The 1883 Foundation was formed as a non-profit public charity in recognition of the significance of Radnor Hunt to the surrounding community.  Founded in 1883, Radnor Hunt is the oldest continuously active foxhunt in the United States, recognized by the Master of Foxhounds Association of America. From September through March, three days a week, Radnor Hunt’s Pack of fox hounds and their human companions are united in their purpose of giving good chase and many “Views”. This chase has been a staple of country life in and around Philadelphia for generations.

The mission of the 1883 Foundation is to preserve and enhance the historic structures, landscape, archives, equine and equestrian artifacts and sporting art collection of Radnor Hunt.  In addition, the Foundation will work to advance the understanding and appreciation of Radnor’s cultural heritage and contributions to local Chester County history. 

The idea to create the Foundation sprang from a few Radnor members whose appreciation of Radnor’s rich history inspired the goals of preserving its buildings and collections, namely Collin F. McNeil, Franny Abbott and Eileen Corl.  Marc O’Neill, familiar with similar Foundations, provided the impetus to turn the vision into reality.

 Supporters of the Foundation share the goal of preserving the historic buildings and collections that comprise “Radnor Hunt” for generations to come.  For example, the Whip’s Cottage is an early (1796) Quaker property on Radnor’s property. It was the home of Benjamin Hibberd, a Quaker in the Willistown Community of Quakers. The Clubhouse, Stables, Huntsman’s Cottage and Kennels are also historically noteworthy buildings.

Although Radnor Hunt was founded on December 16, 1883 for the purpose of equestrian sport, specifically fox hunting, it has played a vital role in the Chester County community for over 138 years.  It continues the traditional activity of fox chasing, but also makes available its land and buildings for public equestrian and land conservation activities.

Radnor Hunt hosts both private and public events. The Bryn Mawr Hound Show, the Radnor Races, the Concours d’Elegance, Brandywine Hills Point to Point and the Fall Horse Trials are public events which take place annually on the grounds of Radnor Hunt.  In 2020, a new indoor riding facility was constructed on Radnor’s grounds for use by the public. Funds for its construction were raised by the Radnor Hunt Foundation, whose focus is on fostering national and amateur sports competitions, including the annual Radnor Hunt Horse Trials. Although the 1883 Foundation and Radnor Hunt Foundation’s missions are separate, the 1883 Foundation’s goal is to host many more charitable events and educational programs which are open to the public and, thereby, contribute to the wider community of Willistown Township and Chester County. 

Radnor Hunt is a landmark historic institution with a fascinating history. It has survived two World Wars and several lesser ones, financial depressions, disagreements over hound breeding, landowner issues, Prohibition and the insidious creep of urban sprawl.  Where suburban growth has increasingly brought about the demise of many other fox hunting organizations, Radnor has met hardship with endurance and subsequently flourished into the 21^st Century. 

Whether you are an art historian, architectural historian, historic preservationist or equestrian enthusiast, please support the Foundation’s efforts to preserve Radnor’s historic buildings and art and artifacts collections  “emblematic of equestrian excellence”  in Chester County. Information about the art and architecture of Radnor Hunt is located in the History section of this website.

The 1883 Foundation is incorporated under Pennsylvania’s non-profit law. Its purpose is to raise funds to fulfill its public mission.  It has applied for designation as a non-profit corporation under Section 501( c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation does not own physical assets or have any employees and operates independently of Radnor Hunt. More about the Foundation’s charitable activities will be available in the near future.