From the Darlington & Stockton Times of July 9, 1921

THE first day of the Headingley Test Match between England and Australia 100 years ago was a Saturday, so the all-conquering Aussies knocked up 407 runs and then reduced England to 22 for 2.

The Sunday was a rest day, and so the Automobile Association arranged a convoy of motor cars to take the 65 members of the touring party into North Yorkshire.

After visiting the Royal Baths at Harrogate, they wound their way into Ripon where “many residences were decorated with flags and bunting in honour of the visitors”, said the D&S.

In the Town Hall, the deputy mayor allowed them to inspect the council’s silver plate and regalia, including the macebearer’s elaborate baldric – a belt worn around the neck to carry a sword – which dates back to 1520, the mace itself which was bought in 1606, plus a scold’s bridle – an instrument of feminine torture. This was viewed with “amusement”.

“Before leaving, the city hornblower blew three blasts on the horn, which is 250 years old,” said the D&S.

The Aussies, who had beaten England 5-0 Down Under and had won the first two Tests of the summer tour, then went to the Spa Hotel for lunch, where the England team was waiting for them. Following their catastrophic form, England had recalled the Honourable Lionel Tennyson – grandson of the poet – as their captain, but his “injured hand was bound up and carried in a sling” after he had split it open in the field at Headingley.

After lunch, Mr A Wells, a member of the Yorkshire County Cricket Club committee, said “he looked upon it not only as a pleasure, but an honour, to have as his guest, the greatest cricketers in the world”.

He gave the Aussies another history lesson of England’s third oldest city before he wished them well on their visit to Fountains Abbey. “He was sure his Australian friends would forgive him when he said he hoped they would have as great a surprise (at Fountains) as they would get that day some day on the cricket field (laughter and applause),” said the D&S, clumsily.

After visiting the abbey, the Aussies motored back to Leeds and thrashed England by 219 runs to keep hold of the Ashes.