Lord's Cricket Pavilion
Lord's Cricket Pavilion is a cricket pavilion at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, England. Designed by Thomas Verity and built in 1889–1890, the pavilion has achieved Grade II architectural designation. Like the rest of Lord's, the pavilion is owned by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) but is also used by Middlesex County Cricket Club and the England national cricket team. The current pavilion was opened in 1890 at a cost of £21,000 after the original pavilion was destroyed by fire.
Until 1999 women – except Queen Elizabeth II – were not permitted to enter the pavilion as members during play, due to the gender-based membership policy of MCC.[4][5] The 1998 decision to allow female MCC members represented a historic modernisation of the pavilion and its clubs.[6] In 1986 Diana Edulji was refused entry to the pavilion while captaining India on their tour of England. She quipped that the MCC should change its name to MCP ("male chauvinist pigs").[7]
In 2004, the pavilion was closed for a major refurbishment costing £8.2 million. The pavilion seating was extended to the upper levels and certain historic areas, such as the Long Room, were refurbished and redecorated.[2]
The only batsman to hit a ball over the top of the pavilion has been Albert Trott in 1889. In 2010, Somerset County Cricket Club captain, Marcus Trescothick was reportedly offered £1 million to hit a six over the pavilion.[8] In 2011, a window in the pavilion was broken by England wicketkeeper, Matt Prior.
Lord's is hosting a Test match, only members of the MCC are permitted in the pavilion. However, for all other matches, members of Middlesex and their opponents are also permitted in the pavilion with the option to bring in two guests. This policy has been criticised by some MCC members who complained that the dress code was being flouted on Twenty20 matchdays by members' guests.[9]
The dress code in the pavilion is notoriously strict. Men are required to wear "ties and tailored coats and acceptable trousers with appropriate shoes" and women are required to wear "dresses; or skirts or trousers worn with blouses, and appropriate shoes".