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ROBERT BAXTER 1854 - 1940 Twice married, the third love of his life (but probably the first) was his passion for Hackney horses. A breeder of renown, he at one time had 80. The most famous was "Walsoken Pride" reputed to be "the best mare ever bred in the Wisbech district". She won 14 gold and silver Hackney Society medals and many other prizes all over the country. Standing over 15 hands high, she was a pretty picture with her glossy chestnut coat and white feet. Foaled in 1899, her first show was at Wisbech St.Mary and strangely, it was there that she competed for the last time. On 5 June 1922, the judges had just awarded her first prize when she collapsed and died. Such was her popularity that many people wanted pieces of her mane and it had almost disappeared by the time Walsoken Pride was taken back to Walsoken and buried standing and in full livery. A stone was placed, with the rhyme, "Here lies the body of Walsoken Pride, who won first prize on the field where she died" A tree was planted over the grave and the crescent around it was eventually named Baxter Close. When houses were being built, the contractors were put under pressure by the family and local residents to avoid disturbing the grave site. Happily, the sewerage missed the site by several yards. Sadly, many of the trophies and medals that were later in the keeping of one of Robert's daughters were stolen during a burglary. When Robert died his coffin was bedecked with a beautiful floral tribute in the shape of a Hackney horse and carriage. |