At the inaugural Lexus Birmingham Open, the first ever men’s singles champion will lift a piece of tennis history: the Gentlemen’s Midlands County Tournament Trophy. But what’s the story behind the silver?
First presented to Walter Chamberlain in 1881, the trophy was originally the prize for the Midland Counties Championships – one of Britain’s oldest grass court tournaments. Held at Edgbaston Cricket and Lawn Tennis Club and then the Edgbaston Priory Club, the event ran for almost a century, drawing top British and international talent until 1977.
Now, nearly 50 years later since it was last lifted, and in Edgbaston Priory Club’s 150th year, the trophy has been lovingly revived to honour that rich heritage. It now rests on a beautiful hand carved oak plinth – crafted by our Head of Facilities, David Lawrence, from oak sourced directly from the Club’s grounds.
With its deep roots in Midland’s tennis history, the trophy will once again take centre stage alongside its female counterpart, the Maud Watson Flower Bowl. Together, they symbolise not only the past glories, but a bold and exciting new era for tennis in Birmingham.