Llewellin Setters Breeders Blog

Who was William Humphrey and what was his role in development of the Llewellin Setter?

It is quite possible that William Humphrey played a more significant role in the development and continuation of the Llewellin Setter than anyone else outside of Richard Llewellin himself. Certainly that is true relative to the Llewellins introduction and popularity in the United States.

In British Setter circles reference is made to the” Great Triumvate”, meaning, the three great men of setter breeding; that is to say, Edward Laverack, Richard Purcell Llewellin and William Humphrey.

William Humphrey was a very colorful character, who had a lifetime association with dogs of many breeds. He was descended from a family, which had given service to the Royal Family as Falconers. He was himself a skilled Falconer often shown with a Golden Eagle, which he trained to take care of predators.

In his young days he had ridden to hounds and was well versed in Fox Hounds, Beagles and Springer Spaniels, the latter breed he had bred extensively and at one point had a Kennel size reported at over 1,000 dogs. He moved easily in the hunting and shooting circles of his day and had numerous friends in the upper ranks of society. He was particularly respected as a trainer of bird dogs and he enjoyed great success in Field Trial Competition owning many Champions in his time. Apart from dogs he had also been a Land Agent and Landlord of a Public House for a short time.

During the 1920’s William Humphrey came to the United States and accepted a position with Erastus Tefft, who was a Millionaire residing in Brewster, New York, and a Governor of the New York Stock exchange. Tefft made Humphrey chief huntsman of the Star Ridge Hunt, and gave him responsibility for the foxhound pack, as well as his Llewellin Bird Dogs and various and sundry other working dogs. Humphrey upgraded the hound pack considerably by bringing Welsh Fox Hounds over from Britain.

All went very well and Humphrey became quite well to do with his position, as well as commissions earned on importing antique furniture into the US–another of his skills. However, in 1929 the Stock Market crashed and both master and servant were left about destitute. William returned to England, and brought with him the Llewellin dogs.

His passion for the Llewellin grew and since Richard Llewellin had passed away, he arranged to acquire the dogs from Llewellins house keeper, tapping every possible source to raise the funds, and moving out of the Springer Spaniel business.

Another fortuitous event occurred shortly after this time. William had coached a gentleman in his younger days by the name of Max Wenner. Max as it turns out was a man of considerable means and also with questionable connections in Germany, which was becoming a melting pot with the rise of the National Socialist movement. Max had made provision in his will to recognize Humphrey for his contribution to his prowess with dog and gun. So when Max Wenner mysteriously vanished in mid- air during a flight across the English Channel, (thought to have been pushed out of the plane), and a headline event of the time. William inherited a nice sum of money, the ownership of the best grouse moor in the area named Longmynd, and the Titles of Lordship of the Manors of Rattlinghope and Stretton-en-le-Dale. Longmynd had been the Hunting grounds of King John back in history.

Humphrey was now perfectly set up to indulge his passion for the Llewellin setters and his great skills with dog breeding and training. He proceeded to do this with outstanding success and bred hundreds of Setters at his Horsford Kennels, which he sold around the world. In addition he entered his dogs extensively into Field Trials with great success and won just about every major title.

The domicile of William Humphrey and home of his kennels was Lake Cottage in the grounds of Walcott Hall, Lydbury North the ancestral home of Clive of India. Lake Cottage is today occupied by his Grandson, Chris Sorenson, who is a dear friend and source of much invaluable historical information on my many visits there.

Times do change. William Humphrey passed away at age 81 on Nov 22, 1963, which was the day when President Kennedy was shot in Dallas. His ashes were spread on the Long Mynd, which has now resorted to ownership by the National Trust and is part of the public National Parks program. There are no Llewellin Setters left at Lake Cottage and all breeding activity has long ceased. Chris Sorenson runs an animal transportation business based at the kennels. The grave of Richard Purcell Llewellin is situated only a short drive away and that of Edward Laverack is about half an hours drive.

This area of England is in the County of Shropshire, South of Shrewsbury, it is an area of outstanding beauty and significant historical interest; many castles, old estates, interesting market towns, good hotels and restaurants, areas for walking and many antique shops. We would be delighted to help with information for anyone planning a visit.

William Humphrey with his Golden Eagle
circa 1950

Keith H. Smith May 2006