Cricket had been played at the ground for the previous 30 years before 1881, but these matches were unrecorded.

From 1881 to 1896, Lord Sheffield's XI played 9 first-class matches, the last of which came against the touring Australians.

Following Lord Sheffield's death in 1909, with him cricket largely died out at the estate.

In 2009, a new square was laid, a pavilion was built, and the outfield was restored in its parkland setting.

Today, the restored ground is the home of the Armadillos Cricket Club.