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Cannock Bowling Green Club
Location: Staffordshire
This section from the book The story of Cannock Town Centre through the ages was researched and written by Colin Cooper, Mike Hewitt and Bill Horden.
The first mention of the bowling green in the centre of Cannock is in 1735 prior to it being encompassed by a wall in 1753. Its original pavilion is believed to have been built in 1752 and was sited on the opposite side of the green to its present one. After many arguments through the mid 1800's and three court hearings on its ownership, final agreement between the bowlers and the local board (later Cannock Council) was reached. This resulted in a Deed of Trust being signed by both parties in 1896. It ensures that it will remain "a bowling green forever."
At the Coronation of Queen Victoria in August 1838, The Staffordshire Advertiser carried a report on the events taking place in Cannock. "The bells rang, the band played and at 1:30 pm the poor of the village and its vicinity partook of a good dinner of roast beef and plum pudding, a large sheep was roasted whole and there was a good supply of ale. On that evening between three and four hundred persons consisting of ladies and other respectable female inhabitants of the village and neighbourhood drank tea together in a large room fitted up for the occasion.
After tea they walked in procession through the village, preceded by a band and followed by gentlemen. Arriving at the bowling green they formed themselves into a large square, with the band occupying an elevated section in the centre they sang the National Anthem, which was followed by three hearty cheers of the most deafening description. They then joined in a merry dance, keeping it up with spirits till eleven o'clock when they peacefully separated to their respective homes.
Many competitions have been played on this ancient green over the years including "The Butchers Cup" and "The Jonathan Hunters Cup" for charity. However; during the First and Second World Wars all competitions were halted out of respect for those who had laid down their lives so that we all remain free people. Thanks to their sacrifice, competitions are still carrying on today.
Some 139 years after Queen Victoria's Coronation, Prince Charles visited Cannock Bowling Green and bowled a wood. This was during his trip to Cannocks' Festival of Flowers to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977
At present there are 75 members of Cannock Bowling Green Club with many names on the waiting list.
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