Crystal Palace Park has always been associated with sport.

Cricket was played in the park as early as 1857, but it was not until 1898 when W. G. Grace, who had recently moved to Sydenham, was asked to join the Crystal Palace Club that the quality of the games improved.

The following year he founded the London County Cricket Club and in 1900 they began to play first class cricket.

However, the experiment was not a success and they were unable to attract the support enjoyed by their longer established neighbours, visitors also being tempted away by rival attractions in the park.

First class games ceased in 1904, the club disbanded in 1909 and the ground was turned into tennis courts.