The County Ground — Local services in Great Britain

In the winter of 1880, Somerset County Cricket Club, prompted by an article in the Somerset County Gazette describing cricket in Taunton as being "in a sorry plight",[4] were considering building their own ground. Athletics was booming in the town, and it was an amalgamation of sporting clubs that leased seven and a half acres of land known as "Rack Field" from local gentleman farmer John Winter for £50 per year. A cricket pitch, cycling-track and running-track were all laid on the ground with great difficulty; with the land lying next to the River Tone. Although Edward Western promised that Somerset could play fixtures on the ground, he acknowledged that the cricket pitch belonged to Taunton Cricket Club. The new sports centre was opened on Whit Monday 1881, with an athletics fixture held on the newly laid running-track to mark the occasion. Although some cricket was played at the ground in 1881, it was not yet ready for first-class matches. Taunton Athletic Society, thanks to money raised by Western, funded the erection of a grandstand and pavilion on the ground ready for a 15-mile bicycle race between French champion Frédéric de Civry and John Keen in August 1881.[5]

Known as the Taunton Athletic Ground, Somerset County Cricket Club played their maiden first-class game there in 1882.[6] Originally a nomadic club, Somerset played their home matches across the county, relying on the good will of other people.[7] Four first-class matches were played at the ground in 1882; after a five-wicket victory over Hampshire County Cricket Club in the first match, Somerset failed to win any of the remaining games, culminating in an innings and 19 run loss against the touring Australians.[8] Somerset lost their briefly held first-class status in 1886, but in the same year took out a nineteen-year lease on the Athletic Ground. The more loyal members of the club had decided that there was a need to restructure the club and have a permanent home. Somerset regained their first-class status after an unbeaten season in 1890, winning the so-called 'Second-class County Championship'.[9] The first official County Championship match was played at the ground in 1891, a nine-wicket loss to Lancashire.[6] In 1896, ten years after taking out the lease on the ground, the freehold was purchased by the club for £2,000. Under the administration of club secretary Henry Murray-Anderdon, the small ground was developed, with trees planted along the...

Well blow me down with a feather — who knew a cricket ground could be this posh and pristine? From the moment we stepped in, it felt less like a sports venue and more like Buckingham Palace had loaned out their gardeners and loo attendants for the day!

Let’s talk cleanliness — this place was so spotless, I was half tempted to take my shoes off out of respect. Honestly, you could eat your chips off the pavement (though I wouldn’t, because seagulls. Always watching).

Toilets? Oh, darling, these weren’t your usual festival-funk cubicles. These were the Ritz of relief. Shiny, stocked, and smelling like actual cleaning products — not that mystery festival stench we all fear.

Drinking water? Cold, clean, and more refreshing than a cuppa during a rain delay. You won’t be dying of thirst unless you’re England’s middle order in a run chase.

And parking? Parked the car down Abington Park Road — absolute breeze. No dodgy parallel parking, no angry notes left on the windscreen, just pure, unproblematic parking perfection. My car felt safe, and frankly, so did my soul.

All in all, a jolly brilliant venue — tidy as your nan’s front room, friendly staff, cracking views of the pitch, and not a whiff of chaos. Whoever’s managing this ground, give them a medal or at least a pint. 🎖️🍻

Top-notch job, Northampton. Keep it up — you’ve...

Fantastic Day at the County Cricket Ground!

Had a brilliant experience watching the India A vs England Lions match at the County Cricket Ground. The venue is easily accessible, and parking was hassle-free — just £5 for the whole day, which is great value.

The ground itself is well-maintained with excellent viewing points, and what really stood out was the open and welcoming atmosphere. We had amazing access to the players — a rare treat in modern cricket!

The match was thrilling, with top-class performances from both sides, and the facilities made the day even more enjoyable. Staff were friendly, and everything ran smoothly from entry to close.

Highly recommend for any cricket fan — we’ll definitely be back! 🏏👏

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