One of the most historic cricket clubs in Britain is gearing up to celebrate a very special double century.

Enville Cricket Club in South Staffordshire will be marking its 200th anniversary in 2021 with a packed summer festival.

Based in the grounds of Enville Hall near Stourbridge in the West Midlands, Enville can trace its origins back to 1821 when a letter from the estate agent to Lord Stamford refers to a match at the Hall to celebrate the coronation of George IV.

In 1857 the London Illustrated News carried an article comparing Enville to Lord’s cricket ground. The comparison favoured the midlands setting and concluded Enville was the finest cricket ground in the world. While the club did not retain the prestigious accolade, it did continue to feature on the cricketing map.

The legendary WG Grace is known to have played at Enville and during a week of celebration events in July the club will be hosting an exhibition of memorabilia.

Today Enville is a modern, progressive club with three senior teams in the Worcestershire County League. It also has a thriving junior section and boasts a dedicated team of volunteers who have been busy tackling the financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus lockdown.

When income in 2020 was decimated by restrictions the club organised a challenging sponsored walk that visited 50 local cricket grounds. Enville Cricket Club chairman, Trevor Spears, said:

“Not many clubs have the longevity of our historical club and our ‘family’ worked hard last year to fundraise which ensured we reached 200 not out by raising over £10,000 with the Covid-50 sponsored walk.

“Planning for the festival week began five years ago and a lot of time and a lot of hard work has been put in with all sections having a day to shine. The week will finish in style when we host a summer ball and a game against the MCC. 

“It is an exciting yet daunting time where we will showcase not only the club but also our home village of Enville which provides such an attractive setting.”