Edgbaston Priory Club celebrates 150 years of sporting legacy
The Edgbaston Priory Club is celebrating 150 years of excellence in racquet sports, wellness, and community.
From its beginnings as the Priory Lawn Tennis Club in 1875 to its present-day status as one of the UK’s most prestigious racquets and leisure clubs, the Club celebrates a rich and inspiring legacy.
Founded just down the road from where lawn tennis was first devised on Ampton Road in 1859, Priory Lawn Tennis Club quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the sport’s early development.
Nearby, the Edgbaston Cricket & Lawn Tennis Club was founded in 1878, further strengthening Birmingham’s role in tennis history.
Amongst the Club’s earliest icons is Maud Watson, a local talent from Solihull who won the Midland Counties Tournament at the club before becoming the first-ever Wimbledon Ladies’ Singles Champion in 1884.
Watson later donated her trophy to the Edgbaston Priory Club. Today, it is known as the Maud Watson Trophy and is awarded annually at the Lexus Birmingham Open, a grass court tournament held annually at the Club.
The present Club took shape in 1964, born from the merger of the two historic clubs following a devastating fire that destroyed the original Priory clubhouse in 1963.
Edgbaston Priory Club adopted the phoenix as its emblem, symbolising rebirth, resilience, and ambition.
Over the decades, the Club has hosted numerous tournaments, including the Priory Whitsun Tournament, the Davis Cup, the British Open, the British Junior Open, and the Lexus Birmingham Open.
The Club is also home to world-class athletes such as Ann Jones, Wimbledon Champion in 1969, and Joel Makin, currently World No. 4 in squash.
Today, Edgbaston Priory Club spans 14 acres and boasts outstanding facilities, including:
• 31 tennis courts across a range of surfaces (grass, clay, hard, indoor and outdoor)
• 10 squash courts
• 3 padel courts
• A full suite of wellbeing and fitness facilities, including luxurious spa facilities, outdoor and indoor pool and gym
Club CEO Claire Daniel said: “What makes Edgbaston Priory Club unique is our blend of tradition and innovation.
“Members enjoy elite facilities, expert coaching, a warm community, and a calendar packed with both competitive and social events.
“We host major tournaments like the Lexus Birmingham Open, serve as a launchpad for local and national talent and run community programmes that open doors to sport.
“We’re proud to be both a sporting beacon and a social cornerstone in Birmingham”.
