About this objectProgramme for a Cricket Match, July 1868 between Willian and Munden. There were no Sworder boys at this time, just two girls. The writing at the back is the Rev. Denman's according to Peter Harkness.
Cricket was played in England from about 1600, and had become the national game by 1800. We know about games between Royston and Saffron Walden in 1793, and between Hitchin and Stevenage in 1796. The game became more popular and organised over the next 100 years, with regular fixtures. Hertfordshire County Club was formed in 1876.