A fundraiser has been launched in a bid to refurbish the grave of the very first Wimbledon tennis champion, who is buried in Ramsgate cemetery.

Spencer William Gore won the title in 1877.  He is also credited with the invention of the volley, a key part of the game to this day.

The first Wimbledon lawn tennis championship was held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Gore won the Gentleman’s Singles beating William Marshall 6–1, 6–2, 6–4 on 19 July 1877.

Gore was among the 22 men who paid a guinea to enter the inaugural 1877 championship – women did not have a competition until 1884. The 21 matches were spread over five days. The championship was suspended for the weekend so as not to clash with the annual Eton v Harrow cricket match at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The scheduled final was postponed for four days because of rain.

Dropping only two sets in four rounds, 27-year-old Gore reached the final after beating CG Heathcote in the semifinal. Against Marshall, he won in straight sets, 6–1, 6–2, 6–4, in 48 minutes.] Gore collected the first prize of 12 guineas and a silver cup.

As the reigning champion Gore did not have to play through the tournament in the following year’s Championship but instead played in the challenge round against the winner of the All-Comers tournament. He lost the Gentleman’s Singles challenge round to Frank Hadow  and did not compete in the Wimbledon Championships again after that match.

Gore was also  a first-class cricketer who played for Surrey County Cricket Club (1874–1875).

He died on 19 April 1906 at the Granville Hotel, Ramsgate, aged 56. He was buried in Ramsgate Cemetery on 23 April 1906 (grave number AA511).

But his grave is currently overgrown and neglected – something Dominic Murphy, Chair of Friends Of Spencer Square, and Infinity Tennis boss Gavid Vickers want to rectify.

Dominic (pictured) first discovered the grave was at Ramsgate after reading an article by town councillor Barbara Young.

He said: “I was alerted to the fact the very first Wimbledon champion was buried in Ramsgate by the article and thought it was a way of adding to our story as a community..

“We have a very good relationship with Gavid, the proprietor of Infinity Tennis that runs the courts at Spencer Square, and talked about it.

“Voluntary groups got together to look at the grave and we got the existing family of Spencer Gore involved.

“We want to restore the grave and install a commemorative plaque, to make it a celebration of his achievements and something people might want to visit.”

Gavid, (pictured) who has launched a crowdfunder to help with the £5000 refurb costs, said: “Dominic told me the first Wimbledon champion was buried in Ramsgate cemetery. I have been playing tennis locally for 30 years and had no clue and thought it was an interesting and intriguing story.

“We went to the grave and it is neglected and has no mention of his historical achievement. I felt that was something that needed to be put right.

“We contacted the descendants of Spencer Gore and they were surprised and thrilled to hear from us and they have got behind the campaign to restore the grave.”

The crowdfunder has reached £1,500 in a week and it is hoped it will hit target so work can begin.

Gavid added: “It will be another thing to say to people that’s special about Ramsgate.”

Find the fundraiser here