Those familiar with the history of Monken Hadley will know that Fanny Trollope and her son Anthony Trollope lived in the area in the mid- nineteenth century. Many of Anthony's novels are familiar to the general reader, especially as a result of television adaptations, but one of his lesser known works is "The Bertrams". This was a novel written in 1858/59 but set in the mid-1840's.
Sir Henry Harcourt, the owner of a house in Eaton Square, is courting Caroline Waddington who is the granddaughter of old Mr Bertram. He resides in Hadley and after wining and dining this excellent catch on Saturday evening, the lovers stroll round to the church the following morning. After the service Trollope sets them "upon the pretty woodland lane, running from the back of Hadley church, through the last remnants of what was once was Enfield Chase." As Sir Henry opens the gate that stands by the churchyard paling the author speculates as to whether it stands there yet.
As she still would these days, especially if she is not keen on her company, the lady complained that her boots were not of the right sort but, after interrogation by Sir Henry as to whether they hurt, she admitted " that they would do very well for today."
"And then there was a short pause and they got on the green grass which runs away into the chase in front of the parsonage windows. I wonder whether wickets are ever standing there now on the summer afternoons."
Our parson now has difficulty seeing the Common but this could be rectified with some hedge trimming. Trollope will be gratified to know that wickets are still pitched on the grass on summer days and probably far more frequently and to greater purpose than was the case in his lifetime.
The subsequent history of cricket on the Common can no doubt be gleaned from local records but the next reference of which I am aware is in the autobiography of the late Lester Finch who was the best footballer ever to represent Barnet. He was at Monken Hadley school and played cricket on the Common between the wars before becoming a stalwart of Barnet CC after the war. Lester would have been the first to admit that Trollope was a much better writer than him but, judging by his photographs, it is unlikely Barnet FC would have called on the services of Anthony except as a Pavarotti size goalkeeper.
The cricket club reformed in 1954. Since then the club has flourished and now has two teams in the Hertfordshire league. The square was relayed in the late 1960s and there has been a programme of outfield improvements since 1993 when a JCB reshaped the contours at the Hadley Wood end - no longer did fielders fall over a cliff as they concentrated on a catch. We hope that people do not mind the fact that many of the undulations have been removed and will agree that the quality of the grass has been much improved. The club is keen to progress and better facilities are expected in league cricket.
We are always looking for new members - enthusiasm and commitment is required as well as skill and the social side is still an integral part of our post-match activities. We do not at present have the facilities to coach colts but we often play youngsters in our 2nd XI and can provide any necessary equipment. We also welcome associate members and financial support. The council generally mows the outfield but to maintain the square costs a minimum of £1000 a year. The club has purchased a second hand 36" mower to use on the outfield when additional cutting is required. Anybody who would like to be involved with the club or knows of potential players, especially young ones, or supporters please contact us.