The oldest working tennis court in the world
So Andy Murray is out of the US Open, at least British tennis fans still have one thing to celebrate… having the world's oldest working tennis court.Bosses at the Edgbaston Archery and Lawn Tennis Society in Birmingham say their lawn playing surface of six courts is now 137 years old.
It was initially laid out in 1873 - 13 years after the club was founded - and officials at the society claim the courts are still in the same positions, to within a few inches.
This means the lawn courts have been in longer continuous use than other courts anywhere in the world.
Admittedly British tennis fans would rather celebrate seeing a Brit win Wimbledon (or anything for that matter) … but they've got to take what they can.
Trustee Bob Holland said: "The Society’s six grass courts occupy the same positions, to within a few inches, in which they were laid out in 1873. "Thus there is no lawn tennis playing surface which has been in longer continuous use anywhere in the world."
Mr Holland, who also acts as spokesperson for the club, said: "The members are proud to be custodians of this piece not only of Birmingham’s sporting heritage but also of the history of lawn tennis.
"They hope to be able to be able to protect and develop the Society to ensure its continuation for the enjoyment of future generations of tennis players, the residents of and visitors to Birmingham and tennis lovers the world over."
LINKS
Edgbaston Archery and Lawn Tennis Society
