The KINGROCK kennel is owned by Kennel Club members & International Championship Show judges Chris Thomas & Graham Godfrey. Although they have judged extensively around the world Chris has not accepted overseas appointments since 1996. Graham still enjoys his trips overseas and during 2010 will be judging in France and Germany.
Chris with the bulldog puppy Kingrock The Democrat and Graham with the French Bulldog Kingrock Raimundo.
Chris is a Bulldog Correspondent for the DOG WORLD newspaper and a past member of the Bulldog Breed Council's Health sub-committee and was also the Breed Council's Press Officer. Chris resigned both of these positions in light of the KC's publication of the new Bulldog Breed Standard during September 2009. Graham is a member of the committee of The French Bulldog Club of England and the French Bulldog representative to BUBA (British Utility Breeds Association).
Chris' first show-dog was a Rough Collie, purchased in 1965, with which he competed firstly in Junior Handling classes and later in obedience competition. It was whilst attending shows that Chris saw his first Bulldogs and in 1975 'Chiansline White Regality of Kingrock' joined the kennel.
At that time the kennel was based in Luton in Bedfordshire and it was not until Chris was joined by Graham Godfrey, in the mid 80's, that it was decided to move the kennel from the South East to South Wales.
During the 7 years Chris and Graham resided in Wales they took over the running of the Bulldog Club of Wales, with Graham as secretary and Chris as Treasurer. When Chris resigned as treasurer he was honoured to be asked to become their President. Whilst in Wales they became Founder Members of the Utility Breeds Association of Wales. During this period Chris became the Bulldog Breed Note correspondent to the 'Dog World' newspaper.
In 1995 they left Great Frampton House, in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan, and relocated to the hamlet of Counthorpe, South Lincolnshire. Following their move to Lincolnshire they became founder members of the 'Neapolitan Mastiff Club', with Graham as the club's first treasurer and Chris their first vice-chairman. They also became founder members of 'The Smooth Haired Dachshund Club'.
The kennels have now been resident at 'Counthorpe House' since 1995. The main part of the house was built in 1595, with the two 'wings' that can be seen to the front of the property, being added in 1773. The whole construction is of limestone, quarried less than a mile from the house. One of the kennel blocks can be seen to the right of the photograph.
One of our indoor kennel blocks.
Graham, at the furthest point to which the land extends. The house can be seen in the distance and the wooded area to the left provides great fun for the dogs.
Two of the WELSH MOUNTAIN PONIES kept at Counthorpe. The foal, hiding behind her mother, is KINGROCK GOLDEN JUBILEE, who, perhaps not surprisingly, was born and registered during 2002, the year of our Queen's Golden Jubilee.
............and a couple more in their winter coats!
Some of the Ducks and Geese in their enclosure. Unfortunately, due to a problem with Foxes, they have to be closely watched.
Geese on the stream which is fed from a natural spring and therefore rarely dries up
STAMFORD, our nearest town and one of particular interest to Bulldoggers.
Those familiar with the history of the Bulldog will know that the tradition of bull-baiting started in the year 1209, during the reign of King John, when the Lord of Stamford, William de Warrene, observed from his castle wall two bulls fighting and witnessed the intervention of the local butcher with his dog to seperate them. One of the bulls escaped into the town centre, on a busy market day, and the Earl rode after the bull and so much enjoyed the spectacle, which involved local residents being thrown into the air, that he gave the meadow in front of the castle to the town's butchers so that they might provide a bull on St. Brice's Day (13th Nov.) each year for the continuation of the 'sport' forever.
In early references to the breed the bulldog is sometimes referred to as the 'Stamford Dog' and the painting below is of a 'Bull Running' in the town c.1800.
The day's 'sport' would start early in the morning when the Stamford Bellman would walk the town warning citizens and shopkeepers to stay indoors. At around noon the bull would be released and was then tormented and beaten with sticks by the crowd and chased through the streets. Exhausted, it would be led back through the town before being baited by dogs. It was then driven over the edge of the bridge into the river Welland before being dragged out and slaughtered. The meat was then distributed to the poor. Although of course the bridge has been replaced, it is still on the same site.
The bridge over the river Welland at Stamford
Stamford is considered to be one of the finest stone built towns in England. This is reflected in the number of tourists throughout the year, especially during the summer months. To Bulldog enthusiasts the history goes far deeper than the architecture, although it is an incredibly beautiful town. The photograph below is of the famous George Hotel which still has its gallows spanning the street. It also houses a very fine restaurant!
Chris' first show-dog was a Rough Collie, purchased in 1965, with which he competed firstly in Junior Handling classes and later in obedience competition. It was whilst attending shows that Chris saw his first Bulldogs and in 1975 'Chiansline White Regality of Kingrock' joined the kennel. 
The kennels have now been resident at 'Counthorpe House' since 1995. The main part of the house was built in 1595, with the two 'wings' that can be seen to the front of the property, being added in 1773. The whole construction is of limestone, quarried less than a mile from the house. One of the kennel blocks can be seen to the right of the photograph. 
