Artillery Ground

The Artillery Ground in Finsbury is a rectangular open space of about three hectares. Originally set aside in 1498 for archery practice, it later became one of London’s earliest cricket venues. The Honourable Artillery Company bought the site in 1638 and still owns it today. Armoury House, the company’s headquarters, overlooks the ground from the north. The area once lay between Chiswell Street and Bunhill Fields cemetery. In the 18th century it was reached through handsome iron gates on its southern edge. The ground staged more than two hundred historically important cricket matches between 1730 and 1778. The first recorded match in 1730 was between Middlesex and Surrey. By the 1740s it had become the leading venue for London cricket, hosting big single-wicket contests that drew large crowds and heavy betting. The Minutes of the Honourable Artillery Company show repeated complaints about horses and cricketers damaging the grass. Keepers such as Christopher Jones and George Smith ran the ground and tried to keep order. After 1778 the venue lost its top-class status and fell into disrepute. Visitors today find a grassy field used for military drills and club sports. The Honourable Artillery Company’s cricket team plays there in summer, while football and rugby teams use it in winter. Armoury House still stands on the northern boundary, offering views across the ground. The area also serves as the start line for the annual Great City Race, a five-kilometre run through the City of London. Private events and parties can be held on the site when no training is taking place.