Riding crop whip

A fine riding crop whip that belonged to Vernon St.John, 6th Viscount Bolingbroke (d.1974). The handle is carved out of antler and incorporates a whistle, The shaft is made of cane and the whip of braided and knotted leather.

The crop may originally have belonged to Vernon's father, Henry 5th Viscount Bolingbroke, who was a keen hunter.

There are a number of St.John family items associated with riding and hunting in the Lydiard House museum collection, including licences and game record books.

This riding crop remained in the viscount's possession until his death in 1974. It was generously donated to The Friends of Lydiard Park in 2023 by his former friend, Anne Barr. .