Darlington Cricket Club established a ground at Feethams in 1863 after they were given notice to quit their Park Street ground, a short distance to the north-east (H47410) (1). By the 1890s a pavilion and terrace had been added at the north-west corner of the ground (2).

NEHL - It is noteworthy that Darlington FC also played at the southern end of the site until 2003. At this point, they moved into the area on the edge of the town. Earlier in its history, the football club and cricket club played on the same stretch of pitch, which featured two grand stands on its south west end and its northernmost perimeter. Amateur football had been played on this site before cricket from the 1860s. Darlington CC moved from Park Place near Bank Top station in 1886 while the professional Darlington FC commenced from 1883.