Richmond Green

Richmond Green is a rather pleasant and historic 12 acre green, behind the High Street and not far from the River Thames. Surrounded by mature leafy trees, expensive town houses, historic buildings and a couple of pubs it has been a venue for cricket matches for over 300 years. Indeed, the first known recorded game was between Surrey and Middlesex, way back in 1730 (Surrey won...), although there is a reference to cricket taking place there in 1666. A few years later, in July 1743, it is recorded that Richmond and Kingston lost to London there.

Fast forward a mere 260 years and Hounslow Leisure played Richmond Teachers five times on the Green, winning 3. Always a Friday evening T20 affair, and often watched by fair few as they enjoyed an end of week drink in the summer sun.

Despite the glorious surrounds, the wicket was poor and changing facilities were around the back of a tree. The Green has paths that cut across in all directions, and play would often be stopped as oblivious pedestrians walked too close to play. Elsewhere, others would be milling about, minding their own business as balls hit for 4 and 6 whizzed by. I wonder how many bystanders have been hurt over the years, we were certainly fearful the day Wendel hit a rather brutal 60 odd, including a few 6's over the trees. These paths were relaid a few years ago, creating a raised curb. Deemed too dangerous by the Teachers for fear of tripping or a nasty ball rebounding, games were moved to nearby Old Deer Park, until the Teachers team disappeared without trace a couple of years later. Despite the historic Cricketers Pub overlooking the square, we tended to retire to the Sun Inn for post match refreshments. Cricket is still played on the green, the Cricketers and Princes Head pubs have teams. Thanks to the internet for some of the info above.