nearly all white, three-parts bred
bobtail, undocked, worked by his owner quietly and by the
whistle only, showed wonderful aptitude and marked
intelligence. He went straight to his sheep, stopping at
call, and found his sheep, which he left momentarily, thus
"blotting his copybook" a bit, but he never left them
afterwards, and bringing quickly through every obstacle,
penned in two minutes within the prescribed time. Much
amusement was created by his creeping to his sheep and of
his own accord forcing them into the pen
by inches."
J. Barcroft's Trim, age ten, was tied for 4th place at this Wirral trial
with a dog named Kate. The British Fancier's June 10, 1892 article
continued:
Trim, on the other hand, went to business well, getting to his charges in
1-1/2 minutes. He was a bit rough at the start and
separated his sheep, but ultimately collected, made all his
points, and was in the act of penning when time was called,
which he completed a quarter of a minute afterwards."
E. B. Carpenter's book National Sheepdog Champions of Britain and Ireland 1922-1993, Ms.
Carpenter wrote: "James Thomson (sic) judged the first Wirral Sheepdog Society trial in 1893. Twenty-four dogs competed
and the winner was W. Rigby's Turk. J. Barcroft's Bob, a mainly white, half-bred Old English sheepdog was second and
Mr. Piggin's Ormskirk Charlie, third ... ." The 1893 date is obviously a typographical error as the trial occurred in 1892.
Also, the British Fancier published the judge's name correctly as James Thompson
from Oswestry, but the reporter was mistaken that Mr. Thompson had been a winner at the 1871 Bala trial; the
first recorded Bala trial took place in the year 1873. Perhaps it was another typographical error.
The above are examples on how small mistakes occurred in numerous publications. It is
understandable. Often the reporter was seeing an event for the first
time; the type setter may have made an error on dates, etc.
An article appearing in Western Mail on September 1, 1893, mentioned the annual ninth show for the Crickhowell Agricultural
Association. According to one sentence in the article:
"A new feature of the show was the sheep-dog trial, which proved
to be of especial interest."
The judges for the sheep dog trial were identified as being a Mr.
Frank Thomas of Wellfield and a Mr. G. Garnons Williams, Brecon. We are
fortunate to be able to quote from a different article about White Bob's
performance.
An article (believed to be from the British Fancier) about the Crickhowell Sheepdog Trials (Wales), August
31, 1893 trial stated:
"... the unmistakable favourite was Mr.
Barcroft's celebrated Champion Bob, the old English, who
went faithfully through his work, obeying every command like
an old soldier. He went straight to his sheep and had them
through first flags in three minutes, through all the
remainder and his sheep safely penned in 7 min, 58 sec.,
without a single slip, amidst the applause of the
spectators. Bob was awarded eq second with Mr. Tom Jones's
black-and-tan dog, who ran up well to his sheep, but making
a wrong turn, drove them back."
Note: The "eq" second mentioned in the quote above meant a tie for second place. First prize
money was ₤8.
An article about the Wharfedale Sheepdog Trials, September 8, 1893
(also believed to be from the British Fancier),
indicated that Jonathan was now trialing Lady and White Bob. It
stated:
"Lady went up well, turning sheep to pen
made a dash and slipped them away, and working well to
command not giving them any more liberty, and bringing them
down did first obstacle, missing second, and driving sheep
round course finished her task in seven minutes."
"Bob went off well, and coming onto sheep
they made for pen, when Bob wasted a lot of time trying to
get them away, and by the time he had accomplished that part
his time was nearly up, but he showed nice work in bringing
down."
An article about the Preston Sheepdog Club, October 26, 1893 (also believed to be from the
British
Fancier), stated:
"J. Barcroft's Bob made a fine run up
and cast, getting his sheep through gates and flags in grand
style, showing capital command, being frequently cheered by
the spectators, managed to pen in nine minutes, one minute
over time."
"J. Barcroft's Slip
ran out well, but after getting through gate, failed."
"J. Barcroft's Lady worked a bit wild, and
at times overrunning his command, and although she put her
sheep through all obstacles and penned on the stroke of
time, she could not quite come up to the score of Bob, her
kennel companion, who lost his marks at the pen. Beat her in
general style. The awards were as follows:
First prize and special Mr. Barcroft's Bob; second and
special Mr. Barcroft's Lady; third and special Mr. Metcalf's
Sep; fourth and special Mr. J. Moses' Sall.
Mr. Barcroft's Lady also took special prize for best looking
dog competing in Trials."
