Royal Calpe Hunt

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The Royal Calpe Hunt began in 1812 in Gibraltar as the Civil Hunt. It started when two English foxhounds were brought to Gibraltar, and the hunts were held across the border in the Campo de Gibraltar area of Spain.

In 1814, many officers from the Gibraltar garrison joined the hunt, turning it from a civilian pastime into a military activity. The group’s name changed to the Civil Calpe Hunt, and later simply the Calpe Hunt.

The first Master of the Hunt was Charles Elphinstone Fleeming. The most famous Master was Pablo Larios, Marquis of Marzales, who led the hunt for 45 years (1891–1932 and 1934–1938). His Spanish background helped win loyalty from local farmers and eased tensions over land access for hunting.

In 1906, King Edward VII of the United Kingdom and King Alfonso XIII of Spain became joint Patrons, and the hunt was renamed the Royal Calpe Hunt.

Hunts were held from November to March, twice a week, starting near Gibraltar and ending due to dry ground or land access issues. The pack and kennels moved over time, with support from local authorities and landowners.

The last Royal Calpe Hunt took place on 4 April 1939. The outbreak of World War II prevented the tradition from continuing.

In 2012, a Gibraltar exhibition at the Garrison Library celebrated the history of the Royal Calpe Hunt.