Catalogue for the auction of
Cricket, Football & Sporting Memorabilia

John Broadbridge. Marylebone Cricket Club 1840. Sussex v England. Rare and very early single page handwritten letter in ink from John Broadbridge at Lord’s Ground, dated 30th July 1840, to ‘Friend Wenman’ (Edward Gower ‘Ned’ Wenman, Kent 1825-1854). Broadbridge writes ‘I have engaged Cobbett, Bayley, & Hawkins, & I wish you consider that you are also engaged. They will be at Dover on Sunday next, & of course you will also. The arrangements I have made with Cobbett will no doubt meet your approbation. I believe Hillyer is engaged as Umpire. I shall not say any think [sic] about the match, you will see all the particulars in Bells Life. Trusting you will not disappoint me’, nicely signed ‘John Broadbridge’. It would appear that Broadbridge was arranging a team for the match Sussex v England, which was played at Brighton, 10th & 11th August 1840. James Cobbett, Ned Wenman and William Hillyer played in the England team, Charles Hawkins appeared for Sussex, and John Bayley was one of the umpires. The letter with folds and the addressee, pre-paid postage and ‘Cranbrook Penny Post’ hand-stamps to the verso. Some wear with old tape repairs to edges, otherwise in good condition. A nice example of an early letter referring to notable cricketers of the period.