You’ll spot Widemarsh Common as a wide, green open field ahead of you, ringed with simple white fences, a few scattered trees, and some large silver-coloured tanks just behind the pitch-so just look out for those shining metal cylinders in the distance.
Welcome to Widemarsh Common, where the grass is always ready for a muddy football tackle or a perfect cricket catch. Imagine the cheers of kids racing after a ball, the sharp sound of a cricket bat connecting, the smell of fresh-cut grass, and sometimes, just a whiff of apples from the cider factories of years gone by. This was once the stomping ground of W. M. Evans & Co., a local cider firm, though their exact spot is a bit of a mystery-perhaps those old tanks in the distance are keeping their secrets! But don’t be fooled by today’s peaceful air, because in 1679, something far darker happened on this very ground. On a breezy August day, crowds gathered at the edge of the field, their voices hushed, eyes fixed on a single brave soul-Saint John Kemble. He stood calm and steady, about to face a harsh fate for his beliefs, eventually becoming one of the famous Catholic martyrs. So whether you’re here for a sunny match or a stroll past cider ghosts and echoes of history, Widemarsh Common has stories to surprise even the most seasoned explorer. Maybe keep your eyes peeled for a stray cricket ball-or the odd wandering spirit with a thirst for cider!
