Standard bred poultry, often called the 'Pure Breeds' started to be recognized when certain events occurred which stimulated interest:
1. Local interest which resulted in gatherings in local public houses when chickens would be taken along and judged, the best exhibit(s) being awarded prizes such as a kettle or a tankard of beer.
Breeds like the 'Moonies' and 'Pheasants' early varieties of Hamburghs were popular in the northern counties such as Lancashire and Yorkshire; they had been known and kept for over 300 years prior to the start of the official shows around 1840.
There were also shows for utility (table) birds under the sponsorship of Earl Spencer.
2. Start of the Official Shows in 1845 was made possible by the improvement of the transport facilities. There were events staged at the London Zoological Gardens, in Birmingham (from 1848 with 2,000 entries); London at the Crystal Palace, which continued to hold all kinds of events until it burnt down in 1936. Such was the enthusiasm that there were 3,487 entries at the Crystal Palace Show in 1899.
3. In the USA there was growing interest in poultry and breeds were being imported, the most important being breeds which were to be developed into the Brahmas and Cochins. Queen Victoria was sent a present of seven Cochins in 1843 and in 1853 she was sent Brahmas, which at that time went under the name of 'Grey Shangias Fowl'. These were presented by George W Burnham who was a breeder and dealer in poultry.
With the backing of Queen Victoria who showed poultry with success, it was inevitable that others would follow; in fact, it became fashionable for the Ladies of the Realm to become Patrons, thus adding more prestige to showing. With success there came hopes of large profits because prize winning birds were fetching very high prices.
This article continues in the October 2011 issue of Featherd World
