William Henry, 6th Duke took his duties as Master of the Hunt very seriously, retaining the scarlet livery of his grandfather. With the able assistance of Frank Beers he renewed the best traditions of the Grafton country. Following the example of the 4th Duke he encouraged the supply of good hunters, making available to the Northamptonshire farmers the splendid sires assembled in a carefully chosen stud, which was regularly replenished by discriminate purchases.

His tenants honoured, rather than feared him. A newly-appointed land steward, finding that some of the Duke's farms were too low-rented, raised the amounts. One much-respected farmer, on being told that he would have to pay an additional 5s. per acre for the land he worked near Salcey Forest, replied, "I don't care what you put me up, I shall not pay it, and you may tell his Grace that I, and my ancestors, have been tenants for more than a century and always paid the same and shall not change; but you may take a bullock or a sheep, but I will not pay any more." He was as good as his word; consequently the rent remained the same.

The Duke, like his father, was a soldier and a politician. In 1860 he obtained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel of the Northamptonshire Rifle Volunteers, a rank which he was to hold until his death.

The Duke died at his house in Grosvenor Place on May 21st 1882, having a little while before, in view of his failing health, resigned to George 2nd Lord Penrhyn, the Mastership of the hounds which were still kennelled at Wakefield, the horses being stabled at Towcester. In his time (1876), 47 Clarges Street, for many years home of his ancestors, was converted into the Turf Club. He was succeeded by his brother Augustus Charles Lennox.

Find out about
The Grafton Hunt