By PoloHUB
Inauguration and Early Days (1894-1910)
The club was established in the summer of 1894 by Seymour Bathurst, the 7th Earl Bathurst. Initially, two fields were used for polo matches. Lord Bathurst later granted permission to board the Ivy Lodge ground, making it one of the few first-class unboarded grounds in England at the time. Practical matters like purchasing horses for rolling and mowing the grounds were documented.
Polo’s Popularity and World War I (1900s)
Polo gained popularity across the country, and Gloucestershire saw significant progress. Cirencester, as the senior club, arranged a cycle of matches throughout the season. However, World War I interrupted the sport, with members rushing to join their regiments. The tournament was abandoned, and military duties took precedence.
Post-War Resumption (1952)
After World War II, the Ivy Lodge ground was ploughed up for the war effort. In April 1952, Earl Bathurst and his brother, the Hon. George Bathurst, called a meeting to re-form the Polo Club. The club was renamed the Cirencester Park Polo Club, and enthusiasm surged. Lord Vestey and his brother Mark, both former chairmen, have been staunch supporters of polo at Cirencester.
Today, Cirencester Park Polo Club continues to host high-caliber polo matches within the beautiful grounds of the Bathurst Estate, maintaining its historic charm and relaxed atmosphere.
