Pat Brownsell was a breeder of Siamese cats and was the first to import the Maine Coon to England. She had read an article about a new cat breed. In 1980 she showed the article to her friend Lulu Rowley. Both ladies quickly made plans to buy Ragdolls. In the beginning it was very difficult to get in touch with American breeders. Eventually they came in contact with the Daytons. They gave Pat and Lulu info about the care. They gave them a genetic map and a book written by Laura Dayton, “The Lovable Ragdoll”.
Blossom-Time Lad (seal colour point) and Blossom-Time Lass (seal mitted) were the first Ragdoll kittens that ended up in Europe. Blossom-Time Prim (seal colour point) and Blossom-Time Proper (chocolate bicolour) came later to England. The Ragdolls had to be in quarantine for 6 months. These Ragdolls went to the cattery Petil-Lu of Lulu Rowley. When they were still in quarantine, Lass gave birth to 3 kittens on the evening of the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.
Lulu decided to show her Ragdolls in London. The BBC gave the first Ragdolls a half hour of broadcasting. Soon Lulu could no longer meet the demand and 6 more Ragdolls were flown in. Prim and Proper then went to Pat Brownsell from cattery Patriarca. Manny of the Ragdolls still have Patriarca in their bloodline.
It soon became clear that demand could no longer be met. That is why even more Ragdolls were flown in.
From there on, the Ragdoll find its way through Europe.
(Bron: Ragdoll Historical Society, History & Development of the Ragdoll Breed, Ragdoll History, Ragdoll History 1981 – 1985)
(Bron: Ragdoll Historical Society, History & Development of the Ragdoll Breed, Early UK Ragdoll History)