The story behind how a Test match series between England and Australia became
known as 'The Ashes' is a long and convoluted tale that can be traced back
to Cobham Hall. The school's headmaster explains the history of the famous
urn.
Unlikely as it may seem, Cobham Hall - now a private girls' school - played a key role in the origin and history of cricket's Ashes series between England and Australia.
The story dates back to August 1882, when England lost to Australia for the first time on home soil at the Oval in London.
Subsequently, the 'Sporting Times' newspaper published a satirical obituary bemoaning 'the death of English cricket', such was the horror at England suffering such a humiliating defeat.
'Deeply lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends and acquaintances', the obituary read, 'the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.'
A few weeks later, an English team, captained by Ivo Bligh - later the 8th Earl of Darnley - set off to tour Australia, with Bligh vowing to return with 'the ashes' and restore English honour.
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