Grave restored to mark Wimbledon's first champion

The grave of Wimbledon's first champion in Ramsgate has been restored after a crowdfunding campaign

The Kent grave of Wimbledon's first champion has been restored after a crowdfunding campaign to mark his achievement.

Spencer Gore became the first champion at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in 1877 and is crediting with inventing the volley shot.

After his dilapidated grave was discovered in Ramsgate, a campaign to restore his resting place has culminated in a small headstone with the Wimbledon logo on it being erected to celebrate his success.

Amelia Crawford, Mr Gore's great-great-granddaughter, said: "I have always known the story about him but I had no idea he was buried in Ramsgate."

Spencer Gore won the first Wimbledon championship in 1877 and made the final in 1878

She added: "I think it's wonderful to restore his grave. I can't think of a better way of things ending up."

Born and raised in Wimbledon, Mr Gore came through a field of 22 entrants to win the inaugural tournament in 1877, taking the final in straight sets.

He later returned for the 1878 tournament, but lost in the final.

Genealogy records show that Mr Gore later lived in Epsom in Surrey and played cricket for the county in 1875.

Following his sporting success, he joined his father-in-law's property advisory firm, and later died in 1906 at the age of 56 at the Granville Hotel in Ramsgate.

A local blue plaque was unveiled on Wednesday at Granville House, as the building is now known, to celebrate Mr Gore.

An annual tennis tournament, the Spencer Gore Family Cup, was also launched at the Spencer Square Tennis Courts in Ramsgate to mark his legacy.

Ricky Gore, Mr Gore's great-great-great grandson, said: "It feels really fitting and the grave look fantastic.

"Whenever Wimbledon is on I do think of him and his name being up there with people like Roger Federer."