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Cricket

Goodwood House was one of the first places where cricket was played regularly, arguably giving Sussex the claim of being the birthplace of club cricket. Indeed, matches have been played in front of the house since 1702.

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Writing the rules

In 1727 in Goodwood Park, a game was played between the 2nd Duke of Richmond and a Mr Brodrick. As was common in those days, there was a wager on the match and rules were drafted. That document - the oldest written set of cricket rules still in existence - remains in Goodwood House today. Duplicates can also be found in the Club pavilion and at Lord’s in London.

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Links with Lord's

The Goodwood Cricket Club has a strong link with Lord’s. The 4th Duke was one of the original backers of Thomas Lord when he purchased ‘the rough piece of land’ in St John’s Wood, and the 6th Duke was President of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The 10th Duke was also President/Patron of Sussex County Cricket Club for 25 years.

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The Cricket Colours

Another link with Lord’s could be the club's colours; red and gold. These colours are the racing colours of the Dukes of Richmond, and were first used consistently around 1801. Sometime after their use by the Dukes and their own cricket club, they were also adopted as the colours of the MCC circa 1888.

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Beneath the Cedar

For much of the club's history the enormous Cedar of Lebanon tree has looked on such players as James Lillywhite, Captain of England (an employee of the Duke) and more recently Sir Colin Cowdrey, Graham Gooch and Nasser Hussain to name but a few. The distinctive tree was grown from seed in 1752 and planted out on the ground in 1756.

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The Pavilion

The thatched cricket pavilion has remained largely unchanged since it was built in the 1950s. It was not until 1989 that modern comforts such as electricity and a bar were added. Today, the square and pavilion are all maintained by voluntary help. Its unique history and setting make the pavilion a popular venue for weddings.

Find out more

If you would like to learn more about our fixtures and results then please head on over to Goodwood CC or alternatively the Chichester site for further information.

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Dear, lovely game of cricket, that can stir us so profoundly, that can lift up our hearts and break them.

Neville Cardus

Cricket Writer

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