Original sepia print of the same group as in PWCM 4650 on the croquet lawn in front of the house at M E (or Mrs) Pern's home, possibly in Crawley, c. 1870

Photograph of the Pern family, Crawley

Taken about 1870

The Pern family, important farmers and landowners in Crawley, have adopted the latest fashion with their croquet lawn. The sport became very popular in the second half of the nineteenth century; the first open croquet championship was held in 1867 and the following year the All England Croquet Club was formed.

The players pose before the house; to the right a maid holds a jug on a tray. The house and the garden planting to the right are also of interest.

The photograph was taken by Winchester photographer William Savage (1817-87) and is found in an album entitled 'Hampshire Views of Churches, Country Houses and Public Buildings'.