The history of Hurlingham
In June, Hurlingham in south west London will once again welcome the game of polo to its grounds. This year, Chesterton Humbers are property sponsors for Mint Polo in the Park, taking place on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of June. As part of our involvement with the event, I was asked to research the history of Hurlingham.
Hurlingham House
I completed a brochure on the history of the house and the world-famous club, as well as delving into its intimate connection with the game of polo.
The riverside area where Hurlingham is situated today was in the hands of the Bishops of London as far back as 1066, but it remained open land for centuries. It wasn’t until the 17th century that Hurlingham Fields became the site of an isolation hospital when the plague spread through England. In fact, the area where the lake is situated today is believed to have been the site of a plague pit.
It wasn’t until 1760 that Dr William Cadogan leased nine acres of Hurlingham Field to build a ‘cottage’. The house was later re-fronted, with the grand neo-Classical facade that we see today, by George Byfield for John Ellis. The house saw a number of alterations over the years, and also welcomed a number of notable visitors, including The Duke of Wellington, Lord Admiral Nelson, David Garrick, Richard Brinsley Sheridan and Prime Minister George Canning.
Hurlingham Club was officially established in 1869 and since that time has been a highly sought after sports and social club. Polo was first introduced to England in 1869, but it was a few years later, in 1874, that the first polo match took place at Hurlingham.
Since that time until the middle of the 20th century, the name of Hurlingham was synonymous with that of polo. There were often queues of carriages waiting to get in and games were often watched by members of the British monarchy, as well as royalty from across Europe.
Sadly, after World War II, the polo grounds at Hurlingham were subject to a compulsory purchase order and long regarded association came to an end. However, after 70 years of being absent, polo returned to Hurlingham with the introduction of MINT Polo in the Park in 2009.
For a more detailed history of Hurlingham and polo at Hurlingham go to – History of Hurlingham
For more details on Chesterton Humberts’ sponsorship go to – News
For more details on this years event – go to MINT Polo in the Park and for more details on Hurlingham Club visit – Hurlingham Club
Polo at Hurlingham–and Ranelagh–played a major role in the social calendar of the Edwardians. I’ve always wondered about the history behind the place. Thanks!
P.S. I clicked on the link for the brochure but the domain has expired!
Thanks for the comment about my history of Hurlingham. It was quite something to delve into the story of how polo was such an important part of the Edwardian social calendar
Oh, and thanks for the note about the domain…I’ll chase the techy people!