The ancestral seat of the Ashley-Cooper family, which is headed by the Earl of Shaftesbury, St Giles says “We believe in sharing the magic of St.Giles with the world. Whether forming new connections with friends, sharing ideas through workshops and conferences or celebrating life through music and art, we want St.Giles to inspire you and shape the way you think and live.” Despite those grand words, St Giles appears to think ‘celebrating life’ includes promoting fox hunting by regularly allowing the notorious Portman Hunt to hold a ‘fun ride’ on the grounds. Fun rides are open to all riders, but are primarily fundraising events, without which some hunts couldn’t survive financially. The Earl would know this full well, having hosted the Portman’s Hunt Ball in the past (as reported in the Tatler).
St Giles House (Dorset)
Links to more information
- Protect the Wild: Fashion brand founder Johnnie Boden is a life patron of the Portman Hunt (January 2025)
- Protect the Wild: Portman Hunt: Two men convicted of fox hunting crimes (Sept 2024)
Credits
Information provided by a supporter (thank you). Screenshot considered ‘fair use’.
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Listing is to inform choice only. By listing a business we are not suggesting or implying that the business is acting unlawfully. We are not asking for a boycott of the business. If you wish to contact the business please do so politely. We are a non-violent organisation and making threats, intimidating or harassing individuals is never acceptable under any circumstances and may lead to prosecution.