Heritage of Welsh Cricket

The creation of The SWALEC Stadium has given Glamorgan Cricket an opportunity to celebrate the rich history of cricket in Wales, as well as the achievements of the county and its many players. The ground floor of the new pavilion will be the home for the Museum of Welsh Cricket – due to open in 2009 – with a series of attractive and interactive displays which will enhance people’s understanding about the history and heritage of the game in Wales.

The earliest record of cricket in Wales dates from 1783 when a match was staged in Carmarthenshire and, by the mid-19th century, many flourishing clubs were in existence in towns and villages throughout the Principality. Various regional teams and early county teams were also formed from the late 1850s onwards and, although these soon went out of existence, there was enough support amongst the social and economic community of South Wales for Glamorgan C.C.C. to be formed in 1888.

This long tradition of summer sporting activity by communities across Wales has left a rich legacy of artifacts and other items which, with the assistance of the Cricket Board of Wales and other organisations, will be displayed in the Museum.

Further information about the Museum

The first phase of the Project has already begun – thanks to the generous support of the Heritage Lottery Fund – with the creation of a Glamorgan Cricket Heritage Gallery within the National Cricket Centre at The SWALEC Stadium.

The Gallery – opened in June 2007 – will commemorate the rise of Glamorgan Cricket from the Minor County ranks to County Champions in 1948, 1969 and 1997. Through the use of informative display panels and video loops, it will also celebrate the achievements of the club’s many players, as well as highlighting the key individuals in the history of the club.

Further information about the Glamorgan Cricket Heritage Gallery