Spencer Gore - Grave Restoration
We are on a mission to restore the local legend Spencer Gore’s grave who is buried in Ramsgate cemetery.
Who was Spencer Gore?
Who was Spencer Gore? 🎾🏆
Spencer Gore was a trailblazer in sports history, winning the first-ever Wimbledon men’s singles title in 1877 and revolutionizing tennis with the introduction of volleying. Triumphing 6–1, 6–2, 6–4 against William Marshall, he earned a silver cup and 12 guineas, cementing his place as a pioneer of the modern game.
Despite his remarkable achievements, his grave in Ramsgate has fallen into disrepair. Our project seeks to restore it, honouring his legacy as both a tennis innovator and a figure of international historical significance.
🎾What does the project involve?🎾
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Restoring his grave
We are restoring Spencer Gore’s grave in Ramsgate cemetery to honour his legacy as the first Wimbledon champion and an innovator of modern tennis.
The restoration will include repairing the boundary stones, improving the interior ground with green stone chippings for a polished appearance, and adding a new commemorative tablet with a clear and respectful inscription celebrating his achievements.
This dignified restoration ensures Gore’s memory is preserved for future generations.
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Information Board
To further highlight Spencer Gore’s impact on sports history, we will install an information board near the cemetery entrance.
Modelled after the Van Gogh board in Spencer Square, this display will provide key details about Gore’s life, his pioneering contributions to tennis, and directions to his restored grave, enhancing the educational and cultural experience for visitors.
A QR code will provide visitors with additional information about Gore’s achievements in life and also access to a free tennis trial lesson at Spencer Square.
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Spencer Gore Cup
As a lasting tribute to Spencer Gore’s pioneering spirit, we are introducing the Spencer Gore Family Cup, a local tennis event aimed at engaging the community and promoting his legacy.
This initiative will inspire future generations by connecting them to Gore’s innovative contributions to the sport and celebrating Ramsgate’s unique link to a global icon of tennis history.
This annual free family event will bring facilities together in the spirit of tennis and keep Gore’s memory alive.
This story is going viral!
The story of Spencer Gore and our project to restore his legacy has captured the imagination of audiences nationwide. From the BBC’s in-depth coverage, which highlighted Gore’s historical significance as Wimbledon’s first champion, to features in the Ramsgate Recorder showcasing our community’s dedication to preserving local heritage, this initiative has resonated far and wide.
Gavid Vickers - Director
“I have been heavily involved in tennis for 30yrs and I had no idea this icon was buried locally. Spencer Gore deserves to be remembered and his grave suitably restored in homage to his achievements in life”
Make a donation?
Through a mixture of crowd funding and successful grant applications we are nearly at our target to make this project happen. .
If you want to help us get over the finish line why not click below 👇
Get in touch.
If you have any questions or would like more information relating to the local business donations please complete your contact details and we will get straight back to you!
