The Hamburgh, an old British light breed from the North

Victoria Roberts BVSc MRCVS tells how Yorks and Lancs came together to produce an attractive breed and a useful layer

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The original birds which now make up this breed were kept in Lancashire and Yorkshire with the earliest recorded mention in 1702. Two distinct types evolved: the Lancashire birds, called Mooneys, had the round black spangling on white background, a coarse head with red earlobes and the cocks had hen feathering (the hackle and tail being similar in shape to a hen). The Yorkshire Pheasant, however, had a neat head with white earlobes, crescent-shaped markings and great style with a full flowing tail. The Mooneys were slightly larger and laid well and it appears that the earliest competitive contests were held with these, with each breeder expounding the virtues of his bird to the judge, the judge comparing that with the next and the winner going on to compete with the subsequent bird. A time-consuming occupation, but obviously of great entertainment and fierce passion.

THE RAILWAY UNITES YORKS AND LANCS