A Sporting Town
Oral History

Illegal prize fights were held locally from 1838 to at least the 1860s, with special trains being laid on for them. By contrast, when Woking Golf Club was set up in 1893 all 100 members were barristers. The many golf clubs in the borough now cater for everyone.
The great cricketing twins, the Bedsers, born in 1918, have always lived here. Eric Bedser was a fine Surrey all-rounder. Sir Alec Bedser took an astonishing 1,924 wickets in his 485 first class matches for club and country, and later became national Chairman of Selectors.

Woking Football Club began life in the West Surrey League in 1889. Its trophies include the FA Amateur Cup (1957/58) and the FA Trophy (three times in the 1990s).

Adrian Stoop, from West Byfleet, was captain of both Oxford Rugby Union FC and England in the early 20th century. Other famous sportsmen associated with Woking include Chris Chataway and Bill Nankeville (runners) and Nick Stacey (sprinter), all in the 1950s, Brian Hooper (pole vaulter) in the 1970s and, more recently, James Cracknell (rower). Woking Athletics Club was founded in 1961, and the sport was boosted by the opening of the all-weather track at Sheerwater in 1986.