GEORGE HILLYARD, 
THE MAN WHO 
MOVED WIMBLEDON 
Written by Bruce Tarran 
Foreword by Mark Cox 

The story of George Hillyard, one of the most important and influential figures the game of lawn tennis has ever known. 

In 1887, aged 23, Hillyard married Wimbledon Ladies champion, Blanche Bingley, and based at their country home in Thorpe Satchville, Leicestershire, with its own golf course and two perfect tennis courts, they influenced the world tennis scene for the next 40 years. Hillyard was a close friend of royalty, an Olympic champion, an international sportsman and more. He presided over successive Wimbledon finals as umpire and helped found the LTA, wresting power over the rules and running of the game from The All England Club. His stance was criticised by members of the Wimbledon Committee yet he was appointed their Secretary in 1907. In this position he oversaw the move from Wimbledon’s original Worple Road venue, to their current home in Church Road, where he oversaw the layout of the grounds, resolving to make the courts the best in the world. 

The story of the early years of tennis, and the life of George Hillyard, intertwine in this fascinating volume of tennis history. Close to 200 photographs, many stunning and unique, transport the reader to a different age when tennis was a new and rapidly evolving sport. 

PUBLISHED 7th June 2013, Hardback £16.99 ISBN 9781780885490. Orca Book Services.

Generally out of print but for new signed hardback copies contact Bruce on tarrantennis@btinternet.com. 

SAMPLES FROM THE BOOK:You can read a short introductory chapter which sets the scene for the book and tells you what it is about.You can read a 2nd introductory chapter to tell you a little more about George Hillyard, and why he deserves a book writing about him!Read the foreword by Mark Cox.
Read the publisher information sheet with an excellent description of the book.

MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THE BOOK:George Hillyard has had extensive media coverage, locally and NATIONALLY.EVENING STANDARD PRINT EDITION  21/6/13 click to read

DAILY MAIL ONLINE 22/6/13EVENING STANDARD ONLINE 21/6/13MELTON TIMES 20/6/13

MELTON TIMES (about Hillyard discovery) 20/6/13

BBC ONLINE 24/6/13SOAR MAGAZINE1/7/2013RADIO INTERVIEW with RADIO LEICESTER - A GOOD ONE!!!2 page article in Leicester Mercury.    

Buy here with Amazon AND READ SAMPLES FROM BOOK with “LOOK INSIDE” feature