As well as being a popular sport, hunting acquired a greater social status than ever during the 19th and early 20th century. To be seen on the hunting field was an essential attribute of social success. This coat is from an important collection previously in Castle Howard, Yorkshire, that includes seven scarlet hunt coats and one blue hunt coat as well as waistcoats, breeches, stockings and boots.

There were many different hunt membership rules regulating the colour of the coat, collar and buttons. The foxes and initials engraved onto the buttons of this coat show that the wearer belonged to the Bedale Hunt. This type of coat was known as a field hunt coat. It was generally adopted for hunting during the 19th century and changed very little in style for well over a hundred years. Field hunt coats were generally single-breasted and cut in the style of a frock coat. They often had storm collars that could be buttoned well up to the neck and had woollen or flannel linings for extra warmth.