Theo Marples had been the editor of British Fancier prior to starting a new publication in
January of 1895, which he named Our Dogs. This latter
publishing entity has copies of the British Fancier in
its archives. The Wirral Sheepdog Trial of August 5, 1895, was
likely reported in Our Dogs. The assessment of the runs indicated:
"Barcroft's Brown Bob made fair work at
obstacles, but failed to pen."
"Barcroft's White Bob came a little rough on sheep at far
end and did not answer command in his usual form, missing
three obstacles and putting back; came direct through fourth
to pen."
George, handled White Bob, now approximately ten years of age, at a trial in Germany.
A write-up appeared in the Ramsbottom Observer dated June 4, 1897, which was quoted from the Daily News.
The heading was "Sheep Dog Trials in Germany... ."
"Mr. George Barcroft, ..... well known in
the Ramsbottom and Rossendale districts ..... has been in
Germany during the week, and has competed successfully with
other dogs in sheep dog trials. The following extract from
the 'Daily News' will be read with interest: 'German Collie
Club Trials — Success of English dogs — For the first time
in the history of the club, sheep dog trials have been held
at the annual show of the German Collie Club, which
terminated at Frankfurt-on-the-Main on Sunday. C. H.
Wheeler, of Birmingham, judged, and although the English
dogs were severely handicapped by the foreign conditions of
working, and the nature of the trial ground, they did
remarkably well, and quite astounded the select attendance
which included all the leading Collie breeders in Germany.
The first prize and gold medal of the promoting society was
won by Mr. G. Barcroft's 'White Bob' ..... beating
Mr. R. S Piggin's Ormskirk Charlie from Long Eaton, Notts. The
splendid working of the English dogs created a most
favourable impression ... ."
A very detailed write-up was done concerning the Tring 1897 trial.
It appears on the "Tring-1897" page in this section. Also, the Illustrated Police News, August 14, 1897, reported
in its article about a tragic accident that occurred at that
agricultural show. Part of that article stated:
"The fifty-eighth show of the Tring Agricultural Society was
held on Thursday at Tring Park, when one of the most interesting,
because to Southerners most uncommon, items was the trial of sheep
dogs. The sheep used for the trials were Lonk wethers, sent for the
purpose from Knowsley Park, Lord Derby's Lancashire seat. Each dog
had first to take his three sheep out, drive them round a hurdle,
through a gap in an artificial fence, then through a Maltese-cross
of hurdles, and finally into a pen. The dog was worked by whistle
and signs until the Maltese Cross was reached, and there his master
was allowed to help him.
The first dog to appear, Mr. Jonathan Barcroft's Lassie,
appeared somewhat disconcerted by the sudden appearance of some
kangaroos, and for a moment the trial seemed likely to degenerate
into a kangaroo hunt on novel lines. But the dog stuck to business,
and, though the artificial fence and the penning gave him some
trouble, the feat was at last accomplished in eighteen minutes. At
this point a violent thunderstorm broke over Lord Rothschild's
park...."
"... Fan, another of Mr. Barcroft's entries, was just as
unsuccessful. Mr. Barcroft's White Bob, an eleven-year-old dog, who
has the distinction of having won a medal in Germany, completed his
task in twenty-four minutes ... . The second and third went to White
Bob and Lassie respectively, while Mr. Moses's Tom was reserved."
August, 1897. Vale of Llangollen trial. George won a silver
challenge cup donated by the late Lord Trevor. Brown Bob won first place
completing his run in less than six minutes.
The Ramsbottom Observer article of September 10, 1897, reported:
"Mr. George Barcroft, Scout Moor,
Shuttleworth, obtained a first prize with his sheep dog
Lassie, and a third with his sheep dog Brown Bob, at
Ravenstone Dale, on Friday. On Saturday, at Otley,
Yorkshire, Mr. Barcroft won a first prize with Lassie and a
third with White Bob."
The Ramsbottom Observer article of
September 17, 1897, reported:
Mr. George Barcroft, Scout Moor, Shuttleworth, obtained a second and third prize with his
dogs at Ely (sic), last week, near Cardiff, also a special champion prize consisting of a silver cup and silver
matchbox.
Note: It is not known why the (sic)
appeared because the place Ely was spelled correctly.
The first Longshaw Sheep-dog Trials Association's trial was held
March 24, 1898, according to J. Wentworth-Day, in his book The Wisest Dogs in the World, W. S. Caines, Ltd., (no date,
but believed to be published in the early 1950s). He quoted from
a newspaper account:
"Jonathan Barcroft of Scout Moor, sent four dogs—Bob, Bell,
Lassie, and Fan .... "
Wentworth-Day went on to say:
"The judges were H. Froggatt, Baslow, W. Oates, Millhouses and J.
