Grave of Spencer Gore – who won first-ever Wimbledon in 1887 – has fallen into disrepair

The grave of Spencer Gore – who won the first-ever Wimbledon in 1887 – has fallen into disrepair.

The resting place of the inaugural men’s tennis champ has no mention of his achievement.

Gore was 27 years old when he won the singles title at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

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He did it in straight sets and received 12 guineas and a silver cup.

Gore was credited with inventing the volley shot and was also a first-class cricketer playing for Surrey CCC.

He died in 1906 aged just 56, and buried in Ramsgate Cemetery, Kent.

But his grave has become overgrown and neglected.

After being told, Gavid (corr) Vickers, the boss of Infinity Tennis, started a Crowdfunder to help with the costs of restoring it.

They are hoping to raise £5,000 as reported by What’s The Jam.

So far, just over £1,535 has been pledged to the cause.

Gavid said: “That grave shouldn’t be like that.

“It’s the grave of Spencer Gore the very first Wimbledon tennis champion.

“We think it would be good for the history of tennis and also good for Ramsgate if this person’s sporting achievement were better recognised by having the grave refurbished.

“And accordingly we’re attempting to do that.

”We went to the grave and it is neglected and has no mention of his historical achievement.

“I felt that was something that needed to be put right.

“We contacted the descendants of Spencer Gore and they were surprised and thrilled to hear from us and they have got behind the campaign to restore the grave.

“Restoring his grave isn’t just about honouring a tennis pioneer but also about celebrating a local connection to a figure of international historical importance.

“By raising £5,000 we aim to restore Gore’s grave and install a commemorative plaque allowing our community to take pride in its link to such an accomplished and innovative sportsman.”

Gore was one of 22 men who paid a guinea to enter the inaugural 1877 championship winning the final in three straight sets.

He was the son of the Hon Charles Alexander Gore, grandson of the second Earl of Arran, and Lady Augusta Lavinia Priscilla daughter of the fourth Earl of Bessborough.

He was educated at Harrow School.

He was the first player who ever used the technique of volleying and is considered the creator of the style of volley.

As the reigning champion, Gore did not have to play through the tournament in the following year’s Championship, but instead, played in the challenge round against the winner of the All-Comers tournament.

He lost the Gentleman’s Singles challenge round to Frank Hadow and did not compete in the Wimbledon Championships again after that match.

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