Did You Know The Ashes were Born in Sunbury?

Sunbury has a rich history dating back to 1836. It is home to influential figures such as pastoralist Big Clarke, his son William Clarke, and the infamous Kelly Gang.

William Clarke played a significant role in shaping Sunbury’s story. In 1874, he built his grand residence, Rupertswood, which remains one of the area’s most iconic landmarks. He also served as president of the Melbourne Cricket Club, further cementing his place in Australian sporting history.

William’s connection to the Melbourne Cricket Club brought the English cricket team to Sunbury for Christmas in 1882. The team stayed at Rupertswood during their tour of Australia.

On Christmas Eve, the English side played a friendly match against a local Sunbury team. After the game, Lady Janet Clarke, William’s wife, decided to create a light-hearted memento.

She burnt a set of cricket bails, placed the ashes into a small urn, and presented it to English captain Ivo Bligh. Lady Clarke suggested the ashes become a perpetual trophy for future cricket matches between England and Australia.

More than a century later, that small gesture has become one of the greatest traditions in world sport. Today, the Ashes is one of cricket’s most famous and fiercely contested trophies.

As the birthplace of The Ashes, Sunbury continues to celebrate its cricketing heritage. The town is home to several cricket ovals, all within an eight-minute drive of Maplestone. Residents can easily enjoy the sport while being part of a community with such a unique sporting legacy.

Want to learn more about the history of The Ashes and Rupertswood? Visit Museums Victoria to explore the full story.

If you’re looking to call Sunbury home, explore the latest land and townhouses available at Maplestone Visit: https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/articles/12361

To discover the current townhouses and land for sale at Maplestone, visit: https://maplestonesunbury.com.au/for-sale/

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