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| 30 May 2025 | |
| From the Archives |
Not all our readers will remember that Wykeham Day owes its origins to the annual cricket match against Eton. Here is a brief reminder of its history.
Eton Match 1826-2001
The first cricket match between Eton and Winchester was played in 1826. Matches were played over two days and hosted alternately by Winchester and Eton, apart from the period 1832 to 1854 when a triangular series was played at Lord’s Cricket Ground, between Eton, Harrow and Winchester. Over the years the occasion took on a grandeur beyond the cricket, although the Lords v Eton XI match was always the centrepiece. In 1986 the Eton fixture was reduced to a one-day game, always held at Winchester.
Wykeham Day 1996-2012
The first appearance of Wykeham Day was in September 1996 as an annual occasion for Old Wykehamists to gather and revisit the College.
Winchester Day 2001-12
In 2001 the cricket match against Eton was moved to a separate block fixture. The surrounding festivities were retained with the proposed title of 'Hatch Thoke'. ‘Winchester Day’ prevailed as a name and centred around Old Wykehamist cricket matches and other sporting competitions.
Winchester Match 2013-19
In 2013 Wykeham Day and Winchester Day were merged under the title of Winchester Match, to be held just before the June exeat. The format followed late 20th Century traditions: the day would start with a Chapel service; parents ate lunch up to house; and OWs and other visitors brought picnics or ate a formal lunch in a marquee. Every pupil in the school was expected to be involved in one or more activities; stalls appeared in a tented mall on Lavender Meads; and musical and other cultural displays were offered throughout the day.
Wykeham Day 2022-
The College’s annual open day relaunched after the COVID pandemic on Saturday 18 June 2022 under the revived title of Wykeham Day. The name celebrates our founder, while also acknowledging the wide range of events and activities taking place. The shape of the day is much as Winchester Match was, with parents eating up to house. There is a thriving food hall on Lavender Meads for other visitors, where food, drink and other refreshments can be purchased throughout the day.
