John Peel (huntsman)

This page is about John Peel, the farmer. For others, see John Peel (disambiguation).

John Peel (1776?-1854) was a British huntsman and is the subject of the 18th century song D'ye ken John Peel? He was a Cumberland farmer, who kept a pack of fox hounds.

D'ye ken John Peel and his coat so gay?

D'ye ken John Peel at the break of day?'

D'ye ken John Peel when he's far, far away?

Or his hounds and his horn in the morning?

For the sound of his horn brought me from my bed,

And the cry of his hounds which he oftime led,

Peel's "View, Halloo!" could awaken the dead,

Or the fox from his lair in the morning.

Yes, I ken John Peel and his Ruby, too!

Ranter and Ringwood, Bellman so true!

From a find to a check, from a check to a view,

From a view to a kill in the morning.