St Dogwell's, dogs and Elizabeth Taylor

It was not my intention to rustle up a link with the celebrated film star on the day her death was announced but curiously there is a tenuous one here.

This is the peaceful late afternoon scene in St Dogwell's, Pembrokeshire, a parish without a village. The tiny, ancient stone church that is just out of the picture is dedicated to a 6th century Celtic Saint, Dogfael. If there was a settlement here it is now reduced to a few farms and the gentleman's mansion that can seen in the distance among the trees. This was the home of the Tucker-Edwardes family whose graves occupy a railed-off section of the churchyard. The last of the line died in 1902. His name was Charles Gustavus Whittaker Edwardes-Edwardes.

However it was not him but his Uncle Jack who gave the name of their mansion, Sealyham, its claim to fame. Jack Tucker Edwardes was, like all country gents, a sportsman who enjoyed pitting his wits against the wildlife of the fields and woodlands he owned. Small creatures like rabbits, foxes, badgers, otters and polecats were 'vermin' who threatened his crops, his game birds and his fish. To better flush them out of their burrows, holes and setts he needed a small, strong, energetic dog and so, starting in 1850, he set about creating one that came to be called the Sealyham terrier, recognised as a breed by the Kennel Club in 1910. The sturdy little white dog became increasingly popular and fashionable as the 20th century wore on.

"The Sealyham can be as much at home in the town as in the country. Supple, active, ready to romp and play, he makes an intelligent and charming companion, happy to be with you or able to make his own amusement, whichever the occasion demands."

Thousands of them were registered and owners included Alfred Hitchcock, Humphrey Bogart, Jean Harlow, Cary Grant, Princess Margaret and... Elizabeth Taylor.

Sealyham mansion was sold after the Edwardes family dwindled away. For many years it was a TB hospital and for the last 20 or so it has operated an outdoor activities centre. The Sealyham terrier star has also waned and it is now listed as a Vunerable Native Breed. Elizabeth Taylor has died.


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