Early History of London Cricket
The earliest definite mention of cricket being played anywhere is at Guildford in the 16th century and there can be little doubt that the game had reached London by that time. Even so, there is no written reference to the game in London until 1680.
A publication called The Post Man reported from 21 June 1707 to 24 June 1707 that two great matches at cricket (to be) plaid (sic), between London and Croydon; the first at Croydon on Tuesday, July 1st, and the other to be plaid in Lamb's-Conduit-Fields, near Holborn, on the Tuesday (sic) following, being the 3rd of July. No match reports could be found so the results and scores are unknown (note that 3 July in 1707 was a Thursday).
The 1707 London team may have been just an occasional XI as the foundation date of London Cricket Club is unknown. But it was in existence by 1722 when it was referred to as such re a game versus Dartford.
Read more about this topic: London Cricket Club
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