The Kennington area has a long history with cricket, the first reference being in 1730 when Surrey and Middlesex played on Kennington Common, now Kennington Park.
In 1835 a ten acre plot of land called the ‘Oval’ was leased to the Otter family. Ten years later a new sub-lease was agreed which allowed the land to be converted into a cricket ground, and later in 1845 the Surrey County Cricket Club was formed. The first county match was played in 1846 against the MCC.
In 1934 Jack Hobbs retired as the leading batsman in the world and the ‘Jack Hobbs Gates’ opened and became one of the major ground entrances at the Oval.
Significant changes were being made to the Hobbs Gate entrance to improve the access at this historic entrance. Alpha Rail were appointed to remove the original Jack Hobbs Gates and to restore them to their former glory.
This involved transportation of the old metal railings and gates back to our workshops to carry out the refurbishments and add the modifications required to re-fit the gates into their new location. We also supplied additional railings for the perimeter wall running either side of the new entrance.
"The Jack Hobbs Gates are an important and iconic feature of the Oval Cricket Ground. It was important to us to ensure that the gates were refurbished by a company that could help us retain their heritage but also ensure the new railings fitted in well with the new building work. We have been delighted with the way Alpha Rail have managed this project. The finished effect is still a fitting tribute to great player!"- Gerry O’Connor Bennett Construction
![AFI [MEMBER]](https://alpharail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/AFI-MEMBER-e1556273719380.png)
