A Day of Legends: Purdy, Tilly, and The Magic of Pegglesworth

There are days in the field that are good, and then there are days that feel like stepping into a living chapter of gundog history. Our recent trip to the stunning Pegglesworth Estate in the heart of the Cotswolds was firmly in the latter category.

I had the immense privilege of taking out two absolute legends of the Glasybont Gundogs line: Purdy, the revered grandmother (Black Labrador), and Tilly, the great-grandmother (English Springer Spaniel). These two gundogs represent the very foundation of our philosophy—a combination of impeccable breeding, health, temperament, and, crucially, an undeniable passion for the job.

Pegglesworth: Where History Meets High Birds

The Cotswolds in autumn and winter offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, and Pegglesworth Estate is a jewel within it. The rolling topography, mature woodland, and classic dry-stone walls create the perfect environment for a challenging and rewarding day of driven shooting.

The hospitality at Pegglesworth is second to none, but for me, the focus was always on the pick-up team. Watching Purdy and Tilly step out of the vehicle, their noses immediately twitching with anticipation, was a joy. Age has done nothing to dim their fire; if anything, it’s polished their work into pure, instinctive brilliance.

Experience Over Energy: The Wisdom of the Old Girls

It’s tempting to think only of the youthful drive of an eight year-old dog, but the seasoned composure of Purdy and Tilly is a force multiplier on a challenging shoot.

Purdy’s Precision: Purdy, the grandmother, worked the deepest cover with a calm, methodical approach that belied her age. Her marking remains sharp, but it’s her ability to use the wind and terrain to her advantage that sets her apart. She doesn’t waste a single step, making her recoveries quick and flawless, often locating birds that a younger, more frantic dog would miss.

And then there is Tilly, the great-grandmother, whose sheer zest for life and work is inspirational. She moves with an economy of effort, conserving her energy for the moment she is sent. Every single retrieve she made was a testament to the enduring quality we strive for—that perfect balance of drive and soft-mouth control.

They spent the day working side-by-side, a quiet, effective partnership that needed no commands, only a shared understanding of the field. They are living proof that true gundog ability is not a temporary phase, but a deep-seated, lifetime skill.

Legacy in Every Retrieve

For those of us at Glasybont Gundogs, seeing these two legends work is a powerful reminder of our mission. Every successful retrieve by Purdy and Tilly is an echo in the lineage of every puppy we breed. It confirms that the genetic integrity and the careful, consistent training pay dividends far beyond the early years.

They are the matriarchs, and their quiet competence in the field is the greatest validation we could ask for. They are not just retired breeding stock; they are actively contributing, showing the next generation—and us—what a truly great working Gundog looks like.

As the final light faded over the beautiful Cotswold hills, Purdy and Tilly curled up instantly in the Landrover, tired but content. The magic of Pegglesworth was not just in the shooting, but in the privilege of sharing the day with two of the wisest and most capable gundogs in the Glasybont family.