Known as the "Home of Cricket," Lord's Cricket Ground is a legendary venue steeped in over 200 years of sporting history, making it a true icon in the world of cricket and beyond. While many know it as the stage for thrilling test matches and prestigious tournaments, there’s more to Lord’s than meets the eye. From its hidden quirks to lesser-known traditions, this ground holds a treasure trove of fascinating stories waiting to be uncovered. Here are six surprising facts about Lord's Cricket Ground that will make you appreciate this historic venue even more.
1. It was the third ground of its name
Founded in 1814, Lord’s Cricket Ground was the third cricket ground of its name. Its founder, Thomas Lord was a professional bowler whose career lasted from 1787 to 1802, during which time he played for Middlesex and Marylebone Cricket Club. Since its creation over 200 years ago, Lord’s has become the home of English Cricket and is iconic the world over as a quintessential part of English culture.
2. It houses the world's oldest sporting museum
The Museum and Film Theatre is the oldest sporting museum in the world and is packed with intriguing memorabilia and exhibits, including the original Ashes urn. The space also doubles as a quirky and fascinating event space for anything from Christmas drinks to conferences.
3. The Ashes are always housed at Lord's
The urn has a permanent home at the venue, despite who is the current winner, replica urns are lifted instead. England and Australia have fought over the 15cm urn, which is now housed in the Museum, since 1882 when Australia first defeated England and the Sporting Times published a mock obituary that declared English dead; 'The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.
4. You can dine in The Long Room
With grade II listed dining rooms available, complimented by outstanding catering, Lord’s Cricket Ground offers a distinctive elegance to any event. The Long Room is the most famous of Lord’s’ dining rooms as international cricket players pass through it on the way to their matches. The high ornate ceilings and paintings of cricketing history serve as the ideal backdrop for any Christmas party or drinks. What’s more, The Long Room is adjoined by the Long Room Bar, a space ideal for drinks receptions.
5. It has a sloping outfield
The outfield slopes two and a half metres from north to south, something cricketers have to account for when playing at the ground. If you’d like a view of the pitch for your event, there are a variety of options from the modern design of the J.P. Morgan Media Centre to the more intimate Tavern Meeting Room.
The Harris Garden also make gorgeous summer and early autumn spaces, allowing guests to enjoy the fresh air and majesty of the cricket grounds.
6. The ground operates on 100% renewable energy
After becoming the first cricket ground in the country to run on 100% wind energy last year, Lord's is committed to ongoing sustainability initiatives, including launching a reusable cup scheme, removing plastic straws from all its outlets and increasing the number of water fountains around the ground to encourage the use of refillable water bottles.
Pelham's is at the heart of the venue's sustainability drive. It uses a rainwater recycling system, green walls and roof as well as solar thermal panels that generate hot water and electricity. The space also makes the most of natural light, through the semi-translucent fabric roof making it a brilliant space for meetings, conferences, dinners and drinks receptions.
Whether you’re a fan of cricket or not, Lord’s Cricket Ground offers a simply spectacular events experience, guaranteed to enthral guests with the history and charm offered by this storied landmark.
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Author
Gemma Baker
Gemma loves all things social media and keeps busy by creating lots of Hire Space content. When she’s not creating content, you'll find her shopping, exploring or at the gym!
