Newcastle Cricket ClubJesmond · Newcastle upon Tyne

Our story · Since 1888

A ground with stories to tell.

For generations, the Jesmond Ground has brought together cricketers, neighbours and some of the greatest names in the game.

Explore our history
A historic gathering at the Jesmond cricket ground
Jesmond GroundCricket has been played here since 1888

Where it began

From open fields to a home for cricket.

The land beside All Saints Cemetery was acquired in 1887 after funds were raised at a fancy dress ball in Newcastle’s Assembly Rooms. A year later, on 14 July 1888, the 10th Hussars met the Lords of Northumberland in the first match at a packed ground.

Osborne Avenue was still fields and trees. Trams would later pass the boundary, the art deco flats arrived in the 1930s, and the original pavilion—known as the “Swiss chalet”—stood until the 1960s. The city changed around it; cricket endured.

Historic view of the cricket ground and pavilion
Archive scene at the Jesmond Ground
Historic cricket gathering at Jesmond
Cricketers and visitors at the ground

A living history

More than a boundary.

01

At the heart of Jesmond

Christenings, weddings, wakes and community gatherings have all found a place here. Memorial benches around the boundary remember those who gave their time, talent and affection to the ground.

02

Saved by its community

When cricket at Jesmond was threatened in 2003, volunteers launched Saving Cricket at Jesmond. Support came from around the world and a new partnership with the Royal Grammar School secured the ground’s future.

03

A world stage

Touring sides from India, the West Indies, Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa have played here. More than 200 international cricketers are thought to have crossed this outfield.

The cricket ball hit over the Osborne Avenue houses by Sachin Tendulkar

One legendary visitor

Sachin plays Newcastle.

As an 18-year-old, Sachin Tendulkar struck seven sixes at Jesmond. One cleared the houses on Osborne Avenue—a feat thought to have happened only once before, in 1949.

The scorecard and the ball itself remain treasured pieces of the club’s heritage.

“Jesmond should live forever. It should be a monument to what cricket is.”— Dennis Lillee

Through the years

Moments that made us.

  1. The ground is secured

    A remarkable public fundraising effort acquires the land for cricket.

  2. The first match

    The 10th Hussars play the Lords of Northumberland on 14 July.

  3. International visitors

    India begin a long tradition of touring sides playing at Jesmond.

  4. Australia at Jesmond

    The Australians play a friendly on a memorable summer day.

  5. The community rallies

    Saving Cricket at Jesmond launches its campaign to protect the ground.

  6. The story continues

    Cricket, friendship and community life thrive in the heart of Jesmond.

Memorial bench stories

Listen to the people.

West Jesmond Primary pupils helped record the stories behind people commemorated around the boundary. Put on your headphones and meet four figures from the ground’s past.

01

Frederic Clayton

The first county captain based at the new ground, who served the club for more than fifty years.

02

George H. Mallen

A story preserved through one of the memorial benches overlooking the ground.

03

George Walton

A life and connection to Jesmond remembered by the local community.

04

Mike Randell

One of the many people whose memory remains part of match day at Jesmond.

135+ years and counting

Our heritage is not only what we keep. It’s what we carry forward.

Our sponsors