Crossland of Hathersage, as referee. As soon as they got on the
ground, the first trial took place. The dog was Mr. Barcroft's dog
of Shuttleworth, near Bury. He was a competitor at Dovedale Trials
last November and though only a small dog, has won more prizes than
any other dog at work, whilst his master is described as the best
trainer and whistler in the United Kingdom. After the three sheep,
which were led by Mr. Thorpe of Fox House and Mr. Priestley
had been set at liberty near the far flag, the dog was not long in
sighting them and then in obedience to his master's whistle, rounded
the post not allowing them to keep more than a couple of yards wide
of it; to take them to the next flag proved a difficult problem."
Due to the weather, the trial was stopped and resumed the next day.
Lassie won third prize of ₤2. Her time to complete the course was was
9-1/2 minutes. Bob ran in 14 minutes; Bell in 15 minutes; and Fan went
over the allotted time.
The Ramsbottom Observer article of August 12, 1898, reported:
"The well-known dogs of Mr. George
Barcroft, of Scout, have again been very successful this
season, and in recent sheep dog trials have added several
substantial prizes to their already lengthy list. At Llangollen, Wales,
a fortnight ago, in the single dog competition Lassie won first prize
and Sall third prize; and
in the trial for working two dogs together Bob and Lassie
gained second honours. The day following at Ruthin (when 66
dogs competed) Lassie took the first and Don the fourth
prize in single dog competition, and Bob and Lassie the
premier prize in doubles. At Tring, Herts, last week Lassie
gained first and Sall the third prize. The trials were open
to all the world."
The Ramsbottom Observer article of September 30, 1898, reported:
"Mr. George Barcroft, of Shuttleworth,
has added another batch to his already lengthy list of canine
successes. Within the past fortnight his dogs have secured
no less than nine prizes at sheep dog trials in various
parts of the Country."
The article above was likely referring to George's successes
at Dovedale in Derbyshire where he took a first prize with Sall
and a second prize with Lassie. Then, at Glamorganshire, he won
a first place with Lassie. At Llan Festiniog, George took
another first prize, along with a silver medal in the novice
division with Bell. In the Open class, George won another first
with Bell, winning a silver medal, and Brown Bob was second,
with Lassie placing third.
Wentworth-Day, in The Wisest Dogs in the World, wrote that
the second Longshaw Trial was held September 29th, 1898. G. Barcroft
entered several dogs in the Open class. Lassie, age 5 years, ran in 13
minutes, placing third. George also ran Fan, age 2 years, who placed
7th, Sall, 4 years, who placed 8th, and two of his two-year-old bitches
Bess and Tipsey.
The Ramsbottom Observer article of August 4, 1899, reported:
"Mr. Jonathan Barcroft of Scout Moor,
Shuttleworth, one of the most successful breeders and
trainers of sheep dogs in the country, continues to add to
his long list of canine successes. Mr. Barcroft competed in
the annual sheep dog trials at Ruthin last Friday, and
gained fresh laurels. In the Vale of Clwyd Stakes (open) he
secured the second and third prizes and divided the fourth;
and in the 'special for working dogs' he obtained the second
prize."
George Barcroft competed at Ruthin in 1898 in both
singles and doubles. Jonathan Barcroft competed in trials at
Ruthin in August 1899 (where there was a special prize given for
working dogs entered as hobby trialists). Jonathan also competed
at nearby Bontuchel in November 1900 (with 79 entries). In 1901,
there was an Open class (Vale of Clwyd Stakes) and a doubles class in
Ruthin Castle Park. See the "Barcroft" section.
The August 12, 1899 Llangollen trial was won by George handling
Lassie. The article reporting the trial appears on the
"Llangollen-1899" page in this section.
Wentworth-Day, in The Wisest Dogs in the World indicated
another Longshaw Trial took place on September 28, 1899. George won first place with Sall, age
five, in the Open class. there were 17 entries, and the points
earned by George with Sall were 34 out of a maximum of 35 points.
According to George Barcroft's obituary, which information came from
Samuel Lund, George appeared at the Alexandra Palace, London, and won
the premier award with a dog named "Rap," (purchased from Mr. Lund).
According to Mr. Lund, Rap went on to win six firsts in succession at
other shows. Whether Mr. Lund's information was correct concerning Rap's
wins is unknown.
The years that the Barcrofts competed beginning with 1900 are on
the "Trialing After 1900" page. |
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