Forgotten Pioneers: The Story of the Original English Lady Cricketers

Forgotten Pioneers tells the extraordinary tale of the world's first professional women cricketers. They played a series of exhibition matches in Britain throughout 1890 and 1891 before collapsing amid allegations of fraud in the latter season and being forgotten by history - until now.

"This is the first book about the travelling band of young women who played exhibition matches across England in 1890 and 1891. Willock brings their story to life fantastically. What was striking was how many of the themes of the Lady Cricketers endure to this day: misogyny; male control of women''s pay; and sub-standard media coverage. If you''re bored of reading cricket books which say nothing new, then this one - full of genuinely new and fascinating historical information - is for you."

"Giles Wilcock tells a story that is both riveting and enlightening. Of the handful of books dealing with the women’s game, this well written account of a little-known but important episode in the history of the game is the most interesting that I have read."

Forgotten Pioneers tells the extraordinary tale of the world''s first professional women cricketers.

Founded in 1890, the ''Original English Lady Cricketers'' played exhibition matches all over Britain. Enormous crowds flocked to see them and sceptical journalists were gradually won over by their obvious skill. However, the women were more than just cricketers: most evenings, they performed in local theatres and music halls, singing, dancing, fencing and putting on acrobatic displays.

But after their triumphant first season, something went wrong; midway through 1891 the organisation collapsed acrimoniously. Although poor weather and changes in personnel played a part, there was a strong suspicion of fraud by the team''s (largely male) managers. A court case followed in 1892 and the OELC vanished from the headlines.

As women''s cricket continues to reach new heights in the 21st century, this book tells the story of the forerunners of today''s professional stars.

• | Author: Giles Wilcock
• | Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd
• | Publication Date: Apr 22, 2024
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Hardback
• | ISBN-13: 9781801506885
• | ISBN-10: 1801506884