and better, the which earl is to
bring the same again next year, which he promised to do, upon his
honour, to the mayor of this city". See Hatcher's History of
Salisbury, p. 294. In the Appendix to that volume is a copy of an
Indenture, made in 1654, between the Mayor and Commonalty of the city
and Sir Edward Baynton of Bromham, relative to the race-cup. It
recites that Henry Earl of Pembroke in his lifetime gave a golden
bell, to be run for yearly, "at the place then used and accustomed
for horse races, upon the downe or plaine leading from New Sarum
towards the towne of Shaston [Shaftesbury], in the county of Dorset".
This would imply that the nobleman referred to was not the founder of
Salisbury Races. - J. B.]
It is certain that Peacock used to runn the four-miles course in five
minutes and a little more; and Dalavill since came but little short of
him. Peacock was first Sir Thomas Thynne's of Long-leate; who valued
him at 1,000 pounds. Philip Earle of Pembrock gave 51i. but to have a
sight of him: at last his lordship had him; I thinke by gift. Peacock
was a bastard barb. He was the most beautifull horse ever seen in this
last age, and was as fleet as handsome. He dyed about 1650.
"Here lies the man whose horse did gaine
The bell in race on Salisbury plaine;
Reader, I know not whether needs it,
You or your horse rather to reade it."
At Everly is another race. Qu?re, if the Earle of Abington hath not
set up another?
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Stobball-play is peculiar to North Wilts, North Gloucestershire, and a
little part of Somerset near Bath.
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