Since 1877, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club has been hosting the Wimbledon Championships, which is widely considered the most prestigious tennis tournament of the year. Because Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in history, its longstanding traditions are a major part of the event; there are even rules to honor the tournament’s history.
White Outfits
Wimbledon is famous for its strict dress code. All players are required to wear only white; there are no exceptions. The Wimbledon Rule Book even states that shades of cream or off-white are unacceptable. The rule was first introduced during the Victorian era, where perspiration was considered inappropriate, and the all-white outfits were meant to hide it. In 2022, the rule was updated to allow dark skirts or pants for female athletes, but the rule has otherwise remained the same to honor the tradition.
Strawberries and Cream
Since the first Wimbledon in 1877, the All England Club has been serving strawberries and cream to spectators. Historians believe that Thomas Wolsey, Henry VIII’s almoner, was the first person to serve the combination at a banquet. Henry VIII was a tennis fan, and he continued to serve strawberries and cream at matches on his royal tennis courts at Hampton Court Palace.
The Royal Box
The Wimbledon Royal Box is also a huge attraction every year. Since the days of Henry VIII, it has been traditional for the English Royal family to showcase their involvement in tennis by appearing at the most prestigious matches. The Royal Box has seventy-four seats that can be reserved upon receiving an invitation from the All England Club Chairman, but these invites aren’t restricted to royals.
Rufus the Hawk
To keep the courts pigeon-free during matches, the All England Club introduced Rufus the Hawk in 2003, who quickly became a Wimbledon celebrity that spectators look forward to seeing every year. The Harris’s Hawk is officially known as the Wimbledon Bird Scarer, and it is trained to circle pigeons and keep them off the courts.
The Wimbledon Champions’ Dinner and Ball
Following the women’s and men’s final matches, the All England Club hosts an elaborate dinner and ball at a hospitality venue known as the Lawn. Traditionally, it was required for the male and female champions to share a dance at the ball, but recently it has been optional. Many of the recent champions have decided to still participate to honor the tradition.
