Cricket on Broadhalfpenny Down under “the rules of 1744”
UPDATE: Unfortunately, circumstances have led to this fixture being called off, but it is hoped that it will be held next year...
In the 18th Century, Broadhalfpenny Down was the home to the legendary Hambledon Club, the acknowledged authority on the Laws of Cricket and was the location of the inaugural First-Class cricket match in 1772 between Hampshire and an All England team.
In July of 2022, as part of the Two-Hundred-and-Fifty-Year Anniversary of that famous match, and courtesy of the Broadhalfpenny Down Preservation Trust, a game of cricket — loosely under the 1744 rules — as played between two mixed teams, the “Sparks” and the “Thunderbolts”. It was deemed a success.
The “1744 Rules” adopted were:
- 11 players from each side on the field at any time
- 2 umpires
- 2 scorers
Significant differences from our modern game:
- 2 stumps
- 1 bail
- 18 yards
- 4-ball overs
- Underarm bowling
- Dress “of the period”
The aim was that all players got a bat and a bowl, runs were scored and wickets taken. Above all the intention was that the game had to be both fun and sensible.
2025 reprise
A reprise of this event is planned for Wednesday 16 July 2025, start time 4.30pm.
This time the match will be between a combined Thunderbolts ’n’ Sparks team, taking on a Broadhalfpenny Down ‘Eleven’.
Along with maintaining the spirit of the game, on the historic and atmospheric Broadhalfpenny Down, there will be refreshments at half time, at around 6.00pm. The plan would be to finish by 8.00pm. Spectators will be most welcome.
If you would like to play for the Broadhalfpenny Down XI please contact Mike Beardall. Members of the Brigands, Hambledon CC and Hambledon Village are most welcome, including Youth and Ladies.
There will be a prize for the best dressed player.