Author Ian Lambert's new book, Godmersham - A Cricketing History - 1774-2022, recalls village's association with Pride and Prejudice author Jane Austen and bowling revolutionary George Knight
kentonline.co.ukThere are many Kent villages with stories to tell when it comes to cricket down the years - and Godmersham's links with one of history's literary giants makes it no exception.
Local author Ian Lambert's new book, Godmersham - A Cricketing History - 1774-2022 charts nearly 250 years of leather on willow in the parish, including an association with acclaimed writer Jane Austen.
As per its title, cricket in this small village between Ashford and Canterbury was first recorded in 1774 with matches between the Gentlemen of Wye, Godmersham and Chilham against the Gentlemen of Faversham, which allows Godmersham to claim its place as an early contributor to cricket in the county.
The various owners of the Godmersham Park Estate have been a major cricketing influence, including Edward Austen Knight, brother of Jane - a regular visitor to Godmersham.
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