Today, 14 January 2026, Essex County Cricket Club proudly celebrates its 150th anniversary.
To mark this historic milestone, Essex Cricket can unveil this special 150th anniversary crest, which will be proudly worn on the Club's County Championship shirt throughout the 2026 season.
The commemorative shirt will be revealed in due course and will be available to purchase from the Essex Cricket Shop and Online Store. This one-off, limited edition shirt has been specifically created to celebrate Essex County Cricket Club's 150th year.
Founded in 1876 at the Shire Hall following a public meeting, Essex County Cricket Club has been a central part of the county’s sporting identity for 150 years. From its earliest days playing fixtures across the county, beginning with its first match against Suffolk at Brentwood in 1876, to its inaugural first-class fixture at Leyton in 1894, and the establishment of the Chelmsford County Ground as its home in 1925, the club’s history is rich and enduring.
After gaining first-class status in 1894, Essex established itself as a major force in the County Championship during the 20th century. The Club enjoyed a golden era between 1979 and 1991, securing its first major trophies more than 100 years after its formation, when both the Benson & Hedges Cup and the County Championship were lifted in 1979.
In total, Essex has won the County Championship on eight occasions (1979, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1991, 2005, 2017 and 2019), alongside further success in limited-overs competitions including the NatWest Trophy, Sunday League, Benson & Hedges Cup and the Vitality Blast.
Throughout its history, Essex has produced a wealth of high-quality cricketers who have gone on to represent England at the highest level. Iconic figures such as Graham Gooch OBE, Sir Alastair Cook, Nasser Hussain, Keith Fletcher OBE, Johnny Douglas and Trevor Bailey - to name a few, have all worn the Three Lions after beginning their journeys in Essex colours. In 2010, Beth MacGregor became the first Essex player to represent the full England Women’s side.
Since 1925, Essex has called Chelmsford its headquarters, while memorable fixtures have also been staged at a number of outgrounds across the county, including Leyton, Colchester, Southend, Ilford, Clacton-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea and Romford. These venues have helped create countless unforgettable moments for players, supporters and the wider cricketing community.
Essex is vast. Essex is diverse. Essex is suspicious. Essex is the underdog. Essex punches above its weight. Essex is the land of opportunity. Essex does things in its own unique way, yet our collective achievements over the past 150 years have been nothing short of extraordinary.
As Essex County Cricket Club marks its 150th year, it is a time not only to reflect on remarkable achievements and historic milestones, but also to look ahead with pride and ambition to the future.
On the Club's 150-year anniversary, Essex Cricket's Chief Executive Officer Dan Feist, said: "Reaching our 150th anniversary is a remarkable milestone for Essex Cricket.
"It is a testament to the passion, dedication, and spirit of everyone who has been part of this Club over the years.
"We are thrilled to celebrate this landmark season with our players, members, and supporters, and we look forward to honoring our rich history while inspiring the next chapter of Essex Cricket."
Come down to the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground and support the Essex Women throughout their Metro Bank One Day Cup and Vitality Blast campaigns.
Click here to purchase yours today for just £60!
