Historic Byerley Turk Painting Returns to Goldsborough

A reproduction of the original by the 18th-century equestrian painter Thomas Spencer, oil on canvas 87 by 120in

A huge painting of the Byerley Turk, the eldest founding father to all thoroughbred horses has returned to Goldsborough Hall.

The Byerley Turk, the eldest of three original founding fathers that make up all thoroughbred horses, was owned by Captain Byerley during the time he lived at Goldsborough Hall. It became his war horse, was at stud in his retirement at the Hall and was buried in the grounds in 1706.

A reproduction of the original painting by the 18th-century equestrian painter Thomas Spencer (active c1730-c1763) was commissioned for the Hall, after the original was sold at auction some years ago, by the K-Club in Ireland, where it used to hang in its dining room.

The painting which is 3.2 meters long and 2.5 meters tall now hangs on a wall of the great 16th century staircase within Goldsborough Hall and can be seen by those visiting the Hall to dine or stay.

The Byerley Turk was acquired by Captain Robert Byerley (1660-1714), owner of Goldsborough Hall during the late 17th and early 18th century. Its origins has been lost in the mists of time; some say that the horse was captured at the Battle of Buda, hence the horse is shown with a Turkish groom. Who knows the true story? There is even evidence that the horse may have been foaled in England. 

The K-Club in Ireland where the original painting hung until it was sold

It is known, however, that the stallion became Byerley's war horse and later, in 1690, saved his life at the Battle of the Boyne in Ireland. Captain Byerley was nearly captured when he went ahead of the battle but escaped ‘owing his safety to the superior speed of his horse’.

The Byerley Turk retired to a life of stud at Goldsborough Hall where he covered some mares. This horse is vital to thoroughbred history as it is the eldest of three stallions that make up all thoroughbreds in the world today. Known as the Pillars of the Stud Book, the other two are the Darley Arabian, imported into England in 1704, and the Godolphin Arabian, imported circa 1730. From these three horses, all Thoroughbreds in the world alive today descend. The Byerley Turk died in 1706 and was buried in the Hall’s grounds directly outside the front door, beneath a 300 year old pseudo-acacia tree. 

The giant painting at the framers, The Whole Picture Company, Harrogate 

A dark bay horse with a notably Arabian profile – Turkish horses being descended from those of Arabia of Persia – Byerley Turk’s most successful racing progeny was Basto, a dark bay colt. Other famous progeny were Jigg, Herod and Highflyer. Herold was the leading sire from 1777-84 and Highflyer from 1785-96. 

All media enquiries to Joel Graham, marketing@goldsboroughhall.com, tel 01423 867321.