Lambeth in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

‘The Ashes’

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 26, 2026

1. ‘The Ashes’ Marker

Inscription.
This plaque honours the loss England suffered against Australia at the Oval in 1882 as the birth of

'The Ashes’

The Sporting Times printed an obituary of the death of English cricket
"The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia"

Erected by Surrey County Cricket Club.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.

Location. 51° 28.976′ N, 0° 6.816′ W. Marker is in Lambeth, England, in Greater London. It is at the intersection of Kennington Oval and Harleyford Street, on the right when traveling west on Kennington Oval. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 28 Kennington Oval, Lambeth, England SE11 5SY, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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walking distance of this marker: The First Test Match (here, next to this marker); The F.A. Cup (within shouting distance of this marker); Bobby Abel (within shouting distance of this marker); Tom Richardson (within shouting distance of this marker); Bernard Montgomery (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Mark’s Churchyard (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); St Mark’s Church (about 210 meters away); Charlie Chaplin (approx. 0.6 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lambeth.

Also see . . . The Ashes (Wikipedia). Overview:

The Ashes is a Test cricket series played biennially between England and Australia. The term originated in a satirical obituary published in a British newspaper, The Sporting Times, immediately after Australia's 1882 victory at The Oval, its first Test win on English soil. The obituary stated that English cricket had died, and that "the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia". The mythical ashes immediately became associated with the 1882–83 series played in Australia, before which the English captain the Hon. Ivo Bligh had vowed to "regain
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 26, 2026

2. ‘The Ashes’ Marker - wide view
The marker is visible here on the right gate pillar, just above the Hobbs Gate sign.
those ashes". The English media therefore dubbed the tour the Quest to regain the Ashes.

Ashes series usually comprise five Tests, hosted in turn by England and Australia approximately every two years. The Ashes are regarded as being held by the team that most recently won the series. If the series is drawn, the team that currently holds the Ashes "retains" the trophy.

(Submitted on March 5, 2026.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 5, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 47 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 5, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.