So, the curtains come down on another Wimbledon. However, it was exactly 136 years ago to the day when this Grand Slam -- the world's first lawn tennis championship was held on the croquet lawns of the All England Club. Spencer Gore beat William Marshall in a final where spectators paid a shilling each, to watch. The Wimbledon Museum inside this green turf is a must-visit to marvel at the evolution of this sport. We present snapshots of a glorious walk down tennis history
Miniature show A doll’s house version of how tennis was played in the early ages. Pics/ Fiona Fernandez
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When in Rome... A Romanesque interpretation of tennis if it were to be played by the gods of then
Wheel of change This slow-moving display showcases the evolution of the tennis racquet
He meant it Pete Sampras’ famous quote about Wimbledon
What the 1st champ said
Wimbledon-born Spencer Gore was 27-years-old when he won the title. He preferred cricket and predicted that lawn tennis wouldn’t catch on!
Green tribute The humble lawn mower is given a special place of honour
Holy smokes!
Wimbledon’s popularity led to a special railway halt for the convenience of ticket holders. But proximity to the railway had its drawbacks. Players and spectators complained about their clothes being soiled by smoke from the engines. Sometimes the smoke was so thick that play could not be seen
Dress it up for sw19!
Couture on court Displays show early attire worn during an early version of tennis, called battledore and shuttlecock, and (below) styles from a century later
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How to sign up
Log on to www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/museum_and_tours
Call +44 (0)20 8946 6131
Email museum@aeltc.com
Tour cost £22(Adults), £19 (Children).
(Museum tour is inclusive of the total cost of the Wimbledon tour)u00a0
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