This year marks the 100th anniversary since the Kentish sport of bat and trap was officially founded at Shepherd Neame pub Ye Olde Beverlie in St Stephen’s Green, Canterbury.
The origins of the bat-and-ball game, seen as a precursor to cricket, can be traced back to the 13th century, but it was in 1922, in Ye Olde Beverlie’s large pub garden, that the first bat and trap Canterbury and District League was founded.
To mark this centenary, Faversham-based independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame is launching a campaign to encourage more people to try the unique Kentish sport.
New limited edition anniversary bat and trap kits have also been issued to eight Kent Shepherd Neame pubs: The Artichoke, Chartham; Bucks Head, Sevenoaks; The Evenhill, Littlebourne; Golden Lion, Sturry; Horse and Groom, Ramsgate; Tudor Rose, Upnor; White Lion, Selling; along with the original setting for the game, Ye Olde Beverlie.
The Artichoke in Chartham is among 30 teams that play across four divisions in the Canterbury and District League. Licensee Holly Millin said: “When I took over the pub in 2021, I hadn’t previously played bat and trap, but I am definitely now a fan! We have two league teams and are fortunate to have a bat and trap pitch separate to our pub garden, where they play every Wednesday evening. We are always happy to welcome individuals and families to have a go when the league isn’t playing, as it is a fantastic way of bringing people of all ages together. We are delighted that Shepherd Neame is championing this unique Kentish sport to encourage more people to get involved.”
Shepherd Neame’s Director of Marketing and Communications Joanna Richardson said: “Bat and trap is played in pub gardens across our Kentish heartland, and this centenary is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of this fantastic game. We hope that our campaign will encourage individuals, families and friends of all ages to get outside and have fun together trying this unique Kentish sport.”
To launch the centenary celebrations, Shepherd Neame is holding a Bat and Trap Family Fun Day at Ye Olde Beverlie on Sunday, 28th August. The free drop-in event, taking place from 1pm to 6pm, offers the chance for people of all ages to try the game in the beer garden where it first began. The first 30 people to arrive on the day will receive a free drink.
If you are interested in attending please email [email protected]
Watch Kent cricket stars George Linde and Matt Quinn in this 'how to' video guide
WHAT IS BAT AND TRAP?
THE HISTORY OF BAT AND TRAP: LET’S GET THE BALL ROLLING…
It’s a simple premise: hit the ball as it flies into the air as hard and as far as you can. And do it in a pub garden – it’s easy to see why bat and trap has been so popular over the years.
Although the exact origins of bat and trap are unknown, it can be traced back as far as the 13th century, and there is recorded evidence of it being played in the West Country in 1671 – although many people believe that Kent has always been its true home.
Today Canterbury carries the bat and trap torch for most of the county, having been played for many years there, while its spiritual home is Shepherd Neame’s Ye Old Beverlie pub in St Stephen’s Green, where it has been long been played.
Although its origins go way back, the game really gathered pace after the First World War when it was reintroduced as recuperation therapy for thousands of injured servicemen returning from the trenches.
Canterbury-based expert on the game, Jakey Janes, said: “Bat and trap was ideal as it gave soldiers elements of active competition; quickness of hand and eye co-ordination, and the beneficial open air environment that was loved in the Edwardian era.”
But it wasn’t just recovering soldiers who benefitted from it. In 1922, Mr RW Humphrey, also known as Bill, arranged a meeting at the pub when the Canterbury and District league was founded (minus the ladies team who were voted out by the gentlemen in attendance).
Jakey added: “At the time of the league being founded, mental and physical wellbeing was at a low, so the game of bat and trap made for happier circumstances, as they were able to combine healthy exercise in the open air, with the social friendship found in the hostelries of Kent.”
The opening season in the summer of 1923, five teams participated, with the Beverlie going on to win the maiden title!
As the season passed, more teams were and a Division Two was introduced, and by 1928, Cups were available to be won, donated by Sir Col William Wayland, JP and Councillor JGB Stone and two local businessmen Charles Skam, the owner of Skam Taxis, and Henry Court, one of the partners of Courts furnishers.
In the mid 80s the league hit its optimum 80 teams – eight divisions of 10 teams, while pre-Covid the league had 31 teams, and 96 teams actively competing weekly in the various leagues across Kent.
The league celebrates its centenary year this year and held a tournament at Whitstable Cricket Club with 16 teams and 118 players taking part, with Evenhill Crusaders B winning the cup and Chislet Club winning the shield.