Remember a time when sports clubs weren’t around? Not here at the Bank of England Sports Ground. It stands as a testament to the importance the Bank placed on the well-being of its employees.
The Bank of England Sports Ground began in 1908. The Bank recognized the need for recreational facilities for its staff. A committee was formed after A. E. S. Curtis got 250 signatures. They wanted to create a sports club. William Douro Hoare, a Bank Director, supported the idea. The Court approved spending up to £15,000 for the purchase of land.
The Bank bought an 18-acre site in Roehampton in December 1907. It cost £10,000. An additional £6,500 was allocated. This paid for the construction of a pavilion. It also covered laying out the ground.
Initially, the Bank of England Sports Club had 563 members. These members consisted of clerical staff only. They engaged in many sports at the club. However, card games were not allowed. They felt that this would lower the tone. Cricket, football, hockey, and billiards were prohibited on Sundays.
The Bank of England Sports Ground was not open to women initially. This was despite the presence of female staff since 1893. Women were later allowed to use the club facilities after World War One. In 1921, a separate Women’s Sports Club was formed. It had its own clubhouse, hockey field, and tennis courts. The two clubs then united in June 1970.
The Bank of England Sports Ground expanded after the Second World War. Cricket facilities were introduced in 1949. It became a hub for various sports. Before the War, most staff lived close to the Bank. However, a mass move to the suburbs led to a decline in facility use.
In 1965, Deputy Governor Leslie Kenneth O’Brien studied the facilities. He found that the grounds were underutilized. The club was not conveniently located. Staff had to travel long distances. It was decided to increase family entertainment. Indoor games were also added for the winter.
A sports hall and swimming pool were approved in 1965. This aimed to make the club more attractive to staff. A major rebuilding program began. The main pavilion was extended in 1970. This included improved catering. A sports complex was built in 1972. It featured a swimming pool, sports hall and cricket nets. Squash courts, saunas, solariums, and a fitness center followed.
The first recorded match on the Bank of England Sports Ground was in 1949. The South Women Second XI played the Women’s Cricket Association. It hosted its only first-class match in 1967. Oxford University played the touring South African Universities team.
The ground also hosted Second XI matches. Surrey Second XI and Middlesex Second XI played between 1971 and 1982. During the 1993 Women’s Cricket World Cup, it held a Women’s One Day International. Ireland women played Australia women.
In local domestic cricket, the ground is home to the Bank of England Cricket Club. Football is also played here. The Bank of England Sports Ground continues to evolve. It has become a valuable community asset. It has a rich history and a bright future. Today, the Bank of England Sports Ground stands as a reminder. It is a reminder of the importance of sports. It also highlights the community in the heart of London.