About Grays of Cambridge

Grays of Cambridge today is one of several internationally recognized sporting brands that operate under Grays of Cambridge (International) Limited, headquartered in Robertsbridge, England.

The others are Gray-Nicolls (cricket), Gilbert Rugby, Gilbert Netball and Grays Hockey.

The Grays story begins with racket sports in 1855 when Henry Gray, one of five brothers, was employed at the University Arms Tavern in Cambridge (pictured today below). There he began making and selling rackets, balls and stringing rackets for the sport of… Rackets!

For the uninitiated, Rackets is the predecessor of Squash. It is still played, including at The Queen’s Club, London, and Grays still make rackets for the sport (such as the pair pictured here). H.J. Gray was a World Champion of the sport.

In 1858 Gray (pictured below) founded the company “H.J. Gray & Sons”. In the late 1930’s the name changed to “Grays of Cambridge”.

Between the 1870’s and 1970’s, Grays released dozens of fine wooden Tennis models, mainly for the British domestic market.

The company is still run by the Gray family – in fact, five brothers - and just a few miles from where Henry Gray made his first racket, Grays continue to hand-craft wooden rackets for Rackets, Real Tennis (the ancient form of Tennis) and Tennis.

For information about Gray-Nicolls, Gilbert Rugby, Gilbert Netball and Grays Hockey you’re welcome to visit the Grays International website, www.grays-int.com

Grays ‘The Masterpiece’, 1940’s.

Grays ‘Light Blue’, 1980.

Grays ‘Double Blue’, 1970’s.