1879 Wimbledon Championship 1879 Wimbledon Championship The 1879 Wimbledon Championships took place on the outdoor grass courts at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom. The tournament ran from 7 July until 16 July. It was the 3rd staging of the Wimbledon Championships, and the first Grand Slam tennis event of 1879. The entry for the 1879 all comers' tournament was 45, of whom 36 were newcomers. The all comers' final was watched by 1100 spectators. John Hartley defeated Frank Hadow, walkover John Hartley defeated Vere St. Leger Goold, 6–2, 6–4, 6–2 Vere St. Leger Goold defeated
1877 Wimbledon Championship It marked the moment when the AEC & LTC effectively usurped the rule-making initiative from the MCC although the latter would still ratify rule changes until 1882. In recognition of the importance and popularity of lawn tennis, the club was renamed in 1882 to All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC). On 18 June 2012 a commemorative plaque was unveiled at the former home of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, in Worple Road, Wimbledon celebrating both the first Wimbledon Championships and the 1908 Olympic tennis event. The ceremony was performed by Heather Hanbury, Headmistress of Wimbledon High School;