What is inside the Ashes urn?
The Ashes urn is one of the most iconic and revered symbols in the world of cricket, representing the long-standing rivalry between England and Australia. The small, delicate urn stands at just 10.5 centimetres tall and weighs a mere 124.8 grams, but its significance and history are immense. For decades, cricket enthusiasts and historians have speculated about the contents of the urn, with various theories emerging over the years. In this blog post, we will delve into the history of the Ashes urn and explore the different claims about what lies within.
The origins of the Ashes urn date back to 1882-83, when England toured Australia for a series of Test matches. The English team, led by Ivo Bligh, was determined to win back the Ashes, which had been lost to the Australians in the previous series. The team’s efforts were successful, and they won the series 2-1. To commemorate their victory, a group of Australian women, including Lady Clarke, the wife of Sir William Clarke, a prominent Australian cricket enthusiast, presented the English team with a small urn.
The urn was said to contain the ashes of a bail used in the third match of the series, which Australia had lost. This claim has been widely accepted as the origin of the Ashes urn, and it is still believed by many to be the case today. However, there are other theories about the contents of the urn, which have been put forward over the years.
One such theory emerged in 1998, when Ivo Bligh’s 82-year-old daughter-in-law, Mrs. Bligh, claimed that the urn contained the remains of her mother-in-law’s veil, rather than the ashes of a bail. According to Mrs. Bligh, the veil had been used to wrap the ashes of the bail, but it was later discovered that the ashes had been lost, and the veil was all that remained. This claim has been met with skepticism by many, and it is still unclear whether it is true or not.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the contents of the urn, its significance and importance in the world of cricket are undeniable. The Ashes urn has been the symbol of the rivalry between England and Australia for over a century, and it continues to be a powerful and evocative symbol of the sport. The urn is currently housed at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in London, where it is on display in the museum.
The MCC has a long and storied history, dating back to 1787, and it is widely considered to be the home of cricket. The club has been responsible for the governance of the sport for over two centuries, and it has played a significant role in the development of the game. The MCC is also home to the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, which is widely regarded as one of the most famous and prestigious cricket grounds in the world.
When Ivo Bligh passed away in 1927, the original urn was donated to the MCC, where it has remained ever since. The urn is a popular attraction at the MCC museum, and it is seen by thousands of visitors each year. The museum also contains a wide range of other cricket-related artifacts and exhibits, including historic equipment, photographs, and memorabilia.
In addition to the Ashes urn, the MCC museum also contains a number of other significant artifacts related to the history of cricket. These include the famous “Father Time” clock, which is a iconic symbol of the sport, as well as a number of historic cricket bats, balls, and other equipment. The museum also contains a wide range of exhibits and displays related to the history of the MCC and the development of the game.
In conclusion, the Ashes urn is a mysterious and intriguing artifact that continues to capture the imagination of cricket enthusiasts around the world. While the exact contents of the urn may never be known for certain, its significance and importance in the world of cricket are undeniable. Whether it contains the ashes of a bail, the remains of a veil, or something else entirely, the Ashes urn remains a powerful and evocative symbol of the sport, and it continues to be an important part of cricket’s rich history and heritage.
For more information about the Ashes urn and its history, please visit the Marylebone Cricket Club website at https://www.lords.org/lords/our-history/father-time-wall/1928-the-ashes-urn-is-presented-to-mcc.
News Source: https://www.lords.org/lords/our-history/father-time-wall/1928-the-ashes-urn-is-presented-to-mcc
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