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8 historic photos of Wimbledon through the years

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It’s the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. Known to many as simply ‘Wimbledon’, The Championships is attended not only by the best tennis players in the world, but some of society’s most famous icons.

Founded in 1877, Wimbledon takes place over two weeks in June and July every year and is synonymous with strict dress codes and strawberries and cream.

But before Rolex and retractable roofs came into play, what did Wimbledon look like? We turned to the UK, Historical Photographs and Prints collection to take a look at The Championships through the years.

British tennis player, Dorothea Lambert Chambers on the court in 1908. Mrs Chambers went on to become a seven times Wimbledon singles champion, and a won a gold medal at the 1908 Summer Olympics. July 1908

 

New Zealand tennis player, Anthony Wilding on court at Wimbledon in 1913. While Anthony was a No. 1 tennis player, he also served as a soldier and was killed two years after this match while fighting in World War I.

 

The Wimbledon final in 1914, which featured British opponents, Ethel Thomson Larcombe against Dorothea Lambert Chambers. Mrs Lambert Chambers took out the title, 7-5, 6-4. July 1914

 

Mrs Lambert Chambers playing at Wimbledon in 1919. 1 July 1919.

 

A novel method of keeping the rain off was adopted by these spectators. 12 July 1936

 

Umbrellas and blankets were front and centre on Centre Court when the sun went down and a chilly drizzle fell. 29 July 1937

 

Large crowds queued up early at Wimbledon for the commencement of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships. Early arrivals enjoyed a cup of coffee while they waited in the queue. 22 July 1953

 

In spite of the heavy rain, large crowds attended the Championships although no play had started. These five ladies in their macks and umbrellas, waited for the rain to stop on Court No 2. 25 July 1954