Alnwick Cricket Club's earliest years commenced at the Pastures, but Stamps Close was the first formal ground (non-common land) they called home. In 1843, the Duke of Northumberland granted a piece of land adjacent to Freemens land. It was drained, and at the draining was unanimously approved for sporting purposes by all present.

They played their first match at Stamps Close in May 1844 between themselves. On the occasion Quoits and other games were introduced to the community. This practice continued due to the lack of local clubs, and in the July there was a match between the married and single members. They did also play against officers and men of the 33rd regiment and the Percy household.

By the 1850s the club were playing against clubs further afield. A match in 1853 took place between the Northumberland Club (technically Newcastle) and Alnwick on the grounds of Hulne Abbey indicating a potential ground move at this time. With this being said, it appears there was also a horticultural show being at the same time, so it could have been a special occurance as a town gathering. It is in this piece from the Northumberland & Durham Advertiser of 02/09/1853 that the club motto is uttered: "The ancient spirit is not dead, Old times are breathing here". The clubs went on to play regularly, and it appears Hulne Park went on to be used more regularly by the 1860s.

The location is very likely the one cited. It is adjacent to the Freemens old recreation ground, and the Ordnance Survey map of the 1860s features a small square structure which could have posted as a pavilion. It is also not too far from Stamps Yard off Clayport, which may relate to the same individual. Aerial photographs from 1946 indicate use of a ground here and maps from the 1940s - 1970 confirm the ground here. It shows a large rectangular pavilion within the boundary of the field itself.

07/01/25 - Thanks to Alnwick Town FC for also letting me know Alnwick Lawn Tennis and some of the local football clubs also played here in the early years.

The site does not appear to be used anymore.