Brunel’s SS Great Britain is one of the most important historic ships in the world and is now classed as one of the UK’s finest visitor attractions. The SS Great Britain is steeped in cricketing history, having transported players to Australia in 1861 and 1863 when the All England Cricket Team played Australia.
This year, in advance of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, the iconic site will be welcoming visitors to view the trophy. This event will allow visitors and cricket fans to get up close to the coveted prize that will ultimately be lifted at Lord’s Cricket Ground on 14th July 2019.
The 2019 trophy will be on display in the Brunel Institute on Friday 8 March from 2pm to 3pm. Visitors can drop in to the Brunel Institute free of charge and will also see diary entries and other objects telling the stories of life aboard the ship for those international cricketers – a stark contrast to international touring life for sports stars today! Earlier in the day, a school visiting the SS Great Britain will see the trophy onboard the ship and hear some of the exciting stories contrasting how international cricketers travel today compared to 158 years ago.
SS Great Britain Trust’s Head of Collections, Nick Booth said:
“We are delighted to invite visitors to view the trophy and discover our unique cricketing history. The SS Great Britain’s dedicated Brunel Institute holds a large collection of cricket-related items such as E. M Grace’s diary from his voyage in 1863, E.M Grace’s commemorative cricket ball trophy, awarded to him for ‘excellent wicket keeping’, details of cricket teams’ practices on board, their wages and even their dinner menus. We are looking forward to welcoming the public and sharing our story.”
The ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour, driven by Nissan, has embarked on its most extensive journey around the globe, amid growing excitement ahead of the showpiece event in England and Wales from 30 May to 14 July 2019.
With more stops than ever before, the Trophy Tour started its journey from the International Cricket Council headquarters in Dubai on Monday 27th August 2018. Travelling across five continents, 21 countries and over 60 cities it will be the “most connected Trophy Tour ever”. To celebrate the Cricket World Cup the SS Great Britain are also planning an exciting temporary exhibition when matches kick off in May and further information will be available on the website.