Conception outside the norm occurred in Harlaxton, when a mare, on dying, was found to be carrying the fabled offspring of a bull. On further investigation three calves and one foal were found inside her. Quite a feat for one poor mare.
“PRETERNATURAL CONCEPTION.- A mare of the cart kind belonging to the Rev. Thomas Plaskitt, of Harlaxton Lodge, near Grantham, died on Wednesday the 18th, and, on being opened, was found to contain a colt foal, and one bull and two cow calves !- The truth of this can be certified by several persons of the first respectability. The foal and calves were taken from the mare by Mr. Rd. Millhouse, of Barrowby, and are now preserved in spirits at Mr. Turner’s, druggist, Grantham.- The foal was within two months of its time of birth. The mare had been accustomed to work regularly with a bull, and lie in the straw-yard with him.”
Stamford Mercury, 27th January 1815