- The Dripping Pan
Infobox Stadium
stadium_name = The Dripping Pan
fullname = The Dripping Pan
location = Mountfield Road,Lewes ,East Sussex
opened =1885
seating_capacity = 3,000 (600)
tenants =Lewes F.C.
dimensions = 110 x 72 yardsThe Dripping Pan has been home to
Lewes F.C. since their incarnation in 1885. It had previously been used byLewes Priory Cricket Club , though the ground itself had been used by the people ofLewes as a centre for recreation as far back as records exist, including athletics.Early history
The original purpose of the ground is unclear, although local legend suggests that it was part of a salt making industry run by monks from the adjacent Cluniac
Lewes Priory , the ruins of which can still be seen from the ground. The spoil from the excavation forms the Mount behind the Clubhouse and both structures appear in the very earliest maps of Lewes in 1745.Indeed, the ground may merely be the excavation pit for the Mount itself, which has been suggested as the original 'temporary' motte and bailey fortress constructed by
William the Conqueror 's close ally,William de Warenne , before he developedLewes Castle on higher ground. An archaeological survey during construction of the new terrace failed to reveal any further insights into either the purpose or the age of the ground itself.The earliest known use for cricket was Duke of Richmond's XI v Sir William Gage's XI on Wednesday
5 August 1730H T Waghorn , "Cricket Scores, Notes, etc. (1730-1773)", Blackwood, 1899] . It is not clear if the game was started as the announcement states that "it was put off on account of Waymark, the Duke's man, being ill". Thomas Waymark was the outstanding player of the time and a lot of money will have been staked on his expected performance.Lewes F.C. have played at the Dripping Pan every year since 1885, apart from a couple of seasons prior to the
First World War when the club was banished to the adjoining Convent Field.Recent history
The Dripping Pan has seen major redevelopment over recent years in order for it to achieve the necessary ground grading to allow it to be used as a football venue in the Conference South and the Conference National.Developing the ground has had its obstacles as the perimeter walls of the Dripping Pan are listed.
In April 2008, the ground was awarded a 'B' grade allowing it to be used in the Conference National. The ground will be updated further to ensure it is awarded the required 'A' grade by April 2009.
Stands
The ground has one covered terraces, one uncovered terrace, a grass bank with walkway, and a covered stand; with a capacity of 3,000 with seated accommodation for 600 in the main stand.
* The Rookery Stand, opened in July 2007 is the newest stand at the ground, replacing the aged wooden South stand.* The Terry Parris Terrace is a newly built terrace on the east side of the pitch. Once segregation comes into force, this terrace will be used for away fans. There are currently plans to further extend this new terrace.
* The Philcox Terrace is a covered terrace for the home supporters which was opened in April 2003.
* Grass Bank. There are plans to develop the last remaining grass bank, which is situated on the Mountfield Road side of the ground. At the time of writing it is currently possible to spectate a match from the walkway, but the grass verge has been cordoned off.
There is a car park adjacent to the ground with limited parking which is run by the council.
The co-ordinates for the Dripping Pan are 50 52'08.76"N, 0 0'46.19"E
References
External links
* [http://www.nomad-online.co.uk/Directory/Lewes/Lewes.html Nomad Online]
* [http://www.jl.sl.btinternet.co.uk/stampsite/cricket/main.html From Lads to Lord's; The History of Cricket: 1300 – 1787]
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