Sport in Estate Records
Sport and the social activity that surrounds it has been a popular past time for the residents of Hertfordshire from as far back as anyone can remember. The county elite favoured horse racing and hunting, while the men employed on their estates indulged in ale and skittles. Cricket was the only truly democratic sport, played at all levels of society. Delmé-Radcliffe of Hitchin Priory even encouraged cricket by providing a ground close to his house. A score book for a match between Hitchin Priory and Hitchin Town (c1831) shows a win for the Priory by 71 runs. Annual fairs were a great day out, but women running for prizes was frowned on!
