The public exhibition of ploughing in competition for the several premiums offered, took place in a field in the occupation of Philip John Miles, Esg., of Leigh Court, and situated near Beggar’s Bush, on the high road to Pill and Portshead.
The weather was, on the whole, less favourable than could have been desired; but the interesting nature of the operation, and its importance as a branch of the agricultural art, attracted a very large concourse of spectators, including a large proportion of practical farmers. The hour named for the commencement of the match was twelve o’clock; but for upwards of two hours before that period the roads in the immediate neighbourhood of the field were thronged by persons from Bristol, as well as from St. George’s, Abbotsleigh, and the surrounding villages, who were anxious to get a view of the proceedings.
The road to the spot selected is exceedingly picturesque and beautiful. Quitting Bristol, you cross the river Avon at a point which enables you to command views of the far-famed St. Vincent’s rocks, with the suspension-bridge in course of erection, and also the extremity of the downs, and a considerable part of the elegaut and fashionable village of Clifton. Ascending Rownham-hill, you pass through Leigh wood, a portion of the estate of Sir John Smyth, Bart., and one of the most charming bits of woodland scenery to be met with in this part of the kingdom. Further on you catch a bird’s-eye view of the Severn, and the mouth of the Bristol Channel, with the shipping entering and quitting the port, or lying at anchor in Kingroad; the view being bounded in the distance with the hills of the Gloucestershire coast, and the more aspiring hills of South Wales.
The field covered about 20 acres, but it was not considered a very favourable spot, as it turned up stony, and in some instances would hardly admit of ploughing to the requisite depth of four inches.
On the ground were a vast number of fashionable equipages, upwards of 1000 gentlemen on horseback, and from 1000 to 5000 foot spectators. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge was in a carriage with the lady of P. J. Miles, Esq., of Leigh Court, where his Royal Highness is staying. He watched the proceedings, in which he appeared to take great interest, for several hours. His Grace the Duke of Richmond, the Duke of Beaufort, the Marquis of Downshire, and other distinguished personages, were also ou the ground.
Forty-six ploughs started, and the work was, as far as circumstances would admit of, cleverly performed. The decision of the judges had not been awarded when our report left.
The Illustrated London News, London, England, Week Ending July 16, 1842
