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Land bought by the Barthrop family. Two stallions are recorded: Boxer (82) bred by Mr Quilter of Felixstowe and Briton (83) bred by John Barthrop.

These two horses were the start of the Stud at Sink Farm, Hollesley, Suffolk over 260 years ago.

The farm was bought by Colonial Training Farms Ltd for the training of young gentleman intending to farm in the colonies. This was successful in its aims, but it was not a financial success.

NOTE: This is why all horses bred at the Stud have the prefix ‘Colony’ followed by their individual name.

The farm was bought by the soap manufacturing millionaire, Joseph Fels, and transferred to the Central (Unemployed) Body for London.

Later in 1930 it was sold to the London County Council. During this time, unemployed Londoners worked on the farm growing produce for sale using the motive power of the Suffolk Punch horses.

The farm was sold to the Prison Commission for use as a borstal, then as a Young Offender’s Institution. The farm was 1,500 acres and had 72 Suffolk Punch's, with 23 foals being born in that year.

Pork, lamb, vegetables, apples and soft fruit were produced on the land for London prisons. In 1990 the Young Offenders Open Prison became an adult prison, with the prisoners continuing to work on the Stud Farm - a new adult closed prison was also opened on the site.

The Prison Service made the decision to sell the farm along with its horses.

The Suffolk Punch Trust was established with the aim of raising the money needed for the farm and its Suffolk Punch horses.

The Suffolk Punch Trust acquired the Stud Farm along with 120 acres, stallions, mares, geldings and youngstock.

The Visitor Centre was officially opened by Princess Anne in order for it to become a successful tourist attraction. Two museums were created along with a Heritage Garden and farm walks.

Besthorpe Achilles 8961 wins Supreme Champion Suffolk Horse.

Besthorpe Achilles 8961 wins Supreme Champion Suffolk Horse.

Colony Eli 9186 wins Supreme Champion Suffolk Horse.