The Dripping Pan
Encyclopedia
The Dripping Pan is a football stadium in Lewes
, England
. It has been home to Lewes F.C.
since their incarnation in 1885. It had previously been used by Lewes Priory Cricket Club
, though the ground itself had been used by the people of Lewes
as a centre for recreation as far back as records exist, including athletics
.
The original purpose of the ground is unclear, although local legend suggests that it was part of a salt making industry run by monks from the adjacent Cluniac Lewes Priory
, the ruins of which can still be seen from the ground. The spoil from the excavation forms the Mount behind the Clubhouse and both structures appear in the very earliest maps of Lewes in 1745.
Indeed, the ground may merely be the excavation pit for the Mount itself, which has been suggested as the original 'temporary' motte and bailey fortress constructed by William the Conqueror's close ally, William de Warenne
, before he developed Lewes Castle
on higher ground. An archaeological survey during construction of the new terrace failed to reveal any further insights into either the purpose or the age of the ground itself.
The earliest known use for cricket was Duke of Richmond's XI
v Sir William Gage's XI on Wednesday 5 August 1730 . It is not clear if the game was started as the announcement states that "it was put off on account of Waymark
, the Duke's man, being ill". Thomas Waymark was the outstanding player of the time and a lot of money will have been staked on his expected performance.
Lewes F.C. have played at the Dripping Pan every year since 1885, apart from a couple of seasons prior to the First World War when the club was banished to the adjoining Convent Field.
The Dripping Pan has seen major redevelopment over recent years in order for it to achieve the necessary ground grading to allow it to be used as a football venue in the Conference South and the Conference National. Developing the ground has had its obstacles as the perimeter walls of the Dripping Pan are listed.
In April 2008, the ground was awarded a 'B' grade allowing it to be used in the Conference National. The ground has been updated further to ensure it is awarded the required 'A' grade by April 2009.
The ground has one covered terrace, one uncovered terrace, a grass bank with walkway, and a covered stand; with a capacity of 3,000 with seated accommodation for 600 in the main stand.
There is a car park adjacent to the ground, with limited parking, which is run by the council.
Lewes
Lewes is the county town of East Sussex, England and historically of all of Sussex. It is a civil parish and is the centre of the Lewes local government district. The settlement has a history as a bridging point and as a market town, and today as a communications hub and tourist-oriented town...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. It has been home to Lewes F.C.
Lewes F.C.
Lewes Football Club is an English football team based in Lewes, East Sussex. The club are currently members of the Isthmian League Premier Division and play at the Dripping Pan.-History:...
since their incarnation in 1885. It had previously been used by Lewes Priory Cricket Club
Lewes Priory Cricket Club
Lewes Priory is a cricket club based in Lewes, England. The club is based at the Stanley Turner Ground, although the Saturday 3rd XI plays at the Convent Field, which is situated behind Lewes F.C.'s The Dripping Pan ground. The Saturday 1st XI plays in the 2nd division of the Sussex Cricket League....
, though the ground itself had been used by the people of Lewes
Lewes
Lewes is the county town of East Sussex, England and historically of all of Sussex. It is a civil parish and is the centre of the Lewes local government district. The settlement has a history as a bridging point and as a market town, and today as a communications hub and tourist-oriented town...
as a centre for recreation as far back as records exist, including athletics
Sport
A Sport is all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical fitness and provide entertainment to participants. Sport may be competitive, where a winner or winners can be identified by objective means, and may require a degree...
.
Early history
Lewes Priory
The Priory of St Pancras was the first Cluniac house in England and had one of the largest monastic churches in the country. It was set within an extensive walled and gated precinct laid out in a commanding location fronting the tidal shore-line at the head of the Ouse valley to the south of Lewes...
, the ruins of which can still be seen from the ground. The spoil from the excavation forms the Mount behind the Clubhouse and both structures appear in the very earliest maps of Lewes in 1745.
Indeed, the ground may merely be the excavation pit for the Mount itself, which has been suggested as the original 'temporary' motte and bailey fortress constructed by William the Conqueror's close ally, William de Warenne
William de Warenne
William de Warenne may refer to:*William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey *William de Warenne, 2nd Earl of Surrey *William de Warenne, 3rd Earl of Surrey *William de Warenne, 5th Earl of Surrey...
, before he developed Lewes Castle
Lewes Castle
Lewes Castle stands at the highest point of Lewes, East Sussex, England on an artificial mound constructed with chalk blocks. It was originally called Bray Castle.-History:...
on higher ground. An archaeological survey during construction of the new terrace failed to reveal any further insights into either the purpose or the age of the ground itself.
The earliest known use for cricket was Duke of Richmond's XI
Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond
The 2nd Duke of Richmond has been described as early cricket's greatest patron. Although he had played cricket as a boy, his real involvement began after he succeeded to the dukedom...
v Sir William Gage's XI on Wednesday 5 August 1730 . It is not clear if the game was started as the announcement states that "it was put off on account of Waymark
Thomas Waymark
Thomas Waymark was an English professional cricketer in the first half of the 18th century...
, the Duke's man, being ill". Thomas Waymark was the outstanding player of the time and a lot of money will have been staked on his expected performance.
Lewes F.C. have played at the Dripping Pan every year since 1885, apart from a couple of seasons prior to the First World War when the club was banished to the adjoining Convent Field.
Recent history
In April 2008, the ground was awarded a 'B' grade allowing it to be used in the Conference National. The ground has been updated further to ensure it is awarded the required 'A' grade by April 2009.
Stands
- The Rookery Stand, opened in July 2007 is the newest stand at the ground, replacing the aged wooden South stand.
- The Terry Parris Terrace is a newly built terrace on the east side of the pitch. Once segregation comes into force, this terrace will be used for away fans. There are currently plans to further extend this new terrace.
- The Philcox Terrace is a covered terrace for the home supporters which was opened in April 2003.
- Grass Bank. There are plans to develop the last remaining grass bank, which is situated on the Mountfield Road side of the ground. At the time of writing it is currently possible to watch a match from the walkway, but the grass verge has been cordoned off.
There is a car park adjacent to the ground, with limited parking, which is run by the council.