Articles of Agreement (cricket)

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References to English cricket matches in the 1727 season between the 2nd Duke of Richmond and Mr Alan Brodrick mention that they drew up Articles of Agreement between them to determine the rules that must apply in their contests. This may be the first time that rules were formally agreed, although rules as such definitely existed. In early times, the rules would be agreed orally and subject to local variations.

Contents

The Articles

Articles of Agreement by and between his Grace the Duke of Richmond & Mr. Brodrick for two Cricket Matches concluded the Eleventh of July 1727:

The Articles were signed "Richmond" and "A. Brodrick".

Comparison with 1744 Laws of Cricket

Comparison of the Articles to the Laws of 1744, which were widely adopted at that time, reveal that:

In Harry Altham's history, he discusses the possibility of a so-called "popping hole" being in use in the early 18th century but disclaims it as "a local and transitory variety of the regulation game". Altham pointed out, as evidence, that the fielder had to have the ball in his hand when breaking the wicket. [1]

Derek Birley in his social history comments upon the significance of Lady Day in the articles as "the usual hiring day for new servants", given that Richmond and Brodrick had servants in their teams. [2] One of Richmond's regular players was Thomas Waymark whom he ostensibly employed as a groom.

Rowland Bowen in his history comments on the 23-yard pitch length and says the 1744 Laws "expressly refer to twenty-two yards". [3]

Original document

In Timothy J. McCann's Sussex Cricket, the original handwritten articles document is pictured in one of the plates. It is sourced to the West Sussex Record Office (WSRO) re a Goodwood House manuscript which the WSRO acquired in 1884. [4]

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In 1727, cricket matches are for the first time known to have been played in accordance with agreed, written rules. Articles of Agreement were written by the 2nd Duke of Richmond and Alan Brodrick, two of the sport's foremost patrons, to formalise the rules applicable to matches which they promoted. The best of the known professional players was the all-rounder Thomas Waymark, who was a groom employed by Richmond. Details of four eleven-a-side matches have survived.

References

  1. Altham, p. 25.
  2. Birley, p. 19.
  3. Bowen, p. 43.
  4. McCann, plate 1 facing page lxiv.

Bibliography