One Hampshire village, nestled away in South Downs National Park, is home to the Cradle of Cricket which played host to the inaugural first-class match in 1772. Founded in 1750, Hambledon Cricket Club played a vital role in the history of the sport by introducing new techniques and laws of the game.
Originally a social club for local nobility, Hambledon became the foremost cricket club in England by the late 18th century, attracting some of the best players in the country. Its original home at Broadhalfpenny Down can be seen across the valley from Hambledon Vineyard.
Broadhalfpenny Down, more commonly known as the Cradle of Cricket, is highly regarded as one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in England. Even today, cricket of all standards is played there.
READ MORE: Explore the beautiful Hampshire village regarded as the birthplace of cricket
A memorial to mark the history of cricket at the ground can be found opposite the aptly named The Bat and Ball pub which previously served as a clubhouse for players. As already mentioned, Broadhalfpenny Down became the home for Hambledon Cricket Club following its formation.
Hambledon rapidly became the most powerful club in the country during its time at the ground, taking on the responsibility for developing the laws of modern-day cricket. This included the introductions of length bowling and the addition of a third stump, and the regulation of bat width.
The inaugural first-class cricket match, between Hampshire and an All England team, took place at Broadhalfpenny Down in 1772. The ground remained the home of Hambledon until the club moved to Windmill Down in 1781, after which point it was unused for 125 years.
However, the sport returned to the Cradle of Cricket in 1908, at which point the memorial visible today was erected. The occasion was marked by a three-day match between Hambledon and an England XI.
The ground was later purchased by Winchester College following pressure from first-class cricketer Harry Altham, who had a great affection for the ground. In 1959, the Broadhalfpenny Brigands Cricket Club, which plays there today, was formed with the target of securing regular fixtures at the ground.
In 1992, the lease was granted to the club by Winchester College, on the condition that they would set up an independent trust to secure the long-term future of the ground. This led to the formation of the Broadhalfpenny Down Association in 1996.
In 1997 planning permission was granted to build a new pavilion, and after over 400 donations equating to £188,000, the ground was transformed into what you see today upon visiting. Those associated with the sport never forget Broadhalfpenny Down's role as the Cradle of Cricket in the 18th century.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the original first-class cricket match played at Broadhalfpenny Down. To mark the occasion, on June 24, a three-day match began, pitting the finest players in Hampshire against an All England XI consisting of players from Surrey and Kent.
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