Greatest Cricket Moments

Cricket on the Forest Ground, Nottingham — Major Matches Begin, 1822

1822-08-12Nottingham vs SheffieldNottingham v Sheffield, the Forest, Nottingham, 12-13 August 18221 min readSeverity: Mild

Summary

On 12-13 August 1822 Nottingham played Sheffield on the Forest ground at Nottingham — the earliest documented major match at the Forest, the open common ground that served as Nottingham's principal cricket venue for the next forty years. The Forest's history is the foundation of the cricketing tradition that would, by mid-century, produce William Clarke and the All-England Eleven.

What Happened

The Forest had been Nottingham's principal common ground since the medieval period. Cricket had been played there informally since the late eighteenth century. The August 1822 Nottingham v Sheffield fixture — the earliest with a preserved scoresheet — was raised by the local sporting committee for stakes of 50 guineas. Nottingham won by 23 runs. The Forest continued as Nottingham's main ground until Trent Bridge opened in 1838.

Timeline

12-13 Aug 1822

First documented major match at the Forest

1838

Trent Bridge opens, supplants the Forest

1864

Nottinghamshire CCC founded

Aftermath

The Forest hosted Nottingham's major matches until 1838, when William Clarke opened Trent Bridge. The site is now Nottingham Forest's football ground.

⚖️ The Verdict

The earliest documented major cricket at the Forest, Nottingham — and the origin of one of the great English cricket traditions.

Tags

#roundarm-era#nottingham#the-forest#1822#iconic-moment

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