Experience the unique history and character of the most famous cricket ground in the world. A visit to Lords, the home of cricket, is essential for any visitor to London.

Lords cricket ground in North West London is known as the home of cricket and is steeped in history. The Ashes rest in its museum, and the state of the art media centre is testament to how it has continued to embrace the modern world without losing its own unique atmosphere.

Any visitor to London, regardless of their interest in cricket, would find a visit to Lords fascinating.

The History of Lords

Lords is officially the home of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), who were founded in 1787. Before this date, aristocrats of the time played their cricket in White Conduit Fields in Islington. However the games growing popularity led the noblemen on a search for exclusivity.

Thomas Lord, a bowler with White Conduit Cricket Club, was approached to set up a new private ground. A ground in Dorset Fields, Marylebone - hence the name Marylebone Cricket Club - was initially leased and the first game played on May 31st 1787.

Following a short stay in Regent’s Park, the MCC moved to rural St. John’s Wood in 1814, where they still reside today. The ground was a resounding success and the building of a pavilion followed. In 1825 the pavilion was destroyed by fire, and the magnificent current building rose to open the following year.

The MCC Museum – Home to the Ashes

The MCC Museum is the oldest sporting museum in the world. Although containing a multitude of exhibits it is most famously known for being the home of The Ashes. The origin of the term "The Ashes" dates from 1882. On the 29th of August in that year, England lost to Australia for the first time. A mock obituary to English cricket appeared the next day in the Sporting Times stating "the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia".

This image caught the public imagination. An England team captained by Ivo Bligh set off to tour Australia with Bligh promising to ‘return with the ashes’. His opposite number, VL Murdoch, promised to defend them with equal vigour.

After a friendly non test match on Christmas Eve 1882, Bligh was presented with a small terracotta urn as a symbol of ‘the ashes’ he had travelled to regain. Bligh always regarded this as a personal gift and it stood on his mantelpiece in the family home in Kent.

It was only on his death in 1927 that his widow, Florence, presented the urn to Lords at his request. And here is has stayed viewed by thousands upon thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Only once has it travelled again. Between October 2006 and January 2007, as part of an exhibition, it visited six museums in Australia to be seen by over 100,000 people.

Tours of Lords

A guided tour of Lords lasts approximately 100 minutes and starts at the museum. It then heads to the Long Room, situated at the heart of the pavilion, which doubles as a viewing area and art gallery. Here you are just a few steps from the playing area itself.

Then you can visit the dressing rooms to sample the surroundings used by all the greats who have played at the home of cricket.

An interesting diversion can be taken to view the ‘real tennis’ courts, then to the indoor cricket school to view the state of the art practise facilities.

There is also outstanding architecture to enjoy, on a par with any to be found in London, with the pavilion itself, the imposing Grand Stand, award winning Mound Stand and innovative Media Centre, listed as one of the fifty best buildings in Britain in 2001.

Visit Lords in London

For a glimpse and taste of real history, there is little to compare with a visit to Lords. It is unique in its setting and place and proud to be the home of cricket.

Tour Times and Prices

Lord's Cricket Ground

St John's Wood

London

NW8 8QN

Monday - Sunday at: 10.00 am, noon and 2.00 pm

Adults: £12

Children: £6

Seniors (60+): £7

Students: £7

Family Ticket : £31 (two adults and two children)

Groups: Can negotiate private tours at preferred times

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