Nevill Ground

The Nevill Ground is a cricket ground in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent. It stands on land once part of the Eridge Park estate owned by William Nevill, 1st Marquess of Abergavenny. The ground opened in 1898 and was named after the Marquess. It hosts Kent County Cricket Club during summer weeks and Tunbridge Wells Hockey Club in winter. The site also serves Tunbridge Wells Harriers running club and formerly Tunbridge Wells Lawn Tennis Club. Rhododendron bushes line the perimeter, giving the ground a distinctive look. The ground has hosted important cricket events. It held one match in the 1983 Cricket World Cup where Kapil Dev scored 175 not out for India against Zimbabwe. The pavilion was rebuilt after a suffragette arson attack in 1913 destroyed the original. Kent County Cricket Club played regular matches here until 2019. Local architect CH Strange designed the first pavilion, completed in 1903. The ground has been praised by cricket historian EW Swanton for its beauty. Visitors find a well-maintained cricket ground with a permanent brick stand named the Bluemantle Stand. The outfield remains in use for club matches and occasional events. The adjoining tennis club shares the site’s facilities. The ground lies about 1.6 kilometres south-east of Tunbridge Wells town centre. Its surroundings include mature trees and the historic pavilion. The atmosphere reflects the ground’s long sporting history and community role.