Silver Knight Trophy Article

SILVER KNIGHT

The story of a Chess trophy which has a link to the most generous of Basingstoke Benefactors. The Silver Knight has a prominent place within the Trophy cabinet at the Basingstoke Bridge and Chess club.

Basingstoke Chess Club’s three aged trophies with years in brackets

Left Silver Knight (1907) – Centre Silver Rook (1898) – Right - Silver Bishop (1934)

    John May was born in 1837  into wealth having inherited his family brewing business which was founded in 1751. With Hampshire the most plentiful hop growing region in the country at the time there was always a good supply of ales for the Basingstoke locals to consume.  Born in Church Street May lived in the family home at Hawkfield adjacent to Bounty Rise and was to eventually become Mayor of the town for six successive terms.

  In 1864 John May joined the Hampshire Militia and quickly rose through the ranks to become an honorary Lieutenant Colonel.  He had a strong passion for the game of cricket and decided to provide land for a home to Hampshire Cricket Club. This was on a field adjacent to his home and this was to be called Mays Bounty. Hampshire went on to play matches at Mays Bounty cricket ground until the early part of the 20th Century. 

Lt. Col. John May

   During his lifetime Lt. Col. May followed the tradition of his family in being a very generous benefactor to the town of Basingstoke. As well as providing employment he also allocated some housing for members of his workforce. He was noted as being very generous to the poor in the town and entertained large gatherings of children as well as organizing banquets. . He provided the clock for the town hall (now Willis Museum) as well as helping with the early stages of Fairfields School being built.  

   As well as having a passion for Cricket he also had a passion for Chess and by all accounts was an extremely strong player.  On the occasion of his 70th Birthday in 1907 he decided to make awards to the various pastimes closest to his heart and Basingstoke Chess Club  was to be a beneficiary.  A Silver Knight was given to the club as part of his birthday donations and the award has been with Basingstoke Chess Club ever since.  Lt. Col.  John May died in 1920 at the age of 83 years.

Mays Bounty Cricket Ground