Clifton College

Founded in 1862, Clifton College is a major coeducational public school in Clifton, Bristol, England.

The Close

The college ground, known as the Close, has an important role to play in the history of cricket and has witnessed no fewer than 13 of WG Grace's first-class hundreds for Gloucestershire in the County Championship. In 1868 a Clifton schoolboy, Edward Tylecote had scored 404 not out on the Close, then the all-time highest individual total. Grace's children attended the school.

Related Topics:
WG Grace - Edward Tylecote

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The close featured in the famous poem by OC Sir Henry Newbolt - Vitai Lampada

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:There's a breathless hush in the Close to-night

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:Ten to make and the match to win

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:A bumping pitch and a blinding light,

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:An hour to play, and the last man in.

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:And it's not for the sake of a ribboned coat.

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:Or the selfish hope of a season's fame,

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:But his captain's hand on his shoulder smote

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:"Play up! Play up! And play the game!"

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:The sand of the desert is sodden red-

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:Red with the wreck of the square that broke

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:The gatling's jammed and the colonel dead,

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:And the regiment blind with dust and smoke.

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:The river of death has brimmed its banks,

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:And England's far and Honor a name,

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:But the voice of a schoolboy rallies the ranks-

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:"Play up! Play up! And play the game!"

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:This is the word that year by year,

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:While in her place the school is set,

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:Every one of her sons must hear,

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:And none that hears it dare forget.

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:This they all with joyful mind

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:And bear through life Eke a torch in flame,

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:falling fling to the host behind-

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:"Play up! Play up! And play the game!"

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