Greatest Cricket Moments

Coronation Tour: MCC Plays at Brighton During the George IV Coronation — July 1821

1821-07-23MCC vs SussexMCC v Sussex, the Steine, Brighton, 23-24 July 18211 min readSeverity: Mild

Summary

On 23-24 July 1821 — four days after George IV's coronation — the MCC played Sussex at Brighton in a fixture timed to coincide with the new king's expected arrival at the Royal Pavilion. The king did not attend, but the match drew an exceptional crowd and is the most celebrated of the coronation-summer cricket fixtures.

What Happened

George IV had been crowned at Westminster Abbey on 19 July. He was expected at Brighton — his favoured residence — within the week. The MCC v Sussex match on 23-24 July was scheduled as the major Brighton fixture of the season. The crowd numbered around 6,000. The king did not arrive (he reached Brighton on 28 July) but the fixture was reported nationally. Sussex won by four wickets.

Timeline

19 Jul 1821

George IV crowned

23-24 Jul 1821

MCC v Sussex at Brighton

28 Jul 1821

King arrives at Brighton Pavilion

⚖️ The Verdict

The most celebrated coronation-summer cricket fixture and a measure of Brighton's status in the early roundarm era.

Tags

#roundarm-era#mcc#sussex#george-iv#coronation#1821#iconic-moment

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