The Birthplace of The Ashes Traditional Cache

You are at one of the most famous locations in international cricket, the oval upon which, it could be argued, the first Ashes cricket match was played between England and Australia.

CORRECTION. When publishing this cache I assumed the game was held on this oval however finder ljthrilla has pointed out I am mistaken and the game was in fact held on the upper playing field adjacent to the car park.

The history of the Ashes records that when Australia won against England at the Oval in 1882 The London Times announced the death of English cricket and declared that 'The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia'.

When an English team was touring Australia in 1882-83 a friendly match was held on the Rupertswood Oval.

The_Ashes_English_Team_1883

After the match Lady Janet Clarke, wife of Sir William Clarke who owned Rupertswood and was President of the Melbourne Cricket Club, had one of her servants burn a bail, or some bails, and presented the ashes to the English captain, Ivo Bligh, in a velvet bag as England had won two out of three Test Matches this urn contained The Ashes of Australian cricket.

Lady_Janet_Clarke_circa_1880

Ivo_Bligh_circa_1890

Ashes_Urn_1921

After Bligh’s death his wife Florence, who he had met during this tour, presented the urn to the Marylebone Cricket Club in 1929. It was placed in the Long room at the Lord’s Pavilion until 1953 when it was transferred to the Cricket Museum next to the Pavilion.

And thus began the Legend of The Ashes

Enjoy