Richmond Hockey Club is a field hockey club based in Richmond, London, England. It was established in 1874.[1] The men's 1st XI play will play in the Premier Division of the Men's England Hockey League having won the East Conference title in 2022/23 and following that up with the Division 1 South title in 2023/24.
Overlooking the Quintin Hogg Memorial Ground in 2015
Richmond Hockey Club, established in 1874, holds a significant place in the history of field hockey. The club's inception was marked by the selection of Old Deer Park as its home ground, and its inaugural Chairman was Edwin Ash, a key figure in the establishment of the Richmond Rugby Football Union three years earlier.
The club's debut in competitive play took place at Old Deer Park against Teddington Hockey Club, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Notably, this match stands as the longest-standing fixture in world hockey history. In 1875, Richmond became one of the founding members of the Hockey Association – a body that was dissolved in 1882 but reestablished in 1886 as England Hockey – during a dinner at the Holborn Restaurant in London.
Old Deer Park swiftly evolved into a renowned venue for county and divisional fixtures, as well as the annual University match. In 1895, the ground hosted England's first men's international match against Ireland, culminating in a 5-0 victory for England. The ground again witnessed an England-Ireland fixture in 1899, drawing a crowd of 3,000 spectators.
20th century
In 1901, Richmond Hockey Club underwent a final reformation and later merged with Kingston Hill Hockey Club in 1919, forming Richmond and Kingston Hill HC. By 1933, the club boasted five teams and a touring XI named the Mohicans, participating in the inaugural Worthing Festival.
After a brief period as Richmond and Kingston Hill HC, the club reverted to the name Richmond HC in 1946. The opening of a new pavilion in 1959 marked a significant development. In 1967, as part of the preparations for the 1968 Summer Olympics, Old Deer Park served as one of the venues for the pre-games tournament, with the club hosting six national teams.
The club commemorated its centenary in 1974 and joined the National League in 1988. That same season, Hounslow Hockey Club, which later merged with Richmond HC, clinched the National League Cup. In 1989, 115 years after its establishment, the club introduced a Ladies section.
The 125th Anniversary Ball in 1999 included a reenactment of the historic match against Teddington at Old Deer Park, resulting in a 3-1 victory for the visitors.
21st century
Subsequently, the club bid farewell to its home of 127 years, relocating in 2001 to the Quintin Hogg Memorial Ground in Chiswick. A junior section was established in 2003, and is now one of the largest in the country with numerous teams.
The combined forces of Hounslow and Richmond clubs, known as Richmond Hockey Club, returned to the National League in 2012, underlining the enduring legacy and evolution of this venerable institution.
In 2023, Richmond achieved promotion from the East Conference to Division One South, part of England Hockey's second tier.[2] The year 2024 will mark the club's 150th anniversary, meaning it is one of the two oldest clubs in history, along with Surbiton Hockey Club.
In July 2024 the club updated its logo.[3] On 6 September 2024 the club hosted its 150th Anniversary Ball at The Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, with 250 guests attending.
Currently, the team fields seven men and five women's teams in senior competitions:[4]
Team
Division
Men's First XI
England Hockey Premier Division
Men's Second XI
London Men's Division 1
Men's Third XI
London Men's Division 2 North
Men's Griffins
London Men's Division 3 North
Men's Deerstalkers
London Division 5 North West
Men's Redoubtables
London Division 6 South West
Women's First XI
London Women's Division 2 North
Women's Second XI
London Women's Division 2 North
Women's Ravens
London Women's Division 4 South West
Women's Fourth XI
London Women's Division 5 South West
Women's Fifth XI
London Women's Division 6 South West
In addition the Men's Rogues London Masters Over 50's Division 2.[5]
The men's first XI is coached by Scotland international Hamish Imrie,[6] who is assisted by men's second XI coach England international David Goodfield, who is a current player for Surbiton.[7]
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