On January 2nd 2023 I made a slight detour on the way back from Portsmouth to the village of Hambledon. It’s something of a pilgrimage for any cricket enthusiast and it’s definitely worth going slightly out of your way.
This is Genesis, where it all began. Well – it may not be the site of the very first game of cricket in any part of the world, but Hambledon is certainly important in terms of the game’s evolution. It has been confirmed as the location for the first ever game of first class cricket back in 1752.
What we also know is that Hambledon CC was founded no later than 1768. By the end of the next decade, they were the foremost team in the country. Not that they had a great deal of opposition in those days but, the Hambledon of the 1770s were the early 2000 Australia of their time.
Representatives of the club included some of the big names of the day. Tom Taylor and Tom Walker scored early first class hundreds while other notables included David Harris, Richard Nyren and the wonderfully named William Hogsflesh.
One of the best sources of information for Hambledon, as with most aspects of early cricket, is the book by Derek Birley entitled A Social History of English Cricket. In this book, Hambledon form part of a much weightier and comprehensive review of the development of the English game.
Another book that I haven’t read focuses more heavily on this club. If you’re interested, take a look at The Glory Days of Cricket by Ashley Mote.
As for Hambledon today, if I said this was a spiritual experience, it is only partly tongue in cheek. On a damp and grey early January day on an empty field, save for the occasional dog walker, it is easy to use your imagination and to conjure up an image of Bill Hogsflesh coming in off his long run.
Meanwhile, Tom Taylor and Tom Walker are grinding out another century stand. As club cricketers, we’ve probably all run into teams like Hambledon with their surfeit of superstars.
The Broadhalfpenny Down Ground is used in the present day by Broadhalfpenny Brigands CC and the Broadhalfpenny Down Association. It has a smart new pavilion and provides picturesque views of the South Downs.
Adjacent to the field is the Bat and Ball pub. Hambledon players have been involved with the running of this establishment. Run by Fullers in the present day, I gather there are some interesting photos inside relating to the history of Hambledon. Sadly, due to time restraints and an exceptionally busy car park, there was no time to call in on this occasion.
If you’re even remotely close to this part of Hampshire and you have an interest in cricket, I’d recommend stopping by to take a few photographs. If you have time, call in to the Bat and Ball and check out their menu.
Those with even more time on their hands can take in a game of cricket. The Broadhalfpenny Down club can be found via this link.
