A unique heritage
Originally Newmarket found fame as the world’s headquarters of racing during the reign of Charles II, so racing has been central to the life of the town and of England for over 300 years.
In the past 100 years, we have seen waves of wealthy people not only buying racehorses, but buying properties in Newmarket. Some simply wanted a house for the racing season on the town’s two racecourses. So we have had South African mining millionaires, Greek shipping magnates and more lately Arab Sheikhs and Princes very much part of the local equine scene.
The history of the town and its buildings is therefore exceptional. Yet it has been insufficiently publicised, despite the activities of the local council, the Horseracing Museum and the British Sporting Arts Trust. The National Stud is well visited, as is the British School of Racing. However, unlike other comparably sized towns, there has never been an effective conservation group in Newmarket. That happily is about to change.
Rachel Hood, a feisty lawyer and Newmarket resident, well plugged into the town’s racing scene, has decided to start a conservation and preservation society. This is timely. The topography of local government in Suffolk is very likely to change, and the local governance of Newmarket moved further away.
Rachel Hood is to be applauded. As the local member of Parliament, I will support her in anyway I can. The town of Newmarket has a special place in the hearts of all lovers of racing, and has done so for many generations.