All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club is based in Wimbledon in South London. It is best known as the venue for the Wimbledon Championships, but is also a private members club. It was founded in 1868 as the All England Croquet Club and the then infant sport of tennis was added to its activites shortly afterwards. The first Championships were held in 1877. Initially a fun amateur event that occupied club members and their friends for a few days in each summer, they have are now far more prominent than the club itself. However it still operates as a members tennis club, with all the courts except Centre Court and Number 1 court in use all year round. There are around 375 full members, 100 temporary playing members, and a number of honorary members, including past Wimbledon singles champions. The club also houses the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, and it still has a croquet lawn, but it is too small for top level competitions.

External link

Club page on the Wimbledon Championships site