Southdown sheep 1.5 to 2.5 inches (4-6 cm). An estimated 110,000 sheep were in Sussex as early as 1341. At the time, their wool was second only to the Hereford sheep in fineness and quality. In 1780, John Ellman realized the potential of these animals and set out to standardize the Southdown breed. In the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries, they were found in large numbers, especially in the South Downs near Lewes. In 1813, Arthur Young estimated 200,000 ewes were kept on the eastern South Downs and commented, "the amazing number they keep is one of the most
Southdown and Eridge Hunt Southdown and Eridge Hunt The Southdown and Eridge Hunt is a United Kingdom foxhound pack, with hunting country within the counties of Sussex and Kent. The Southdown and Eridge Hunt was formed on 1 May 1981 by the merger of the previously autonomous hunts, the "Southdown Hunt" and the "Eridge Hunt". The hunt covers country with two distinct territories, which is a result of the merger of the two former hunts. The western country is bordered to the north by the A272 road and to the south by the sea, going as far west at the border of Steyning and