In 1902, whilst Godfrey Heseltine was posted to India, the pack was sold to the Marquess Conyngham of Slane Castle in Ireland, and were known as the Slane Bassets, returning to the New Forrest upon Godrey’s return in 1910.

After World War II, due to the increased cultivation of arable land within the hunt’s county, a more active hound than a traditional basset was sought.

After unsuccessful attempts at outcrosses with Welsh Hounds and Beagles, the now Colonel Morrison (after his World War II service) very successfully incorporated stud book Harrier blood into the pack, resulting in hounds with the same voice and nose, but less bone, shorter backs and shorter ears.

More recently, further infusions with West Country Harriers, Beagles and pure Bassets have been incorporated into the type.

[1][2][3] The Westerby Basset Hound’s country extends from Melton Mowbray in the north to Daventry in the south and Nuneaton in the west to Uppingham in the east.