Family famed for fine wine and horses

6 February 1998

Family famed for fine wine and horses

J ANE Kidds history of two generations of the Gilbey family was launched at the Ram Brewery, London.

The family was renowned for producing fine wines and spirits rather than beer, but Walter Gilbey played a significant part in promoting the Shire horse breed and establishing the Shire Horse Society – both of which are associated with breweries in todays world.

While heavy horses comprised a large slice of the equine work force of the last century, Trotters and Hackneys also had work to do, as did the light horses bred for general riding and hunting and for use by the army. Walter Gilbey was the driving force behind the setting up of organisations to promote and improve each of these breeds as Miss Kidd explains.

The equine interests of his son Henry Walter were, from school days, placed in the racing field, until the scandal of divorce caused the severance of his connections with the Jockey Club.

Hunting is another of the familys interests, and one pursued by the current generation of Gilbeys who farm extensively in England, Ireland and the Isle of Man.

Part of the proceeds from the sale of this book will go to the British Horse Foundation, which Walter Anthony Gilbey (the current generation of Walter Gilbeys) helped establish. The Dressage Supporters Group and the London Harness Horse parade (a Gilbey supported event) also stand to gain from it.

But while horses play a major part in this history they are eclipsed by the story of an outstanding family and the fortunes of the ever-changing family business. AR

*Gilbeys Wines and Horses by Jane Kidd, The Lutterworth Press (£19.50).