[1][2] Cricket became established in Surrey during the 17th century and the earliest village matches took place before the English Civil War.
It is believed that the earliest county teams were formed in the aftermath of the Restoration in 1660.
[3] Surrey teams held first-class status throughout the 18th century, depending on the quality of their opponents, largely due to the Chertsey Cricket Club and famous patrons such as Charles Bennet, 4th Earl of Tankerville.
Noted Surrey players included Lumpy Stevens, William Yalden and Billy Beldham.
[5] Surrey County Cricket Club played its first important match v Kent at The Oval on 25 and 26 June 1846, winning by 10 wickets.