The Scorebook Collection

The collection at Canterbury comprises an extensive archive of scorebooks recording, run-by-run and ball-by-ball, more than 125 years of Kent Cricket matches. The archive includes an almost continuous record of 1st XI scorebooks since 1900, 2nd XI scorebooks from the 1920s, and several early books from the 19th century, featuring prominent figures in Kent Cricket history. A particularly notable item is the 1876 scorebook, which documents WG Grace’s innings of 344 for the MCC during Canterbury Cricket Week—still the highest individual score achieved on the ground. The meticulousness of previous scorers is evident, as these records rarely contain corrections or erasures.

Additional noteworthy volumes include the Kent Scorebook from the 1903 Tour of North America, as well as an extensive collection of scorebooks from the 1880s and 1890s documenting some of the earliest matches played by the 2nd XI and the Club and Ground teams. These records feature the first documented appearances in Kent colours of prominent figures such as Frank Woolley, Tich Freeman, Les Ames, Douglas Wright, among others.

We are pleased to serve as custodians for scorebooks donated by clubs from across the County, including several dating back to the 19th century. These contributions come from recently dissolved clubs as well as from club officials who have entrusted Kent Cricket with the preservation of their historical records.

In the longer term, our ambition is to scan the scorebooks we have and make them available to all students of cricket.  We recognize, however, that this is a massive undertaking that will take many years.