Overview

The Garrison Ground has the advantage over the nearby Castle Park that it on the top of a hill and so not as bedevilled by drainage problems. It first staged an Essex game in 1924, and continued to do so for seven seasons until Essex's financial difficulties led to it dropping some outmatches. In 1958 it hosted a festival match at 24 hours notice after Castle Park was flooded, and between 1966 and 1972 it was again used by the county until a decision was made to return to Castle Park.
Martin Williamson