Rectory Field: A Historic Hub of Rugby and Cricket in Blackheath
Located just east of Greenwich Park and slightly away from the center of Blackheath, Rectory Field stands as a landmark of English sporting heritage. For over a century, this ground has served as a vital stage for both rugby union and cricket, hosting international matches and nurturing some of the game's greatest talents.
The site's history is rooted in the growth of organized sport. Before the establishment of Rectory Field, sports were played on the open Blackheath grounds. However, as popularity surged, the lack of boundaries led to chaos—most notably in 1877 when a match against Richmond was abandoned due to a pitch invasion. This prompted the Blackheath Football Club to seek a demarked ground.
The club first moved to a plot owned by the father of member Maurice Henry Richardson, known as Richardson's Field. While this site hosted the first-ever rugby match between England and Wales in 1881, it was sold for commercial use in the early 1880s. This led club captain Lennard Stokes to secure a five-acre plot on Charlton Road, which would officially become Rectory Field.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Key Facts
- Established: Rugby began in 1883; Cricket began in 1886.
- International Rugby: Hosted the first England vs. Wales match (1886) and the first touring Australian team (1909).
- Cricket Legacy: Hosted 84 first-class matches, primarily featuring Kent County Cricket Club.
- Capacity: Currently approximately 3,500 (500 seated), though it once held significantly more.
- Ownership: Purchased permanently in 1921 via £9,000 raised through debentures (long-term loan instruments).
The Rugby Legacy of Rectory Field
Blackheath Football Club inaugurated the ground in 1883 with a match against Guy's Hospital. The field quickly rose to prominence, hosting its first international rugby union match on January 2, 1886, during the Home Nations Championship between England and Wales.
Throughout the late 19th century, Rectory Field was one of three primary sites for England's international fixtures. It welcomed the New Zealand Māori in 1889—the world's first touring Southern Hemisphere team—and hosted the first touring Australian side in 1909. The ground remained a focal point for the national team until Twickenham became the official stadium in 1910.
In the post-WWII era, the ground saw various teams, including London Irish, utilize its facilities. However, after 133 years, Blackheath F.C. played its final first-team game there on April 30, 2016, defeating Blaydon 45–17. The club moved its primary operations to Well Hall in Eltham to increase revenue, though the ground is still used by the club's other teams. Today, the lease is held by Askeans RFC.
A Century of Cricketing Excellence
Cricket arrived at Rectory Field on April 26, 1886, with a match between Blackheath and GG Hearne's XI. By 1887, the ground began hosting first-class cricket, specifically matches between Kent and Surrey. Kent utilized the ground regularly until 1971, playing 84 first-class matches and three List A (limited-overs) matches.
The ground is famously the place where future England bowling legend Colin Blythe was discovered. While bowling in a practice session before a Kent vs. Somerset match in 1897, Blythe was spotted by William McCanlis, manager of the Tonbridge Nursery (a professional player development center). Blythe went on to become one of the era's leading bowlers, earning 19 Test caps for England.
Kent eventually ceased using the ground to consolidate operations at the St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury, citing issues with outfield quality and parking. Meanwhile, the Blackheath Cricket Club continues to use the field today, operating ten league teams and a youth section within the Kent Cricket League.
Cricket Performance Records
| Category | Record | Player/Team | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Total | 560/6 dec | Kent vs Essex | 1959 |
| Lowest Total | 51 | Essex vs Kent | 1964 |
| Highest Individual Score | 250 | Colin Cowdrey (Kent) | 1959 |
| Best Innings Bowling | 10/54 | Tony Lock (Surrey) | 1956 |
| Best Match Bowling | 16/83 | Tony Lock (Surrey) | 1956 |
| Highest Partnership | 343 (3rd wicket) | Gibb & Horsfall (Essex) | 1951 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Blackheath Football Club move from the Heath to Rectory Field?
The club moved because the open Heath lacked boundaries, leading to crowd control issues. After a match against Richmond was abandoned in 1877 due to a pitch invasion, the club sought a properly demarked ground.
Which international rugby teams have played at Rectory Field?
The ground has hosted England, Wales, the New Zealand Māori (the first touring Southern Hemisphere team), and the first touring Australian rugby team.
Who is the most famous cricketer discovered at Rectory Field?
Colin Blythe was discovered there in 1897 after being spotted by the manager of Kent's Tonbridge Nursery during a practice session.
Why did Kent County Cricket Club stop playing at the ground?
Kent stopped using Rectory Field to consolidate their matches at the St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury, as well as due to concerns regarding the quality of the outfield and insufficient car parking.
Who currently uses Rectory Field for rugby?
Askeans RFC currently holds the lease and uses the ground, having moved from Well Hall in 2021.