⭐Serious
Florence Morphy and Ivo Bligh — Cricket's Great Love Story, 1882-83
England (Bligh's XI) v Australia
1884-02-09
When the Hon Ivo Bligh's England party arrived at Rupertswood near Sunbury for Christmas 1882, the captain was introduced to Florence Rose Morphy, music teacher and companion to Lady Janet Clarke, mistress of the house. The Ashes urn that emerged from the festivities was presented partly by Florence; within a year she and Bligh were engaged, and on 9 February 1884 they were married at Rupertswood. The Ashes therefore originate not just from a Sporting Times joke but from one of cricket's only real love stories.
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