1884 Minute Book

The club’s minutes are meticulous and show that it was established in February 1884 as 'St Mary’s Cricket Club, Illingworth', with the vicar as president. Until October 1887 only church members could join. The rules were very comprehensive and exhibited a typically Victorian concern with personal conduct. Rule 8 is exquisite: ‘no member be allowed to smoke or lie down when he is engaged on the field’.