Original sepia print of Northbrook House and grounds, Micheldever, with a group including children playing croquet, c. 1870

Photograph of Northbrook House, Micheldever

Taken about 1870

Micheldever is seven miles north-east of Winchester and Northbrook House lies about a mile beyond the village. Sir James and Lady Caird resided there when this image was taken.

A game of croquet is under way in the foreground. This sport became extremely popular in the second half of the nineteenth century, and croquet championships were held at Wimbledon in 1870, some years before tennis was played there.

The photograph was taken by Winchester photographer William Savage (1817-87) and is found in an album of his work.