Lancashire County Cricket Club, commonly known as Lancashire Cricket, represents the historic county of Lancashire in England’s County Championship. The club was founded in 1864 and has played at Old Trafford in Manchester since its formation. [1]
The club’s visual identity is built around the Red Rose of Lancaster, a heraldic emblem with deep historical roots in the county. The club is so closely associated with this symbol that it is frequently referred to simply as “the Red Rose,” and its supporters are described as the “Red Rose Family.” [2]
Design and History
The red rose has been the club’s emblem for generations. A historical reference from 1937 notes that “the red roses crest the caps” of Lancashire players, confirming that the rose was worn as a badge on players’ caps well over a century after the club’s founding. [1] The club’s long-standing rivalry with Yorkshire, whose emblem is the white rose, traces back to the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century. [3]
In December 2017, Lancashire County Cricket Club Limited filed a United Kingdom trademark application for the word mark “RED ROSE,” which is now registered. The trademark covers fan club services in the field of cricket and provision of leisure facilities related to the sport. [4]
In 2024, the club launched its “Red Rose Together” campaign during its 160th anniversary year, using the rose as a unifying symbol for its community and inclusivity initiatives. [2] That same year, the club unveiled new playing kits under the banner “More Than A Rose,” with the red rose featured prominently across all formats. [5]
From the 2025 season, sportswear brand Castore became the club’s official kit supplier, with the kits featuring the club’s “iconic red rose.” [6] [7]
Meaning and Symbolism
The Red Rose of Lancaster is the county flower of Lancashire and serves as the county’s heraldic badge. The rose was first adopted as a heraldic device by the early Earls of Lancaster and became the emblem of Lancashire following the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. [8]
Lancashire Cricket describes its red rose as “a symbol of resilience, passion, diversity, and community,” stating that it “goes beyond being just an emblem” and represents the shared experiences that make up the Lancashire Cricket family. [5]
The club’s rivalry with Yorkshire, whose emblem is the white rose, is directly tied to the historical Wars of the Roses, with the two counties’ cricket matches still known as “Roses Matches.” [3]
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