11/12/2025
Know anyone named Mr or Mrs Warren or Warrener? What did a warrener do?
A warrener managed the upkeep and productivity of rabbit warrens. This involved assessing the health and condition of the rabbit population, maintaining a balanced ratio of bucks to does, and hiring extra labour for the autumn and winter culls.
The warrener also had to protect the rabbits (known as coneys) from harsh weather and ensure their efforts aligned with market demands, after first fulfilling the needs of the manorial estate.
Culling typically took place between October and February. During this time, the warrener employed seasonal workers to assist with trapping the rabbits. Before the 1900s, large-scale operations were common, with photographs showing up to 20 individuals working a single warren. However, most of these were likely seasonal laborers, possibly moving between different warrens in the region.
To capture the rabbits, the warrener and their team used tools and animals such as ferrets, nets, lurcher dogs, and terriers:
- Ferrets were released into specific burrows to flush rabbits out.
- Purse nets were placed over individual holes, while long nets covered larger areas.
- Lurcher dogs worked similarly to sheepdogs, driving rabbits toward the nets.
This combination of skill, tools, and seasonal effort ensured the warrens operated efficiently, providing a valuable resource for the estate and the market.
